Day 1: Arrive in Phnom Penh
Land in Cambodia’s capital, Phnom Penh. This city can feel overwhelming at first, but take your time and ease into it. Grab a tuk-tuk and head to your hotel.
Once settled, make your way to the Royal Palace. It’s a stunning piece of architecture that’s hard to miss. Spend a few hours wandering through its courtyards and the Silver Pagoda inside. It’s a peaceful introduction to the city.
Afterward, head over to the Independence Monument. It’s a great spot for sunset and offers beautiful views of the city. Wrap up your day by taking a riverside walk along Sisowath Quay, which is perfect for people-watching and dinner at one of the nearby restaurants.
Day 2: Dive into Phnom Penh’s History
Today might be emotionally heavy, but it’s necessary to truly understand Cambodia’s past. Start by visiting Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, a former school turned into a prison during the Khmer Rouge era. Walk through and read the stories.
Next, take a tuk-tuk to the Choeung Ek Killing Fields, about 30 minutes from the city center. It’s a somber but crucial look at the country’s tragic history. Be prepared for a few reflective moments here.
After a heavy morning, lighten your evening with a visit to the Russian Market. Grab some souvenirs or just wander around for a peek into local life.
Day 3: Phnom Penh to Kampot
Catch a bus to Kampot, a chill riverside town about 3-4 hours away. Once there, you’ll immediately feel the slower pace.
Spend the afternoon exploring the town on foot or rent a bike. Kampot is known for its French colonial architecture, easy riverside vibes, and green fields. In the evening, visit the riverside for sunset with a cold drink in hand. It’s a relaxing start to the next few days.
Day 4: Explore Kampot’s Countryside
Today is all about Kampot’s countryside. Start with a trip to the famous La Plantation Pepper Farm. It’s the world-renowned Kampot pepper and you’ll get to learn how pepper is grown and processed.
Afterward, head to Phnom Chhngok Cave Temple, located about 30 minutes outside Kampot. It’s a small but impressive cave temple nestled among limestone hills. Enjoy the surrounding landscapes and watch local kids playing nearby.
Back in town, grab dinner at one of the local restaurants and take it easy for the night. Kampot’s laid-back charm is best experienced slowly.
Day 5: Kampot to Kep – Into Nature
In the morning, take a short drive to Kep, a small coastal town known for its crab markets. If you’re a fan of seafood, this is your place.
Start by visiting Kep National Park. You can easily hike around for a few hours to enjoy the panoramic views. On a clear day, you’ll see all the way to Vietnam’s Phu Quoc Island.
After your hike, end the day with a seafood feast at the crab market. Order the famous Kampot pepper crab. It’s fresh, spicy, and incredibly delicious.
Day 6: Kep to Siem Reap
After breakfast, head back to Phnom Penh to catch your bus or flight to Siem Reap. This might be a long travel day, but Siem Reap will be worth it.
Once you arrive, settle in and stroll around the Old Market area. You’ll find plenty of restaurants and cafes for dinner. Don’t worry—tomorrow is all about exploring the stars of the show: the Angkor temples.
Day 7: Angkor Archaeological Park – The Big Circuit
Start your temple adventure with the “Big Circuit,” which includes some of Angkor’s less-visited but equally impressive temples. These include Preah Khan, Neak Pean, and Ta Som. This circuit lets you see the quieter side of Angkor before hitting the major spots.
Hire a tuk-tuk to drive you around the park. The humidity can get intense, so keep hydrated and take plenty of breaks between temples.
End your day back in Siem Reap and explore the town’s vibrant nightlife. Head to Pub Street for a mix of local and international dishes before heading to bed.
Day 8: Angkor Wat and Ta Prohm
Wake up early—it’s time for the highlight of Cambodia: Angkor Wat. Get there for sunrise. It’s touristy, but seeing Angkor Wat lit up by morning light is magical.
Take your time exploring the details of Angkor Wat. Every wall tells a story if you look closely. Once you’ve soaked it in, visit Angkor Thom and the Bayon Temple with its famous stone faces.
Don’t miss Ta Prohm, the “Tomb Raider” temple. The giant roots entwined with ancient stone will leave you speechless. By the end of the day, you’ll be exhausted but amazed. Head back into town for a well-deserved rest.
Day 9: Explore Siem Reap
After two days of temple-hopping, take it easy today. Relax with a leisurely breakfast in one of Siem Reap’s many cafes.
In the afternoon, head to the Angkor National Museum to deepen your understanding of what you’ve seen over the past few days. It’s a great spot to get more context about the history and culture of the Angkor civilization.
If you’re still up for more adventure, visit the Artisans Angkor workshop to see local craftsmen at work. They demonstrate traditional Cambodian art forms like silk painting, wood carving, and stone sculpting.
Day 10: Floating Villages and Departure
On your last day, grab a tuk-tuk and head out to visit one of the floating villages near Siem Reap. The most popular option is Kampong Phluk.
This village is built on stilts, and when the water rises during the rainy season, homes appear to float. You can take a boat tour around the village and see how the locals live their daily lives on the river.
In the afternoon, head back into town for some last-minute souvenir shopping or relax at your hotel before your flight out.
Your 10 days in Cambodia will fly by, but you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation of its history, people, and beautiful culture. Safe travels!
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