Cambodia – home to the famous UNESCO World Heritage Site – Angkor Wat – also referred to as the 8^th Wonder of the World, is also an attractive destination in SouthEast Asia that is immensely popular with travellers from around the World.

The best way to discover Cambodia is by combining it with a trip to Vietnam and Laos, however, there has been a tremendous improvement in the air connectivity between Cambodia and popular transit hubs, including India.

If Cambodia is on your radar, don’t make the mistake of just visiting Angkor Wat. Rather take the time, at-least a week, to travel around Cambodia, and discover what the Khmer kingdom has to offer.

Day 1: Arrival in Phnom Penh

Arrive in Phnom Penh and check into your hotel.

Chances are that you might either reach Phnom Penh by flight, or by bus from Ho Chi Minh City aka Saigon in Vietnam, to start this epic 7 Day Trip to Cambodia, and will be travel fatigued. So the best option is to relax at your hotel, and head out a while before sunset. This way you can enjoy a nice stroll along the boulevard, adjacent to the Mekong River, followed by exploring the Phnom Penh Night Market.

If however, you are not tired, get refreshed at the hotel, and head to the Royal Palace complex, which includes the Silver Pagoda with its floor made of silver tiles. Explore the nearby National Museum to learn about Cambodia’s rich history and admire its collection of Khmer art.

In the evening, take a stroll along the bustling riverfront area and enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants overlooking the Tonle Sap River.

Day 2: Phnom Penh Historical Sites

Begin your day with a visit to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21) to learn about the atrocities committed during the Khmer Rouge regime. Continue to the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek, where you can pay your respects to the victims of the genocide.

The Choeung Ek memorial is about a 45-minute drive from Phnom Penh. We highly recommend in this Cambodia Travel Guide that you combine the visit of both the S-21 Prison and The Killing Fields, for the sake of historical context.

Many of those who perished under the Khmer Rouge regime ended up in one of the dozens of ‘killing fields’ that can be found scattered across the country. These killing fields were ad hoc places of execution and dumping grounds for bodies.

Prior to 1975, Choeung Ek near Phnom Penh was an orchard and a Chinese cemetery. But under the Khmer Rouge the area became one of the infamous killing fields. This particular killing field is the site of the brutal executions of approximately 17,000 men, women and children, most of whom had first been through interrogation, torture and deprivation in the S-21 Prison (now the Toul Sleng Genocide Museum) in Phnom Penh.

After the fall of the regime, memorials were set up at many of the sites, some containing the bones and remnants of victims gathered from the area.

Spend the afternoon exploring other significant sites such as Wat Phnom, the symbolic heart of Phnom Penh.

In the evening, you may want to experience the vibrant nightlife of Phnom Penh, perhaps by visiting a rooftop bar for panoramic views of the city.

Day 3: Travel to Battambang

After a sumptuous breakfast, check out of your hotel in Phnom Penh, and travel by bus or private transfer to Battambang, a charming riverside town known for its French colonial architecture and laid-back atmosphere.

After checking into your hotel, explore Battambang’s bustling markets, such as Psar Nat and Psar Boeung Chhouk.

In the evening, sample some delicious Khmer cuisine at a local restaurant.

Day 4: Battambang Countryside

One of the best things to do in Battambang, is to take a cycling or tuk-tuk tour of the picturesque countryside surrounding Battambang. You’ll also get a chance to visit local villages and witness traditional crafts such as rice paper and bamboo sticky rice production.

Don’t miss the opportunity to experience the unique bamboo train, a local form of transportation, and one of the Best Things to do in Cambodia.

Return to Battambang in the late afternoon and relax at your hotel.

Day 5: Travel to Siem Reap

Depart Battambang and travel by bus or private transfer to Siem Reap, the gateway to the Angkor region. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and take some time to relax.

In the evening, explore the vibrant Pub Street area, known for its lively atmosphere, street food stalls, and eclectic mix of bars and restaurants. 

You can also do a Pub crawl, or join a Food Tour, or a cooking class, all of which are sure to give you a memorable immersive experience.

Day 6: Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom

Angkor Wat, as you already might be aware of, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most iconic and important archaeological sites in South – East Asia. The word ‘Angkor’ means ‘capital city’ in the Khmer language, while the word ‘Wat’ means ‘temple’. It was originally built in the first half of the 12th century as a Hindu temple. Spread across more than 400 acres, Angkor Wat is said to be the largest religious monument in the world.

In order to catch the famous Angkor Wat Sunrise, which is also one of the best things to do  in Siem Reap, you need to start your day early, probably by around 5 AM, so you can first head to the ticketing complex, and then to Angkor Wat for the sunrise. After the sunrise, you can make your way back to the hotel for the complimentary breakfast.  

Spend the rest of the day exploring the ancient temple complex of Angkor Thom, including iconic sites such as Bayon Temple, Terrace of the Elephants, and Ta Prohm Temple.

Take your time to soak in the awe-inspiring architecture and intricate carvings.

Alternatively, you can choose to join any of the Angkor Wat Full Day Tours, which are total value for money.

In the evening, enjoy a traditional Khmer dinner accompanied by a traditional Apsara dance performance.

In case you need any help or guidance, the hotel concierge will be more than willing to help you out, and make your life easy. 

Day 7: Tonle Sap Lake and Departure

On the last day of an epic week in Cambodia, embark on a boat trip to Tonle Sap Lake -Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake, where you’ll visit floating villages and witness daily life on the water.You’ll also get the chance to explore the stilted houses, floating markets, and schools, gaining insight into the unique lifestyle of the lake communities.

After an eventful morning, return to Siem Reap and spend your remaining time souvenir shopping at the Old Market or exploring any sites you may have missed.

Depart from Siem Reap, marking the end of your unforgettable journey through Cambodia.

Cambodia – Tips and Recommendations

• Spend 3-4 days in Siem Reap, take the 3 day Angkor Wat pass (value for money) and explore the unexplored corners of the Angkor Wat Archeological Park on cycle at your own pace. Also include a sunrise / sunset trip to Tonle Sap – South East Asia’s largest freshwater lake.

• Spend a few extra days in Cambodia and explore Kampot and the islands of Koh Rong.

• Carry your own water bottle, refill it wherever possible and keep yourself hydrated at all times.

• Also, make it a point to keep some munchies in your day pack, whenever you head out to explore anything, or anywhere in Cambodia.

• Be Responsible. Don’t throw your trash anywhere, rather keep it with you and properly dispose of it at your hotel at the end of the day.

• Support the locals. You’ll find a couple of artists in and around Angkor Wat, creating art and trying to sell. Do take a moment to appreciate their efforts, and shop from them, without haggling much. And trust me, these handmade drawings / paintings make for awesome gifts and souvenirs.

• Do Not Feed The Monkeys – The monkeys, especially the ones at Angkor Wat might look cute, and you might want to share a snack with them, but I repeat, DO NOT FEED THEM.

Now that you are acquainted with a practical 7 Day Cambodia Travel Itinerary, its time to book your tickets, and have a memorable vacation in the Kingdom of Cambodia.

For any queries, you can reach out to holidays@lykke.travel

About the Author – Arnav Mathur, is an avid traveller and one of the top travel bloggers in India. He is a qualified Civil Engineer, and a well versed Tourism and Hospitality professional, having worked with multiple brands in India and outside. He has travelled quite a bit in South East Asia and Europe, and he is a qualified PADI Dive Master as well. You can follow his journey on different Social Media platforms and on his website theETLRblog.com