Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Arrive 6th July 5pm depart 9th July 7.50am
(2 full days)
🗓️ Day 1: Culture, History & Riverside Walk
🏛️ Morning:
1️⃣ Royal Palace & Silver Pagoda (8:00 – 10:00 AM) – Stunning Khmer architecture and Cambodia’s royal residence.
2️⃣ National Museum (10:15 – 11:30 AM) – Explore ancient Khmer art & artifacts.
🥢 Lunch (11:45 – 12:45 PM)
Romdeng (great Khmer cuisine, run by a local NGO training disadvantaged youth).
📍Afternoon:
3️⃣ Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21) (1:15 – 2:45 PM) – A powerful, emotional experience learning about Cambodia’s tragic past.
4️⃣ Killing Fields of Choeung Ek (3:15 – 5:00 PM) – Located 30 minutes from the city, this is a must-visit for understanding Cambodia’s history.
🌇 Evening:
5️⃣ Walk along Sisowath Quay (5:30 – 6:30 PM) – Riverside promenade with street vendors & a relaxing atmosphere.
6️⃣ Dinner & Drinks (7:00 PM)
Malis (high-end Khmer cuisine) OR
Bopha Phnom Penh Titanic (dining with riverside views).
🗓️ Day 2: Markets, Temples & Sunset Cruise
🌅 Morning:
1️⃣ Wat Phnom (8:00 – 8:45 AM) – The city’s iconic hilltop temple, great for morning views.
2️⃣ Central Market (9:00 – 10:00 AM) – Famous Art Deco landmark, great for shopping.
3️⃣ Russian Market (10:30 – 11:30 AM) – More local and authentic, perfect for souvenirs and food.
🥢 Lunch (12:00 – 1:00 PM)
Backyard Café (healthy, modern Khmer & Western dishes).
📍Afternoon (Relaxed Exploration):
4️⃣ Wat Ounalom (1:30 – 2:00 PM) – One of the most important Buddhist temples in Cambodia.
5️⃣ Independence Monument & Statue of King Sihanouk (Quick Stop, 2:15 – 2:45 PM).
🌇 Evening:
6️⃣ Mekong Sunset Cruise (5:00 – 6:30 PM) – A perfect way to end your trip!
7️⃣ Final Dinner (7:00 PM)
Street 240 (trendy cafés & restaurants) OR
Sundown Social Club (rooftop bar with great views).
Old plan:
Days 1-3: Phnom Penh (3 Nights)
Phnom Penh is a vibrant capital with a rich history, a mix of French colonial architecture, and sobering landmarks reflecting the country’s tragic past.
Day 1: Arrival & Introduction to Phnom Penh
Visit Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda
Explore the National Museum (near the Royal Palace)
Walk along the Sisowath Quay by the riverfront
Day 2: History & Culture
Visit Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21)
Visit Killing Fields of Choeung Ek (short trip from the city)
Explore the Russian Market (great for souvenirs, local goods, and food)
Day 3: Relax and Enjoy the City
Visit the Wat Phnom temple
Explore Central Market (Art Deco building, local shopping)
Sunset boat ride on the Mekong River
Try local food at Street 240 or visit cafes along Sisowath Quay
Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia
Arrive 9th July 8am flight depart 14th July 2.55pm
(5 full days)
Decide on 2 different elephant sanctuaries on day 4 and 5
Day 1 (9th July) – Arrival & Angkor Wat Sunrise
• 8:00 AM: Arrive in Siem Reap.
• Morning: Angkor Wat Sunrise
• Start the day early with a sunrise visit to Angkor Wat for the best light and fewer crowds.
• Mid-Morning: Angkor Wat Exploration
• Explore the main temple.
• Lunch: Break for a local lunch in Siem Reap.
• Afternoon: Angkor Thom Complex
• Visit Bayon Temple, Terrace of the Elephants, and Terrace of the Leper King.
• Evening: Pub Street & Night Markets
• Relax, stroll through the vibrant Pub Street, and explore the night markets.
Day 2 (10th July) – Temples & Historical Sites
• Morning: Ta Prohm
• Visit Ta Prohm, famous for its tree-clad ruins and backdrop for the movie Tomb Raider.
• Late Morning: Banteay Kdei & Sras Srang
• Explore Banteay Kdei and the nearby Sras Srang (Temple of the Pool).
• Lunch: Local restaurant near Angkor.
• Afternoon: Preah Khan Temple
• Visit Preah Khan and explore the area.
• Evening: Free time to relax or enjoy another evening at Pub Street or Apsara Dance Performance.
Day 3 (11th July) – Full Temple Day
• Morning: Banteay Srei
• Visit Banteay Srei, known for its intricate carvings (about 30 minutes from Angkor Wat).
• Late Morning: Neak Pean & Ta Som
• Visit Neak Pean and Ta Som, two lesser-known temples in the Angkor complex.
• Lunch: Enjoy lunch near the temples or in Siem Reap.
• Afternoon: Angkor Silk Farm (optional)
• Head to the Angkor Silk Farm to learn about local silk production.
• Evening: Relaxed evening in Siem Reap, exploring the night markets or enjoying a local dinner.
Day 4 (12th July) – Waterfall Day & More Temples
• Early Morning: Angkor Wat Sunrise
• Return for another sunrise at Angkor Wat if you wish to revisit or get a different perspective.
• Mid-Morning: Phnom Kulen National Park
• Head to Phnom Kulen National Park (about 1.5 hours away) and visit Phnom Kulen Waterfall and elephant sanctuary. Relax and swim at the waterfall.
• Lunch: Pack lunch or eat at a local restaurant near the waterfall.
• Afternoon: Return to Siem Reap for a relaxed evening at your leisure.
Day 5 (13th July) – Floating Village & Elephant Sanctuary
• Morning: Kampong Phluk Floating Village
• Take a morning boat trip to Kampong Phluk Floating Village, about 30-45 minutes away. Explore the unique stilted houses and mangrove forest.
• Lunch: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant near the floating village.
• Afternoon: Elephant Forest Sanctuary
• Head to the Elephant Forest Sanctuary (about 30 minutes from Siem Reap) to learn about elephant care and have a peaceful visit with the animals.
• Evening: Return to Pub Street for your last evening. Optionally, watch an Apsara dance performance over dinner.
Day 6 (14th July) – Departure Day
• Morning: Visit the Angkor National Museum
• If you have time before your flight, visit the Angkor National Museum to get a deeper understanding of the area’s history.
• Late Morning: Relaxed lunch in Siem Reap before heading to the airport.
• 2:55 PM: Depart for your flight.
OLD PLAN:
Arrival in Siem Reap & Angkor Wat
Visit Angkor Wat (morning for the best light and fewer crowds)
Explore Angkor Thom (Bayon Temple, Terrace of the Elephants, Terrace of the Leper King)
Visit Ta Prohm (famous for its tree-clad ruins)
Day 5: More Temples & Exploring
Visit Banteay Srei (known for intricate carvings, about 30 minutes from Angkor Wat)
Explore Preah Khan temple
Visit Neak Pean or Ta Som temple
Optionally, visit the Angkor Silk Farm for a cultural experience (local silk production)
Day 6: Sunrise at Angkor Wat & Waterfall Excursions
Early morning sunrise at Angkor Wat
Visit Banteay Kdei and Sras Srang (Temple of the Pool)
Visit Phnom Kulen National Park and Phnom Kulen Waterfall (about 1.5 hours from Siem Reap) – relax at the waterfall and enjoy a swim
Head back to Siem Reap for a relaxed evening
Day 7: Floating Villages & Elephant Forest
Morning: Visit Kampong Phluk Floating Village (around 30-45 minutes by boat from Siem Reap). Explore the village and see the unique stilted houses and the mangrove forest.
Afternoon: Head to the Elephant Forest Sanctuary (about 30 minutes from Siem Reap). Enjoy a peaceful visit and learn about elephant care, and interact with these gentle creatures.
Evening: Explore Pub Street and enjoy the vibrant markets, food, and local atmosphere. Optionally, watch an Apsara dance performance over dinner