Itinerary Overview

Days 1–3: Siem Reap & Angkor → Days 4–5: Phnom Penh → Days 6–7: Sihanoukville or Kampot. The flight from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh takes about 45 minutes, or you can take a bus (6–7 hours). The bus from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville takes about 4 hours. If you're short on time, you can skip the southern beaches and focus on Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, with transport arrangements possible a day in advance for each leg.

Days 1–3: Siem Reap & Angkor

• Day 1: Arrive in Siem Reap → Purchase Angkor tickets at the ticket center → Watch the sunset at Phnom Bakheng in the evening (limited entry, arrive early) → Dinner at the Old Market or Pub Street.
• Day 2: Small Circuit: Sunrise at Angkor Wat → The Bayon Temple’s smiling faces → Baphuon Temple → Ta Prohm Temple → Ta Keo Temple, then watch the sunset at Pre Rup Temple in the evening. Sunrise at Angkor Wat is usually around 5:30 AM; it’s recommended to depart your hotel by 4:30 AM with a headlamp and insect repellent.
• Day 3: Grand Circuit or Outer Circuit: Preah Khan Temple, Neak Pean, and East Mebon → Pink sandstone bas-reliefs at Banteay Srei → Jungle ruins at Beng Mealea.

Days 4–5: Phnom Penh

• Day 4: Arrive in Phnom Penh by flight or bus → Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda → National Museum → Wat Phnom → Night market along the Mekong River.
• Day 5: Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and Choeung Ek Killing Fields → Shopping at Central Market → Evening departure to Sihanoukville.

Days 6–7: Sihanoukville or Kampot

• Day 6: Relax at Ochheuteal Beach or Sokha Beach → Go island-hopping and snorkeling, or stay overnight on Koh Rong. Koh Rong has clear waters, great for snorkeling and overnight stays; if short on time, a day trip is also possible.
• Day 7: Half-day tour of Kampot pepper plantations and Bokor Mountain → Return to Phnom Penh or depart by flight from there.

Accommodation & Cost Reference

In Siem Reap, it’s recommended to stay near the Old Market and Pub Street for easy access to dining, massage, and car hire. In Phnom Penh, choose areas along the Mekong River or BKK1 for better security and amenities. In Sihanoukville, beachfront resorts around Ochheuteal Beach are popular. Three- to four-star hotels in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh cost about $28–$70 per night, while boutique resorts start at around $85. Book in advance during peak seasons.

The 3-day Angkor pass costs about 62 USD, a 3-day tuk-tuk rental is about 45–60 USD, and a car is recommended for the Outer Circuit at about 40–50 USD per day. The bus from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville costs about 10–15 USD, and the flight from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh is about 60–120 USD, depending on the schedule.

Tips

• Angkor tickets are available for 1, 3, or 7 days; the 3-day ticket is best for in-depth exploration and can be used on any three days within the validity period.
• The Angkor area is large, so it’s advisable to hire a tuk-tuk or car and arrange the daily itinerary and price in advance.
• For the bus from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville, consider reputable companies like Giant Ibis for better safety and punctuality.
• You can also fly between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap to save 6–7 hours of travel time, ideal for tighter schedules.
• Many tuk-tuk drivers in Siem Reap offer daily rates—ask at your hotel front desk for a fair price to avoid being overcharged.
• The journey between the southern beaches and Siem Reap is long; if time is limited, consider focusing only on Siem Reap and Phnom Penh.