Tour Cambodia's Ancient Temples: Phnom Penh, Kompong Thom & Siem Reap - 8 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Phnom Penh, Cyclo Tour to Wat Phnom, Visit Sosoro Museum

Welcome to Phnom Penh, Cambodia's bustling capital and most populated city. Meet your driver outside the airport and transfer to your hotel to check in and get ready for a short cyclo tour. Jump into the three-wheeled bicycle and take in the view of French colonial buildings, tree-lined boulevards, and intricate temples. Disembark at Wat Phnom and climb the steps to the temple's ornate entrance flanked by guardian lions and naga balustrades. Step inside to discover the elaborate murals, bronze Buddha statues, and various shrines, including one dedicated to the founder of Phnom Penh, Lady Penh.

After exploring the temple, continue to the Sosoro Museum, housed in a restored colonial-era building. Learn about Cambodia's financial evolution, from ancient trade systems to contemporary economic policies, as you peruse ancient coins, banknotes, and historical documents. End the night at Eleven One Kitchen, a restaurant known for its commitment to using fresh, locally sourced ingredients and highlighting traditional Cambodian and Southeast Asian dishes. Indulge in local delights like fish amok, a steamed fish curry considered to be one of the country's national dishes, before returning to the hotel.

Day 2: Full-Day Tour of Phnom Penh

Spend the morning learning more about Cambodia's tragic history as you visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, housed in a former high school turned security prison by the Khmer Rouge regime. Walk through the former classrooms converted into prison cells and torture chambers, stopping to see the haunting photographs of the victims and their personal artifacts. Then, continue to the Choeung Ek Genocidal Center, situated on one of the Khmer Rouge's killing fields, where thousands of people were taken to be executed.

Walk through the somber grounds, stopping at the memorial stupa filled with the skulls and bones of victims as a stark reminder of the brutality that occurred. After paying your respects, grab lunch before heading to the National Museum of Cambodia. Step inside to peruse the extensive collection of Khmer art, including ancient statues, ceramics, and bronze artifacts dating back to the pre-Angkorian era. Enjoy a short rest in the museum's garden to prepare for a leisurely walk along the Mekong River, where you can watch locals exercise, dance, and enjoy the scenic view.

Day 3: Transfer to Kompong Thom via Skuon & Santuk Silk Farm

Say goodbye to Phnom Penh this morning as you set off on a 3.5-hour transfer north to Kampong Thom. On the way, stop in Skuon, often called "Spider Town," as it's famous for its bold culinary tradition of deep-fried tarantulas. You'll also find fried crickets, roasted snakes, and grilled frogs at the market, so save your appetite for this stop. Back in the car, head to Santuk Silk Farm for a traditional Khmer lunch. After eating, tour the farm and observe the entire life cycle of silk, from silkworm cultivation to the final weaving of delicate fabrics.

Visit the on-site shop to purchase handcrafted silk products before completing the transfer to your hotel, where you can freshen up for a visit to Phnom Santuk. Climb the 800 steps to the top of the ancient mountain or avoid the climb with a short transfer. From the summit, enjoy panoramic views of the lush plains, rolling hills, and meandering rivers. Then, discover the series of small pagodas and sacred spaces where devotees still come to pray while you wait for the sun to set and transform the landscape into vibrant hues of red and orange. Return to the hotel to relax by the pool or grab dinner in town.

Day 4: Transfer to Siem Reap via Sambor Prei Kuk & Kompong Khleang

Start your day with a 30-minute transfer to Sambor Prei Kuk, a UNESCO-listed site dating back to the seventh century. Follow your guide through the well-preserved ruins to discover the remnants of temples, pagodas, and ancient reservoirs surrounded and overgrown by lush jungle. Return to the entrance to enjoy a simple Khmer lunch provided by the local community before hitting the road on a 3.5-hour transfer to Siem Reap, home to the famous Angkor Archaeological Park.

On the way, stop at the Kompong Khleang Floating Village for a glimpse into the unique lifestyle of Cambodia's water-dwelling communities. Glide across the tranquil waters of Tonlé Sap, where you'll be surrounded by floating schools, stilted houses, and bustling boat traffic. Watch the locals go about their day-to-day lives casting fishing nets, collecting water from nearby wells, or cooking in floating restaurants. After the boat tour, your driver will take you to your hotel, where you can unwind by the pool after the long drive.

Day 5: Discover Angkor Thom, Enjoy a Free Afternoon

The Angkor Archaeological Park covers an area of 63 square miles (162 sq km), so you'll spend the next three days exploring the ancient temples and cities within. Today, you'll ride a tuk-tuk to Angkor Thom, the last and most enduring capital city of the Khmer Empire. Enter through the imposing South Gate flanked by a procession of stone statues and wander through the archaeological site. Your guide will point out landmarks like the iconic Bayon Temple, with its enigmatic stone faces gazing serenely in all directions, and the pyramid-like Baphoun Temple.

The sprawling complex is also home to plenty of well-preserved terraces, including the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King, both adorned with intricate bas-reliefs depicting royal ceremonies and mythological scenes. After spending the morning exploring the ancient city, head to a local restaurant near Srah Srang, an expansive reservoir that was once used for royal ceremonies and ritual bathing. Then, return to the hotel for a relaxing afternoon by the pool or explore more of the area at your own pace. 

Day 6: Free Morning, Explore the Angkor Grand Circuit, Sunset at Pre Rup

Enjoy a free morning at the hotel or explore the city by tuk-tuk. In the afternoon, you'll visit some of the temples on the Angkor Grand Circuit, starting at the partially-restored Prasat Preah Khan. Step through the entrance and discover the intricately carved sandstone corridors adorned with bas-reliefs depicting mythological scenes and deities. Then, head to Neak Poan, accessible by a bridge over Jayatataka Baray. The central temple is also surrounded by four smaller ponds, each representing one of the cardinal directions, attracting local wildlife and contributing to the tranquil ambience. 

Your next stop is Ta Som, which features a sacred fig tree enveloping its entrance gates. Although the temple was unfinished, you can still admire the classic Bayon-style architecture of the still-standing structures. Continue to Eastern Mebon, an ancient temple dedicated to the Hindu god, Shiva. Your last stop is Pre Rup, the perfect place to watch the sunset as the temple sits on an elevated platform. Look out at the Cambodian countryside and watch the sky shift from fiery oranges and reds to soothing purples and blues. As darkness falls, transfer back to your hotel. 

Day 7: Sunrise at Angkor Wat, Visit Banteay Srei & Ta Phrom, Phare Circus

Your penultimate day in Cambodia is sure to be a memorable one as you head out around 5:00 am to watch the sunrise over Angkor Wat. Wait in front of the serene pond and watch the sun begin to rise behind the towers, reflecting its golden light on the water. After watching the natural spectacle, explore the largest religious monument in the world. Discover the expansive courtyards, sanctuaries, carvings, and Buddha statues before returning to the hotel for breakfast. Once you're refueled, continue your day at Banteay Srei, just one hour outside the city. 

Often referred to as the "Citadel of Women," this temple stands out for its detailed and well-preserved carvings in the pink sandstone. Return to the Angkor Archaeological Park to visit one last temple, Ta Prohm. This 12th-century structure has been left to nature with intertwining trees and roots embracing the ancient stone. As you walk, you may recognize scenes from the movie "Tomb Raider." End the night at Phare Circus, held in an open-air tent. Watch the one-hour performance that combines traditional circus acts with Cambodian folklore before returning to the hotel. 

Day 8: Depart Siem Reap

Your eight-day tour of Cambodia comes to an end today. If you have time before your flight, you could explore more of the area on your own. Go for a walk along Pub Street, head to the Angkor National Museum to continue learning about the ancient sites you visited, or shop for souvenirs at the Old Market. When it's time, return to the hotel, meet your driver, and transfer to the airport for your flight home. Safe travels!

More Great Cambodia Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Cambodia? Check out these other Cambodia itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.