Cambodia is a Southeast Asian country where you can spend weeks exploring because this history-rich country has a lot to offer. Yet, for many, a Cambodia 5-day itinerary is enough to have a good flavor of Cambodia
Cambodian in traditional clothing
If you just have 5 days in Cambodia, it’s best to focus on just one or two major cities to save time and avoid spreading yourself too thin.
This five-day itinerary will allow you to discover Siem Reap – home to Angkor Wat temples—and the bustle of the capital city of Phnom Penh.
Brief itinerary of 5-day trip in Cambodia
- Day 1-3: Siem Riep
- Day 4-5: Phnom Penh
What’s the best time to visit Cambodia?
You can visit Cambodia all year round. It has a warm and tropical climate with two distinct seasons. The rainy season runs from May to October and the dry season runs from November to April. The best time to visit Cambodia is in the dry season. However, you should be noted that the temperatures can reach 40 degrees Celsius during the hottest months.
Country highlights
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Language:
Khmer (95% of the population)
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Currency:
Riel (KHR) and US dollars
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Religion:
A Buddhist monk
Buddhism is the main religion in Cambodia with a majority of the population being Theravada Buddhist. The remaining population follow Christianity, Hinduism, and Islam.
When visiting palaces or temples in Cambodia, you should remember to dress appropriately with your shoulders, elbows and legs covered.
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Getting to Cambodia:
There are a number of options for you to get to Cambodia. The most convenient way is by plane. There are three major airports which operate international flights. They are Phnom Penh International Airport, Siem Reap International Airport and Sihanoukville/Kompong International Airport.
Besides, you can choose to enter Cambodia from Thailand, Việt Nam and Laos via border crossing points. For some routes, you can get to Cambodia by boat or by bus. There is a boat route from Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam). In addition to this, there are also several bus routes departing from Ho Chi Minh City for Phnom Penh or Siem Reap.
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Transportations in Cambodia
The most convenient way to travel around the cities and provinces of Cambodia is bus transportation. Providing all local and regional routes, buses can get you around the country easily, even to a remote areas or bustling cities, during your 5-day itinerary in Cambodia.
Tuk Tuk in Cambodia
Another popular mode of transport in Cambodia is Tuk Tuk (two-wheel carriages being pulled out by motorbikes). Traveling around cities by Tuk Tuk will help you feel the organized chaos of Cambodia.
You can also hire a private taxi, book a ride via ride-hailing apps, or rent a private car.
A private car with driver services will provide you with comfort and convenience when traveling in Cambodia. Please click here for more details about car rental services
Highlights of the Cambodia itinerary
The first three days of the five-day Cambodia itinerary will be the time for you to discover Siem Reap. Siem Reap is the gateway to the ruins of Angkor and you will begin to understand the Khmer Empire with their original architectures.
After enjoying the vibrancy Siem Reap, you will spend the remaining two days to discover Phnom Penh and around. Phnom Penh can be characterized as a colorful and chaotic city.
Detailed itinerary for a 5-day trip in Cambodia
Day 1-3: Siem Reap
The trip in Cambodia begins in Siem Reap. Most visitors are drawn to Siem Reap by Angkor Wat. However, this city, has a lot to offer, which will keep you busy.
Angkor Archaeological Park will be the highlight of the Cambodia itinerary 5 days. Angkor joined the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1992. Also, is it one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Stretching over some 400km2, this site contains the spectacular remains of the different capitals of the Khmer Empire that flourished in the 11th–14th centuries. The most famous are the Temple of Angkor Wat and the Bayon Temple at Angkor Thom.
To visit Angkor, if you are not a Cambodian, you must buy an admission pass, known as Angkor Pass.
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Visit Angkor Wat
The Temple of Angkor Wat
The most convenient way to experience Angkor Wat is by Tuk Tuk. You can begin the visit early in the morning to watch the sunrise at Angkor Wat. It will be an unforgettable moment for you to see first rays of light over the Temple of Angkor Wat.
Cconstructed during the reign of Suryavarman II who reigned from 1113 AD to around 1150 AD, Angkor Wat is definitely one of the most attractive destination in Southeast Asia.
Visiting Angkor Wat is a must-do in your Cambodia 5-day itinerary which will provide an awe-inspiring example of the brilliance of Khmer art and engineering.
After Angkor Wat, you can follow up with visiting many other temples of the complex.
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Visit Angkor Thom
Bayon Temple, Angkor Thom
Angkor Thom, covering 10sq.km, is the last capital of the Khmer Empire. Founded by King Jayavarman VI, Angkor Thom remained the capital of the Khmer Empire throughout its decline. It was probably fully abandoned in the 16th century.
The site is surrounded by a wall of 8m high and 12km long with five gates.
The most impressive temple at Angkor Thom is Bayon. Bayon is a fantastic temple to explore with 216 smilling faces of Avalokiteshvara peering down at you. Bayon is indeed the temple you can not miss during your Cambodia 5-day itinerary.
You can spend hours walking around Angkor Thom to visit other attractions such as Baphuon, Terrace of the Leper King, Preah Palilay and Phimeanakas.
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Visit Ta Prohm
Ta Prohm Temple
Built from 1186, Ta Prohm was a Buddhist temple dedicated to the mother of Jayavarman VII. It was abandoned in the 15th century but is actually well preserved. Ta Prohm is fascinating to visit with massive tree roots curls around the temple entrances.
At the end of the day, you can visit Phnom Bakheng Temple for a stunning sunset.
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Visit Siem Reap night market and Pub Street
Pub Street in Siem Reap
After temple visits, you can enjoy shopping at Siem Reap night market with all sorts of handicrafts, clothes, fabrics, souvenirs, and street food. After that, you can have a tasty bite at Pub Street or relax with a traditional massage.
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Visit a floating village to learn about traditional food and farming
A floating village in Siem Reap
Day 4-5: Phnom Penh
After exploring Siem Reap with ancient Angkor ruins, the rest two days in your Cambodia 5-day itinerary should be for discovering the capital city of Phnom Penh to feel its organized chaos and learn more about Cambodia history and culture.
- Visit Wat Phnom:
Wat Phnom Temple
Wat Phnom is the largest temple in the capital city. Containing a large pagoda, stupa, shrine, and statues and art, the temple tells the story of Buddhism and local Cambodian culture.
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Visit the National Museum:
National Musemum of Cambodia
Visiting the National Museum will help you learn more about the history of Phnom Penh and Cambodia during the difficult years of the Khmer Rouge Regime.
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Visit the Royal Palace:
Royal Palace
Visitng the Royal Palace is also a must-do in your Cambodia 5-day itinerary. The Royal Palace is located on the banks of the Mekong River. Highlights of the site include the Throne Hall, the Moonlight Pavilion and the Silver Pagoda.
Other itinerary to explore Cambodia in five days
Although Cambodia is famous for temples and ancient ruins, this country also has beautiful beaches with crystal water and white sand.
Sihanoukville is a must-go destination for beach lovers . Located in southwest Cambodia, Sihanoukvillen is known for its beaches, tropical islands and the mangrove jungles of Ream National Park. You can spend the whole five days just to stay in one of the islands, such as Koh Rong Saloem, Koh Rong, to enjoy sunbathing and swimming in the crystal water and caressing waves and get the full retreat.
Koh Rong Saloem
The most beautiful beaches in Sihanoukville are Otres Beach, Independence Beach, Serendipity Beach, Ochheuteal Beach, Saracen Bay Beach andHawai Beach.
You can discover more Cambodia tours to make the most of the tip in this colorful country.
Tips for first-time visitors
- Negotiate a price before getting in the tuk tuk and taxies with no meters to avoid over-charging issues.
- Dress property when visiting temples or palaces
- Bring comfortable sport shoes because you will be walking a lot.
- Don’t forget water, hat and suncream because it can be very hot.
- Negotiate the prices when shopping at markets
- Bring small Riel notes for small purchases
Cuisine
Enoying Cambodian cuisine is a must-do of the Cambodia 5-day itinerary. Cambodian cuisine is quite regional, much similar to Thai and Vietnamese food and just as delicious.
The top dishes you should try are fish amok (steamed coconut fish in banana leaves), nom banh chok (Khmer noodles), twa ko (Cambodian sausage), tarantula, samlor korkor (vegetables soup) and bai sach chrouk (pork and rice).
Amok a must- try dish in Cambodia
Cambodia is undeniably one of the most attractive destinations in South East Asia with a rich history and friendly people. If you are planning to visit Cambodia, we are here to help to make your trip easy.
