Cambodia is a destination that captures hearts with its history and the wonders it possesses. From sunrise over Angkor’s spires to evenings spent sampling street food by the Mekong, every moment reveals another layer of Cambodia’s warmth and wonder.
Planning a trip to such a country can be both exciting and a bit overwhelming. Don’t worry; we’re here to help! This Cambodia travel itinerary will guide you through the highlights of Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, showing you the rich history, stunning temples, and traditional culture.
This 6-day Cambodia itinerary has been thoughtfully designed for first-time travellers, balancing discovery and comfort with expert precision. Seamless, inspiring, and immersive, it’s your gateway to experiencing Cambodia like an insider, not a tourist.
Cambodia Itinerary Overview
- Day 1, Phnom Penh Arrival: Arrive in Phnom Penh and ease into your trip with a riverside walk followed by a relaxing sunset cruise.
- Day 2, Highlights of Phnom Penh: Visit the Royal Palace, museum and Killing Fields, then enjoy the food and nightlife at Bassac Lane.
- Day 3 Countryside Experience: Explore the Spider Market, stop by Santuk Village, see the Ancient Naga Bridge and end the day at Pub Street.
- Day 4 Floating Village: Discover life on the water at a floating village and enjoy the traditional Apsara Dance Show in the evening.
- Day 5 Angkor Temples: Spend the day exploring Angkor Wat, Bayon Temple, Ta Prohm, the Elephant Terrace and the local night market.
- Day 6 Departure: Head back home with wonderful memories from Cambodia.
Before You Go: Essential Cambodia Travel Prep
Yes, the itinerary is certainly important, but it’s good to sort out the basics and essentials, which will support you in a new country.
SIM Card
Getting a SIM card in Cambodia is now much easier. There are seven telecom companies, but the most popular ones are Cellcard, Metfone, and Smart.
Among them, Smart is said to have the best coverage, even on islands like Koh Rong, Koh Rong Samloem, and Koh Ta Kiev.
You can choose between an E-SIM or a tourist SIM. Just visit their websites to pick a plan that suits you.
Fact: Cross-network calls can be costly and unreliable in Cambodia. That’s why you can see many locals use multiple phones, each with a different SIM card.
Currency Exchange
Cambodia officially uses the Riel (KHR), but in reality, the US dollar runs the show. Even your visa fee and hotel payments will likely be in USD.
Currency exchange rates as of 2025.
- 1 INR = 45.23 KHR
- 1 USD = 4,014 KHR
When to use what
- For amounts above $5, pay in USD.
- For small expenses like street food under $2, pay in KHR.
Exchange tips You can exchange money in two ways
- Direct INR → KHR: ₹10,000 = 452,300 KHR
- INR → USD → KHR: ₹10,000 = 452,379 KHR
The second option gives you slightly more value and is easier to convert back when you return to India.
Tips: Carry clean, crisp USD bills; even a small tear in the note will be rejected, Damaged or $2 notes are not accepted, Riel notes are accepted in any condition.
ATMs in Cambodia charge about $5–$7 per withdrawal. Cards work in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap but rarely on islands, so keep $100–$150 in cash as backup.
Detailed Cambodia Itinerary for 5Nights
This 6-day Cambodia travel itinerary outlines daily activities and includes optional experiences to make the most of your trip!
Day 1 – Arrival at Phnom Penh
Your journey to the land of culture officially begins today.
You will reach your destination in 3 to 5 hours. Weekly, there are five direct flights from India, and the time duration depends on the flight you choose. Anyway, you will likely reach Cambodia during sunrise.
| Flight Details | Day of the week | Departure | Arrival | Departure Time | Arrival Time |
| Cambodia Angkor Air | Tuesday & Saturday. | Delhi | Phnom Penh | 23:30 | 6:05 |
| Indigo | Monday, Thursday & Saturday. | Kolkata | Siem Reap | 1:50 | 6:20 |
No direct flights from your city to Cambodia? No worries! You can easily find connecting flights with just one stop from major Indian cities like Chennai, Bangalore, Kochi, and Mumbai.
Most layovers happen at major hubs such as Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, or Hong Kong.
Popular airlines operating on these routes include Cambodia Angkor Air, Thai Airways, Singapore Airlines, AirAsia, and Malaysia Airlines.
Dawn
Land at Techo International Airport (KTI). Once you pass through the immigration and customs formalities, you can officially enter Cambodia!
Head to your hotel to freshen up and drop off your luggage. Once you’ve settled in, you can either relax after your flight or head out to explore Phnom Penh in the evening.
Midday
Go on a small walk in the Riverside Promenade (locals call it the riverside). A 3 km pathway runs along the Tonle Sap River, which lets you see locals relaxing, playing, exercising, and jogging.
You’ll also find numerous cafes and restaurants right opposite the riverside, perfect for the first-day lunch.
Dusk
The first evening must be reserved for the Sunset Cruise. Cruises depart at sunrise from the Tonle Sap, offering snacks, beer, dinner, and golden views of the sky. A calm and romantic way to finish the day.
Day 2 – Explore Phnom Penh
The official sightseeing begins on Day 2 with the exploration of Phnom Penh. You will cover three to four places in Phnom Penh today.
Dawn
Start your day at Malis Restaurant on Norodom Boulevard, one of the city’s most popular Khmer breakfast spots.
Once you are done with breakfast, make your way to the Royal Palace, the residence of the royal family. The Royal Palace shows Cambodia’s rich culture and history. It’s one of the few places where old traditions and modern royalty come together.
You’ll find famous structures like the Silver Pagoda, Moonlight Pavilion, and the Throne Hall.
Midday
The next stop is the Toul Sleng Prison Museum, a detention centre turned into a museum that explains the history of the Khmer Rouge. A visit to this museum is a must before entering the killing fields to understand the basics.
Located around 30 minutes from the Toul Sleng Museum, the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek are a mass grave of victims of the Khmer Rouge. A big stupa has a glass box that is filled with victims’ skulls.
Both of these places are a must-visit while being in Phnom Penh, as they provide a significant history about the Khmer.
Dusk
After a tiring day of sightseeing, a chilled beer, food, and some music sound good, right? Heading to Bassac Lane will provide you with exactly that.
Just 3 km from the riverside, Bassac Lane is an alley lined with bars and restaurants for a fun night!
This will be your last day in Phnom Penh, and visiting these four places will take up the whole day. Ending up with a much-needed rest.
Day 3 – Roam Through Cambodia’s Heartland
You will be transferred from Phnom Penh to Cambodia by car, during which you will witness the interior of Cambodia, the people, and the culture of Cambodia.
Dawn
Start early for your 6-hour road trip to Siem Reap, or take a 1-hour flight if you prefer convenience.
The road trip is highly recommended because you’ll get to see Cambodia’s countryside with rice fields, wooden houses, and busy local markets.
Your first stop can be the Spider Market in Skuon (Kampong Cham), famous for its fried tarantulas, crickets, and silkworms, a unique glimpse into Cambodia’s food culture.
Midday
Visit Santuk, a stone-carving town where artists of this town use the same ancient techniques to carve delicate statues using a hammer and chisel. The same village can be opted to have a delicious meal.
A few hours later, you can visit the Kampong Kdei Bridge (also known as the Ancient Naga Bridge). A bridge that was built using just stones stacked on top of each other, with big statues of snakes (Nagas) on either end. No cement or steel was used.
Dusk
After a few hours of road time, it’s time to check into a hotel in Siem Reap. To end the day with some fun, you could visit the pub street. Have a sip of beer/cocktail in those neon-lit streets in the heart of Siem Reap.
Day 4 – Introduction to Siem Reap
Since most of the previous day was spent on the road, to balance it, you are going to spend some time on the water on day 4.
Dawn
If you love coffee and cats, then the Coco cat cafe is the one for you! A coffee shop located in downtown Siem Reap, popular for its unique sip and pet experience. Opens at 9 am, the perfect time for a coffee!
Matcha Latte is a must-have if you ever visit the Coco Cat Cafe!
Midday
Next, journey about 16 km south of Siem Reap to Chong Khneas, one of the main floating villages on Tonlé Sap Lake, Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake.
Hop on a traditional wooden boat and glide past floating homes, schools, and temples, all built to rise and fall with the lake’s seasonal tides. You’ll witness fishermen casting nets, children rowing to class, and floating markets.
Why visit: Tonlé Sap is Cambodia’s lifeline; this unique ecosystem sustains over a million people and is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Dusk
At 8:30 p.m., a hidden gem in Siem Reap hosts the Apsara Dance Show, a performance that brings Cambodia’s culture to life.
Enjoy the graceful classical Khmer Apsara dance, along with folk and Reamker-inspired performances. You can also pair the show with a delicious dinner (vegetarian, non-vegetarian, or vegan options available).
Rest well tonight, because tomorrow, you’ll step into the grandeur of Angkor Wat, the spiritual heart of Cambodia.
Day 5 – Witness the Angkor Wat
Hope you are ready for the most important day of the trip! Today marks the highlight of your journey, exploring the Angkor Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site!
Built in the early 12th century by King Suryavarman II, Angkor Wat is the world’s largest religious monument. It represents Mount Meru, the sacred centre of the universe, surrounded by oceans. Its stunning design, carvings, and spiritual atmosphere make it a must-visit landmark.
Approximately 400 acres of complex with over 1000 temples inside, built between the 9th and 15th centuries.
Dawn
Start your day bright and early; you’re about to witness the breathtaking sunrise at Angkor Wat!
Between 5:30 a.m. and 6:00 a.m., head to the pond in front of Angkor Wat, the perfect spot to watch the sunrise behind the temple’s majestic towers, a truly unforgettable view.
After the sunrise, get inside the wonder of Angkor Wat. It is the biggest religious structure and one of the most visited temples in the world. Exploring Angkor Wat will take around 2-3 hours.
For breakfast, you can grab a bite from the food stalls inside the archaeological park. Or peek out at the perimeters of the temple grounds to find more restaurants.
Midday
During the afternoon, three other temples are a must-see at Angkor Wat Archaeological Park. Their ancient structures, history, and architecture should be a part of your itinerary!
- Bayon Temple – The temple of faces. Every tower of the temple will have faces on all four of its sides. Experts are still confused about whose faces those are.
- Ta Prohm – If you were a fan of Angelina Jolie’s movies from the 2000s, you’ll recognise this temple. Ta Prohm was featured in the movie Lara Croft: Tomb Raider. This temple is overgrown with roots of massive trees; it looks like a lost world in real life.
- Elephant Terrace – The Terrace of the Elephants is a platform once used by King Jayavarman VII to watch his returning armies. Most of the structures are gone now, but the stone base remains, decorated with beautiful elephant carvings.
Between these three temples, you can have a bite of lunch in one of the restaurants inside the park. Also, make sure to cover your shoulders and knees, as modesty is a must.
Dusk
Angkor Wat closes at 5:30 pm; after that, you can roam around and do some shopping at Siem Reap’s night market. It sells crafts, jewellery, clothes, and local snacks, including insects.
End the night with a relaxed dinner at The Sugar Palm, known for refined Khmer dishes like fish amok and green mango salad.
Day 6 – Departure
There’s only one direct flight from Siem Reap to India at 7:20 am.
In case you are taking an indirect flight later during the day, you can use the morning for some more exploring.
Dawn
So, as an optional activity on Day 6, you can head to Siem Reap’s Kulen Elephant Forest.
This is Siem Reap’s retirement home, where 10 elephants roam freely across 1,100 acres and are never used for work. Visitors can help feed, walk, and observe the elephants in their natural habitat. Best for curious toddlers and kids,
You join the morning batch, which is from 8:00 am to 11:30 am.
Midday
After spending time with elephants, it’s time to go back home. Hire a taxi and head to Siem Reap’s International Airport (SAI).
| Flight Details | Day of the week | Departure | Arrival | Departure Time | Arrival Time |
| IndiGo (Starts from 13 Nov 2025) | Monday, Thursday & Saturday. | Siem Reap | Kolkata | 7:20 am | 10:25 am |
6 Days Cambodia Trip Budget Estimation
Everybody wonders what to have as a budget during a trip. And that is why we are going to discuss how much the budget could be for a 5N 6D trip.
Note: The expenses in real life will depend on your travel style and how lavish or how low-key you want your trip to be. Also, the prices of accommodation and other charges will change throughout the year.
| Category | Details | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | Phnom Penh (2N @ 3,000), Siem Reap (3N @ 3,500) | 16500 |
| Food & Drinks | Meals ₹500 × 2 per day + Alcohol ₹600 × 2 days. | 7200 |
| Sightseeing & Entry Fees | Angkor Wat ₹3,282, Killing Fields ₹528, Tuol Sleng ₹440, Royal Palace ₹887 | 5137 |
| Transportation | Local transport ₹750/day + Intercity bus/flight | 12,750 |
| Guided Tours (Optional) | English-speaking guide | 3500 |
| Miscellaneous | Souvenirs & snacks. | 6000 |
| TOTAL (Excl. Flights and visa) | The accommodation is calculated based on 3-star hotels. | 51,087 |
There are two direct flights to Cambodia from India.
A one-way economy ticket on Cambodia Angkor Air typically ranges from ₹20,000 to ₹30,000 per person. IndiGo offers one-way fares between ₹12,000 and ₹20,000 per person.
Plus, a tourist visa costs $30, which is 2661 INR.
Estimated Total Trip Cost (5N/6D, per person, including flights + visa): ₹73,748 (approximately).
Conclusion
The beauty would have been enough to penetrate into your memory, from Angkor Wat’s temples to the floating villages of Tonle Sap. Every place tells a story, and this Cambodia travel itinerary helps you see it all.
Follow this guide, enjoy the sights, and let Cambodia’s charm stay with you long after your trip!
If you’d like to personalise your Cambodia itinerary or need help planning a trip that truly feels worth going on, our travel experts at Dimaak Tours are here to make it for you!
Frequently Asked Questions About Cambodia Itinerary
How many days are enough for Cambodia?
If you want to see only the highlights of Cambodia, Angkor Wat, then 2 days will be decent enough. But if you want to cover 3-4 cities of Cambodia and see everything from temples to mountains to islands, then anywhere between 7 and 10 days is needed.
Is there a dress code for Angkor Wat?
Yes, the dress code is to cover your knees, shoulders, and the back. Not only in Angkor Wat but also in places like Wat Phnom and the Royal Palace.
Where should I go for the first time in Cambodia?
Siem Reap and Phnom Penh are must-see places to visit in Cambodia. Although if you want a more unique experience, then places like Mondulkiri (hills), Kratie (Riverside town), and Koh Rong (island) have to be visited.
