Cambodia Classic 8 Days – Phnom Penh to Siem Reap

Tour Overview

Experience the best of Cambodia on this 8-day classic journey from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap, from the stunning temples of Angkor to the beautiful beaches of Sihanoukville and the pristine island of Koh Rong. Visit the iconic Angkor Wat, the mysterious Bayon Temple with its giant smiling faces, the atmospheric Ta Prohm overgrown by tree roots, the beautiful Banteay Srei with its stunning pink sandstone carvings, and then relax on the beautiful beaches and islands of the Cambodian coast. This classic Cambodia tour combines the best of the country’s ancient temples with its beautiful tropical beaches.

Itinerary Highlights

Day 1: Arrival in Phnom Penh

Arrive at Phnom Penh International Airport. Transfer to your hotel. Explore Phnom Penh: visit the Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda, the National Museum, Wat Phnom, the Central Market, and the Sisowath Quay. Evening welcome dinner with Cambodian cuisine. Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Day 2: Phnom Penh – History & to Siem Reap

Morning visit the Choeung Ek Killing Fields and the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, learning about the tragic history of the Khmer Rouge regime. After lunch, take a flight from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap (approximately 1 hour). Upon arrival, check into your hotel. Explore Siem Reap: visit the Angkor National Museum, the Old Market, and Pub Street. Evening dinner with Cambodian cuisine. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 3: Angkor Wat Sunrise & Major Temples

Early morning watch the sunrise over Angkor Wat (the largest religious monument in the world, a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Explore Angkor Wat, visit the various levels, the beautiful bas-reliefs, and the central towers. After Angkor Wat, visit the Angkor Thom (the great walled city), the Bayon Temple (the iconic temple with its 216 giant smiling stone faces), the Royal Palace, the Elephant Terrace, and the Leper King Terrace. After lunch, visit the Ta Prohm Temple (the famous temple overgrown by giant tree roots, made famous by Tomb Raider). Evening dinner with Cambodian cuisine. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 4: Banteay Srei & Grand Circuit Temples

Morning visit Banteay Srei (the beautiful temple with its stunning pink sandstone carvings, often called the jewel of Khmer art, built in the 10th century, with its incredibly detailed and beautiful carvings). On the way, visit the Banteay Samre temple. After Banteay Srei, visit the temples on the Grand Circuit: visit the Preah Khan Temple (a beautiful and large temple complex built by King Jayavarman VII), the Neak Pean (a beautiful artificial island temple with its stunning setting), the Ta Som Temple, the East Mebon, and the various other temples. Evening dinner with Cambodian cuisine and a traditional Apsara dance show. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 5: Siem Reap to Sihanoukville & Beaches

Morning take a flight from Siem Reap to Sihanoukville (approximately 1.5 hours), or take a bus (approximately 8-10 hours). Upon arrival in Sihanoukville, a beautiful coastal city in southern Cambodia, check into your beach resort. Explore Sihanoukville: visit the beautiful beaches including Serendipity Beach, Ochheuteal Beach, and Otres Beach, enjoy the beautiful sea views, and relax on the beach. After lunch, enjoy the beach, go for a swim, or try water sports including snorkeling, diving, kayaking, or stand-up paddleboarding. Visit the nearby islands for a snorkeling or diving trip. Evening dinner with fresh seafood on the beach. Overnight in Sihanoukville.

Day 6: Sihanoukville to Koh Rong Island

Morning take a boat from Sihanoukville to Koh Rong (approximately 1-1.5 hours), a beautiful and pristine island off the coast of Sihanoukville, with its stunning white sand beaches, its crystal-clear turquoise water, its beautiful coral reefs, its lush jungle, and its peaceful and unspoiled atmosphere. Upon arrival, check into your beach bungalow or resort. Explore the island: visit the beautiful beaches including the famous Long Beach (a stunning 7-kilometer long white sand beach), go snorkeling or diving at the beautiful coral reefs, hike through the lush jungle, and enjoy the peaceful and unspoiled atmosphere. Visit the nearby Koh Rong Samloem island (if time permits, an even more pristine and peaceful island with its stunning beaches and crystal-clear water). Evening dinner with fresh seafood on the beach, and enjoy the beautiful bioluminescent plankton in the water at night (a unique and magical experience where the water glows with bioluminescent plankton when disturbed). Overnight in Koh Rong.

Day 7: Koh Rong – Beach & Nature

Full day enjoying the beautiful island of Koh Rong. Relax on the beautiful white sand beaches, go for a swim in the crystal-clear turquoise water, go snorkeling or diving at the beautiful coral reefs (teeming with tropical fish, coral, sea turtles, and other marine life), hike through the lush jungle to the various viewpoints and waterfalls, visit the traditional fishing villages on the island, and enjoy the peaceful and unspoiled atmosphere. Take a boat trip around the island, visiting the various beaches, coves, and snorkeling spots. Visit the nearby reefs and enjoy the beautiful marine life. Evening dinner with fresh seafood on the beach. Overnight in Koh Rong.

Day 8: Koh Rong to Sihanoukville & Departure

Morning enjoy a final beach day on Koh Rong, go for a final swim or snorkel, or just relax on the beautiful beach. After breakfast, take a boat back to Sihanoukville (approximately 1-1.5 hours). Upon arrival in Sihanoukville, transfer to Sihanoukville International Airport for your departure flight, or take a bus or taxi to Phnom Penh for your international departure. Concluding your 8-day classic Cambodia tour of temples and beaches.

What’s Included

• Air-conditioned vehicle
• Driver
• Fuel Cost, Parking Fee, Toll Fee
• Accommodation in selected hotels
• Daily breakfast

What’s Not Included

• Entrance fees to attractions
• Tour Guide
• Meal (lunch and dinner)
• International flights
• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses