Cambodia Temples & Beach 7 Days

Tour Overview

Discover the wonders of Cambodia on this 7-day journey combining the ancient temple complexes of Siem Reap, the historic capital of Phnom Penh, and the pristine beaches of the southern coast. From the awe-inspiring Angkor Wat to the serene islands of the Gulf of Thailand, this tour offers a perfect balance of culture, history, and relaxation.

Itinerary Highlights

Day 1: Arrival in Siem Reap

Arrive at Siem Reap International Airport where your guide and driver will be waiting for a transfer to your hotel. Siem Reap is the gateway to the Angkor Archaeological Park, one of the most important archaeological sites in Southeast Asia. After checking in, take some time to relax or explore the lively Pub Street and Old Market area. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner featuring traditional Khmer cuisine while watching a classical Apsara dance performance. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 2: Angkor Wat & Major Temples

Begin early with a sunrise visit to Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world and a masterpiece of Khmer architecture. Built in the early 12th century by King Suryavarman II, this massive temple complex is dedicated to Vishnu and features five iconic lotus-bud towers rising 65 meters high. Explore the intricate bas-reliefs covering over 1,800 square meters, depicting scenes from Hindu epics and historical battles. After breakfast, continue to Angkor Thom, the last and most enduring capital of the Khmer Empire, enclosed by a massive square wall and moat. Visit the Bayon Temple, famous for its 216 serene smiling stone faces carved onto 54 towers, and the Terrace of the Elephants with its detailed carvings of war elephants and marching soldiers. After lunch, explore Ta Prohm, the “jungle temple” made famous by the film Tomb Raider, where massive silk-cotton and strangler fig trees grow over the ancient stone ruins, creating a magical atmosphere where nature and architecture intertwine. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 3: Lesser-Known Temples & Floating Village

Morning venture further afield to visit Banteay Srei, the “Citadel of the Women,” a 10th-century temple renowned for its exquisite pink sandstone carvings considered the finest in all of Angkor. The intricate depictions of Hindu mythology, dancing apsaras, and floral motifs are breathtaking in their detail. On the way back, stop at Banteay Samre, a beautifully restored Hindu temple in the Angkor Wat style. After lunch, take a boat tour to a floating village on Tonle Sap Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. Explore the unique communities of stilted and floating houses, schools, churches, and even floating crocodile farms. Learn about the lives of the villagers who depend on the lake’s rich fishing grounds. Witness the dramatic sunset over the lake before returning to Siem Reap. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 4: Siem Reap to Phnom Penh

After breakfast, transfer to Siem Reap airport for a short flight to Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s capital city located at the confluence of the Mekong, Tonle Sap, and Bassac rivers. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and begin exploring the city. Visit the Royal Palace, an opulent complex of buildings serving as the official residence of the King of Cambodia, featuring the Silver Pagoda with its floor of over 5,000 silver tiles and the Emerald Buddha. Continue to the National Museum, housing the world’s finest collection of Khmer art including sculptures, bronzes, and ceramics spanning from prehistory to the post-Angkor period. After lunch, take a somber but important visit to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21 Prison), a former high school turned detention center where an estimated 17,000 people were imprisoned and tortured under the Khmer Rouge regime. In the evening, enjoy a sunset cruise along the Mekong River. Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Day 5: Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville

Morning visit the Choeung Ek Killing Fields, located about 17 kilometers outside the city, where over 17,000 prisoners from S-21 were executed and buried in mass graves. A memorial stupa containing over 8,000 human skulls stands as a haunting reminder of the atrocities committed between 1975 and 1979. After this emotional visit, return to the city for lunch and some free time to explore the Russian Market (Psar Toul Tom Poung) for souvenirs, clothing, and Khmer handicrafts. In the afternoon, transfer to Phnom Penh airport for a flight to Sihanoukville (or take a private car transfer of approximately 3-4 hours). Upon arrival at this coastal resort town, check into your beachfront hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day relaxing on Ochheuteal Beach, a 3-kilometer stretch of golden sand. Overnight in Sihanoukville.

Day 6: Island Hopping & Beach Relaxation

Board a boat for a full-day island hopping excursion in the Gulf of Thailand. Visit Koh Rong Samloem, a pristine island known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, white sand beaches, and vibrant coral reefs perfect for snorkeling. Swim among tropical fish, relax on the beach, and enjoy a barbecue lunch prepared on board or on the island. Stop at Koh Rong, the larger island with its laid-back backpacker vibe and stunning beaches including Long Beach (Sok San Beach), a 7-kilometer stretch of untouched sand. Keep an eye out for the bioluminescent plankton that glows in the water at night. Return to Sihanoukville in the late afternoon and enjoy a seafood dinner at a beachfront restaurant. Overnight in Sihanoukville.

Day 7: Departure

Enjoy a final breakfast with ocean views. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for a last swim, a beach walk, or a visit to the local market for souvenirs. Transfer to Sihanoukville International Airport (or back to Phnom Penh) for your departure flight, concluding your 7-day Cambodian adventure of temples, history, and tropical 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