9 days in Cambodia: temples & beaches tour

Siem Reap

Day 1: Welcome To Siem Reap, Home Of The Angkor Temples!

Welcome to Siem Reap!

It's a small town, situated on the bank of a river and filled with resorts and hotels, but do not mistake it with a bustling touristic town like Phuket.

An example of its peaceful environment is a law according to which no house can be taller than the Angkor towers. 

In the evening you are free to discover Siem Reap’s nightlife at the night market or Pub Street. You can also find a wide range of authentic, locally-produced products, as well as magnificent foods to taste.

Stay in Siem Reap overnight. 

Angkor Wat - Angkor Thom - Ta Prohm

Day 2: Watch The Sunrise At Angkor Wat Temple

Get up in the early morning and ride a tuk-tuk to view the sunrise in front of Angkor Wat temple. 

Come back to your hotel for breakfast. Then, you'll visit the picturesque ruins of Ta Prohm, which have nearly disappeared into the jungle. It's an oddly haunting and exotic scene.

You'll continue your tour by visiting the intricately carved Khmer ruins at Angkor Wat, one of the world’s most impressive temple sites.

You'll explore the mysterious Royal City of Angkor Thom. Its 54-tower temple is an awesome sight.

At first, it seems a shapeless mass of stone, but further scrutiny reveals a face, and then another and another! Contemplate spirituality and the passing of time in this magnificent place.

Other sites to visit include the Baphou, Elephant Terraces, Leper King Terrace, and the Royal Place area.

Siem Reap - Beng Mealea - Banteay Srei

Day 3: Discover A Hidden Jungle Temple

You don't have to go far from Siem Reap to escape the crowds of Angkor.

After a short drive to Beng Mealea you'll find an incredible hidden jungle temple.

Exploring the Beng  Mealea site is an adventure in itself, climbing over piles or stones, scrambling up walls and swing around trees, but it ’s worth it. The site was built during the reign of King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century. The basic layout is three enclosing galleries around a central sanctuary. You'll discover carvings of scenes from Hindu mythology, including the Churning of the Sea of Milk and Vishnu being borne by the bird god Garuda.  

In the afternoon, continue driving to the rural outskirts 35km from the Angkor area to visit the magnificent, 10th century Banteay Srei temple, dedicated to Shiva. 

On the way back to Siem Reap you will visit the Banteay Samre Temple, which is adorned with impressive reliefs.

Kampong Khleang - Phnom Penh

Day 4: Witness Daily Life In Cambodia's Villages

Take a morning transfer out of Siem Reap to a beautiful village in the countryside.

You will start to walk through the houses, witnessing the daily life of the locals and you will the small shops where they sell food on the side of small streets.

Enjoy a view of this wonderful area and interact with the kind people of the village.

Take a walk through the rice paddies and see a family working, making rice wine or handicrafts.

Meanwhile, a member of the family will offer you a fresh coconut and some homemade rice wine to taste. 

Hop in your van and drive to the next destination, a floating community!

You'll take a boat to visit the floating village (recommended from September to February). 

Take in some incredible sights of life on the water!

If you like, you can arrange some kayaking on Tonle Sap Lake at an additional cost.

Royal Place - Tuol Sleng Museum - Cheung Ek

Day 5: Discover The Impressive History Of Cambodia

Set out on your city tour.

First, you'll visit the Royal Palace, built in 1866 by King Norodom. See the Silver Pagoda, so named because of its floor, which is made up of 5,000 silver tiles.

Then, visit Tuol Sleng Museum, a reminder of the Khmer Rouge regime. The peaceful stretch of green fields of Cheung Ek may not indicate what kinds of horrors have taken place there. Situated 17km from Phnom Penh town, Cheung Ek was made famous by the movie The Killing Fields.

Nowadays, a large memorial has been built to commemorate the 17,000 victims who died here under the reign of Khmer Rouge leader, Pol Pot. This journey into Cambodia’s past will provide you with a background on the cruelty of the Khmer Rouge regime, but it will also give you an appreciation of the struggle that Cambodian people have faced and their tremendous courage to move on and rebuild their nation.

You'll also visit the Russian market.

Sihanoukville

Day 6: Start Your Restful Beach Vacation In Sihanouville

Don’t miss out on Cambodia's sandy beaches and beautiful clear blue water! 

Sihanoukville's beaches are some of the most stunning in Asia.  

After breakfast, you'll be transferred to Sihanouville. The journey takes 5 hours and then you can spend the rest of the day enjoying the beach!

Sihanoukville

Day 7: What Beach Activities Do You Want to Do Today?

Make this your dream vacation by customizing your trip. Whether you want to just relax on the sandy beaches and admire the clear blue water, or join active watersport activities such as swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving, Sihanoukville has a lot to offer. 

Speak to our local expert to book additional activities.

Sihanoukville - Phnom Penh

Day 8: Enjoy Another Day In Sihanoukville

You have another day to enjoy and explore Sihanoukville before transferring back to Phnom Penn.

Make sure you soak up the relaxing atmosphere here, take a swim, and enjoy yourself!

Phnom Penh

Day 9: Farewell Cambodia!

Your Cambodian adventure has come to an end.

We hope you have many amazing memories to treasure as you begin your journey home!