5 Days in Cambodia: How to Make the Most of a Short Trip
There are some destinations that linger in your mind long before you ever set foot there. For me, Cambodia was one of them. I had dreamed of visiting for years, mainly because of Angkor Wat—the world’s largest religious monument and an icon of Southeast Asia.
This small country holds so much more than just its ancient temples though. Its history is both fascinating and heartbreaking, shaped by the grandeur of the Khmer Empire and the devastating Khmer Rouge regime of the late 20th century. While today Cambodia is moving forward, its tragic past still echoes in many places you’ll visit.
If you’re short on time, five days will only give you a small glimpse of what Cambodia has to offer, but with the right itinerary, you can make the most of it. This guide will take you through a three-stop journey, balancing city vibes, history, and a well-deserved beach escape.
📌 Important: Traveling between destinations in Cambodia takes time, so plan accordingly. A half-day is typically needed to get from one place to another. If you’re really pressed for time, consider traveling in the evening or overnight to maximize your days.
Day 1: Siem Reap & Angkor Wat
Your first stop in Cambodia should undoubtedly be Siem Reap, the gateway to the breathtaking Angkor Archaeological Park. This ancient city, once the heart of the Khmer Empire, is home to more than a thousand temples scattered across the jungle. One day isn’t enough to see everything, but with the right plan, you’ll experience the highlights.
Exploring Angkor Wat & the Temples
You’ll need to purchase your electronic Angkor Wat ticket online in advance, as they no longer sell them at the entrance, only at their ticket office in the city. I also highly recommend hiring a local tuk-tuk driver and a guide for the day. Their knowledge will bring the ruins to life, and being in a tuk-tuk makes temple-hopping much smoother.
There are two main routes through Angkor:
✔ The Small Circuit (Short Loop) – Covers the must-see temples, including Angkor Wat, Bayon Temple (with its many stone faces), and Ta Prohm Temple, where nature and ruins intertwine beautifully. This is the most popular route and a great choice if you have limited time.
✔ The Grand Circuit (Long Loop) – Includes the above but extends further to lesser-known but equally impressive temples like Preah Khan and Neak Pean.
Start your day early, ideally before sunrise, to witness Angkor Wat’s silhouette against the morning sky—it’s a moment you won’t forget. Then, make your way to Ta Prohm, often called the “Tomb Raider temple” for its massive tree roots swallowing the ruins. Finally, don’t miss Bayon Temple, but beware—the monkeys here can be aggressive! 🐒
Evening in Siem Reap
After a full day of temple-hopping, it’s time to unwind. Head to Street 8 (Pub Street), where the city comes alive with street markets, live music, and vibrant energy.
For dinner, I went to Mesa and really enjoyed it. If you’re up for trying a Cambodian specialty, order the fish amok—a creamy and flavourful coconut curry dish.
For breakfast the next day, I opted for something more Western at The Little Red Fox, and it was delicious! The staff was also super attentive, making it a great start to the day before I headed to my next destination.
Day 2: Phnom Penh
I’ll be honest—Phnom Penh didn’t capture my heart like other places did, so I wouldn’t recommend spending more than a day here. However, there are a few must-see spots that offer insight into Cambodia’s history and modern charm.
What to See in Phnom Penh
🏛 The Royal Palace & Silver Pagoda – This stunning complex is home to the King of Cambodia. It features beautifully gilded structures, including the famous Silver Pagoda, named for its floor made of pure silver tiles.
🍹 Cocktails at Juniper Rooftop – For the best sunset views over the city and river, head to Juniper Rooftop Bar (or another riverside bar nearby). It’s the perfect spot to unwind from the chaos of the city.
🍽 Dinner at Baldwin’s Bistro – If you’re in the mood for a nice dining experience, I highly recommend this place. The food was excellent, and it’s a great way to wrap up your time in Phnom Penh.
Where to Stay in Phnom Penh
If you’d like to add a little relaxation to your stay, book a night at Penh House Hotel. Their rooftop pool is the perfect to cool down from the city’s heat.
Days 3-5: Koh Rong – A Tropical Paradise
After the temples and city life, it’s time to unwind on Cambodia’s most beautiful island: Koh Rong. The journey here takes time:
🚗 Phnom Penh → Sihanoukville : a 3-3:30 drive
⛴ Sihanoukville → Koh Rong : a 45-min ferry ride
Where to Stay in Koh Rong
In my opinion, the best areas to stay in are Long Set Beach or Kaoh Touch Beach. These spots offer a balance of tranquillity and accessibility to restaurants and activities. Many other accommodations on the island are remote, which can be nice for seclusion but inconvenient if you want various options to eat nearby.
What to Do in Koh Rong
🏖 Relax on Koh Touch Beach or Long Set Beach—wherever your accommodation is, there should be a beach nearby; start your trip by unwinding there!
🛵 Explore the Island by Scooter or Tuk-Tuk – Some highlights include:
Palm Beach – A beautiful, quiet stretch of sand.
Pagoda Beach – Another stunning beach worth visiting.
Praek Svay Fishing Village – A glimpse into traditional island life. Try the food at Natural Kitchen while you’re there.
Sok San Beach – The waters here are some of the clearest I’ve ever seen. It’s honestly breathtaking. I highly recommend visiting at sunset.
🎉 For a fun and social atmosphere, check out Mad Monkey Hostel, where there’s always a good vibe (and they serve a great breakfast).
🐟 For dinner, you must try Barracuda Seafood Restaurant. The grilled fish here is incredible!
⚠ Beware of Sand Flies!
An important warning: sand flies are everywhere on Koh Rong, and you might not realize you’ve been bitten until the itching kicks in later. Bring insect repellent and apply it frequently to avoid the discomfort.
Five days in Cambodia is short, but it’s enough to give you a taste of the country’s rich history. If you have more time, you could extend your stay on Koh Rong Samloem (a quieter neighbouring island) or explore places like Battambang or Kampot.
This trip has left me wanting more, and I hope I’ll be able to return one day. And what about you; is Cambodia on your bucket list? 💗