Cambodia is well-known around the world for its breathtaking temples, particularly the magnificent Angkor complex. Beyond these historic treasures, the country also offers spectacular island hideaways that remain relatively undiscovered by tourists. This 10-day Cambodia itinerary combines the cultural richness of Siem Reap with the unexpectedly stunning beaches of Koh Rong.
At A Glance
Itinerary Overview
Best Time To Visit
Cambodia’s weather follows a tropical pattern with two main seasons. The dry season (November to April) offers the most comfortable conditions for exploring the temples of Angkor. While December and January provide ideal weather with cooler temperatures and minimal rainfall, these months also bring larger crowds.
The wet season (May to October) has its own advantages – lush green landscapes, fewer tourists, dramatic skies perfect for photography, and lower prices. Afternoon downpours are common, though they typically last just a couple of hours.
The best months for Koh Rong are November to February, when the days are sunny, and the sea is calm and clear for snorkeling. March to May brings higher temperatures but still favorable conditions. From July to October, the island sees heavy rains, which can last several days at a time.
Siem Reap
Siem Reap serves as the gateway to the magnificent Angkor temple complex, drawing millions of visitors each year. While most travelers come specifically to explore these ancient Khmer ruins, the city has evolved into much more than just a base for temple-hopping. Vibrant food markets, charming villages nearby, and traditional crafts workshops – Siem Reap offers plenty to discover between temple visits.
Although Siem Reap is the second-largest city in Cambodia, the compact city center is easily navigable on foot or by tuk-tuk.
Getting there: Getting to Siem Reap requires some planning as there are no direct flights from Europe, America, or Australia. Most international visitors need to connect through major Southeast Asian hubs like Bangkok, Singapore, Ho Chi Minh City, or Hanoi before catching a short flight to Siem Reap Angkor International Airport (SAI).
Where to stay:
- Sala Lodges ($$) – This is where we stayed: authentic traditional Khmer wooden houses on stilts, transported from across Cambodia and reassembled to create a unique village-like atmosphere. Though carefully preserved from the outside, they offer all modern comforts inside.
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- Jaya House River Park ($$) – Peaceful riverside retreat featuring two swimming pools, an admirable plastic-free policy, and exceptional personal service.
- Viroth’s Hotel ($$) – Stylish 1950s-inspired design hotel featuring lots of welcoming public spaces, a saltwater pool, and consistently top-rated service.
- Zannier Phum Baitang ($$$) – Luxury resort designed like a traditional Cambodian village with private thatched villas, expansive rice paddies, and an authentic rural experience just minutes from town.
Activities & Experiences: Angkor temples, Tonlé Sap Lake floating villages, Phnom Kulen Waterfall, Old Market, Pub Street, Wat Bo Monastery, Apsara dance performance
Koh Rong Archipelago
Koh Rong delivers the island paradise experience many travelers don’t expect to find in Cambodia. Often called the ‘Maldives of Cambodia,’ this stunning island boasts powdery white sand beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters comparable to the world’s top tropical destinations. One of Koh Rong’s most magical experiences happens after dark, when bioluminescent plankton illuminate the water.
Getting there: Koh Rong is accessible by a 45-minute ferry ride from Sihanoukville, the nearest mainland town with an airport. Moreover, luxury resorts often provide transfers by their own boats for added comfort and convenience. Air Cambodia operates domestic flights between Siem Reap and Sihanoukville, with the direct journey taking approximately one hour. Be sure to check the schedule when planning your trip, as these flights only run on certain days of the week.
Where to stay:
- Song Saa Private Island ($$$$) – This is where we stayed: an exclusive eco-luxury resort spread across two pristine islands connected by a footbridge. Beautifully designed villas, impeccable service, and commitment to sustainability perfectly balance luxury with environmental consciousness.
- The Royal Sands ($$$) – Elegant beachfront resort offering stylish villas with private pools, situated on the spectacular Long Beach.
Activities & Experiences: Beaches, bioluminescent plankton, snorkeling, kayaking, Prek Svay fishing village
Day 1: Siem Reap Arrival
Day 1 begins with your arrival at Siem Reap Angkor International Airport (SAI). Taxis can be found outside the terminal, but we recommend pre-arranging your transfer. Expect the journey to take about an hour to reach your accommodation in the city.
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In Siem Reap, we recommend staying at the Sala Lodges. Inspired by the unique charm of Cambodian architecture, this special property features authentic Khmer wooden houses carefully selected from various provinces and reassembled to create a village-like setting. Each of the 11 houses has its history and local artisan touches while offering modern comforts. Their restaurant serves excellent Cambodian cuisine that rivals the best in town, using fresh ingredients from local markets.
In the evening, immerse yourself in Cambodian culture with a traditional Apsara dance performance and dinner. Several venues in town offer these shows, but we personally chose the Apsara Theatre within Angkor Village Hotel – the oldest Khmer traditional dance theatre in Siem Reap. The dancers tell ancient stories through elegant hand gestures while creating a magical introduction to Cambodia’s rich artistic heritage. We found both the cultural performance and dinner to be excellent.
Day 2: Angkor and Tonlé Sap lake
Begin your morning with an exploration of the magnificent Angkor temples. While Angkor Wat is the most famous, the archaeological park contains hundreds of stunning temples.
We recommend starting with Preah Khan and Ta Som temples, which offer a more peaceful introduction to Angkor.
For the second half of your day, head to Tonlé Sap Lake to visit the fascinating floating village of Kompong Phluk. From August to January, you can also take a tranquil boat ride through a flooded mangrove forest. The lake tour offers a glimpse into a completely different way of life in Cambodia while making a perfect contrast to the morning temple exploration.
Day 3: Angkor Temples
Start your day by visiting the famous Ta Prohm temple as soon as it opens. This iconic site, where massive tree roots embrace ancient walls, is best experienced before the crowds arrive. Continue your morning with explorations of less-visited Ta Nei and Banteay Kdei temples, away from the main tourist routes.
Return to your hotel for lunch and some rest during the hottest part of the day. Once midday heat passes, witness a traditional water blessing ceremony at a little Buddhist monastery near the Preah Palilay temple. This spiritual experience provides insight into local religious practices and creates a moment of tranquility in your temple-hopping journey.
Afterward, explore the hidden maze-like corridor of the Terrace of the Leper King. This lesser-known treasure offers some of the most impressive carvings in all of Angkor.
End your day at the unique and breathtakingly beautiful Bayon temple. We recommend staying until closing time – during the final 30 minutes, we found ourselves practically alone among the 216 smiling faces.
Day 4: Phnom Kulen
Dedicate today to exploring Phnom Kulen, a sacred mountain about 50km from Siem Reap. This full-day excursion takes you to one of Cambodia’s holiest sites, where locals come to pray and make offerings.
Your visit includes the River of a Thousand Lingas, with underwater carvings in the riverbed. Further up the mountain, you’ll find a massive reclining Buddha statue impressively carved from a single boulder. You may also have a special opportunity to receive a blessing from a monk at this sacred place.
Later in the day, you’ll reach the beautiful Phnom Kulen waterfall, where you can swim in the natural pool below the cascading water. Surrounded by jungle, the cool water provides the perfect relief from Cambodia’s heat.
On your return journey to Siem Reap, stop at the temple of Banteay Srei. The late afternoon light enhances the warm hues of pink sandstone, making this a perfect final stop of the day.
Day 5: Siem Reap And Angkor Wat
Start your morning with a visit to Siem Reap’s Old Market. Wander through the colorful stalls with fresh fruits and vegetables, sample some local food, and perhaps pick up unique souvenirs from the surrounding craft shops.
Afterward, explore Wat Bo Monastery, one of Siem Reap’s oldest and most beautiful. It remains off the typical tourist path and offers a glimpse into monks’ religious life.
Finally, it’s time to see Cambodia’s crown jewel – Angkor Wat. As the world’s largest religious monument, this awe-inspiring temple showcases the extraordinary skills of the Khmer civilization. Take your time to explore the extensive galleries, which feature detailed bas-reliefs depicting historical events and mythology.
Day 6: Siem Reap To Koh Rong
Leave the temples behind and head to tropical paradise as you depart Siem Reap for the coast. First, take a 1-hour domestic flight from Siem Reap to Sihanoukville. From there, transfers can be arranged for the 20-minute drive to the port, followed by a 45-minute speedboat ride to Koh Rong.
Song Saa Private Island offers a secluded island retreat where nothing disturbs the peace except the sound of lapping waves. Each of the resort’s 24 villas features a private infinity pool. Think of anything an island vacation should have – hammocks swinging between palm trees, barefoot dinners on the beach, snorkeling in crystal waters – and you’ll find it here. If you’re feeling adventurous, the main island of Koh Rong is just a short boat ride away.
Day 7: Song Saa Private Island
Enjoy a relaxed day embracing island life at Song Saa. Start with breakfast at the overwater restaurant, then take a dip in your private pool, or simply lounge in a hammock with a good book. The day is yours to enjoy at your own pace.
Look out for hidden Robinson Crusoe messages in a bottle, each stocked with a nice surprise.
During the latter part of the day, join the resort’s chef for a Cambodian cooking class. Learn to prepare authentic Khmer dishes using fresh local ingredients while gaining insight into the country’s culinary traditions. The skills you acquire will serve as a delicious souvenir long after your trip ends.
Day 8: Picnic On Long Beach
Book a speedboat or a traditional longtail boat and head to one of Koh Rong’s beaches for a private picnic. Imagine a luxury beach experience, complete with beautifully set umbrellas, comfortable pillows, and gourmet meals prepared by the chef. Every detail is thoughtfully arranged, creating a perfect beach picnic setting.
We went to Koh Rong’s Long Beach, a spectacular 7km stretch of drop-dead gorgeous white sand beach. The crystal-clear water, squeaky sand, and not another soul in sight made it easy to see why it’s considered one of Cambodia’s best-kept secrets.
At nighttime, you can see the mesmerising bioluminescent plankton right on Song Saa beach if luck is on your side. Wade into shallow water and watch your movements trigger a galaxy of blue sparkles around you.
Day 9: Koh Rong
Explore more of Koh Rong with a full-day boat tour around the island. Visit several of its stunning beaches, making sure to stop at the secluded Lonely Beach and picture-perfect Palm Beach. Take time to visit Prek Svay village for a glimpse of local island life away from the resorts.
Day 10: Song Saa Private Island
Savor your final day in paradise with a relaxed schedule at Song Saa Private Island, taking time to enjoy any activities you might have missed. Perhaps go for a final snorkeling session to spot colorful fish among the coral reefs, pamper yourself to a spa day, or simply lounge by your private pool soaking in the views one last time. As the day ends, enjoy a special farewell dinner while you watch the sun set over the Gulf of Thailand.
Marina & Alex, it’s a wonderful travelogue. Thanks for visiting Siem Reap