Cambodia Itinerary 4 Days- Best Sights And Tips

If you would like to visit Southeast Asia and be entranced by a magical place, full of culture and stories from the past, Cambodia is a must-visit destination and we have the perfect Cambodia 4 days itinerary for you.

WWB Writer Sabrina will take you through the places that hold the stories of Cambodia in this  4 days Cambodia Itinerary.

Cambodia is home to one of the most important archeological sites of SouthEast Asia; the Angkor. 

It has risen in popularity after the filming of Tomb Raider in 2000 which took place at the temple of Ta Phrom. Despite the popularity of the Angkor, there are many other attractions worth visiting which we will highlight in the Cambodia itinerary for 4 days.

Besides the Angkor, Cambodia is also known for the brutal Khmer Rouge era during the 1970s where the ruler Pol Pot held reign and executed an estimated 1.5 million to 2 million Cambodians during that era. 

Some sites still stand today that serve as a reminder of the cruelty of that era.

Cambodia is a place rich in culture, with breath-taking scenes, interesting stories, and deep history. It can easily take 7 days to properly explore the main attractions in Cambodia, but if you are short on time, our suggested Cambodia 4 days 3 nights itinerary will cover all that you need to see. 

This Siem Reap and Phnom Penh itinerary will cover both locations that are synonymous with Cambodia. You can’t miss out on these two places if you are making a trip to Cambodia!

DISCLOSURE

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Related Posts On Travel In Cambodia:

• An Epic 7 Cambodia Day Itinerary

Cambodia Itinerary 4 Days: Siem Reap And Phnom Penh

Day 1: 

• Arrival in Siem Reap
• Khmer Cooking Class 
• Apsara Dance Performance

Day 2:

• Catch the Sunrise at Angkor Wat
• Explore the Angkor
• Pub Street

Day 3:

• Travel to Phnom Penh by Bus
• Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum
• Choeung Ek Genocidal Center

Day 4:

• Royal Palace
• Central Market
• Depart Phnom Penh

Disclosure

Some of the links on here are affiliate links and I may earn if you click on them, AT NO EXTRA COST to you. Hope you find the information here useful! Thank you.

Day 1

Arrival In Siem Reap

You should plan for an early morning arrival in Siem Reap as the Cambodia 4 days Itinerary is packed out to make the most of your time in Cambodia.

If you travel during the non-peak periods which are the monsoon months from June to  September, speak to your accommodation to see if early check-in is possible.

Tip: Slot in some time to head over to the Angkor Park Pass Ticketing Counter to purchase your tickets between 5.00 pm – 5.30 pm for the next day so that you can catch the sunrise at Angkor Wat! 

You may even get a free pass for the day to explore some temples nearby if you purchase your tickets after 5.00 pm.

Fee: USD 37 (for a 1-day pass)

Attend A Khmer Cooking Class

A lot of cultures depend on their food to draw people in, highlight the special characteristics and tell the history of their culture. The Khmer culture is no different.

Experience Khmer cuisine upon arriving in Siem Reap to kick start your journey by joining a cooking class! 

This experience will allow you to explore the local morning market and shop for your fresh ingredients, indulge in popular local dishes that you have made, and learn the secrets of authentic Khmer dishes.

Fee: USD 19 onwards

Marvel At An Apsara Dance Performance

No trip to Cambodia is complete without attending an Apsara dance performance. 

The Apsara dance is a traditional Khmer dance and an important aspect of the Khmer culture. Try to find time in your Cambodia 4 days itinerary to enjoy a performance.

There are many types of Apsara dance performances and it is usually bundled with a dinner package. You can opt to attend just the dance performance at certain locations if you prefer having your dinner elsewhere.

The Apsara dance performance is held at several venues that you can explore based on your budget. Some places offer free performances for their customers who are dining in. 

Check them out and call ahead to book in advance to secure the best seats near the stage.

Fee: USD 6 onwards

Day 2

Catch The Sunrise At Angkor Wat

There are many beautiful sunrise sceneries in every part of the world, but the one at Angkor Wat is like no other. 

Watching the sunrise at Angkor Wat transports you to a moment of serenity as you look at Angkor Wat in its full glory against the backdrop of the rising sun. 

Despite the crowd, it is the most majestic thing that you will see during your time in Cambodia in 4 days.

It is advisable to start your day early at the Angkor as well as there is plenty to explore!

The timing of the sunrise at Angkor Wat differs according to the season, so do check with your guide or hotel on the timing so that you don’t miss it. The entry to Angkor Wat opens at 5 am, it is worth sacrificing your sleep to get there as early as possible to book the best spot.

If you are looking to get in a great photograph or even the best spot to stand for one of the most beautiful sunrises in the world, it would be by the left reflection pond which is the most popular place to watch the sunrise.

You must remember to purchase your tickets the day before between 5.00 pm – 5.30 pm to ease your way through your sunrise experience.

Fee: USD 37 (for a 1-day pass)

Visiting hours: 5.00 am – 6.00 pm (do note that Banteay Srei Temple closes at 5.00 pm)

Explore The Angkor Archeological Park 

Once you have watched the sunrise at Angkor Wat, you can then proceed to explore the grounds of the Angkor Wat. 

The Angkor Wat spans far and wide, exploring it will take roughly 2-3 hours or more depending on the crowd and also how long you stop for photographs. You will be surprised to learn that Angkor Wat is one of the many temples there that you can visit.

The grounds of the Angkor are massive and it will take some time to explore, which some people are not aware of. It gets tiring under the heat as well as there is a lot to cover on foot. 

Do bring an umbrella and a large bottle of drinking water to quench your thirst. 

Make sure to wear appropriate clothing that covers your knees and shoulders too so that you can fully explore the temple grounds as some guarded areas require proper dressing to explore.

It is impossible to visit all the temples in the Angkor Archeological Park in one day, if you are not short on time, do consider extending your trip to explore Cambodia in 5 days and use that extra day to come back to the Angkor Archeological Park.

If you do not have time, the temples listed below are the must-visits as they are the most popular and beautiful temples in the Angkor Archeological Park which you can cover in 1 day without feeling too overwhelmed.

• Angkor Wat
• Angkor Thom (South Gate)
• Bayon Temple
• Banteay Srei
• Elephant and Leper King Terrace
• Ta Phrom

You can refer to a map of the Angkor Archeological Park to optimize your travel time at the park. The best mode of transportation is via a tuk-tuk as some areas are not accessible via larger vehicles.

Fee: USD 37 (for a 1-day pass)

Visiting hours: 5.00 am – 6.00 pm (do note that Banteay Srei closes at 5.00 pm)

Pub Street

After a long hot day of walking around the temple, head on over to Pub Street to get a cold beer (or iced tea) and relax the night away. There are many bars around the area for you to explore.

You can get a foot massage as well for as low as USD 3, there will be a few shops around the area so look around and choose the one that you like.

There will be stalls selling food along the street for some light snacking. 

You will see stalls selling their local delicacy of fried insects as well. If you are adventurous and have a strong stomach, do try some!

If you are not keen on hanging out at a bar, you can walk over to the ANM Khmer Market for some shopping. Make sure to put on your bargaining hat and bargain for a decent price as the sellers usually price their goods at a higher price. 

Day 3

Travel To Phnom Penh By Bus

The time spent in Siem Reap is short, but we would need to make sure that we spend our time in Cambodia for 4 days 3 nights exploring as much as we can.

Book a bus to Phnom Penh and try to get an early trip so that you have time to explore Phnom Penh in the afternoon. The average travel duration is roughly around 6-7 hours and the earliest bus departs at 6.30 am.

You can book your bus online to save the trouble of going to the ticketing counter.

There are other ways that you can travel to Phnom Penh, via a private taxi, plane, or ferry depending on your budget and availability of tickets.

Fee: USD 9 onwards

The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum

A visit to Phnom Penh will not be complete without a visit to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. 

The museum is located in the heart of Phnom Penh and tells the tragic tale of the cruelty during the Khmer Rouge regime. It acts as a memorial site of the S-21 interrogation and detention center during the regime.

Tickets are available only at the ticketing booth at the museum. Make sure you dress appropriately with your knees and shoulders covered as a show of respect to Cambodian culture.

Note: This place is not suitable for people who are mentally or emotionally vulnerable due to the nature of the exhibition.

Fee: USD 5 (adults), USD 3 (ages 3-18)

Opening hours: 8.00 am – 5.00 pm

The Choeung Ek Genocidal Center

The Choeung Ek Genocidal Center was once an orchard that served as an execution ground during the Khmer Rouge regime.

 It is also known as the ‘Killing Field’  as it is believed to be the largest one where detainees at the S-21 prison were brought to be executed. Innocent men, women, children, and infants were brought here to be murdered.

Both the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and Choeung Ek Genocidal Center tell a harrowing story and are not suitable for those who are easily imprinted with images of brutality.

It is necessary though to visit these places to understand the history of the cruelty inflicted on the people of Cambodia. These centers now stand to tell the stories of the innocents and survivors to encourage people to be advocates for peace.

Fee: USD8 (with audio tour) 

Opening hours: 7.30 am – 5.30 pm

Day 4

Central Market

Central Market, known as Phsar Thmei by the locals is the largest market in central Phnom Penh. It is also said to be one of the largest in the whole of Asia under the largest dome structure in Asia.

The market comes with its history as well after being built by the French Protectorate of Cambodia in 1937 to replace the swamp that was once there and has gone through several refurbishments since.

You can find anything you need at the market and is the perfect place to find souvenirs or local delicacies for the final day of your trip before departing Cambodia. As with all markets in Cambodia, remember to bargain to get the best prices for your goods as the prices are usually inflated especially for tourists.

Opening hours: 6.30 am – 5.30 pm

Depart Phnom Penh

Depending on the time of your flight and energy levels, you might want to check out the Royal Palace of Cambodia, located about 7-10 minutes away from the Central Market by tuk-tuk.

The Royal Palace is open from 8.00 am to 10.30 am and 2.00 pm to 5.00 pm daily and requires an entrance fee of USD 6.50.

The places suggested in the Cambodia 4 days itinerary encompass the key attractions that Cambodia is known for. There are of course other places of interest as well which you can explore if you plan for a longer trip.

If planning the 4-day trip seems too much for you, there are options to book a Cambodia 4 days tour package too. There are a variety of tours available depending on your time and budget available.

Are 2 Days Enough For Angkor Wat?

If you do not have an option to stay longer, 2 days would be sufficient for you to explore Angkor Wat. 

Angkor Wat is the main temple in the Angkor Archeological Park and spans about 402 acres of land but it should take only about ½ a day to 1 day to explore it depending on how thorough you would like to be. 

Many other temples around the Angkor Archeological Park are worth exploring which you can spend the extra time at.

What Is The Best Month To Visit Cambodia?

Cambodia is hot all year round but it does have months where there will be more rainy days due to the monsoon from May to October. 

The most popular months to visit Cambodia would be during the dry months from November to April. In the dry months, there are cooler months too from November to January which are the peak period for tourists. 

From March to May, the temperature peaks at 30°C and above and can be uncomfortably hot especially if you are planning to visit the Angkor or do a lot of outdoor walking.

How Many Days Do You Need To See Cambodia?

The duration recommended for exploring Cambodia varies according to the activities that you are interested in.

Discovering Cambodia in 3 days is possible, but you will be rushed throughout your stay. You can even plan an itinerary for up to 10 days and you will be kept occupied during your stay.

Other than Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, there are other locations of interest in Cambodia too. These places are less explored than Siem Reap and Phnom Penh but they all feature a different side of Cambodia.

Should you be short on time, you can refer to the itinerary above and only visit Siem Reap to make it a Cambodia itinerary for 3 days.

Where To Stay In Cambodia?

Accommodation in Cambodia is affordable and the type of accommodation ranges from budget to luxury. 

The range of prices that you can expect varies from USD 10/night to USD 280/night, therefore this depends on your budget.

In Siem Reap:

If you are a budget traveler here are some options

If you are a flashpacker looking for boutique hotels, here are some options 

If you are a luxury traveler, here are some options 

In Phnom Penh:

If you are a budget traveler here are some options

If you are a flashpacker looking for boutique hotels, here are some options 

If you are a luxury traveler, here are some options

In Siem Reap, the best area to stay in would be the Old French Quarter for central access to the Angkor, Wat Bo Road Area if you are on a budget, and around the Old Market if you are looking to explore the nightlife scene.

In Phnom Penh, the best areas to stay in would be Riverfront District for easy access to restaurants, bars, and shops around the area, Sangkat Voat Phunm if you are on a budget, and BKK1 to explore the nightlife scene.

What To Eat In Cambodia?

Cambodian cuisine, like other cuisines in the world, is heavily influenced by the availability of local ingredients. Therefore, it is no surprise to see rice and freshwater fish on every menu in restaurants and even in the local’s homes.

The flavors in Cambodian cuisine shares many common notes from that of their neighboring countries, Thailand and Vietnam. They differentiate it by adding ingredients local to Cambodia and catering it to the palate of the locals. 

There is an extensive list of Cambodian cuisines that visitors have to try, but if there is only so much you can eat during your stay, you have to try:

• the amok (the local curry dish with typically fish or seafood),
• nhoam krauch thlong (pomelo salad), and
• nom bahn chok (Khmer noodles topped with fish-based green curry).

How To Get Around In Cambodia?

The best and cheapest way to get around in Cambodia is via a tuk-tuk. The tuk-tuk is a vehicle where a motorbike is connected to a carriage either on the back or at the side of the motorbike. It is one of the most common forms of transportation in Cambodia and amazing for short trips around town, remember to bargain and agree on the price before you get on the tuk-tuk.

If you are traveling in a big group and will be making multiple stops, it would be good to charter a private taxi service for comfort and ease of traveling in a group. Prices start from USD 88 and vary according to your location and number of people.

In-town taxis are available as well, you need to make sure that these taxis use their meter or negotiate the fare beforehand.

Taking the bus is the cheapest option for inter-provincial travel. You can book your bus tickets online and browse through your preferred bus company, timing, and fee. 

Unique Tips You Should Know When Visiting Cambodia.

• Carry around a light cardigan and sarong so that you can put them on if the location requires you to cover up to enter.
• Cambodia uses USD, even for their street stalls.
• Tap water in Cambodia is not safe to drink, bring your bottle of water or drink only from bottled water. You can consider purchasing water purification bottles to be kind to the environment like this from GRAYL or Lifestraw.
• It is generally safe for tourists and travelers, but always remember to be mindful of your belongings as snatch theft does occur occasionally.
• There are some common scams in Cambodia which you have to look out for. The most common would be the tuk-tuk scam. Avoid the tuk-tuk scam by booking a tuk-tuk through your hotel for your Angkor trip.
• Do not engage with any suspicious-looking individuals or you can pretend to not understand them to avoid allowing the scammers an opportunity to engage you.

Cambodia is a country full of exciting discoveries. Make sure to put it in your plans if you are planning a trip to Southeast Asia.

Cambodia Itinerary 4 Days- Best Sights And Tips