Arrival in Siem Reap — Sunrise & Angkor Wat
Ideally, arrive the night before to be rested. If you arrive during the day, buy your Angkor pass directly at the airport or at the counter (open from 5 PM) for the next morning.
North basin, reflection of the five towers in the water before dawn. The iconic image of Cambodia. Arrive by 5:15 AM for a good spot. After sunrise, visit the galleries of bas-reliefs (800 m continuous) and climb to the central tower.
The 216 faces of Bayon (Angkor Thom), then the Elephant Terrace (350 m) and the Leper King Terrace. These three sites can be visited in sequence on foot in 1.5-2 hours.
The heat from 12 PM to 3 PM is exhausting. Return, have lunch, and rest. You will have time to return in the afternoon.
Ta Prohm (the giant figs) in the late afternoon, when the groups have left. Banteay Kdei and the Srah Srang basin just opposite — golden light on the water at the end of the day.
First contact with Khmer cuisine: fish amok, lok lak, kuy teav soup. The night market on Street 60 is the most authentic place for a first dinner.
Grand Circuit & Banteay Srei
The second day is quieter in pace but just as rich. The temples of the Grand Circuit and Banteay Srei complete the picture of Angkor.
Leave early for morning light on the pink sandstone. The "citadel of women" is the most finely sculpted temple in Angkor. Plan for 1.5 hours on site.
Preah Khan, a vast monastery-temple of Jayavarman VII (1191), is one of the most atmospheric in the park. Ta Som, smaller, is completely entwined by a fig tree at its eastern entrance.
Lunch in Siem Reap or at stands along the temple road.
Terraced pyramid from the 10th century, view over the Khmer plain. Climb before 5 PM for a good spot at the top. A lesser-known alternative that is just as beautiful as Phnom Bakheng.
If you still have energy after sunset, the National Museum of Angkor (12 USD, closes at 6:30 PM) provides a comprehensive historical context — sculptures, models, chronology of Khmer kings.
Sunrise tours, grand circuit, Banteay Srei + remote temples. Certified English and French speaking guides. Flexible cancellation.
Transit Siem Reap → Phnom Penh
Travel day, but it can be productive. The morning VIP bus drops you off in Phnom Penh in the early afternoon for a first exploration of the capital.
Departure from the Siem Reap bus station. Journey 5.5–6 hours on National Road 6, air-conditioned, WiFi. Arrival around 1:00 PM–1:30 PM in Phnom Penh. Book your ticket the day before — giantibis.com or catmekongexpress.com. Price: 10–15 USD.
Grab from the bus station to your hotel (5–8 USD). Lunch on the way or at the hotel. The BKK1 area or the riverside are the most convenient zones.
The Royal Palace closes at 5 PM — if you arrive early enough, you can still enter (entrance 10 USD). Otherwise, a walk along the Riverside in the late afternoon facing the confluence of the Mekong and Tonle Sap is worth it. Markets, street food vendors, sunset over the river.
The FCC, on the Riverside, is an institution in the city with a terrace overlooking the Mekong. The BKK1 area has the best contemporary Cambodian restaurants in Phnom Penh.
Phnom Penh — Royal Palace, National Museum, S-21
An intense but essential day. The grandeur of the Royal Palace in the morning, then the tragic history of the Khmer Rouge regime in the afternoon. S-21 is not a light visit — allow time to decompress afterward.
The official residence of the King of Cambodia. The Silver Pagoda (floor made of solid silver tiles, Emerald Buddha, 90 kg solid gold Buddha with 9,584 diamonds) is the highlight of the visit. Plan for 1.5–2 hours. Shoulders and knees must be covered.
A stone's throw from the Royal Palace, the most beautiful Khmer art museum in the world. Statues of Vishnu, Bayon heads, bronzes, EFEO collections. Essential for understanding what you saw at Angkor. Entrance 10 USD, allow 1 hour.
The Russian Market (Psar Tuol Tom Poung) is both a curiosity market and a lively area with good street restaurants around. A good transition between the cultural morning and the historical afternoon.
The former school converted into a detention and torture center by the Khmer Rouge (1975-1979). An essential but emotionally difficult memorial site. Allow 1.5–2 hours. The audio guide (available in French) is highly recommended — it gives voice to survivors.
After S-21, a walk along the Mekong banks at sunset allows you to rest your emotions. There are many cafes with river views in this area.
Choeung Ek & Departure
Last morning for the Killing Fields if you feel up to it — it's 15 km from the city center. Then shopping, coffee, and departure. If your flight is early, spend day 5 exploring the markets and the central area.
15 km south of the center, Choeung Ek is the main execution site of the Khmer Rouge. The central stupa houses the skulls of 5,000 victims. The audio guide (included in the entrance fee of 6 USD) is remarkable — testimonies from survivors and former Khmer Rouge. Duration: 1.5 hours. Can be combined with S-21 if you couldn't do it the day before.
The Central Market (1937, Art Deco architecture in a cross shape under a yellow dome) is one of the most beautiful covered markets in Southeast Asia. Perfect for last-minute shopping and souvenirs: Khmer silks, spices, stone sculptures.
Phnom Penh Airport is 10 km from the center, about 20-30 minutes by Grab (5-8 USD). Allow 2 hours before your flight for formalities.
Guided tours in French with transport included. Combined tours S-21 + Choeung Ek on the same day. Free cancellation 24 hours in advance.