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7 Days In Cambodia - Siem Reap To Battambang Phnom Penh By Family Lea

Traveling to Cambodia is a life-changing experience. We, the Lea family from Canada, spent 7 days in Cambodia, exploring Siem Reap to Battambang Phnom Penh. This journey, through the remnants of ancient empires, lush landscapes, and the warmest of smiles - left a lasting impression on us. From the sun-kissed temples of Angkor to the floating villages on Tonle Sap lake, each moment was an invitation to slow down, to feel deeply, and to marvel together. Cambodia isn’t just a destination to visit, it’s a place to truly experience. Here is our 7-day Cambodia itinerary, an unforgettable trip to Cambodia in January. We hope our journey inspires you to set off on your own adventure through this captivating kingdom.

I. Where to go in Cambodia 7 days?

For us, a trip to Cambodia wouldn’t have been complete without visiting Siem Reap to Battambang Phnom Penh, three of the country’s most iconic cities. During our 7 days in Cambodia, we had the chance to explore the country’s rich culture, moving history, and vibrant local life.

We began our trip in Siem Reap, the gateway to the famous Angkor temples. We loved strolling through the Siem Reap market, enjoying local ice cream, and attending a captivating Apsara dance show. What to do in Siem Reap? One of the highlights was our boat excursion on Tonle Sap Lake, discovering the floating villages offered us an eye-opening glimpse into an extraordinary and authentic way of life.

Next, we headed to Battambang, a peaceful and charming town where we were captivated by its relaxed and rural atmosphere. What to do in Battambang? The most fun moment of our Cambodia trip? Without a doubt, the ride on the bamboo train, a unique experience the whole family enjoyed! Battambang is the perfect stop for those who love getting off the beaten path.

Our trip concluded in Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s vibrant capital. Here, we dove into the country’s complex past by visiting deeply moving yet essential historical sites. What to do in Phnom Penh? Wandering through the local markets gave us a true sense of daily Cambodian life.

II. What to do in Cambodia for a week? Our 7-day Cambodia itinerary in detail

Before diving into the full details of our 1 week Cambodia itinerary, I’d like to express our heartfelt thanks to AUTOUR ASIA, the travel agency that designed a program perfectly tailored to our wishes and pace. We traveled as a family of three - my husband, our 10-year-old son, and myself, with the desire to enjoy a trip that was both relaxing, flexible, and full of discoveries. Traveling to Cambodia, our goal was to take our time while exploring iconic sites, all at a rhythm suited to a family trip to Cambodia with a child.

Day 1: Arrival in Siem Reap – First immersion into Khmer culture

We landed at Siem Reap Angkor International Airport on a beautiful sunny morning. Warmly welcomed by our AUTOUR ASIA guide, we hopped into our private vehicle, ready to take us to the hotel. Along the way, our guide and driver enthusiastically shared stories about local life and Cambodian street food specialties. The ride went by so quickly that we arrived at our hotel in Siem Reap before we even realized it! It was the perfect introduction to our Cambodia trip, promising discoveries and memorable moments.

What to do in Cambodia for a week? In the afternoon, we kicked off our exploration of the country with a visit to the Angkor National Museum, a must-see stop on any well-planned Cambodia one week itinerary. The museum offers a fascinating dive into Khmer civilization, showcasing a wealth of Angkorian-era artifacts. Upon arrival, we were led to a small screening room where a 15-minute film introduces the history of the Khmer people. Available in several languages, we chose French – perfect for the whole family. The film was clear, informative, and especially enjoyable for our son.

After this first cultural experience during our Cambodia family travel from Siem Reap to Battambang and Phnom Penh, we strolled around the Old Market (Phsar Chas), a lively and authentic place. I was charmed by the stalls selling brightly colored Cambodian silk. We took the opportunity to buy a few souvenirs before indulging in some street food around the market. The cuisine in Siem Reap is both varied and flavorful: spicy frog legs, grilled sausages… everything was delicious! This moment was a highlight of what you can enjoy during a successful 7-day itinerary in Cambodia.

In any Cambodia travel, an evening in Siem Reap wouldn’t be complete without attending an Apsara dance performance - a must-see in Siem Reap! The Apsara Theater features a program including three classical dances and two folk dances, all accompanied by a traditional Khmer orchestra. Before the show, we enjoyed a Khmer dinner in a warm and inviting setting. The graceful gestures and elegance of the Apsara dancers captivated our entire family. This moment made our 1 week Cambodia itinerary feel like a true immersion in the beauty of Khmer art, a highlight of our entire 7 days in Cambodia.

Day 2: Visit Temples of Angkor - What to do in Siem Reap?

After breakfast at the hotel, our guide came to pick us up to explore the temples of Angkor, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This day was one of the highlights of our Cambodia itinerary 7 days, an unmissable step in any Cambodia tours. What to do in Siem Reap? We began at the South Gate of Angkor Thom, the former capital of the Khmer Empire, which was once the largest city in the world in the 12th century.

Then, during our trip to Cambodia from Siem Reap to Battambang Phnom Penh, we continued with a visit to Bayon Temple, famous for its towers adorned with mysteriously smiling faces, followed by Baphuon, Phimeanakas, the Terrace of the Elephants, and the Terrace of the Leper King - each site has its own unique character, giving our family the impression of reliving the grandeur of Khmer history. These historic places fit perfectly into a well-designed Cambodia itinerary 7 days.

What to do in Cambodia? We continued to Ta Prohm, known for its massive tree roots that have taken over the ruins, creating a wild and unique atmosphere. This unusual stop added a touch of magic to our Cambodia trip. Lunch was served at a local restaurant featuring traditional Cambodian dishes, an absolute treat during these 7 days in Cambodia.

The afternoon was dedicated to visiting Angkor Wat, one of the Seven Wonders of the World and a symbol of Cambodia. This site is often at the heart of a good Cambodia itinerary 7 days. The finely carved bas-reliefs on the sandstone walls captivated us - it was a true immersion into ancient Khmer art, with astonishing precision. Did you know its towers appear on the Cambodian flag? For those wondering what to do in Cambodia for a week?, visiting Angkor Wat is a must.

Around 3:30 PM, we began the ascent of Phnom Bakheng to watch the sunset, a must for any trip to Cambodia. What to do in Cambodia in 7 days? Visiting Phnom Bakheng, the climb was challenging, especially with the crowd, but the view was simply spectacular. It was an unforgettable moment of reflection during our Cambodia one week itinerary, ideally placed at the end of the day in any well-planned 7-day Cambodia itinerary. The last golden rays lit up the ancient temples. A magical moment, full of emotion, forever etched in our memories. We savored every second, and my husband managed to capture some stunning photos - a beautiful souvenir from our Cambodia 7 days.

Day 3: Discovering Tonle Sap Lake and the Floating Villages

What to do in Cambodia? The third day of our Cambodia trip 7 days began with a visit to the Rolous Market, the oldest market in the ancient city of Angkor. This place offered us an authentic glimpse into the daily life of the Khmer people of the past, with its traditional products and typical atmosphere, very interesting to discover. A beautiful way to start our third day in our 7-day itinerary in Cambodia.

Next, my family explored Tonle Sap Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, an essential stop even if you only spend 1 day in Siem Reap. If you are wondering what to do in Cambodia for a week, this excursion on Tonle Sap is clearly one of the best answers. We were lucky to visit by boat one of the most beautiful and famous floating villages on the lake, an experience not to be missed in Siem Reap during our Cambodia trip 7 days, from Siem Reap to Battambang Phnom Penh.

What to do in Siem Reap? Discover life in this floating village: houses are built on bamboo rafts or boats, and the inhabitants mainly live from fishing. This immersion in local culture is a great way to make a 7-day Cambodia itinerary more authentic. This unique experience especially impressed my son, who loves water and nature. Navigating between the floating houses thrilled him. These moments left precious memories for my family and gave even more meaning to our family trip to Cambodia.

In the afternoon, we continued with a visit to the traditional craft workshop Artisans Angkor, where we saw artisans create finely worked objects from typical Cambodian materials. A perfect activity if you’re wondering what to do in Cambodia for a week and want to discover local craftsmanship. Then we visited the ancient West Baray reservoir and Wat Svay Lmeat temple, a peaceful place at the heart of our exploration, ideal for a break during our 7 days in Cambodia.

The day ended with a return to our hotel in Siem Reap to rest. It was a day full of discoveries and emotions, reflecting what one can experience during a great Cambodia trip 7 days. We were excited to discover Battambang the next day!

Day 4: Exploring Battambang

After breakfast at the hotel, our family left Siem Reap for Battambang, continuing our Cambodia tours. Visiting Battambang fits perfectly into a well-paced Cambodia itinerary 7 days. Battambang, the second largest city in Cambodia, impressed me from the first glance with the old charm of traditional Khmer wooden houses and French colonial architecture.

Cambodia what to see and do ? On our trip to Cambodia, the first stop was Phnom Banan Temple, an 11th-century Hindu temple perched atop a hill. This must-see visit is one of the ideal suggestions for those wondering what to do in Cambodia for a week. We had to climb a long series of stone steps to reach the summit - a small challenge for my son but a great chance to build endurance and enjoy fresh air together. From the top, the panoramic view was stunning: lush rice fields, palm trees, the Sangker River, and even a mountain range shaped like a crocodile. This site added to the richness of our 1 week Cambodia itinerary.

Next came my son’s favorite activity: the bamboo train, one of the must-dos for a family trip to Cambodia. Sitting on this small bamboo cart running on old railway tracks, powered by a gas engine, we gently slid through fields, bamboo groves, and stilt houses. It’s a unique experience not to be missed if you’re wondering what to do in Battambang with family during your Cambodia trip. Sometimes water buffaloes crossed our path. This roughly 30-minute ride allowed us to feel the simplicity and closeness of the Cambodian countryside. My son loved it so much he didn’t want to get off at the end. This activity added a fun touch to our Cambodia 7 days. Plus, January in Cambodia, the best time to visit Battambang offers ideal conditions to enjoy the unique bamboo train experience.

What to do in Cambodia for a week? Later in the day, we visited Phnom Sampov hill, famous for its bat caves. It’s a fascinating visit to consider for your 7-day Cambodia itinerary, especially if you’re in Battambang. At sunset, millions of bats fly out in a huge black cloud crossing the glowing sky. This impressive spectacle amazed us. On the way, we also saw some monkeys, which delighted my son.

We returned to the hotel happy and satisfied after a day full of natural, historical, and cultural discoveries in Battambang. A well-deserved night’s rest before the next stage of our Cambodia tours.

Day 5: Journey to Phnom Penh

After breakfast at the hotel, our family left Battambang heading to Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, continuing our Cambodia trip 7 days. Visiting Siem Reap to Battambang Phnom Penh, this journey was much more than just a transfer: it was a wonderful opportunity to discover the country’s rich culture along the way. If you’re wondering what to do in Cambodia, this route offers several authentic and rewarding stops.

Our first stop was a stone sculpture village in Pursat province, a must-see for any Cambodia trip. There, artisans carry on traditional Khmer stone carving techniques through finely crafted works. The peaceful, creative atmosphere captivated my son, who was fascinated by the sculptors’ precise movements. This kind of visit adds real cultural value to a Cambodia itinerary 7 days.

Wondering what to do in Cambodia for a week? As part of our Cambodia family travel, we then visited a traditional pottery village in Kampong Chhnang province. This authentic place gave us a deeper understanding of Cambodian ceramic craftsmanship. Hand-shaped clay pots, water jars, and kilns are made without machines. This tradition is carefully preserved by the locals. My son was thrilled to watch the artisans shape the clay right before him - a lively and educational scene perfectly suited to a family trip to Cambodia.

Before arriving in Phnom Penh, we stopped at Oudong Mountain, Cambodia’s former capital in the 16th century. This site offers a peaceful hilly landscape dotted with ancient pagodas at the summit. After a day full of discoveries, we continued our journey to Phnom Penh, where we spent the night at a centrally located hotel, ready to explore the city the next day as part of our Cambodia trip.

Day 6: Full day exploring Phnom Penh

On day 6 of our Cambodia 7 days, our family began the day exploring Phnom Penh, a capital city that holds many powerful traces of Cambodia’s history and culture - an essential stop on any Cambodia travel. If you’re wondering what to see in Phnom Penh, the city offers numerous sites that are both moving and iconic.

7 days in Cambodia, from Siem Reap to Battambang Phnom Penh, our first visit in Phnom Penh is the Choeung Ek Killing Fields, a place associated with painful memories of the Khmer Rouge era. Thanks to our guide's explanations, we better understood the immense losses that the Cambodian people suffered.

What to do in Cambodia in 7 days? Next, during our Cambodia tours, we visited the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum - once a school turned by the Khmer Rouge regime into the infamous Security Prison 21 (S-21). This museum holds the most comprehensive archives about the crimes committed during that time. These two poignant visits left a strong impact on our family.

Leaving behind these painful memories, we visited Wat Phnom, considered the country’s most sacred shrine. Wondering Cambodia what to see and do ? At Wat Phnom, we listened attentively to the story of Lady Penh and the origin of Phnom Penh’s name. It was a peaceful and symbolic moment in our Cambodia itinerary 7 days.

Traveling to Cambodia, around noon, we enjoyed local specialties at a city restaurant. What to do in Phnom Penh? In the afternoon, we explored the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda, two architectural masterpieces not to be missed during a stay in Phnom Penh.

As the day came to a close, our family strolled through the Central Market, a lively market dating back to the French colonial period, famous for its yellow dome. Wandering the aisles gave us a real taste of local life - vibrant, warm, and colorful. This lively atmosphere perfectly capped off the sixth day of our Cambodia trip before the final stage of our Cambodia itinerary 7 days. We took the opportunity to buy some souvenirs and sample Cambodian delicacies.

It was a day full of emotions and discoveries for our family! In summary, for those planning a travel to Cambodia, this day in Phnom Penh is essential to combine culture, history, and local immersion in a well-balanced Cambodia 7 days.

Day 7: Departure and end of the Cambodia Trip

On our last morning in Phnom Penh, we enjoyed breakfast at the hotel and a relaxing moment before departure. Then, our vehicle took us to Phnom Penh International Airport for our onward flight. We left Cambodia with deep emotions, concluding our unforgettable 1 week Cambodia itinerary full of cultural discoveries and profound feelings.

Traveling to Cambodia means opening yourself to a unique human and cultural adventure. What to do in Cambodia for a week? These 7 days in Cambodia left an indelible mark on our hearts. Every shared moment, every discovery, every smile we encountered touched and united us deeply. We depart with unforgettable memories and a fresh outlook on the world. Thanks to our exceptional travel guide who designed this Cambodia itinerary 7 days to be both accessible and memorable. We hope our Cambodia tours will inspire you for your own adventure in this kingdom soon. Cambodia, with its rich culture, poignant history, and warm people, will forever remain etched in our hearts. What to do in Cambodia? For more information, we wholeheartedly recommend AUTOUR ASIA, travel agency in Cambodia, to anyone seeking an authentic and unforgettable journey in the heart of Southeast Asia.