Hello everyone, my name is Robert, and today I'm taking you in the footsteps of my 7-day tour in Cambodia. This trip, both intimate and rich in discoveries, allowed me to cross the country from east to west, from Phnom Penh to the mythical temples of Angkor in Siem Reap. To orchestrate this carefree journey, I had called on a travel agency in Cambodia, Autour Asia, whose local expertise allowed me to access unique and authentic experiences. I was thirsty for authentic encounters, millennial heritage and living spirituality — and I was not disappointed. Through this logbook of my 7 days tour to Phnom Penh Siem Reap, I hope to convey to you my emotions, my wonders, and, who knows, maybe inspire you to embark on this extraordinary Cambodian interlude.
With so many fascinating destinations, the choice was not easy. Yet, Cambodia attracted me with its unique blend of historical grandeur and human simplicity. In 1 week in Cambodia, I felt like I was traveling through time: from majestic Angkor temples to pagodas vibrant with fervour, from painful remnants of a recent past to floating villages where life follows the rhythm of the river. This 7 days tour to Phnom Penh Siem Reap was not just a trip, but a moment of suspended life. Each color bursts, each perfume intoxicates, each smile warms the heart.
Trip to Cambodia, as soon as I got off the plane, the hot and humid air enveloped me like a reassuring veil. Tuk-tuks honked their horns in an incessant ballet, while passers-by loaded baskets of juicy fruit onto their bikes. Greeted by a driver with a frank smile and a crown of frangipani flowers, I realized that this 7 days tour to Phnom Penh Siem Reap had turned every detail into a gesture of hospitality. As I walked through the city, I was struck by the astonishing cohabitation between modern skyscrapers and colonial houses with colorful shutters.
On my trip Phnom Penh Siem Reap 1 week, I chose a small restaurant on the banks of the Tonle Sap. My first amok, delicately scented with lemongrass and turmeric, immediately immersed me in Khmer culture. Sitting facing the river, I watched the sun disappear behind the fishing boats and felt a deep peace, as if Cambodia had invited me to slow down. That feeling of being exactly where I needed to be has stayed vividly in my memory.
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The morning started at the Royal Palace, top things to do in Phnom Penh where the golden roofs of the Silver Pagoda sparkled under a pure blue sky. Inside, the Emerald Buddha and the silver mosaics transported me to another century, while each room revealed the richness of a thousand-year-old culture. I stopped for a long time in front of the Khmer statues of the National Museum, overwhelmed by the beauty and finesse of these silent works, an essential stop on any Cambodia itinerary 1 week.
In the afternoon, I became aware of another side of the country by visiting the Tuol Sleng Prison Museum "S21": the former high school transformed into a torture center testified to the cruelty of the Khmer Rouge regime. I was overwhelmed by the rusty beds and the portraits of the victims. This second day of my Phnom Penh Siem Reap tour revealed to me the incredible resilience of the Cambodian people.
Before dawn, I boarded a bus ride from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap. Through the fogged window, the landscape passed by: emerald green rice fields, muddy buffaloes and quiet hamlets. Each stop offered me a glimpse of rural life: peasant women in conical hats picked rice, smiling children clung to the first light of day. This simplicity moved me; I understood that beauty could arise in the ordinary daily life, a key lesson of my Cambodia 1 week itinerary.
When we arrived in Siem Reap, the contrast was striking: the animation of Pub Street burst forth after hours of quietude. Later, I ventured into a food market where I enjoyed sach ko ang (caramelized pork skewers) and an iced coconut juice. Sitting on a small plastic stool, surrounded by locals, I felt the friendliness of this city, a highlight of my 7 days tour to Phnom Penh Siem Reap.
I woke up at 4:30 am to enjoy Angkor Wat at dawn. In the darkness, I walked through the moat in silence, guided by the glow of headlamps. Suddenly, the lotus towers were ablaze with pink and gold: a moment of rare intensity, when I understood that these stones had carried the thousand-year-old dream of an inspired people. With my heart pounding, I explored the galleries carved with asparas before the crowds arrived — a must-do experience on my 7-day trip to Phnom Penh Siem Reap, which left a deep impression on me.
In the afternoon, I wandered through Angkor Thom, where the 216 serene faces of the Bayon temple watched over visitors with timeless calm. In Ta Prohm, the roots of cheese trees have embraced the ruins, creating an almost cinematic setting. At the end of the day, I climbed Phnom Bakheng and contemplated a blazing sunset — a magical moment to experience when you wonder what to do in Cambodia in 7 days.
That morning, I went to Banteay Srei, the "citadel of women". As soon as I crossed the gate, the pink stone seduced me with its softness and the finesse of its bas-reliefs. I observed each motif with emotion, moved by the mineral poetry of these works. A perfect site to include in a Cambodia itinerary 7 days, offering a total immersion in Khmer culture.
In the afternoon, I headed to Preah Khan and Ta Som, more secret temples where I got lost in a labyrinth of moss-filled columns and thousand-year-old trees. Sitting on an ancient stone ledge, I savored a sugar cane juice while watching the dragonflies dance above the moat, aware that I had experienced a moment suspended out of time — one of the typical experiences of things to do in Siem Reap to enrich one's trip.
At dawn, I took a canoe to Kampong Phluk. The houses on stilts, ten meters high above the Tonle Sap, impressed me with their ingenuity. I watched as children paddled to the floating school and fishermen cast their nets, while elders sold mangoes from their boats. This scene taught me the strength of a community living in harmony with the river. This moment was an integral part of my 7 days tour to Phnom Penh Siem Reap providing a stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of the city.
Back in Siem Reap, I went to the Rolous market where I discovered exotic spices and fruits. A street vendor showed me how to prepare prahok, and her laughter reminded me that sharing is at the heart of every encounter. In the evening, I had dinner at Marum, enjoying a grilled Kampot pepper accompanied by a local palm wine.
During my 7 days tour to Phnom Penh Siem Reap, I enjoyed breakfast in front of the hotel's tropical garden, where bougainvillea perfumed the air. The singing of the birds, the mild morning humidity and the light breeze created a soothing atmosphere. I carefully folded my krama, a traditional scarf, promising myself that it would keep my most precious memories. On the way to the airport, I remembered every smile, every prayer whispered in a temple, and the peace felt on the banks of the Tonle Sap. This 7-day trip to Cambodia offered me much more than just an itinerary: it gave me a real lesson in humanity, engraved in my heart.
In Phnom Penh, immerse yourself in the urban atmosphere on foot or by motorbike taxi, much more lively than a tuk-tuk. Stroll between murals, colonial buildings and monuments steeped in history. Relax at the Okay Boutique swimming pool with a view of the Royal Palace, then enjoy a typical dish at the Romdeng restaurant, run by young people in reintegration. For an unusual experience, try a machine gun shot (avoid overpriced rockets). Right next door, the Hiroshima House is worth a visit. If you're wondering what things to do in Cambodia in 1 week, this first immersion comes in.
In Siem Reap, get up early to visit Ta Prohm at dawn, before the crowds. Rent a bike to follow the big loop: Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Preah Khan and the peaceful trails through the villages. Take a break at Marum Restaurant, then explore the night market to bring back Kampot pepper. With a three-day pass, enjoy early access to the temples on Sunday evening. This 7 days tour to Phnom Penh Siem Reap offers a complete immersion in Cambodia's history, culture, and food. Traveling Phnom Penh to Siem Reap over a week allowed me to experience local cuisine and mythical temples — a true compendium of adventures to be lived at your own pace.
In 1 week in Cambodia, this 7 days tour to Phnom Penh Siem Reap weaves a thread between glorious past and resilient present, stones and smiles. Thanks to a travel agency in Cambodia, Autour Asia, I was able to take advantage of a tailor-made support, which was able to combine unmissable visits and discoveries off the beaten track, while ensuring me an easier language immersion. This 7-day trip to Cambodia wove an invisible thread between its glorious past and resilient present, leaving an indelible mark on my soul. Between emotions and wonders, each day has confirmed one thing: here, stones speak, smiles heal, and the Mekong carries infinite stories.
If you plan to travel to Cambodia for a week, the Angkor site, composed of hundreds of temples, ruins, and hydraulic structures, lies at the heart of a lush and breathtaking natural setting. This exceptional environment creates a unique atmosphere. January and February are the best months to visit this iconic place.
One of the things to do in Cambodia is observing Irrawaddy dolphins in Kratie. I suggest setting out early in the morning to fully enjoy this extraordinary experience. Additionally, as part of a 7 days tour to Phnom Penh Siem Reap, you can meet the gentle giants at the Elephant Valley Project in Mondulkiri, while learning about the history of the area, the life of the elephants, and the essential work carried out by the dedicated staff for their protection.
I recommend choosing a 2 weeks Vietnam and Cambodia itinerary over two weeks. Start by discovering Vietnam’s iconic sites, such as Hanoi, Halong Bay, and the Mekong Delta, and then continue your journey in Cambodia with the fascinating temples of Angkor and the vibrant capital, Phnom Penh.
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