📍 Cambodia

SMILE LOOP: CAMBODIA'S MOST AUTHENTIC CULTURAL JOURNEY

Colonial architecture with weathered charm, temple spires piercing morning mist. Authentic Cambodia, culture and spirituality.

≈ 9
Days
771
Km
3
Stops
📖 5 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Wander through Phnom Penh's markets, then cross Battambang and its quietly charming streets. Reach Siem Reap to explore Angkor, where sculpted faces emerge from roots and pools. This journey reveals a living welcoming Cambodia, between city, countryside and sacred stones.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

Phnom Penh

riverside capital breathes khmer soul

Phnom Penh - Photo 1Phnom Penh - Photo 2Phnom Penh - Photo 3Phnom Penh - Photo 4Phnom Penh - Photo 5Phnom Penh - Photo 6Phnom Penh - Photo 7Phnom Penh - Photo 8Phnom Penh - Photo 9Phnom Penh - Photo 10
10 photos
Day 1
🔍

Discover

1
Royal Palace & Silver Pagoda (proper attire required)
2
National Museum of Cambodia (Khmer collections)
🎯

Activities

→
Stroll along Sisowath Quay
→
Sunset cruise on the Mekong & Tonlé Sap
2
Day

Phnom Penh

riverside capital breathes khmer soul

Phnom Penh - Photo 1Phnom Penh - Photo 2Phnom Penh - Photo 3Phnom Penh - Photo 4Phnom Penh - Photo 5Phnom Penh - Photo 6Phnom Penh - Photo 7Phnom Penh - Photo 8Phnom Penh - Photo 9Phnom Penh - Photo 10
10 photos
Day 2
🔍

Discover

1
Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21)
2
Choeung Ek Memorial (Killing Fields)
3
Wat Phnom
🎯

Activities

→
Central Market (Phsar Thmei)
→
Russian Market (Tuol Tom Poung)
🚗
Next stop
⏱️ Long drive (5h+)
Distance: 291 km
Travel time: 6h
3
Day

Battambang

colonial town preserves french heritage

Battambang - Photo 1Battambang - Photo 2Battambang - Photo 3Battambang - Photo 4Battambang - Photo 5Battambang - Photo 6Battambang - Photo 7Battambang - Photo 8Battambang - Photo 9Battambang - Photo 10
10 photos
Day 3
🔍

Discover

1
Wat Ek Phnom (Khmer ruins)
🎯

Activities

→
Bamboo Train (Norry) — railway ride through the rice fields
→
Walk through the colonial center of Battambang
4
Day

Battambang

colonial town preserves french heritage

Battambang - Photo 1Battambang - Photo 2Battambang - Photo 3Battambang - Photo 4Battambang - Photo 5Battambang - Photo 6Battambang - Photo 7Battambang - Photo 8Battambang - Photo 9Battambang - Photo 10
10 photos
Day 4
🔍

Discover

1
Phnom Sampeau (sacred mountain, stairs, pagodas)
🎯

Activities

→
Killing Caves (Khmer Rouge memorial)
→
Bat show at the Bat Cave (around 6 PM)
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 160 km
Travel time:
5
Day

Siem Reap

temple city anchors angkor wonders

Siem Reap - Photo 1Siem Reap - Photo 2Siem Reap - Photo 3Siem Reap - Photo 4Siem Reap - Photo 5Siem Reap - Photo 6Siem Reap - Photo 7Siem Reap - Photo 8Siem Reap - Photo 9Siem Reap - Photo 10
10 photos
Day 5
🔍

Discover

1
Journey Battambang → Siem Reap via the Sangker River & Tonle Sap (floating villages en route)
🎯

Activities

→
Apsara dance show in the evening
6
Day

Siem Reap

temple city anchors angkor wonders

Siem Reap - Photo 1Siem Reap - Photo 2Siem Reap - Photo 3Siem Reap - Photo 4Siem Reap - Photo 5Siem Reap - Photo 6Siem Reap - Photo 7Siem Reap - Photo 8Siem Reap - Photo 9Siem Reap - Photo 10
10 photos
Day 6
🔍

Discover

1
Sunrise over Angkor Wat
2
Angkor Thom — Bayon (Buddha faces)
3
Ta Prohm (temple overrun by jungle)
🎯

Activities

→
Tuk-tuk transportation in Angkor park
7
Day

Siem Reap

temple city anchors angkor wonders

Siem Reap - Photo 1Siem Reap - Photo 2Siem Reap - Photo 3Siem Reap - Photo 4Siem Reap - Photo 5Siem Reap - Photo 6Siem Reap - Photo 7Siem Reap - Photo 8Siem Reap - Photo 9Siem Reap - Photo 10
10 photos
Day 7
🔍

Discover

1
Banteay Srei (finely carved pink temple)
2
Preah Khan (large complex with galleries and libraries)
🎯

Activities

→
Photo stop at the moats and gates of Angkor Thom
🚗
Next stop
⏱️ Long drive (5h+)
Distance: 320 km
Travel time: 6h
8
Day

Phnom Penh

riverside capital breathes khmer soul

Phnom Penh - Photo 1Phnom Penh - Photo 2Phnom Penh - Photo 3Phnom Penh - Photo 4Phnom Penh - Photo 5Phnom Penh - Photo 6Phnom Penh - Photo 7Phnom Penh - Photo 8Phnom Penh - Photo 9Phnom Penh - Photo 10
10 photos
Day 8
🔍

Discover

1
Free time in Phnom Penh (catch up on museums/waterfront as desired)
🎯

Activities

→
Last stroll on the Mekong or night market

🗺️ Itinerary map

🗺️ Nearby itineraries

moto phnom penh kampot skun siem reap

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CAMBODIA IN 14 DAYS: PHNOM PENH, MEKONG, ANGKOR & KOH RONG BEACHES

📅 16 days 🛣️ 1195 Km

ROAD TRIP THROUGH CAMBODIA AMONG TEMPLES, BEACHES AND RICE FIELDS

📅 16 days 🛣️ 800 Km

❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Cool Dry Season (November-February): Perfect weather, comfortable temperatures, minimal rainfall, ideal touring, clear skies, peak tourist season, advance booking recommended.

Hot Season (March-May): Hot temperatures, dry conditions, fewer crowds, reasonable prices, early morning activities, challenging midday heat.

Rainy Season (June-October): Heavy rainfall, lush landscapes, muddy roads, lowest prices, fewer tourists, challenging travel, dramatic storms.

Best Temple Visiting (November-March): Comfortable temperatures, clear skies, optimal photography, manageable heat, ideal conditions, peak season.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 7 and 11 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in Cambodia?

Ancient Khmer empire with Angkor Wat temples, rich history, and warm hospitality. Experience archaeological wonders, traditional crafts, and authentic Southeast Asian culture. The country offers cultural depth with natural beauty and historical significance. Cambodia provides transformative cultural experiences with archaeological treasures and cultural resilience.