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How to spend 3 days in Cambodia

How to spend 3 days in Cambodia

Cambodia is often underrated but I personally think, it is worth a visit. With its many ancient temples, rich culture; impressive landscapes and the warm hospitality of its people, no surprise it is called the “kingdom of Wonder”. 

With just 3 days, you can see the highlights of this beautiful country. 

This year on my trip to Vietnam, I decided to make a stop in Cambodia because why not?. I was already in Asia, and it was also a good opportunity to see the famous UNESCO world heritage site of Angkor Wat. Yes, Angkor Wat is the reason I decided to make a stop in Cambodia but as it turns out, there is so much more to this country than I had anticipated. 

As a small country sharing boundaries with Thailand and Vietnam, you can easily make a stop on your way from Thailand to Vietnam or vice versa. In my case, I came into Cambodia with a private transfer directly from the Thailand Bangkok airport (5hours) and left Cambodia also on a private transfer from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh (6 hours). 

To read more about how I was able to visit 3 Asian countries mostly on land, please see the next article in my blog. 

In this 3 days, guide, I will share with you the highlights of what you can do and where you can stay. 

If you have more time, please explore other parts of Cambodia such as the pristine beaches of Koh Rong Samloem and the surrounding islands etc.

Arriving into Cambodia via the Land border city of "Poipet" from Thailand.

The Itinerary 

Day 1. – Siem Reap

Part 1: Morning (9am – 12pm) 

  • Start this day, visiting some of the other major sites around the city.
  1. Wat Damnak Pagoda
  2. Siem Reap Old Market
  3. Cambodia cultural village
  4. War Museum Cambodia
  • You can walk using google maps to these locations. It is total of 7.3 km and a total time of about 1-hour 45mins.
  • Alternatively, you can take a Tuk Tuk to each stop for about € 1 per stop.


Part 2: Afternoon (2pm – 7pm) 

  • Watch the sunset on the Tonle Sap Lake.
    • If you book the tour with Airbnb, you will also have this included.
    • This is a beautiful experience you should consider. Watching the sun set over the lake Sap was one of the most beautiful things I experienced in Cambodia.

Part 3: Night (8pm – 10pm) 

  • Visit pub street and have dinner in one of the many restaurants.
  • Alternatively, take a stroll around the Siem Reap night market while you try different local street food.

Day 2. – Siem Reap

Part 1: Morning (5am – 4pm) 

Start as early as 5 am to catch the beautiful Sunrise

Part 2: Afternoon (5pm – 10pm) 

How to go from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh 

The are many ways to go from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh. You can fly, take a bus or a private transfer to Phnom Penh. 

I choosed to do a private transfer, as this means of transportation offered me the opportunity to enjoy the drive through Cambodian countryside. 

  • You can fly from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh with flights prices start from  € 100 depending on the season.
  • I recommend either travelling with a local bus service for as less as € 10 or hiring a private transfer for about € 80 per ride.

 You can book any of these option on the 12go Asia website: https://12go.asia/en

Day 3. – Phnom Penh

Part 1: Morning (9am – 14pm) 

  • Start your day with a visit to the Royal Palace of Cambodia
  • Visit the central market.
  • Make a stop for lunch at the Titanic Restaurant located at Sisowath Quay Riverside, Phnom Penh 855 Kambodscha and try the Amok on their menu.
  • After lunch, take a stroll along the Tonle Sap River.
  • Visit Wat Phnom
  • Then visit the Choeung EK Killing fields.

Part 2: Night (from 7pm) 

  • Visit the Phnom Penh Night Market, located on the river front close to downtown.
  • Opening time: 5 PM to 11 PM on Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays
  • Try local street food or eat at one of the many restaurants close to the market.

Where to stay  

  • Siem Reap – The Elephant Siem Reap
    • https://www.staynature.net/
    • Room rates start from €25 depending on the season.
    • The staff are the highlight at this hotel, they are very friendly and truly got the best service during my stay.
  • Phnom Penh – The Peninsula

The Pool at The Elephant hotel Siem Reap

What to Eat 

While visiting Cambodia, you must try the Amok trey dish with the protein of your choice.


Cambodia is truly a Kingdom of Wonder and I had a wonderful time visiting this country. 


I am very grateful for the amazing time I had and I hope i inspired you to go and visit Cambodia.


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