3-Day Cambodia Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 3-day Cambodia tour itineraries

Compiled by

SteffCambodia travel expert at TourRadar

• 3 Days Mekong River Cruise, incl. Siem Reap and Phnom Penh

  Rivers wind through 5 destinations from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh over three days. Kampong Phluk floating village, Kampong Chhnang pottery village, and Oudong's mountain temples highlight the route. Total costs around $1,000 including full-board dining and cabin accommodation.

  

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  • Day 1

    Siem Reap to Kampong Chhnang

    Your hotel pickup in Siem Reap starts at 9 AM with a trip to Kampong Phluk floating village. More than 1,000 people live in wooden houses on stilts along Tonle Sap Lake. Morning visits let you see the village at its liveliest before the day heats up. You'll explore the local school, temple and restaurants before stopping for lunch at a local spot. A 3.5-hour drive takes you to Kampong Chhnang. One traveler shares: "The rural drive offers fascinating glimpses into real Cambodian life - don't miss the ancient bridge stop in Kampong Thom province."

    
  • Day 2

    Kampong Chhnang to Koh Chen

    After breakfast on board, take a small boat to the pottery village. Hop on tuk-tuks to explore the area. You'll want your camera ready for endless views of bright green rice fields spotted with sugar palms. Head back to the ship for lunch while cruising to Kampong Tralach. Take an ox-cart ride to the temple but wear shoes that can handle dust. Your day ends at Koh Chen ("Chinese Island") where local craftspeople create beautiful silver and copper pieces. For the best sunset photos, grab a spot on the upper deck early.

    
  • Day 3

    Koh Chen to Phnom Penh

    Bring good walking shoes for the 509-step climb to Oudong Temple. Start early to beat the heat. At the top you'll see beautiful views of the countryside from Cambodia's old capital with its historic stupas and tombs. Enjoy a final lunch while sailing to Phnom Penh, arriving around 2 PM. Book evening flights to avoid rushing your departure.

    

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• 3 Days in Angkor Wat, incl. Siem Reap and Tonle Sap Lake

  Temples and waterways paint the perfect picture over three days at Angkor Archaeological Park, Tonle Sap Lake, and outlying temples. UNESCO-listed Angkor Wat, jungle-wrapped Ta Prohm, Mechrey floating village, and pink sandstone Banteay Srei dazzle under champagne sunsets.

  

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  • Day 1

    Siem Reap & Tonle Sap Lake

    Visit the Angkor National Museum early morning to understand the history before seeing the temples. In the afternoon take a boat to Mechrey floating village on Tonle Sap Lake when lighting is perfect for photos. The boat ride takes about 45 minutes and you'll need sun protection since shade is limited. A past visitor mentioned: "Even though we had a bad storm during the boat trip, it didn't spoil the day out." You can go kayaking through the mangroves but check water levels first as they change with the seasons.

    
  • Day 2

    Outlying Temples

    Get to the Roluos group temples at 7:30 AM to avoid tour groups. Take a relaxing 30-minute ox-cart ride through the village. Drive 35km northeast to Banteay Srei and arrive before noon to see the pink sandstone carvings in the best light. One visitor said: "Mr. Boon, our tour guide was very informative and personable. The tour to the ruins was spectacular." Finish your day watching the sun set over rice paddies near Banteay Samre temple.

    
  • Day 3

    Main Angkor Complex

    Leave at 4:30 AM to see sunrise at Ta Prohm temple without crowds. The early morning light through the trees creates beautiful photo opportunities. Head to Angkor Wat around 8:00 AM. Wear sturdy shoes with good grip since temple steps are steep. Visit the huge Angkor Thom complex during mid-day and don't miss Bayon's towers with their famous faces. You'll find fewer people at the Elephant Terrace and Leper King Terrace in the afternoon. One traveler said: "Fascinating learning about Cambodian culture and history."

    

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• 3 Days in Siem Reap, incl. Angkor Wat and Tonle Sap Lake

  Five key destinations unfold over 3 days: Angkor Wat, Banteay Srei, Tonle Sap Lake, and Kampong Phluk floating village. Watch sunrise at Angkor Wat, sunset at Srah Srang, and marvel at Bayon Temple's faces. Total costs around $600 with professional guides in 9 languages.

  

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  • Day 1

    Bakong Temple and Tonle Sap Lake

    Start at 7 AM to visit the 9th-century Bakong temple located 30 minutes east of Siem Reap. You'll avoid the crowds and intense heat by going early. Take a 45-minute drive to Tonle Sap Lake afterward. The afternoon boat trip through Kampong Phluk Floating Village will show you authentic local life on Southeast Asia's largest freshwater lake. Visit between November and February for the best experience with high water levels and cooler weather. The floating villages can be harder to access during dry season from March to July.

    
  • Day 2

    Angkor Wat Sunrise and Temple Circuit

    Get up around 4:30 AM for the unforgettable Angkor Wat sunrise. The northern reflecting pool offers perfect photo opportunities. Explore Angkor Wat after sunrise before going back to your hotel for breakfast and rest. Spend your afternoon at the walled city of Angkor Thom where you can see the famous faces of Bayon temple. Your last stop is Ta Prohm temple with its impressive tree roots growing through ancient stone. "Bring a flashlight for the pre-dawn temple walks, and pack temple-appropriate clothing - shoulders and knees must be covered," suggests one experienced visitor.

    
  • Day 3

    Banteay Srei and Grand Circuit

    Drive one hour to Banteay Srei early in the morning. This pink sandstone temple is called the "Citadel of Women" because of its detailed carvings. Visit before 10 AM to beat the tour groups. After lunch explore the Grand Circuit including Preah Khan temple and Neak Pean water shrine. Watch the sunset at Srah Srang reservoir to end your day. You'll need an Angkor Pass ($62 USD) to visit all temples. Buy it the evening before to skip morning lines.

    

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