Angkor Wat Cambodia 6 Day Itinerary

6-Day Angkor Wat Itinerary:

This itinerary is designed for a balanced exploration of Angkor Wat and its surrounding temples.

Day 1:

  • Morning: Arrive in Siem Reap. Settle into your hotel (see “Where to Stay” suggestions below).
  • Afternoon: Explore the vibrant streets of Siem Reap! Visit the Old Market, a bustling hub for local goods and souvenirs, or Angkor Night Market for a more relaxed shopping experience. Consider a tour of the Angkor Silk Farm to learn about traditional Cambodian silk production.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at The Pub Street with its myriad of restaurants offering Khmer, Asian, and Western cuisine.

Where to Stay (Siem Reap):

  • Luxury: Amansara, Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, Belmond La Résidence d’Orient
  • Mid-Range: Angkor Miracle Resort & Spa, The Heritage Suites Hotel, Borei Angkor Resort Kampuchea
  • Budget: Siem Reap Hostel, The Lazy Gecko Hostel, Mad Monkey Hostel

Where to Eat (Siem Reap):

  • Traditional Khmer Cuisine:
    • Khmer Kitchen: Experience authentic Cambodian flavours in a rustic setting.
    • The Soup House: Try their delicious and affordable Khmer curries and soups.
  • Western Food:
    • The Little Red Book Cafe: Popular for its brunch and Western dishes with a Cambodian twist.
    • Haven: A restaurant that trains and employs disadvantaged youth.

Day 2-6:

This itinerary assumes you’ve already explored the main attractions of Sie Angkor, like the bustling markets in the morning.

Transportation (Siem Reap):

  • Tuk-tuk: The most common and affordable way to get around.
  • Bicycle: A great way to explore the city at your own pace.

Things to know:

  • Angkor Wat Pass: You’ll need a pass to visit the temples in Angkor Archaeological Park. Purchase it for 1, 3, or 7 days, depending on your itinerary.
  • Temple Etiquette: Remember to dress respectfully (shoulders and knees covered) when visiting temples.
  • Best time to visit: The ideal time to visit Angkor Wat is during the dry season (November-April) for the best weather conditions.

Where to Visit:

  • Angkor Temples: Explore the major temples of Angkor, including Angkor Thom, Bayon Temple, Ta Prohm (the “Jungle Temple”), and Banteay Srei.
  • Floating Villages: Visit a floating village like Kampong Phluk or Chong Khneas for a unique cultural experience.

Activities:

  • Sunrise/Sunset Viewing: Wake up early to witness the breathtaking sunrise over Angkor Wat, a popular and unforgettable experience.
  • Cycling: Explore the temples at your own pace and enjoy the scenic beauty of the surrounding countryside.

Day 2:

  • Morning: Visit the Angkor Archaeological Museum (or the Angkor Wat Visitor Centre) to learn about the history of the Khmer Empire and its architectural legacy.
  • Afternoon: Relax by the pool, explore Angkor Silk Farm or enjoy a traditional Apsara dance performance.
  • Evening: Explore Pub Street for dinner and drinks, choosing from a variety of restaurants and bars.

Day 3:

  • Morning: Sunrise at Angkor Wat (or another temple) followed by a tour of the temples in the Angkor Thom complex, including the Bayon, the Elephant Terrace, and Baphuon Temple.

  • Afternoon: Explore the Angkor Thom complex further.

  • Evening: Enjoy a delicious Cambodian meal at a local restaurant.

Day 4:

  • Morning: Visit the temple of Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world.

Things to see and do:

  • Sunrise/Sunset:

    • Best Places:
      • The best spots are outside the park.
        • Enjoy a sunrise or sunset view over the moat, followed by a peaceful walk around the temple complex.
      • Angkor Wat Temple:
        • Explore the intricate carvings and bas-reliefs that adorn the walls of Angkor Wat.

  • Best time to see Angkor Thom:

    • The late afternoon is ideal for exploring Angkor Thom’s temples as they are bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun.

Other things of interest:

  • Angkor Silk Farm: (If you haven’t already visited) Learn about the traditional process of silk production, from silkworm to finished garment.
  • Tonle Sap Lake: Take a boat trip on the lake and explore the floating villages.
  • Chong Kneas Floating Village: Explore the unique ecosystem of Angkor Thom.

Where to Eat (Other options):

  • Khmer Restaurant: Experience traditional Cambodian cuisine with a variety of dishes like Amok, Lok Lak, or Khmer noodles.

  • The Happy Gecko: Enjoy delicious Western food and cocktails in a fun, relaxed atmosphere.

Other things to do:

  • Enjoy a cooking class: Learn how to make some of the delicious dishes you’ve seen on the menu at Angkor Wat.
  • Visit Angkor Night Market: Explore the stalls for local crafts and souvenirs.
  • Take a boat ride on the Tonle Sap River: Experience the river life with its bustling markets.

Day 5:

  • Explore the temples in the afternoon.

This itinerary is just a starting point, you can adjust it to fit your interests and time frame. For example, if you’re interested in learning more about the history of the Khmer Empire, you could spend an extra day at Angkor Wat and explore the surrounding temples and ancient ruins.

  • Enjoy Angkor Wat by bicycle:

**Day 2-6: Exploring the Temples (Angkor Wat)

Transportation:

  • Continue exploring the temples in Siem Reap, including a tuk-tuk ride to the Tonle Sap Lake for a boat tour.
  • Enjoy a traditional Cambodian meal with a local guide:**
  • Experience the Angkor Wat experience:
    • Explore the intricate details of Angkor Wat during sunrise or sunset.

Other Activities:

  • Enjoy a cooking class: Learn to make some of the dishes you’ve seen at the temples.
  • Visit the Angkor Centre for Conservation of Heritage (ACCH): This is where they house and restore artifacts from Angkor.
  • Explore Siem Reap by bike: See the city in a new way.

Remember, this itinerary can be tailored to your individual preferences and time available. Enjoy the flexibility to explore the fascinating temples of Angkor Wat!

Things to see:

  • Angkor Wat:

Things to do:

  • Visit the temple complex at different times of day for unique perspectives and lighting (try a sunrise visit!).

  • Explore the intricate carvings and bas-reliefs, depicting scenes from Hindu mythology.

  • Angkor Wat Temples: The Angkor Wat complex is massive!