Siem Reap Cambodia 3 Day Itinerary

3-Day Siem Reap Itinerary:

This itinerary focuses on the main temples of Angkor and includes some additional activities to experience beyond the ancient ruins.

Day 1: The Grand Tour

  • Morning:

    • Angkor Wat (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Begin your Siem Reap adventure with a visit to the iconic Angkor Wat. Explore the intricate carvings and vast complex, allowing ample time for photography.

  • Afternoon:

    • Explore Angkor Thom (Large City) & Bayon Temple (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM): This ancient walled city boasts many stunning temples within its walls, including the enigmatic Bayon Temple with its hundreds of smiling faces.

  • Things to do:

    • Hire a tuk-tuk driver for the day. They can act as your guide and transport you between the major temples (around $20-$30). Discuss your interests beforehand and they will often have recommendations for less crowded sites.
    • Visit Angkor Wat at sunrise or sunset for breathtaking views and photo opportunities.

  • Explore beyond the temple walls:

    • Angkor National Museum (1-2 hours): Learn about the history and art of the Angkorian era.
    • Pub Street (Evening): Enjoy the vibrant nightlife with restaurants, bars, and cafes offering a variety of Cambodian and international cuisines.

  • Things to know:

    • Angkor Pass: Purchase a 3-day pass for access to all the temples within the Angkor Archaeological Park.
    • Weather: Be prepared for hot and humid weather, especially during the afternoon. Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable clothing.

  • Dining:

    • Breakfast: Sample traditional Khmer breakfast at your hotel or guesthouse (consider a local option like a rice porridge).
    • Lunch: Enjoy a delicious meal at “The Little Red Book Cafe” for their sandwiches and salads, or “Khmer Kitchen” for authentic Cambodian cuisine.
    • Dinner: Experience the culinary delights of “Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor” with its fine dining options, or head to “Haven” for a casual dinner with a social cause.

  • Other things to consider:

    • Lunch at a local restaurant: Many restaurants near the temples offer tasty and affordable Khmer dishes like amok (fish curry) or fish larb (spicy minced meat salad).

Day 2: The Classic Route

  • Morning:

    • Explore Angkor Thom (Large City): Visit the Bayon Temple, the Baphuon temple, and the Elephant Terrace.

  • Afternoon:

    • Relax by the pool: Enjoy a refreshing dip in your hotel’s pool.
    • Sunset at Angkor Wat:

  • Explore the temples of Angkor Thom (1-2 hours):

    • Angkor Wat: The most famous temple, Angkor Thom, is a must-see for its grandeur and intricate carvings.
    • Ta Prohm (Temple of the Tailed) (Half day):

Day 3: Beyond the Angkor Temples

  • Explore Banteay Srei: This small but intricately carved temple is a testament to the skill of the ancient Khmer artisans.

  • Cooking Class (Morning): Learn to cook authentic Cambodian dishes at a local cooking school.

  • Visit the Angkor Silk Farm: Witness the traditional process of silk weaving and see the silkworms in action.

    • Option 1:

  • Visit the floating village of Kampong Phluk

  • Shopping:

  • Banteay Kdei (Half day): Experience the beauty of this intricately carved temple, often referred to as the “Citadel of Women” and enjoy a leisurely afternoon exploring the Angkor Wat complex.

  • Other options:

    • Visit the Artisans Angkor workshop to see how they create traditional Cambodian art.

  • Relax by the pool (or explore other parts of Siem Reap)

  • Enjoy your last night in Siem Baksan with a relaxing sunset view:

  • Explore the Tonle Sap Lake:

    • Boat trip to see the sunset over the lake from a boat.

  • Transportation:

    • Rent a bike and explore Angkor Wat at your own pace.** (Siem Reap)
    • Hire a car with a driver for a day to visit nearby temples like Banteay Samre or Ta Prohm.

  • Other things to see:

    • Angkor Wat: This magnificent temple is a must-see on any trip to Cambodia.

  • Visit the Siem Reap Night Market: Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and shop for unique souvenirs, handicrafts, and local delicacies.

Last night celebration: * Dinner & Drinks at a rooftop bar with views of the temples. (Angkor Wat)

Day 3: Relax & Explore

  • Visit a local market: Experience the hustle and bustle of Khmer life by exploring the Siem Reap Night Market.

  • Enjoy traditional dance performances: Witness the beauty and artistry of Cambodian Apsara dancing, often seen at Angkor Wat’s temples.

    • Explore the Angkor Wat temple complex: Enjoy the beauty of Ta Prohm (the “temple of the tailed” or “Citadel of Women”) with its intricate carvings and serene atmosphere.

Enjoy a relaxing evening: Savor the vibrant culture and history of the region by attending one of the many traditional dance performances, a highlight of any Cambodian experience.

Other Options for Siem Reap:

  • Explore Angkor Wat (Continued):

  • Angkor Night Market:

  • Visit the temples of Banteay Srei, Banteay Samre, and other ancient wonders outside Siem Reap.

  • Banteay Srei Butterfly Farm: A unique experience for visitors interested in butterflies.

  • Silk Garden:

Enjoy a peaceful evening at the beautiful “Banteay Pisea Temple”, known for its intricate carvings and serene atmosphere.

  • Visit the Tonle Sap Lake & Floating Villages:
    • Explore the bustling nightlife of Siem Reap, with options like:
      • Siem Reap Pub Street: Experience the vibrant nightlife of Siem Reap with a variety of bars and restaurants offering delicious food and drinks.

Other Options for Siem Reap:

  • Enjoy a traditional Khmer massage at one of the many spas.

  • Visit the Angkor Archaeological Park & learn about the ancient Khmer civilization.

  • Take a tour to the countryside:

  • Explore the temples of Banteay Samre and Banteay Kdei (Siem Reap):

    • Enjoy a traditional boat ride:
      • Explore the floating markets on Tonle Sap Lake:

  • Visit the Angkor National Museum:

Enjoy a relaxing evening at a local restaurant, enjoying the delicious food and the vibrant atmosphere of Siem Reap.

Other Considerations:

  • Weather: Siem Reap is hot and humid year-round. The dry season (November-April) offers the most pleasant weather for exploring the temples.

  • Accommodation: Choose from a range of hotels and guesthouses to suit all budgets, or consider staying in a luxury hotel like “The Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angrep”

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