Hindu and Buddhist temples built centuries ago that still inspire awe and remain sacred today.
Alongside its rich history and culture, you’ll be struck by the landscapes, colorful local markets, charming traditional villages, and delicious food. With friendly locals and plenty of sunshine, there’s no shortage of reasons to visit Cambodia.
I loved every moment of my visit to Siem Reap and would definitely go back. Trust me, you won’t regret adding Cambodia to your Southeast Asia itinerary!
First of all, follow me on Instagram @danae_explore – that’s where you can keep up with my trips, find lots of travel tips, and send me a DM anytime. I love chatting about travel!
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Visiting the temples of Angkor was a dream of mine for years. I’m not a Buddhist or a Hindu, but I’ve always had that curiosity to explore faraway places, different cultures, and hear stories we don’t learn at school or from our families. There was no way we could leave Cambodia, especially Siem Reap, out of our first family trip to Southeast Asia.
I’ve already written about our 3-week trip to Southeast Asia, where we visited Thailand, Cambodia and Laos — that’s where you’ll find the complete itinerary and tips for visiting all three countries.
As time was limited (and so was our budget), we chose to focus our time in Cambodia on Siem Reap.
We spent New Year in Siem Reap, an amazing cultural experience during our three-week Southeast Asia trip. It was an intense trip with activities every day, so we decided that January 1st would be reserved for rest: no alarms, plenty of time by the hotel pool, a long, leisurely lunch, and a relaxed drink at the end of the day. Finally, vacation.
Although we stayed six days in Siem Reap, we had five full days of activities, which are described below. With some planning, you can cover everything in four days, but if you’re short on time, even in three or two days you can still see the main highlights of Siem Reap.
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How to get to Siem Reap, Cambodia
Siem Reap is well connected by flights from several locations in Southeast Asia. On our trip, we flew from Bangkok with Air Asia on a direct flight taking just over an hour (we left at 9:55 am and landed at 11:00 am).
Our hotel offered complimentary airport pickup, and the drive took about 15–20 minutes. But we arrived at the old airport. Flights now arrive at Siem Reap–Angkor International Airport (SAI), so that journey time no longer applies. Check transportation options with your hotel or book a private or shared transfer from SAI.
Currency
Cambodia’s local currency is the Riel, but US dollars are widely accepted. Prices in restaurants, hotels, markets, laundries, and most tourist areas are usually listed in USD.
It’s useful to have cash for small purchases. On our trip, US$1, 5, and 10 bills came in handy, and we often paid in dollars and received change in riels. Check the exchange rate used by the business before paying.
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Language
We had no trouble communicating in English in Siem Reap, although in most places it tends to be quite basic.
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Where to stay in Siem Reap
We stayed at Golden Temple Hotel, which was, in our group’s unanimous opinion, the best hotel of our trip (and not the most expensive!). The rooms were great, the pool was lovely (even if the water was a bit cold), and the staff was the most attentive I’ve ever experienced. Breakfast was delicious, and we even received a complimentary massage and lunch. Not to mention the excellent location, just a few blocks from Pub Street, the lively nightlife area filled with bars, nightclubs, restaurants, cafés, shops, and markets.
When choosing where to stay, try to be close to Pub Street, but not directly on it. Staying within 2 to 5 blocks seems ideal, as Siem Reap is flat and very easy to walk around.
Compare places to stay in this area:
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What you can’t miss on a visit to Siem Reap
I’ve shared below all the activities we did over 5 days in Siem Reap. At the end, I’ve included suggestions on how to cover the highlights in four, three, or two days.
But before getting into the details, here’s a short list of must-dos in Siem Reap, the places and experiences you shouldn’t miss:
– visit the temples of the Angkor complex. If possible, set aside at least two full days to explore them;
– have a drink on Pub Street and explore the nearby market;
– watch a show at Phare, The Cambodian Circus, an activity that’s easy to fit into any day (but buy tickets in advance).
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The tours linked for booking may have different operators and itineraries from the ones we used. Check the guide’s language, transportation, and included tickets before booking.
What to do in Siem Reap in 5 days
1st day: Angkor National Museum
I usually keep the first day in any destination more relaxed, to ease into the place and get a feel for the area, not to mention leaving some buffer time in case of flight delays or other unexpected issues.
We arrived in Siem Reap late in the morning, had lunch, and spent the afternoon visiting the Angkor National Museum.
I highly recommend visiting the Angkor National Museum before heading to the Angkor temples. We bought our tickets at the box office, along with an audio guide (available in English, Spanish, and other languages). The museum has excellent exhibits in English explaining the history of the region and the Khmer Empire, as well as the influence of Buddhism and Hinduism, local culture, and traditions.
Don’t miss the gallery about the legend of the churning of the ocean of milk, you’ll later recognize the original panels on the walls of Angkor Wat.
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Day 2: explore Siem Reap, Angkor Zipline, and Phare Circus
On our second day in Siem Reap, we spent the morning exploring the market near Pub Street, and in the afternoon the kids (and the adults, of course) had fun at Angkor Zipline. In the evening, we went to Phare Circus, the Cambodian Circus.
Angkor Zipline has courses with ziplines and suspended bridges in a preserved forest area near the Angkor temples. The activities included depend on the package you choose. The platforms are built around the trunks of century-old trees, which makes the whole setting really beautiful. That said, the cables are relatively short, so you don’t build much speed. It’s a nice activity if you’re traveling with kids, have extra time, or just want a break from temple hopping and some time in nature.
We chose to go because our kids love ziplining, and we had promised them we’d do it at least once during the trip. In the end, we all had a great time. It was worth it, but I wouldn’t call it an essential stop.
We bought our tickets at the hotel reception for the same price we found online at the time, and our package included round-trip transportation. Before booking, check the course, transportation, and whether you’ll need an Angkor Pass.
If zip-lining isn’t your thing, another great option is a full-day trip to Phnom Kulen National Park. This tour takes you to a mountainous region with stops at viewpoints, waterfalls, and traditional villages.
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Phare, the Cambodian Circus is great and worth visiting even if you’re not traveling with kids. The organization works with communities across Cambodia, offering education, training, and artistic programs. Beyond the show itself — which is beautiful and fun — this social mission makes the experience even more meaningful.
The easiest way to get there from the Pub Street area is by tuk-tuk. I recommend buying tickets a few days in advance through the official website or with a reliable ticket sales service.
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Days 3 and 4: temples of Angkor
The Angkor temple complex comprises over 150 temples, and Angkor Wat, the largest and most famous among them, is regarded as the largest religious structure ever built and one of the world’s foremost archaeological treasures. It is depicted on the flag of Cambodia, and the Angkor complex was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992. The temples were built between the 9th and 15th centuries AD, when the Khmer Empire dominated much of Southeast Asia.
We decided to visit the temples with a Portuguese-speaking local guide, so our children could better understand and engage with the history and culture of the area. It turned out to be the best decision we could have made! I highly recommend our guide, Samir, who is also fluent in English and Spanish (@samethdy29, WhatsApp +855 97 923 7003) and has extensive knowledge of local history and culture.
There are plenty of tours available, and I strongly recommend joining one. Group tours tend to be a great option if you’re budget-conscious, but opt for a private tour if your budget allows. Check that you’ve selected the private option before booking.
On the first day we visited:
1️⃣Prasat Pre Roup
2️⃣Eastern Mebon
3️⃣Prasat Ta Som
4️⃣Prasat Preah Neak Pean
5️⃣Prasat Preah Khan
6️⃣Banteay Srei
On the second day:
1️⃣Angkor Wat
2️⃣Angkor Thom
3️⃣Prasat Bayon
4️⃣Baphuon
5️⃣Phimeanakas
6️⃣Terrace of the Elephants
7️⃣Ta Prohm (Tomb Raider temple)
There are many other temples and structures in the area, if you’re interested, you can easily spend 3 or 4 days exploring the temples alone.
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Angkor Wat tickets
We bought the one-day ticket (US$37), which at the time (2022) allowed access to the temples over two days. Our children didn’t pay (all under 12 years old).
A one-day pass currently costs US$37. A three-day pass costs US$62 and can be used within seven days; a seven-day pass costs US$72 and can be used within 30 days. For our itinerary, with two days visiting temples, you’ll need the three-day pass. Children under 12 enter free; bring proof of age.
Tickets can be purchased in person or online through the official Angkor Pass website. According to the official FAQ, buying a ticket for the following day after 4:45 pm also allows you to enter that evening for sunset. Check the official conditions before buying.
If you’re unsure whether it’s worth buying the three-day pass to visit the complex for just two days, my answer is yes. The park is huge, with countless temples and an incredible amount to see and learn.
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Where to eat while visiting the temples of Angkor Wat
On both days of our tours, we stopped at local restaurants for lunch. On one of the days, lunch was included in the tour we booked; on the other, it wasn’t. This seems to vary depending on the arrangement with each local operator.
There are plenty of restaurants along the roads connecting the temples. I didn’t note the names of the places we stopped at, but you shouldn’t have any trouble finding a good option during your visit.
On the day we went to Angkor Wat for sunrise, our hotel prepared a breakfast picnic.
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All the temples we visited were beautiful, but these were my favorites:
Angkor Wat
Angkor Wat is the main, largest, and most famous temple — and also the most crowded. One of the must-do experiences in Siem Reap is watching the sunrise at Angkor Wat. As our guide Samir explained, Angkor Wat faces west, so you can watch the sun rise behind the temple from the main entrance.
I imagine that a few decades ago, watching this spectacle was a quiet and almost meditative experience. But today, with the rise of mass tourism and the urge to capture everything for Instagram, be prepared to compete for your spot among a crowd — hundreds, maybe even thousands of people.
The sunrise was beautiful — it was the last of the year — but I have to admit I felt a bit conflicted about the sheer number of people along the lakeshore. The kids couldn’t see much and ended up playing on the grass. I wish we had gone back for sunset; I think the photos might have turned out even better in the late afternoon light, but by then no one had the energy or interest.
In short: watching the sunrise at Angkor Wat is worth it, but be ready for the crowds.
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Ta Prohm, or the Tomb Raider temple
Ta Prohm became world-famous after the film starring Angelina Jolie, and it’s truly impressive. Ta Prohm was abandoned at some point in its history, and the jungle slowly reclaimed it, creating a striking blend of nature and human craftsmanship. It’s one of the most visually stunning temples — don’t miss it.
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Bayon
The giant faces carved into the towers are incredibly impressive.
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East Mebon
This was one of my favorites because there were very few people when we visited, so we had the space to ourselves and could enjoy it in peace.
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Banteay Srei
This temple is beautiful, with incredibly detailed carvings. The stones have a slightly pink tone, which gives the temple a unique atmosphere.
If you only have a day to visit the temples of Angkor, I’m not sure it’s possible to see all of these, but whatever temples you (or your guide) choose, I’m sure you won’t regret it.
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The best way to visit the temples is on a private guided tour. We did ours as a private group (there were seven of us). You can also visit by tuk-tuk, but keep in mind that the temples are far from town and from each other. Tours usually last a full day, so if you go by tuk-tuk, be prepared for a bumpy, dusty, and hot ride.
It goes without saying: I strongly recommend visiting the temples with a local guide. Beyond the beauty of the temples, the history behind them is fascinating. If Samir isn’t available, it’s worth looking into other options.
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Day 5: floating villages on Tonlé Sap Lake
We went again with our guide Samir to visit Kampong Phluk, a village of stilt houses in the Tonlé Sap Lake area.
It’s interesting to learn about the way of life in these communities, which is quite simple and closely connected to the lake, providing fish and water for rice cultivation. We went by van (it’s also possible to visit by tuk-tuk), but the road only goes part of the way, and from there you continue by boat.
We stopped for lunch at The Hut Phum Steng on the way back and arrived at the hotel in the early afternoon. If you’re planning this tour on your departure day, confirm the return time with the operator and allow plenty of time to collect your bags and reach SAI Airport or the bus station. Some tours include sunset and finish later than ours did.
6th day: We left early towards Luang Prabang, Laos.
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What to do in Siem Reap and Angkor in four days
Day 1: visit the Angkor National Museum in the afternoon and attend the Phare Circus in the evening. The market can be visited on any day, as it stays open until around 9 or 10 pm.
Days 2 and 3: visit the Angkor temples.
Day 4: take a boat tour to the floating villages on Tonlé Sap Lake.
Note: Circus shows are held daily, so you can choose the day that suits you best.
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What to do in Siem Reap in three days
Day 1: you can visit the floating villages in the morning and still have time to see the National Museum in the afternoon. However, if you’re short on time or prefer a more relaxed pace, you’ll need to choose based on your preferences.
Days 2 and 3: visit the Angkor temples.
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What to do in Siem Reap in two days
It’s definitely worth spending two days exploring the Angkor temples. And of course, don’t miss stopping by the market, seeing a show at Phare Circus, and having a few drinks on Pub Street.
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Where to eat in Siem Reap
I fell in love with Cambodian cuisine. One of the country’s typical dishes is Lok Lak, a stir-fried dish made with beef, chicken, or shrimp, usually served with white rice and salad.
Here are some restaurants we visited and recommend. These were our experiences during the trip; check current opening hours and locations before going:
– Sambo Khmer & Thai Restaurant – This restaurant was close to our hotel and served tasty food at great value. We ended up going back three times during our stay.
– Flying Zebra Pizza
– Old Wooden House Asana, great for drinks.
– Café Amazon: This Southeast Asian coffee chain is somewhat similar to Starbucks. We only visited once during our time in Cambodia.
– Travancore Indian Restaurant: We might have had bad luck, but all the dishes we ordered were extremely spicy. The ones we could handle were still delicious.
– Golden Temple Hotel: We had lunch one day and dinner another at our hotel’s restaurant, and found the prices reasonable and the food excellent.
– R’MIET Restaurant & Bar: This restaurant is clearly geared toward tourists, with a modern design and a location overlooking the Siem Reap River. The food was great, but prices were on the higher side.
While chatting with some people we met there, they recommended a traditional dinner with an Apsara dance show, but we found out too late to fit it into our schedule.
On the food side, another activity I highly recommend is taking a cooking class, where you pick the ingredients, learn to prepare traditional dishes, and then enjoy your creations. We did this in Luang Prabang, Laos, and it was one of the most interesting experiences of the three days we spent there. I highly recommend it!
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Frequently asked questions about Siem Reap
How many days should you spend in Siem Reap?
I recommend three to five days, with two set aside for Angkor. Five days leave more time for the museum, Tonlé Sap, and other activities.
Which Angkor pass do you need for two days?
The three-day pass, currently US$62, which can be used within seven days.
Can you visit Siem Reap in two days?
Yes. I’d spend both days exploring the temples and use the evenings for town and Phare Circus, depending on the schedule.
Map of our complete Southeast Asia trip
Here is the map of our trip, with our detailed route, everything we did, where we stayed, and the places we visited. It’s very easy to use, and you can even save it to your own Google account for future reference. So when you plan your next trip to Southeast Asia, you already know where to start 😉
On the map, you’ll find details of everything we did, where we stayed, and the best places we visited. There are different layers, each with a unique color representing the regions we explored.
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How to use this map: Click the menu tab in the upper left corner of the map to access different layers, including points of interest and routes. You can toggle layers on and off by checking the corresponding boxes. To see details about specific locations, click on the icons on the map.
To save this map to your Google Maps account, just click the star icon next to the map title. To access it later on your phone or computer, open Google Maps, tap the menu button, go to “Your Places”, select “Maps”, and you’ll find this map saved there.
Plan your trip
The websites I always use to plan my trips. Booking through these links costs you nothing extra and helps keep the blog going.
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All our posts about destinations in Southest Asia, to inspire you and help you plan your trip:
- 3-week itinerary through Southeast Asia – the best of Thailand, Laos and Cambodia!
- Siem Reap and Angkor Wat, the most spectacular temples in Cambodia
- New Year’s Eve in Siem Reap, Cambodia
- What to do in 3 days in Luang Prabang
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Here are our posts about other destinations in Asia:
South Korea
Japan
- 4-week Japan itinerary: the best of Japan for a first trip to the Land of the rising sun
- Where to stay in Tokyo
- Beyond Tokyo: 7 day-trips that live up to the hype
- The best of Kyoto: what to do in 4 or 5 days in Japan’s ancient capital
- Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route – Your ultimate guide to the journey crossing the Japanese Alps
- Nakasendo Road, from Magome to Tsumago, the most beautiful villages of medieval Japan
- Hiroshima: 2-day itinerary, with a day trip to Miyajima
- Sapporo: complete itinerary and tips for skiing in Hokkaido
- 10 things you need to know before traveling to Japan
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