3 Days in Siem Reap, Cambodia: The Perfect Angkor Wat Itinerary

When I think back to my time in Cambodia, Siem Reap was always meant to be one of the highlights. It had been on my bucket list for years, and after finishing my internship, I finally had time to travel and explore more of Southeast Asia. A stop in Siem Reap, home to the world-famous Angkor Wat, was something I didn’t want to miss. My arrival, however, was not entirely smooth. I flew in from Hanoi, and at check-in I realised that water had got on my passport, blurring some of the stamps. At immigration the officer had to ask for approval before letting me in, which made me a bit nervous, but in the end everything worked out fine. Over the next few days I explored the temples, the city and some unexpected corners, and I also had a few things to deal with along the way. In this post I want to share what I experienced and why I think Siem Reap absolutely deserves a spot on your list.

Day 1 – Arrival & First Impressions

The most comfortable option is to arrange a private driver through your accommodation or take a Grab, Asia’s version of Uber. The ride costs around 28 dollars and gets you directly to your hotel or hostel. A cheaper alternative is the airport shuttle bus, which leaves from just across the exit and costs around 8 dollars. It drops you at the CDF Duty Free Station in the city centre, where tuk tuk drivers are already waiting. For just one to two dollars, have it in cash, they will take you straight to your accommodation, as most places are within a two kilometre radius.

One thing that really bothered me was how quickly the tuk tuk drivers surrounded everyone as soon as we stepped off the bus. There was no time to stretch, get my bearings or even breathe for a minute. They came up immediately, quite pushy and persistent, which was a bit overwhelming after a long journey. On the other hand, the driver who took me to my accommodation was really friendly and immediately offered to be my driver for the Angkor Wat tour the next morning. We agreed on the plan and he promised to pick me up early for the sunrise tour, but more on that the next day.

Once you have checked in, take a bit of time to relax, maybe by the pool, before heading out to explore. If you are staying near the centre, everything is easy to reach on foot. Do not miss the night market, which is also partly open during the day, the lively Pub Street, the Old Market or Wat Po, a small Buddhist temple. After a good dinner it is best to call it a night, as the Angkor Wat adventure starts early the next morning.asier.

Day 2 – Sunrise at Angkor Wat & Temple Hopping

The second day starts for you long before sunrise. After arranging a tuk-tuk driver or booking a tour the day before, you’ll usually be picked up at around 4:30 a.m. The first stop is the Angkor Park Pass Ticket Counters, where you need to buy your entrance ticket. Since most travelers spend only a short time in Siem Reap, the one-day ticket for $37 is the most practical option. Payment is possible in cash or by card.

Keep in mind that the ticket only covers the entrance, the ride itself has to be paid separately. A private tuk tuk driver generally charges around 25 dollars for the day. While bus tours are available, they often come with fixed schedules, whereas a tuk tuk gives you the freedom to move at your own pace and take breaks whenever you like. I made the mistake of not knowing this beforehand, as no one had mentioned that the fee was separate. When I was dropped off, I realised I didn’t have any cash left on me, so I had to go with the driver to the bank to withdraw money and pay him. It was not a big deal in the end, but definitely something worth knowing in advance.

Your first destination is the most iconic temple of all, Angkor Wat. Watching the sunrise over the ancient towers is an unforgettable experience, even if it means sharing the view with many other visitors. Afterwards, you have time to wander the vast temple grounds and take in the details of the carvings and architecture. If you want to make the most of the day, it is a good idea not to linger too long and to skip a long breakfast break in order to see more temples later on. One of the best things about having a private tuk tuk driver is the flexibility it gives you. I left Angkor Wat earlier than most people and arrived at the other temples long before the big crowds. It was incredibly peaceful and I had some of the sites almost completely to myself. Depending on what you prefer, you can either take your time or keep moving to stay ahead of the groups.

From here, your route usually continues to Bayon Temple in the Angkor Thom area, then on to Takeo, Ta Prohm and Banteay Kdei. This classic ‘small circuit’ covers about five temples and takes anywhere from five to eight hours, depending on how quickly you move through each site. I decided to do the whole route in one go, without heading back to the hotel in between, and it worked out perfectly. Afterwards, you can relax, take a proper rest and have a nice dinner. By finishing everything earlier in the day, you have the evening completely free to do whatever you like.

Day 3 – Floating Villages, Cooking Classes & Pub Street

The last day in Siem Reap is all about choosing your own pace. Some travelers use it as a pool day with a relaxed stroll through the city, while others head out for one more excursion. Popular options include a tour to the floating village of Kampong Phluk, a trip to Kulen Mountain with its waterfalls and views over Tonlé Sap Lake, or a visit to the Kulen Elephant Forest. For something more hands-on, many hotels and hostels also offer cooking classes, where you can learn to prepare traditional Cambodian dishes.

In the evening, no stay in Siem Reap is complete without experiencing Pub Street at least once. The area is packed with bars, restaurants, and live music, making it the heart of the city’s nightlife. Sports fans should check out the Goal Sports Bar, while X-Bar and Temple Bar are among the most popular spots for a lively night out.

I can definitely recommend visiting Siem Reap and especially the UNESCO World Heritage Site Angkor Wat. It is a truly unique experience and the sunrise, along with the other temples, is absolutely worth getting up that early for. On Pub Street I met some brilliant people from all over the world and had two unforgettable evenings that made my time in Siem Reap even more special. The only thing that was a bit difficult at times was the rather pushy attitude of some locals, which I do understand as they are trying to make a living, but it can feel a little intense. One woman in a bar even stepped on my white trousers with her shoes just to get my attention. Apart from that, it was an interesting and unforgettable experience that I would recommend to anyone travelling through Cambodia.