Enchanting Buddhist temples dating back to the sixth century, later converted to Hinduism around the thirteenth century, that still hold a sacred allure 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. 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 pick-up. The drive from the airport to the hotel took about 15–20 minutes. If yours doesn’t, you can easily book a transfer in advance.
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 a good idea to carry US dollars in cash, especially small bills. Bring as many US$1, 5, and 10 notes as you can — they come in very handy (coins are not accepted). You’ll often pay in US dollars and receive change in riels. As of April 2026, US$1 was around 4,000 riels.
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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.
Check accommodation availability and rates here:
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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 5, 4, or 3 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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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 placeand 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: Discover 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 is a complex with 9 ziplines and 4 sky bridges set within a preserved forest area near the Angkor temples. 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.
We bought the tickets at the hotel reception for the same price as on the official website, and it included round-trip transportation.
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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3rd and 4th days: 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 in 1992 it was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 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.
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 Phrohm (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 1-day ticket ($37), which at the time (2022) allowed access to the temples over 2 days. Currently, according to the official website, the 1-day ticket allows for one day of visits, but if you purchase it at the ticket office after 5 pm, you can enter the park on the same day (with enough time to watch the sunset) and return the next day.
Tickets can be purchased in person or online through the official Angkor Pass website. Prices are $37 for one day, $62 for three days, or $72 for seven days. Our children didn’t pay (all under 12 years old).
If you’re unsure whether it’s worth buying the 3-day pass to visit the complex for just 2 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. According to our guide, Samir, Angkor Wat is the only temple built facing west, which is why you can see the sun rise behind it.
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 Tomb Raider Temple
Ta Prohm became world-famous after the film starring Angelina Jolie, and it’s truly impressive. Unlike most of the other temples, which remained in use over time, 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 Buddha faces carved into the towers are incredibly impressive.
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Estern 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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Beatley 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 tour, preferably in a small group. 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 floating village built on stilts along one of the branches of Tonlé Sap Lake.
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. This tour is shorter than the temple visits, so if your flight or bus leaves Siem Reap later in the day, it’s possible to take the tour in the morning and still make it back in time.
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:
– 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 : If you’re in the mood for pizza, this is a good option.
– Old Wooden House Asana, great for drinks, with a cozy atmosphere.
– 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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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.
Here are the websites I always use to plan my trips:
– 🛌 Accommodation: Booking
– ☀️ Tours & activities: Civitatis & Get Your Guide
– 📱 eSIM for mobile data: Airalo e-SIM – use promo code DANAE2375
– 🚗 Car rental: RentCars – use promo code DANAE
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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
- 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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