Planning for a quick getaway to Siem Reap but have no idea what to do? We’ve got you covered right here with a 3-day itinerary that will take you to the town’s must-sees and essential experiences!
Day 1
Angkor Wat
Once you’re all settled in, start off your day by exploring the grandeur of the Angkor Wat, Cambodia’s massive 12th century Buddhist temple complex. Most travellers venture to Siem Reap for the sole purpose of visiting these relics, and it’s not hard to see why once you get up close and personal with it. Get a three-day Angkor Archaeological Park pass (US$62) that will let you visit the other Angkor temples in and around Siem Reap too!
Pay attention to the intricate details and carvings all around the temple, and make your way up to the highest point. Do take note that the upper level is open to a limited number of visitors a day so if you want to get some breathtaking views, get there early! You’ll also have to dress modestly, as despite being a tourist attraction, the Angkor Wat remains a sacred religious site in Cambodia. Be prepared to spend up to 4 hours exploring this complex, as its sheer size means getting around on foot will take a while. However, for the historical and cultural insights you’ll glean, every minute spent there is worth your while!
Angkor Thom
From Angkor Wat, it is an easy 10-minute ride to Angkor Thom, another temple in the Angkor Archaeological Park. Angkor Thom was the last capital of the Khmer Empire, and the complex is divided into four main parts, each representing something different.
The temple of Bayon symbolises the link between heaven and earth, the wall enclosing the complex represents the mountain ranges of Meru, and the moat represents the cosmic ocean.
Keep your eyes peeled for some interesting stone figures, like one of a serpent with 9 heads! You can access this great city with the pass you’ve purchased for Angkor Wat, and we recommend you take at least 2 hours to take in Angkor Thom’s beauty to the fullest.
Phare
At this point, you may be a bit tired out from all the walking around. It’s the perfect time for you to check out Phare, Siem Reap’s own circus! Founded by the PPS Association, a non-profit organisation started by 8 former Khmer Rouge refugees, this circus aims to revitalise the local arts scene.
While it’s called a circus, it’s so much more than that as it incorporates elements of traditional and modern theater, music, dance, acrobatics, juggling and contortion! Explore what it means to be Cambodian through this unique medium of art without worrying about being lost in translation, as English subtitles are provided for your understanding. Purchase your tickets in advance to avoid the crowds! And don’t fret if you get hungry, there’s an on-site cafe for you to get some light refreshments before the show.
Pub Street
End your night at Pub Street, possibly Siem Reap’s most bustling street for nightlife. This row of bars and pubs is famed for 50-cent beers which you can get at most places through the night! Some notable players in the scene here are The Red Piano and Angkor What?. The former is known as Angelina Jolie’s favourite bar when she was filming Tomb Raider in Siem Reap, while the latter is one of Pub Street’s original establishments. For more on what to drink and which places are must-tries, here’s our guide to Pub Street’s best joints!
Day 2
Phnom Bok Mountain Temple
Start off your morning right with a short and fruitful trek up to Phnom Bok Mountain Temple, which rests atop the highest hill in the Angkor area. Built in the late 9th to early 10th centuries, this temple is one of the three mountain temples erected on the hills of the Angkor area. Located about 25km away from Siem Reap and atop a 235m hill, the temple is often tranquil and quiet, free from the high volume of tourists that Siem Reap usually sees. This makes it the perfect place to visit if you’re looking for something that’s slightly off the beaten track, but still full of cultural value.
Banteay Srei
From there, it’s a 30-min ride to Banteay Srei, or ‘Citadel of the Women’ which is built of sandstones that are of a more pinkish hue than the other temples you’ll visit around Cambodia. The carvings on the temple are rumoured to be done by women due to their high level of detail and intricacy.
Interestingly, it is the only major Angkor temple to not be constructed by a king. Instead, it was built by a courtier, who was one of the king’s counsellors. Some carvings you can find at this temple include some scenes from the epic Ramayana, as well as some scenes of women holding lotus flowers. About 20km away from the main Angkor Wat complex, this temple is smaller and less imposing than the massive Angkor Wat. Entry to Bantaey Srei is also included in your Angkor Archaeology Park pass.
Tonle Sap Lake and its fishing villages
Head down to Tonle Sap Lake in the later part of your afternoon, and sail down on a small sampan, taking in the many interesting sights of floating villages, fish farms and crocodile farms that will pass you by. Many rely on the Tonle Sap for their livelihoods, and on your boat tour you’ll have to visit the floating villages that include Chong Khneas, Kampong Phluk or Kampong Khleang, depending on the tour you choose.
Our personal recommendation is Kampong Khleang, which is a bit further away from the mainland and also the largest floating community there is with its population of roughly 10,000 people. Here, you’ll get to experience a slower pace of life that will no doubt help you unwind from all the exploring you’ve been doing. If you linger till sunset, the views are spectacular - perfect if you’re with your other half. Otherwise, the beautiful gold and orange hues of the sunset still provide you a great photo op!
Catch a Garavek storytelling performance
After your journey on the lake, head back to downtown Siem Reap. It’s time to sit back, relax and enjoy as you learn more about the history of the ancient Khmer Empire and the Angkor Wat through the art of traditional Garavek storytelling! Immerse yourself in the myths and traditions of Cambodia, which the multi-talented performers will reenact with the help of the srlai, khloy and samphor, three traditional musical instruments. Get your cultural insights and joyful entertainment at these shows, which are held daily at 6.30pm, with each show lasting for about 45 minutes.
Enjoy a relaxing Khmer massage
End your night right by treating yourself to a traditional Khmer massage. What is interesting is that contrary to some other forms of massages in Southeast Asia like the Thai massage, Khmer massages do not use oil, and you can remain fully clothed throughout the experience. If your pain tolerance is a bit on the lower side, you’re in luck as these massages won’t hurt as much too. Nonetheless, you stand to benefit from this ancient practice as it’ll help lower your blood pressure, relieve your muscle tension and alleviate pain! Check out Lemongrass Garden and Angkor Palace Resort & Spa, two places where you can get a soothing massage.
Day 3
Learn more about Khmer cooking with a cooking class
Unlock the secrets of Khmer cuisine with a cooking class in Siem Reap! There are many to choose from depending on your personal preferences. Khmer Gourmet Cooking Class is headed by a 5-star hotel chef, who’ll start the day by taking you to a local market to obtain some fresh produce before dedicated teachers guide you in making your dish. Lily’s Secret Garden Cooking Class is one that promises an authentic cooking experience in a local home. Following your market shopping, you’ll get to cook and enjoy your meal in a family home in Siem Reap! Either way, you’re going to get a great cultural experience, and a fun time doing some early morning grocery shopping the local way.
Souvenir shopping at Made in Cambodia Market
After the delicious meal you cooked for yourself, make your way down to Made in Cambodia Market at King’s Road Angkor to do some last-minute shopping on your final day in Siem Reap. This market features rows of stalls selling local arts and crafts, with the ultimate aim to help Cambodians in need through job creation and handicraft sales.
You can rest assured that the products sold here are all made locally, and none of them are imports from the neighbouring countries. The vendors are known to be friendly, and not too pushy, so you’ll also have a pleasant shopping experience! This is definitely a great place for you to get a unique handmade silk scarf or woven bag to bring back home.
Downtown Siem Reap
One of the best ways to explore the city is on foot. Make your way to downtown Siem Reap, and walk around from cafe to cafe and shop to shop - who knows you might find some hidden gems there! The Hive Cafe at Central Market Street is a cosy cafe that serves some vegetarian and vegan options that aren’t just ideal for people with these dietary needs, but also healthy for everyone else. Sister Srey Cafe near the Old Market is also great for its Western fare, and its avocado toast and coffee are highly-praised by cafe lovers. Alternatively, if you’re tired and just want to relax, head down to one of the many fish spas near Pub Street and get a fishy foot massage! Enjoy the ticklish yet refreshing sensation of your dead skin being nibbled away by many tiny fish. Prices for this start as low as US$1, so there’s no reason to not indulge in it before you have to get on that plane!
And there you have it - the perfect 3 day itinerary that encapsulates the essence of Siem Reap with experiences and attractions that are both essential and also on the path less travelled. Immerse yourself in all its wonders now!
