Siem Reap in 3 days

Gateway to Angkor: sunrise over ancient temples, jungle-wrapped ruins, buzzing markets and riverside nightlife. Best time to visit: November-February (cool, dry season). Average daily budget: $35 to $75 USD.

Day 1, Get oriented

Base: Pub Street & Old Market, The lively nightlife and market core in the town centre.

Morning: Sunrise at Angkor Wat. The classic dawn view of the world's largest religious monument.

Afternoon: Explore Pub Street & Old Market, The lively nightlife and market core in the town centre.

Evening: Ta Prohm 'Tomb Raider' temple. Ruins dramatically entwined with giant tree roots.

Eat: Fish amok, the creamy coconut curry steamed in banana leaf

Day 2, Go deeper

Base: Riverside, Quieter cafés, galleries and boutique stays along the Siem Reap River.

Morning: Angkor Thom & Bayon. The walled city and its temple of giant smiling stone faces.

Afternoon: Explore Riverside, Quieter cafés, galleries and boutique stays along the Siem Reap River.

Evening: Tonlé Sap floating villages. A boat trip to stilted communities on Southeast Asia's biggest lake.

Eat: Lok lak, stir-fried beef with a lime-pepper dip

Day 3, Hidden side

Base: Wat Bo area, A leafy, local-feeling neighbourhood of guesthouses.

Morning: The pink-sandstone carvings of Banteay Srei, further out and quieter.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Afternoon: Explore Wat Bo area, A leafy, local-feeling neighbourhood of guesthouses.

Evening: A Khmer cooking class in town.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Eat: Khmer red curry and num banh chok noodles

Hidden gems

The pink-sandstone carvings of Banteay Srei, further out and quieter.
A Khmer cooking class in town.
Phare, the Cambodian Circus, for acrobatics with a social mission.
Sunset from the Pre Rup temple instead of the crowded Phnom Bakheng.

Getting around

Tuk-tuks (often booked via the local PassApp or Grab) are the way to explore the temples and town cheaply; hire one for a full Angkor day. The centre is walkable. Bicycles and e-bikes are an option for fit travellers wanting to cycle the temple roads at their own pace.

Safety

Siem Reap is friendly and safe for tourists. Drink bottled water, cover shoulders and knees at temples, and watch for the strong sun, heat and uneven temple stones. Be wary of overpriced tuk-tuk deals and child beggars (giving directly is discouraged); keep valuables secure in busy Pub Street at night.

Siem Reap in 5 days | Siem Reap in 7 days | Full Siem Reap guide