Quick summary: Explore the majestic Angkor temples, witness a breathtaking sunrise, and enjoy vibrant night markets in Siem Reap over three days. This family-friendly itinerary balances cultural immersion with relaxation and local cuisine.
Route map + stops
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- Angkor Wat (α’αααααααα)
Nearest station: Siem Reap Central β Line: N/A β Exit: Best exit: check station signage - Angkor Thom – Bayon Temple (α’αααααα – ααΆααα)
Nearest station: Siem Reap Central β Line: N/A β Exit: Best exit: check station signage - Ta Prohm Temple (ααΆαααα αα)
Nearest station: Siem Reap Central β Line: N/A β Exit: Best exit: check station signage - Pre Rup Temple (ααααααΌα)
Nearest station: Siem Reap Central β Line: N/A β Exit: Best exit: check station signage - Phnom Bakheng Hill (ααααααΆααα)
Nearest station: Siem Reap Central β Line: N/A β Exit: Best exit: check station signage - Siem Reap Old Market (Psar Chaa) (ααααΆαα
αΆαα)
Nearest station: Siem Reap Central β Line: N/A β Exit: Best exit: check station signage - Angkor National Museum (ααΆααααααΈαααΆαα·α’αααα)
Nearest station: Siem Reap Central β Line: N/A β Exit: Best exit: check station signage - Pub Street (ααΆαα ααααααΈα)
Nearest station: Siem Reap Central β Line: N/A β Exit: Best exit: check station signage - Artisans Angkor Workshop (αα·αααααααα’αααα)
Nearest station: Siem Reap Central β Line: N/A β Exit: Best exit: check station signage
Timeline (hour-by-hour)
Day 1
Start early with a sunrise at Angkor Wat to witness the iconic temple bathed in morning light. Explore the temple’s interior galleries and towers. After a break, visit Angkor Thom and Bayon Temple to see the famous stone faces and ancient city walls. In the late afternoon, relax and shop at Siem Reap Old Market, sampling local snacks and browsing handicrafts.
5:30 AM β Sunrise at Angkor Wat
Why go: Experience the iconic sunrise illuminating the largest religious monument in the world.
Do:
- Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot
- Photograph the sunrise over the temple moat
- Enjoy the peaceful morning atmosphere
How to get there: Take a tuk-tuk from Siem Reap town center, about 15 minutes.
Cost / tickets: Entry ticket to Angkor Archaeological Park (1-day pass approx. $37)
Time needed: 2 hours
8:00 AM β Explore Angkor Wat Interior
Why go: Discover intricate bas-reliefs and ancient Khmer architecture inside the temple.
Do:
- Walk through galleries and central towers
- Learn about Hindu mythology depicted on walls
- Take guided tour or audio guide for context
How to get there: Walk from sunrise spot inside the park.
Cost / tickets: Included in entry ticket
Time needed: 2 hours
11:00 AM β Visit Angkor Thom and Bayon Temple
Why go: See the famous smiling stone faces and grand city gates of the ancient capital.
Do:
- Explore Bayon’s many towers with carved faces
- Walk through the Terrace of the Elephants
- Visit the Terrace of the Leper King
How to get there: Tuk-tuk from Angkor Wat, about 10 minutes.
Cost / tickets: Included in entry ticket
Time needed: 2 hours
4:00 PM β Relax at Siem Reap Old Market
Why go: Shop for souvenirs, handicrafts, and sample local street food in a lively market.
Do:
- Browse stalls for silk, carvings, and spices
- Try local snacks and fresh fruit
- Enjoy casual dining at market eateries
How to get there: Tuk-tuk or walk from town center.
Cost / tickets: Free to enter, purchases vary
Time needed: 2 hours
Day 2
Begin at Ta Prohm Temple, famous for its jungle roots entwining the ruins. Continue to Pre Rup Temple for panoramic views and a peaceful atmosphere. End the day with a climb up Phnom Bakheng Hill to enjoy a spectacular sunset over the Angkor temples.
8:00 AM β Morning at Ta Prohm Temple
Why go: Explore the jungle-covered temple made famous by Tomb Raider movie.
Do:
- Walk among giant tree roots entwined with ruins
- Photograph unique temple features
- Learn about conservation efforts
How to get there: Tuk-tuk from Siem Reap, about 20 minutes.
Cost / tickets: Included in entry ticket
Time needed: 2 hours
11:00 AM β Visit Pre Rup Temple
Why go: Climb this pyramid temple for panoramic views and peaceful surroundings.
Do:
- Climb temple terraces
- Enjoy views of surrounding countryside
- Relax in shaded areas
How to get there: Tuk-tuk from Ta Prohm, about 15 minutes.
Cost / tickets: Included in entry ticket
Time needed: 1.5 hours
4:30 PM β Sunset at Phnom Bakheng Hill
Why go: Watch sunset over Angkor temples from a hilltop viewpoint.
Do:
- Climb the hill before sunset
- Capture panoramic photos
- Enjoy cooler evening breeze
How to get there: Tuk-tuk from Pre Rup, about 10 minutes.
Cost / tickets: Included in entry ticket
Time needed: 2 hours
Day 3
Visit the Angkor National Museum to deepen your understanding of Khmer history and culture. Then explore the Artisans Angkor Workshop to see traditional craftspeople at work. Finish your trip with an evening at Pub Street and the Night Markets, enjoying local cuisine, shopping, and cultural performances.
9:00 AM β Explore Angkor National Museum
Why go: Gain deeper understanding of Khmer history and artifacts before temple visits.
Do:
- View exhibits on Angkor civilization
- Watch introductory film
- Shop for educational souvenirs
How to get there: Walk or tuk-tuk from town center.
Cost / tickets: Entry approx. $12
Time needed: 2 hours
12:00 PM β Visit Artisans Angkor Workshop
Why go: See traditional craftspeople at work and support local artisans.
Do:
- Watch silk weaving and stone carving
- Purchase handmade souvenirs
- Learn about Khmer art techniques
How to get there: Tuk-tuk from museum, about 10 minutes.
Cost / tickets: Free entry, purchases optional
Time needed: 1.5 hours
6:00 PM β Evening at Pub Street and Night Markets
Why go: Experience vibrant nightlife with dining, shopping, and entertainment.
Do:
- Dine at family-friendly restaurants
- Browse night market stalls
- Enjoy cultural performances
How to get there: Walk from town center or tuk-tuk.
Cost / tickets: Varies by venue
Time needed: 3 hours
Logistics (read this first)
- Best transport is tuk-tuk for temple visits and town travel
- Wear comfortable walking shoes and sun protection
- Carry water and light snacks during temple tours
- Purchase Angkor Archaeological Park pass in advance
- Respect local customs and dress modestly at temples
- Plan early starts for sunrise and avoid midday heat
- Currency accepted is mostly US dollars and Cambodian riel
Local tips and guide
Siem Reap is a charming town in northwestern Cambodia, gateway to the Angkor temples. The town center features bustling markets, restaurants, and cultural venues. The Angkor Archaeological Park lies just north, accessible by tuk-tuk within 15-30 minutes. Key spots include Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Ta Prohm, and Phnom Bakheng hill. The Old Market and Pub Street offer lively shopping and dining experiences in the evenings.
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FAQ
What is the best time to visit Angkor Wat for sunrise?
Arrive by 5:30 AM to secure a good spot before sunrise.
Is the Angkor Archaeological Park ticket valid for multiple days?
Yes, tickets are available for 1, 3, or 7 consecutive days.
Are the temples suitable for children?
Yes, but supervision is advised due to uneven surfaces and stairs.
What is the best way to get around Siem Reap?
Tuk-tuks are the most convenient and affordable transport option.
Can I buy food and drinks inside the temple complex?
Limited options exist; it is recommended to bring water and snacks.
How we planned this route
Byline: Expert travel planner with extensive experience in Southeast Asia itineraries.
Itinerary crafted using up-to-date local information, cultural insights, and family-friendly considerations.