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If you are planning to spend 3 days in Siem Reap in 2025, please read this article carefully. You may be wondering whether 3 days is enough time to see all of the best attractions and things to do in Siem Reap.
The great news is that 3 days really is enough time to explore Siem Reap. You can see all of the most important and prestigious attractions and even see some hidden gems in this time. However, you do need to be prepared and do a little research before your trip.
With so many amazing things to do in Siem Reap – how do you fit everything into a short 3 day trip? In this article, we are going to take you through a step-by-step itinerary for the perfect 3-day trip to Siem Reap. We will share specific details including how to get around, prices, visiting times, and top tips. We have written this article to be a one-stop guide. Everything you need to know to plan your trip is contained in this article.
We have written this article using our own in-depth first-hand experience in Siem Reap. We have lived in Siem Reap for many years and have also visited many times over the years, so we have a very deep and extensive knowledge of the area. It is a privilege to share our knowledge, tips, and experience with you to help you plan your own epic 3-day adventure in Siem Reap.
Is 3 days long enough in Siem Reap?
The great news is that 3 days is enough to see & do many of the BEST bits of Siem Reap – but you do need to be intentional and organised. Make sure you plan your activities in Siem Reap and your transport around Siem Reap. This itinerary is designed to show you exactly how to do Siem Reap in 3 days. Find out more about different length trips in our dedicated article – How long should you Spend in Siem Reap?
Planning a FULL trip around Cambodia? Don’t miss our One Week Cambodia Itinerary – we show you how to explore Siem Reap, Phnom Penh and Koh Rong Sanloem island in just SEVEN DAY – it is possible to do all of this in only one week!
Summary of this 3-day itinerary in Siem Reap
- Day 1: Sunrise & explore Angkor Wat & Visit the Night Markets
- Day 2: Morning Market, Authentic Floating Village & Watch an Apsara Dance
- Day 3: Take a Traditional Cooking Class, Visit the Wake Park & Get a Massage
Day 1: Sunrise & explore Angkor Wat & Visit the Night Markets
Don’t miss our FULL and in-depth guide to Angkor Wat
Remember, you will need to arrange your tuk-tuk for Angkor Wat at least one day in advance, especially if you are planning an early start for Sunrise. You will need to barter to get a good price. We recommend aiming for around $15 for the day. Make sure that you agree on the number of temples you are hoping to see and a pickup time. Also, remember to take note of your driver’s phone number so that you can contact them in the morning and throughout the day if you have any problems. Learn more about taking tuk tuks in Cambodia.
The night before your trip, we recommend packing a day bag with plenty of drinking water and snacks. If your hotel offers breakfast, you could also speak to them about picking up an early breakfast (many hotels in the area are used to people getting an early start to see the temples).
See the Sunrise at Angkor Wat
Get an early start and see the sunrise at Angkor Wat. If you are hoping to see the sunrise at Angkor Wat, you will need to get up around 4 am. The ticket office for Angkor Wat opens at 5 am. Angkor Wat passes are pretty expensive. Once you have purchased the pass keep hold of it and be careful not to lose your pass.
One-day pass $37, and a three-day pass $62. Kids under 12 years old do not need a pass. The sunrise in Cambodia is normally around 6 am; you can see the most beautiful colors around 20 minutes before sunrise. Once you have your ticket sorted out, your driver will drop you off outside the main Temple. You will need to walk into the temple complex (someone will check your ticket on the way in), and then it is around a five-minute walk to the best sunrise spot.
Watching the sunrise at Angkor Wat is a very iconic and popular activity, so don’t expect to have the place to yourself. There is a small pond situated to the west side of the main Angkor Wat temple (Angkor Thom). Most people gather in front of this pond to watch and photograph the sunrise. We have pinned this spot on the map. If you wait around to enjoy the sunrise and then stay for another 15 or 20 minutes, the area will be very quiet and peaceful again as you watch the morning sun come up over the main temple.
See some more temples
After watching the sunrise, most people visit the famous Bayon Temple next (the one with all the Mysterious faces). We recommend doing an anti-clockwise loop to avoid the crowds and get the best temples to yourself. Here is an anti-clockwise loop of some of the best temples:
- 1 Angkor Thom (sunrise – busy but amazing)
- 2 Ta Prohm Temple (Tomb Raider Temple)
- 3 Neak Poan (unique lake temple)
- 4 Preah Khan (ruined atmospheric temple)
- 5 Bayon (Iconic and mysterious temple with faces)
- 6 Bakheng Temple (If you have energy. Popular sunset temple)
Speak to your driver about this option and explain that you are hoping to avoid the crowds. The local drivers have a very good knowledge of the area, and they will either take you on this itinerary or they may have their own itinerary in mind.
Seeing the temples
It is likely to take around 6 hours to see the main temples in the Angkor Wat complex. Your ticket will be checked every time you enter a temple, so make sure that you look after your ticket carefully throughout the day. Each time you are dropped off at a temple, speak to your driver about a rough waiting time, and they may also tell you where they plan to pick you up (in some cases, they pick you up from a different location than your drop-off point). On average, it takes around 45 minutes to enjoy each of the temples, and the journey between the temples generally takes around 10 or 15 minutes.
Consider a lunch break
Depending on your energy levels and your desire to see a range of different temples, you may wish to arrange a lunch break where you return to Siem Reap to rest for a few hours during the hottest part of the day. Although Angkor Wat is genuinely unique and epic, it is also possible to get “templed out” if you are doing a full day here. You can also buy food in the Angkor Wat complex but food is relatively expensive and the options are more limited.
Sunset temple
If you have a lot of energy, you may also wish to see the sunset from the iconic Bakheng Temple. This temple is situated on the hill and allows a very beautiful view of the sunset. This is also a popular location, and it can get pretty crowded, so definitely don’t expect to have the place to yourself.
For a more quiet and tranquil sunset you could visit Phnom Krom (situated to the south of Siem Reap around 45 minutes from Angkor Wat). You need to use your Angkor Wat pass to see the sunset here.
Explore the Night Markets
When you return to Siem Reap, we recommend taking some time to explore the town. There are several night markets around Siem Reap. The Night Market has an impressive range of beautiful creative products, including jewelry, clothing, gifts, and even products like handmade soaps and local spices. If you are planning to buy anything in the night market, we recommend bartering to get a fair and reasonable price.
Many of the sellers will start with very high prices because these are touristy markets. Siem Reap has a lovely atmosphere in the evening, and there are plenty of shops, cafes, and restaurants around. You can also enjoy some of the bars around Pub Street. There is a wide range of food available, including Italian food, Indian food, Japanese food, Western food, and, of course, local Cambodian food. Don’t miss our full guide on The Best Places to Eat Around Siem Reap.
Day 2: Morning Market, Authentic Floating Village & Watch a Dance
Visit the Morning Market
If you have the energy for another early start, we recommend getting up around 6 am to visit the morning market. This is situated in the old market next to the river, and the morning market is normally in full swing by 6 am. Visiting the morning market is one of the most exhilarating and authentic local experiences that you can have in Siem Reap. The morning market really is set up for locals to come and buy fresh produce, including fresh fruit, local vegetables, fish, and meat. They also have a section serving local street food, so you can sample a local breakfast in the market. Most dishes range in price between $0.5 – $3. Walking around the morning market really is a memorable and multi-sensory experience.
Visit an Authentic Floating Village
Find out more about the Floating Villages of Siem Reap
After exploring the morning market, we recommend taking a trip to Tonle Sap. This is the largest inland lake in Cambodia. Around the lake, there are many small villages (Kampongs) which have traditional wooden houses built on stilts. These communities rely on fishing and agriculture. A visit to one of these floating villages is a fantastic way to connect with locals and experience some real Cambodian culture.
We do not recommend visiting the floating village at Phom Krom (south of Siem Reap). This floating village is both touristy and also sadly home to a fake school scam. Instead, we recommend visiting one of the more authentic floating villages situated to the east. You could arrange your own trip to the floating village with a local tuk-tuk driver. Consider visiting somewhere like Kampong Phluk or Kampong Khleang for a genuine experience. Taking a tuk-tuk is likely to cost around $20 – $25 for the day due to the distances and length of the trip. Alternatively, you can book an Authentic floating village tour on Klook that takes you to one of the more authentic and genuine floating village locations (Kampong Phluk). You can either pick a morning or an afternoon tour.
Watch a Traditional Khmer Dance Performance
In the evening, you could watch a traditional Apsara dance performance. This is a very unique and beautiful style of dance where locals wear traditional vibrant clothing and dance to live traditional music. Each dance tells traditional folk stories. Check out the stylish Apsara Theatre. They offer dinner and a cultural performance with tickets starting at around $30. They have performances each evening from 7.30 pm – 9.30 pm.
Day 3: Traditional Cooking Class, Wake Park & Get a Massage
The final day of this itinerary is a fun and relaxing day based around Siem Reap town. By this stage of the itinerary, you may be pretty tired and just need to chill out in town; however, if you do still have some energy, we recommend taking a cooking class, visiting the wake park, and finishing the day with a relaxing Cambodian massage.
Take a Traditional Cooking Class
Start your day with a traditional Cambodian cooking class. This is an excellent way to connect with the culture, learn a new skill, and have some fun. If you take a cooking class in Siem Reap, you will learn how to make several traditional local dishes from fresh local ingredients, and you will also learn Cambodian cooking techniques. Your teacher will take you through the preparation of each of the dishes step by step, and then at the end, you get to enjoy your culinary creation. Typical cooking courses allow you to make traditional dishes such as mango salad, fresh spring rolls, and fish amok.
We are particularly impressed with this creative and engaging cooking class in a traditional home available on Klook. The pricing is very competitive, and they also include hotel pick up and drop off. This cooking class allows you to make 4 tasty local dishes, and you can also choose different starting times throughout the day.
Visit the ICF Wake Park
Once you have done your cooking class, we recommend getting yourself over to the ICF Wake Park, which is located around 5 kilometers from Siem Reap town Centre. The ICF Wake Park is an exciting project connected to a charity that does a lot of valuable work among the villages in the Siem Reap province. The best way to get to the wake park is to use a tuk-tuk. We recommend arranging a two-way trip with a driver and agreeing on the waiting time (3 hours should be sufficient). From the town centre, this should cost around $6 – $8.
The ICF Wake Park has a wakeboarding lake where you can rent equipment and try wakeboarding. It also has a fun inflatable obstacle course where you can bounce, slide, and jump around. There is a relaxing artificial beach and a restaurant serving a wide range of local and international food. The bar also serves a tempting selection of drinks, including cocktails and soft drinks. The inflatable obstacle course costs $8 per person for the whole day, and wakeboarding costs $24 (2 hours), $32 (full day). This includes kit rental and an instructor. There is no need to pre-book; you can just show up. Here are the open hours for the ICF Wake Park: Tuesday to Friday: 12:00 p.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday and Sunday: 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday: Closed.
Get a Massage
If you have made it to the end of this action-packed itinerary, you have probably earned a massage. There are plenty of small spas situated around Siem Reap town. They are open throughout the day and offer a range of relaxing and rejuvenating treatments. Massages in Siem Reap are wonderfully cheap and affordable. For example, you can get a foot massage for around $2 – $3, and you can get a full-body massage for around $5 – $8 for an hour. The traditional Cambodian massage technique involves a range of stretching and bending. They also use a range of pressure techniques to release tension and improve circulation. You can also find more upmarket spas around town offering massages for $10 – $20.
And finally, why not take a last chance to get some shopping in at the Siem Reap Night Market. You could also celebrate your final night with a tasty meal at one of the many wonderful restaurants around town.
What is the best way to get around in Siem Reap?
Siem Reap does not have a public transport system, so you will need to plan how to get around the area. Some of the activities that we have recommended in this itinerary include transport. For example, if you book a floating village tour and a traditional cooking course on Klook, both of these activities include free hotel pickup and drop off, so you do not need to worry about transportation.
However, you will need to plan transportation for other parts of your trip, particularly if you are visiting Angkor Wat. You will need to arrange your transport at least one day in advance. The most popular method of transport is a tuk-tuk; it costs $1 – $3 for short journeys around Siem Reap town. Your trip to Angkor Wat is likely to cost around $10 – $20, depending on how long you wish to spend at Angkor Wat and how many temples you wish to see.
You can also rent a motorbike in Siem Reap and use this to explore the area. Motorbike rental is a convenient and cost-effective way to travel Siem Reap. You can rent a motorbike in town relatively easily, and prices generally range between $8 – $16 per day. You will also need to leave a deposit when you rent a motorbike. We recommend riding very carefully, especially if you are not used to the Cambodian and it roads.
Another way to explore the area is to use bicycle rental. You can rent a bicycle from many hostels and guest houses in Siem Reap. Bicycle rental generally starts at around $1 for an older bicycle; you can find newer bicycles for around $3 per day. If you are traveling on a budget and are committed, you can even use bicycle rental to explore Angkor Wat.
What are the best places to stay in Siem Reap?
We recommend finding a hotel or guest house situated in the central area of Siem Reap. Pub Street is the central area of town, and there are plenty of shops, cafes, restaurants, and tour operators located in this area. If possible, we recommend finding a place that is a short walk from Pub Street. Here are a few of our top recommendations for places to stay in Siem Reap.
1 Garden Village Guest House
This is one of the best options if you are hoping to be in Siem Reap and looking for a budget place to stay with good vibes. Garden Village is a large guest house with a restaurant and bar on site. They also have an outdoor swimming pool and a sandy volleyball pitch. Garden Village is very close to several small supermarkets and is also opposite the Temple Design Bar and Restaurant. There are plenty of tuk-tuk drivers in the area, so it is very easy to arrange transportation around here. This area is a real hub, and Garden Village also has some excellent clean and comfortable accommodation for great prices.
2 The Moon Residence & Spa
This is a small secluded hidden gem situated in the heart of Siem Reap (just 5 minutes from the Old Market). This mid-range hotel offers very stylish, luxurious, and comfortable accommodation. The hotel is surrounded by trees and tropical foliage, creating a peaceful sanctuary in the heart of Siem Reap. It also has an outdoor swimming pool. The rooms have a trendy Asian interior design theme. The Moon Residence offers a very comfortable stay and great value for money.
3 Central Suite Residence
If you are looking for a luxurious Siem Reap hotel then we highly recommend Central Suite Residence. This unique hotel has a traditional Cambodian interior design theme with contemporary touches. This beautiful hotel has excellent facilities, including an on-site bar and restaurant and an outdoor swimming pool. It is also a very short walk from Pub Street. There are plenty of shops, cafes, and restaurants nearby, and it is very easy to find tuk-tuks. So if you are looking to splash out in Siem Reap, definitely check out Central Suite Residence.
