5 Days in Siem Reap, Cambodia: Our Ultimate Itinerary
Cambodia and Siem Reap has been on our bucket list for a while, and after spending five days exploring this beautiful part of Cambodia, we can say it exceeded all expectations. From the incredible Angkor temples to hidden gems, fantastic food, and vibrant culture, we had the adventure of a lifetime. If you’re planning to visit Siem Reap, here’s our five-day itinerary filled with everything you need to know to plan your epic adventure.
Visa on Arrival in Cambodia: What You Need to Know
Getting a visa on arrival for Cambodia is simple and efficient. When you arrive at the new Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport (which officially opened in October 2023), you’ll fill out a visa application form, provide a passport-sized photo, and pay a fee of about $30 USD. (We ended up not needing our photos, but everything we saw online says that they are needed, so double check this requirement before your trip.) Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your entry date. The visa on arrival process typically takes 20-30 minutes, and you’ll be granted a 30-day tourist visa. For those who want to skip the lines, applying for an e-visa online before you arrive is a great option. Just apply about a week in advance.
Getting from the New Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport to the City
The new Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport is located about 50 km from Siem Reap’s city center, which is further than the old airport. However, the ride into town is still easy and convenient. Taxis and private transfers are readily available, with taxis costing around $35-45 USD for the 40-minute drive. We opted to use the taxi service from the airport and it was hassle free.
Money in Cambodia: What You Need to Know
One of the things we quickly realized in Cambodia is how widely accepted U.S. dollars are. In fact, the U.S. dollar is used almost interchangeably with the local currency, the Cambodian Riel. Most prices for hotels, restaurants, tours, and transportation are quoted in USD, so you won’t need to exchange too much money when you arrive. However, smaller purchases, like at local markets or tuk-tuk rides, may be given in a mix of U.S. dollars and Riel (with the smaller change often given in Riel).
Tip: ATMs dispense both U.S. dollars and Riel, and while the dollar is widely accepted, it’s a good idea to carry small bills ($1, $5, and $10) for easier transactions. Credit cards are accepted at larger hotels and restaurants, but cash is still king in many places.
Weather in Siem Reap: What to Expect
We visited Siem Reap in late October, which is towards the end of the rainy season (May to October), and overall, the weather was great! Most days were warm and sunny, with only one afternoon of rain. October is a great time to visit if you want to avoid the peak tourist season, which runs from November to February when the weather is cooler and dry. Just be prepared for occasional rain showers and pack lightweight clothing and a rain jacket, just in case! Our hotel provided umbrellas for us to take with us, just in case!
Purchasing a 3-Day Pass to Angkor Wat
If you’re planning to explore Angkor Wat and the surrounding temples over several days (which we highly recommend), a 3-day pass is your best option. The pass costs $62 USD per person and allows you entry to the Angkor Archaeological Park on any three days within a 10-day period, giving you the flexibility to pace yourself and explore at your leisure. You can purchase the pass at the official ticket center, which is located about 3 kilometers outside of Siem Reap on the way to the temples. They accept both cash and credit cards. Make sure to bring your passport for verification, as your photo will be printed on the ticket. The pass covers all the main temples, including Angkor Wat, Bayon, Ta Prohm, and others. Just remember to keep your ticket on you at all times, as you’ll need to show it at the entrance of each temple!
Day 1: Arrival and Exploring Siem Reap Town
We touched down in Siem Reap and immediately felt the laid-back, welcoming vibe Cambodia. Everyone had a smile on their face! We stayed at the Golden Temple Residence. Our room was huge and clean, the pool was beautiful and the staff were so friendly! They even helped us organize tours and tuk tuks every day. We paid about $75 a night, which included breakfast. After checking into our hotel and dropping our bags, we were ready to ease into our Cambodian adventure.
What to do on Day 1:
- Angkor National Museum: We started our trip with a visit to the Angkor National Museum to get some background on the history and significance of the temples we were about to explore. This museum does a fantastic job of setting the stage for what you’ll see at Angkor Wat and beyond.
- Old Market (Phsar Chas): We spent the rest of the afternoon strolling through the Old Market. It’s the perfect spot to pick up some local souvenirs, from spices to handmade textiles. I couldn’t resist a beautiful silk scarf, while Shayne snagged a new linen shirt.
- Pub Street: For dinner, we made our way to Pub Street, the heart of Siem Reap’s nightlife. We found a cozy spot and indulged in some delicious Cambodian dishes—Shayne loved the fish amok!
Day 2: Sunrise at Angkor Wat and Exploring the Temples
Waking up at 4:30 a.m. wasn’t easy, but catching the sunrise at Angkor Wat was absolutely worth it. Watching the sun slowly rise behind the silhouette of this ancient temple was magical—definitely a travel memory we’ll never forget.
What to do on Day 2:
- Angkor Wat: We spent a couple of hours exploring Angkor Wat after sunrise. The detailed carvings, intricate architecture, and the sheer size of the temple were astounding. Make sure to take your time here and soak in the spiritual atmosphere.
- Angkor Thom and Bayon Temple: Next, we ventured into the ancient city of Angkor Thom, with its famous Bayon Temple. The 200 massive stone faces that adorn the temple are truly unique. Shayne loved trying to capture the best angle of these mysterious, smiling faces.
- Ta Prohm (The Tomb Raider Temple): This was one of our favorite temples! Overgrown with massive trees and their roots intertwined with the temple ruins, Ta Prohm has a mystical, jungle-like feel that makes it incredibly photogenic.
Tip: Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes because you’ll be walking a lot! And don’t forget your camera—every corner of these temples is picture-worthy. We were able to hire a guide at the gate, but this isn’t guaranteed to be available. We found this 2 day small group guided sunrise and sunset tour here for just $35!
Day 3: Full Day Angkor Adventure – More Temples
Day 3 was dedicated to diving deeper into the wonders of Angkor. With our multi-day pass (see above), you can spread out your temple explorations, which gives you a chance to appreciate the grandeur of each site without feeling rushed.
Temple Highlights:
- Preah Khan: Often overshadowed by the more famous temples, Preah Khan was a hidden gem. With fewer crowds, we had the chance to wander around this sprawling complex and take in its quiet, atmospheric ruins.
- Neak Pean: This small temple, situated on an artificial island in the middle of a tranquil lake, felt like an oasis after the larger complexes. The reflection of the temple in the water was mesmerizing.
- Ta Som: Similar to Ta Prohm but smaller, Ta Som also has tree roots wrapping around its structure, creating that magical “nature reclaims” feeling. Shayne and I couldn’t resist taking more photos here.
- Phnom Bakheng: In the evening, we made our way to Phnom Bakheng for the sunset. After a short hike, we reached the top for sweeping views of the surrounding jungle and a distant view of Angkor Wat. It was the perfect way to end another temple-filled day.
Day 4: Floating Villages and Tonle Sap Lake
After some intense days of temple-hopping, we decided to take a break and explore something different—Siem Reap’s famous floating villages.
What to do on Day 4:
- Kampong Phluk Floating Village: We booked a boat tour to Kampong Phluk, a floating village on Tonle Sap Lake. It was fascinating to see how the locals live their daily lives entirely on the water—houses, schools, even a temple, all built on stilts. The boat ride also took us through a flooded forest, which felt surreal and peaceful. Tip: It’s best to visit the floating villages during the wet season (June to October) when the water levels are high. During the dry season, the stilted homes may be less “floating” and more exposed.
- Tonle Sap Lake: Tonle Sap is Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake, and it’s worth visiting to see the incredible ecosystem and unique way of life. We wrapped up our tour with a sunset boat ride across the lake, watching the sky turn brilliant shades of orange and pink.
- A Night at Phare, The Cambodian Circus: One of the highlights of our time in Siem Reap was spending an evening at Phare, The Cambodian Circus. This isn’t your typical circus—it’s an incredible fusion of acrobatics, theater, and traditional Cambodian storytelling. The performers are graduates of Phare Ponleu Selpak, an NGO school that provides arts education to underprivileged youth, and their passion and talent shine through in every act. The show we attended was breathtaking, with stunning choreography, daring stunts, and moving stories that depict Cambodia’s rich culture and history. Tickets start at around $18 USD per person, and there are a few different seating options available. We recommend booking in advance, as shows can sell out quickly, especially during the high season. The circus runs most nights, and the venue is located a short tuk-tuk ride from the city center, making it a perfect way to spend an evening after a day of temple exploring.
Day 5: Markets, Cooking Class, and Departure
On our last day in Siem Reap, we took it easy, soaking up the final moments of our trip by diving into local culture, making a quick return visit to Angkor Wat, and indulging in a bit of self-care.
What to do on Day 5:
- Made in Cambodia Market: This market is a great place to find locally-made goods like handmade jewelry, textiles, and artwork. We picked up a few unique souvenirs, all of which supported local artisans.
- Cooking Class: One of the best ways to remember a destination is through food, so we signed up for a Cambodian cooking class. Learning how to make traditional dishes like fish amok and beef lok lak was not only fun but delicious. Now we can recreate these flavors at home!
- Spa Time: After days of exploring, we treated ourselves to a traditional Khmer massage at a spa next door to our hotel. It was the perfect way to unwind and prepare for our flight home later that evening.
- Flight Home: Feeling refreshed and with hearts full of memories, we caught our flight back back to Vietnam that night, already dreaming of our next adventure.
Final Thoughts:
Siem Reap was a dream destination for us, and we hope this itinerary helps you plan your own adventure. Whether you’re here to marvel at the incredible temples, experience the local culture, or relax by the water, Siem Reap has something for everyone. Our five days were filled with unforgettable moments, and we can’t wait to return someday.
Ready to explore Siem Reap? Follow our journey and find more travel tips on jetsetpetersons.com, and don’t forget to check out our Instagram @jetsetpetersons for more inspiration!
