3 Days Siem Reap, Cambodia Itinerary
This 3-day itinerary focuses on exploring the iconic temples of Angkor, experiencing local culture, and enjoying delicious Cambodian food on a budget. It balances must-see attractions with opportunities for authentic cultural immersion.
Duration
3 days
Budget
$150-300
Best Time
The best time to visit Siem Reap is during the dry season, from November to February, when temperatures are cooler and humidity is lower, making temple exploration more comfortable
Activities
14
Daily Avg
$75/day
Pace
Moderate
Siem Reap is the gateway to the magnificent temples of Angkor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It offers a unique blend of ancient history, vibrant culture, and delicious, affordable cuisine, making it an unforgettable travel experience.
Your itinerary covers 6 of 10 must-have experiences
Ancient Temple Wonders
Day 1: Angkor Wat Sunrise
Bustling Local Markets & Street Food
Day 1: Lunch at a Local Restaurant
Authentic Khmer Culinary Journey
e.g., Lily's Secret Garden Cooking Class, Siem Reap Cooking School
Vibrant Nightlife & Entertainment
Day 1: Dinner at Pub Street
Floating Village & Tonlé Sap Exploration
Day 3: Kampong Phluk Floating Village
Traditional Arts & Cultural Performances
Day 2: Phare, the Cambodian Circus
Relaxing Spa & Wellness Retreats
e.g., Bodia Spa, Lemongrass Garden Spa
Countryside Adventure & Exploration
e.g., Quad Biking through local villages, Ziplining at Angkor Zipline
Hidden Gem Temples & Ancient Ruins
e.g., Beng Mealea Temple, Kbal Spean (River of a Thousand Lingas)
Artisanal Crafts & Workshops
Day 3: Artisans Angkor
Siem Reap's culinary scene is a delightful blend of Khmer flavors, influenced by French and Chinese cuisines. Expect fragrant spices, fresh herbs, and a focus on rice and fish. Street food is abundant and offers an affordable way to experience the local tastes.
Must-Try Dishes
Considered Cambodia's national dish, Amok is a creamy coconut curry typically made with fish, though chicken or tofu versions are also available. It's steamed in banana leaves for a unique flavor and presentation.
📍 Restaurants throughout Siem Reap, especially those serving traditional Khmer cuisine.
A milder and sweeter curry than its Thai counterpart, Khmer curry often includes coconut milk, fish sauce, and a variety of vegetables and meats. It's rich in flavor but not overly spicy.
📍 Local restaurants and family-run eateries.
Stir-fried marinated beef served with a fried egg, lettuce, tomatoes, and a dipping sauce of lime juice and Kampot pepper. A simple yet satisfying dish.
📍 Restaurants catering to tourists and locals alike. Pub Street also has Lok Lak.
A popular breakfast dish consisting of rice noodles topped with a green fish curry gravy, fresh vegetables like banana blossom, bean sprouts, and mint, and often garnished with chili.
📍 Street food stalls and local markets in the morning.
Food Neighborhoods
Variety of international and local cuisine, catering to tourists.
Street food and local snacks.
Upscale restaurants and cafes offering Khmer and international dishes.
Home to some high-end restaurants and hotels with dining options.
Vegetarian and vegan options are increasingly available, especially in tourist areas. Look for dishes made with tofu or vegetables. Gluten-free options may be more challenging to find; it's best to inquire directly with restaurants about ingredients. Halal food is limited but can be found in some Muslim-owned restaurants.
Use chopsticks or a fork and spoon. It's polite to wait for everyone to be served before starting to eat. Avoid pointing your chopsticks at anyone. Sharing dishes is common. Tipping is not expected but appreciated for good service.
Water Festival
Bon Om ToukCelebration marking the reversal of the Tonle Sap River with boat races.
Note: Book 1 month ahead
🛣️Interesting Detours & Side Trips
- 🚶Take a tuk-tuk from your hotel in the Old Market Area to Angkor Wat (approx. 20 minutes).$37 (1-day Angkor Pass)
4:30 AM - Angkor Wat Sunrise
Wake up early to witness the breathtaking sunrise over Angkor Wat. Secure a good spot by arriving early (around 4:30 AM). Remember to purchase your Angkor Pass the day before to save time.
Book on Klook - 🚶Explore Angkor Wat on foot.FREE
8:00 AM - Explore Angkor Wat
After sunrise, explore the intricate carvings and architecture of Angkor Wat. Allow at least 3 hours to fully appreciate its grandeur. Consider hiring a local guide for a deeper understanding of its history.
Book on Klook - 🚶Take a tuk-tuk from Angkor Wat to a local restaurant near Angkor Wat (approx. 5 minutes).$5
12:00 PM - Lunch at a Local Restaurant
Enjoy a delicious and affordable Khmer lunch at a local restaurant near Angkor Wat. Try the Amok or Lok Lak, national dishes. 'Khmer Taste Restaurant' is a good option.
🍽️Create Custom ItineraryAdd restaurants for Lunch
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- 🚶Take a tuk-tuk from the restaurant to Angkor Thom (approx. 10 minutes).FREE
2:00 PM - Angkor Thom: Bayon Temple and Srei Temple
Explore Angkor Thom, the ancient walled city. Visit the Bayon Temple with its enigmatic smiling faces and Srei Temple. Consider hiring a tuk-tuk for the day to easily navigate between temples ($15-20).
Book on Klook - 🚶Take a tuk-tuk from Angkor Thom back to Pub Street for dinner (approx. 15 minutes).$5
6:00 PM - Dinner at Pub Street
Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Pub Street. Enjoy a cheap and cheerful dinner at one of the many restaurants. Try the BBQ options for a local experience. 'Khmer Pub Street Restaurant' is a decent option.
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Old Market Area
Central location with easy access to restaurants, shops, and Pub Street.
📅 Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Siem Reap is during the dry season, from November to February, when temperatures are cooler and humidity is lower, making temple exploration more comfortable. This is peak tourist season, leading to larger crowds and higher prices. March to May is very hot and dry. The wet season, from June to October, offers lush green landscapes and fewer tourists, with daily rain showers that are often brief but can make some paths muddy; Angkor Wat is particularly beautiful with rain-filled moats reflecting the sky. Khmer New Year in mid-April is a lively period but many businesses may close.
During the peak season, Siem Reap experiences pleasant weather with clear skies and comfortable temperatures. Rainfall is minimal, making it perfect for outdoor activities.
November to February is the dry season, characterized by cooler temperatures and lower humidity, making it ideal for exploring temples.
Khmer New Year (Chaul Chnam Thmey) in mid-April can affect travel plans as many businesses close.
Getting Around
Tuk-tuks are the primary tourist transport
Use PassApp or Grab for fair prices. Negotiate tuk-tuk fares before riding.
Travel
$50-100 (flights not included, assumes arrival in Siem Reap)Accommodation
$30-60 (budget guesthouse or hostel)Food
$45-60Activities
$25-80 (Angkor Pass and other entrance fees)Eat at local Khmer restaurants and street food stalls (especially near Pub Street's markets) for delicious, authentic, and significantly cheaper meals than tourist-oriented establishments.
Utilize local ride-hailing apps like PassApp for tuk-tuk rides; they often provide more competitive and transparent pricing than flagging down a driver directly on the street.
Hire a private air-conditioned car and driver for a full day or multiple days to explore the Angkor temples, offering unparalleled comfort, flexibility, and escape from the heat.
Indulge in a traditional Khmer spa treatment or a high-quality massage at a reputable wellness center after a long day of walking and temple exploration.
Start your temple explorations as early as possible (e.g., sunrise at Angkor Wat) to avoid the largest crowds and the intense midday heat, enhancing your overall experience.
Support local artisans and ethical businesses by purchasing handicrafts and souvenirs directly from small shops or markets rather than large, generic tourist outlets.
- Dress modestly when visiting Angkor temples; ensure shoulders and knees are covered as a sign of respect for religious sites.
- Stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of bottled water throughout the day, especially when exploring the extensive temple complexes under the strong sun.
- Bargaining is common and expected in markets and with tuk-tuk drivers; do so politely and with a friendly demeanor.
- Carry small denominations of US Dollars and Cambodian Riel; USD is widely accepted, but small Riel notes are useful for minor purchases.
- Be mindful of common tourist scams, such as persistent street vendors or requests for milk money for babies, and politely decline.
- Use reputable transport options like Grab or PassApp for tuk-tuks to ensure transparent pricing, or negotiate fares clearly before starting your journey.
- Protect yourself from the intense sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and high SPF sunscreen at all times.
- Be prepared for occasional short power outages, especially in more local areas outside of major hotels.
- 1Lightweight, breathable clothing (cotton, linen) for hot and humid weather
- 2Modest clothing for temple visits (long pants/skirts, shirts with sleeves to cover shoulders)
- 3Comfortable walking shoes or sandals suitable for extensive walking over uneven terrain
- 4Wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses for sun protection
- 5High SPF sunscreen to prevent sunburn
- 6Insect repellent with DEET or Picaridin to guard against mosquitoes
- 7Reusable water bottle to stay hydrated and reduce plastic waste
- 8Small daypack for essentials like water, snacks, camera, and guidebook during temple tours
- 9Rain jacket or compact umbrella, especially if traveling during the wet season
- 10Basic first-aid kit including blister plasters, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers
Visa application (e-Visa or visa-on-arrival preparation)
Check visa requirements for your nationality; apply for an e-Visa online at least 1-2 weeks before travel, or prepare necessary documents for visa-on-arrival.
International flights to Siem Reap (REP)
Book flights 3-6 months in advance, especially for travel during peak season (November-February), to secure better rates and availability.
Accommodation (hotel/guesthouse)
Secure your preferred accommodation 2-4 months ahead of time, particularly if you have specific preferences or are traveling during busy periods.
Travel Insurance
Arrange comprehensive travel insurance immediately after booking flights and accommodation to cover unforeseen circumstances like medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or lost luggage.
Airport transfer
Pre-arrange an airport pick-up with your hotel or a reputable service 1-2 weeks before arrival for a seamless and stress-free transfer.
Angkor Pass research (1-day, 3-day, 7-day options)
Familiarize yourself with the various pass options before arrival; passes are purchased at the official ticket office near Angkor Wat and cannot be pre-booked online.
Sunrise at Angkor Wat tour / Private guide
If you plan a specific tour, especially for sunrise at Angkor Wat, or wish to hire a private guide, book these services 1-2 months in advance, as popular options sell out.
SIM card / eSIM plan
Decide whether to purchase an international eSIM before departure or plan to buy a local physical SIM card upon arrival at the airport or in the city.
Note: Travel conditions, regulations, and local customs may change. We recommend verifying essential details — such as visa requirements, emergency contacts, and payment options — closer to your travel date.
SIM & Connectivity
SIM Options
📍 Siem Reap International Airport, Smart Axiata stores throughout the city, convenience stores.
📍 Siem Reap International Airport, Cellcard stores, and many local shops.
📍 Airalo app or website (download and install before arriving).
📍 Pre-book online for airport pickup or delivery to your hotel.
Free WiFi is widely available in hotels, guesthouses, cafes, and restaurants. The speed can vary, with some places offering faster connections than others. Public WiFi hotspots are less common but can be found in some tourist areas.
Useful Apps
Purchase a local SIM card upon arrival for the best data rates. Check the coverage maps of different providers before buying. Consider an eSIM for convenience if your phone supports it. Download offline maps and translation packs before your trip to avoid relying solely on internet connectivity. Negotiate prices with tuk-tuk drivers, especially if you don't use a ride-hailing app.
Electric Socket Guide
Socket Types
Two flat parallel pins
Two round pins (Europlug)
230V
50Hz
Tipping Etiquette
10% at upscale restaurants; not expected at local spots
Round up or tip $1
$1–2 per bag for porters
Tipping is not traditional but appreciated in tourist areas.
Safety & Travel Advisories
Siem Reap is generally safe for tourists. Be aware of petty theft, especially in crowded areas. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas.
Check official government advisories for the latest safety information, entry requirements, and travel warnings before your trip.
Emergency Numbers
117
119
118
Available in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh
Emergency response may be slow in rural areas
Payments
Cash is dominant; USD widely accepted alongside Khmer riel
Accepted at hotels and upscale restaurants
Limited
USD is the de facto currency. Riel used for change under $1. Carry small USD bills.
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The best time to visit Siem Reap is during the dry season, from November to February, for cooler temperatures and minimal rainfall. However, be prepared for larger crowds and higher prices.
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