3-Day Siem Reap Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 3-day Siem Reap tour itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaSiem Reap travel expert at TourRadar

• 3 Day Cambodia Itinerary, incl. Siem Reap and Angkor Wat

  A three-day immersion in Siem Reap includes 2 nights' lodging, with a complete temple excursion on Day 2, enchanting cultural performances in the evening, and a relaxed final morning. The package features 4 meals and extensive sightseeing opportunities.

  

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  • Day 1

    Siem Reap Orientation

    After arriving and checking into your hotel, visit the King's Residence to see local worship practices. The morning is best for this when locals bring jasmine and lotus flowers as offerings. Visit Les Artisans d'Angkor before noon to watch young artists at work preserving traditional Khmer crafts. In the afternoon, explore Psar Chars (Old Market) and try your hand at bargaining for local handicrafts. The market is busiest from 2-5 PM but it's not air-conditioned so be ready for the heat. Finish your day at Wat Bo pagoda for a traditional blessing ceremony. Remember to wear clothes covering your shoulders and knees.

    
  • Day 2

    Angkor Archaeological Park

    Get an early 7 AM start to avoid crowds and heat at Angkor Thom. The South Gate leads to Bayon Temple where morning light creates perfect conditions to photograph the 216 smiling faces. Visit the Elephant Terrace and Baphuon before the sun gets too strong. Take a lunch break near Sras Srang where local restaurants serve authentic Khmer dishes for $10-15. As one visitor shared: "Having lunch in the traditional wooden pavilions near Sras Srang was magical - try the fresh coconut curry with rice, it's perfect after a morning of temple exploring." The afternoon is ideal for Angkor Wat when the light is better for photos and there are fewer people. Try entering through the East Gate for a quieter experience. Plan to reach Phnom Bakheng by 4 PM for sunset views. Only 300 people can be at the summit at once so arrive early. Remember Angkor is a religious site - no short shorts or bare shoulders allowed.

    
  • Day 3

    Final Morning & Departure

    If you're up for a 5 AM start watch the sunrise at Angkor Wat. Or sleep in and spend your morning at cafes in the French Quarter or shopping at the Made in Cambodia Market which opens at 8 AM. Book your airport transfer at least 3 hours before your flight since Siem Reap traffic can be unpredictable.

    

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• 3 Day Siem Reap Itinerary, incl. Angkor Wat and Tonle Sap Lake

  The wonders of Angkor unfold over 3 days, featuring Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom's South Gate, and Ta Prohm temple. Visit Tonle Sap's floating villages and enjoy traditional performances at Kanell restaurant. Choose from luxury stays at Victoria Angkor or Shinta Mani Hotel in central Siem Reap.

  

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  • Day 1

    Arrival & Evening Cultural Experience

    Plan to arrive in the evening to avoid the midday heat and get settled. Visit Kanell restaurant for dinner and a traditional Apsara dance show. One traveler said: "The restaurants they picked served us good food. The guides were excellent and everything ran very smoothly."

    
  • Day 2

    Angkor Archaeological Complex

    Start at 7:30 AM at Angkor Thom's South Gate to avoid crowds and intense heat. Visit the Terrace of Elephants and Baphuon temple early before tour groups fill the sites. Bring an umbrella for sun protection between temples. Move on to Ta Prohm temple by late morning to see its famous tree-root-covered ruins. A visitor noted: "Our guide Samnang was excellent! He had incredible knowledge about Angkor and took very good care of our group in the heat." After lunch, explore Angkor Wat. The complex spans about 2 square kilometers including the moat. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes with good grip since the ancient stones can be slippery. Watch the sunset at Pre Rup temple and spend your evening at the Angkor Night Market.

    
  • Day 3

    Tonle Sap Lake & Floating Villages

    Take a morning drive to Tonle Sap Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. Visit Kompong Phluk, a village built on stilts. Visit during rainy season (June-October) when water levels allow you to experience the floating forest by canoe. The morning light creates perfect conditions for photos of local life on the water. One traveler shared: "The community visit was filled with fun, laughter and learning. It's amazing to see how villagers go about their daily lives in this extraordinary environment." Finish your trip at the Artisans Angkor workshop and Old Market for shopping. Get to the market early to avoid crowds and find better prices.

    

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• 3 Day Siem Reap Itinerary, incl. Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom

  Marvel at Siem Reap's highlights over three days, including Angkor Wat's 2,000 Apsara carvings, Bayon's stone faces, and Ta Prohm's jungle ruins. Watch sunset from Pre Rup temple and enjoy traditional dance performances. Includes 4-star accommodation.

  

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  • Day 1

    Arrival & Angkor Wat Introduction

    Visit Angkor Wat temple around 2:30 PM when the morning crowds have left and the midday heat has eased. Pack plenty of water and wear appropriate clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. Focus on exploring the famous bas-reliefs on the first level before heading up to the upper terraces. For sunset, go to Phnom Bakheng temple but get there by 4:30 PM since they only allow 300 visitors daily. A good tip: Watch the sunset from the quieter eastern side instead of joining the crowds at the top.

    
  • Day 2

    Angkor Thom Complex

    Start your day at 8:00 AM by getting your Angkor Pass. You'll need a passport photo. Go directly to Bayon Temple to see its famous face towers before the tour groups arrive. Spend mid-morning exploring Angkor Thom's highlights like the Terrace of Elephants and Baphuon temple. Take a break during the hottest part of the day. Visit Ta Prohm around 2:30 PM when the light is perfect for photos of the ruins with their iconic tree roots. Finish your day watching the sunset over the rice fields at Pre Rup temple.

    
  • Day 3

    Final Morning & Departure

    If your schedule allows, visit Banteay Srei temple in the morning. It's about 45 minutes from town and its detailed pink sandstone carvings look best in morning light. On your way back, stop at local workshops to watch stone carving demonstrations and buy authentic souvenirs.

    

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