Cambodia is such an underrated country, and Siem Reap is by far my favorite city to visit there. I highly recommend visiting Siem Reap, especially so you can enjoy Angkor Wat at sunrise. I crafted the perfect 3 day siem reap itinerary for you to make the most of your time there.
I think 3 days in Siem Reap is the perfect time to spend here. You can enjoy some great food, visit Angkor Wat, and see some of the amazing Siem Reap countryside.
Keep reading for the ultimate 3 day Siem Reap itinerary, which maximizes your time in the city to make sure you see the best places and eat the best food.
Published: January 6, 2025
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3 Day Siem Reap Itinerary
Ready to spend three days in Cambodia’s most popular city? Here is the ultimate 3 day Siem Reap itinerary:
Day 1 in Siem Reap
Good morning and welcome to Siem Reap! Get ready for three of the most magical, fun days of your life.
To start off your first morning in Siem Reap, book a walking tour! This is my favorite thing to do whenever I arrive in a new city to get a feel for the city and learn about the history there.
After your walking tour, find some street food near where your tour ends, or ask your guide for a recommendation. Another benefit of starting off with a walking tour is that you can get great food recs from our local guide.
If you have some time in the afternoon, check out some of the museums and shops in town. Siem Reap has a lot of local artisans so you can get some handmade good and support local artists. I recommend Artisans Angkor.
There are also some museums in Siem Reap, such as the Angkor National Museum, Siem Reap War Museum, and the Cambodia Landmine Museum, if you prefer to learn more.
To end day one, book a cooking class or a street food tour. Both of these are great ways to learn about the dishes in Cambodia with a fun hands-on experience. These activities are a great way to enjoy a meal
Day 2 in Siem Reap
Good morning! It’s time for day 2 and today is going to be an early morning, but well worth it because you will be seeing sunrise at Angkor Wat! I have lived many mornings in my life, and watching the sunrise over the temple at Angkor Wat is easily one of my most memorable.
You’ll want to check the weather to make sure your early morning venture is worth it. You should also book your transportation the night before, which your hotel or hostel can help you with.
Enjoy that magical view, and make sure to pack a breakfast to enjoy afterwards. Then, spend the rest of the morning exploring the temples at Angkor Wat. Make sure you hire a licensed guide to take you around and tell you about the temples you are visiting.
When you’re done exploring the temples, it’s time to see a different side of Siem Reap. Spend the afternoon on wither an ATV or bike ride, whichever you are more comfortable with. I personally LOVED my ATV tour in Siem Reap, but there are bike or e-bike tours you can book if that’s more your speed.
Finally, to end your second day in Siem Reap, enjoy a night at Pub Street where you will find bars, live music, and food! Or, take this second night to do either a cooking class or street food tour, whichever you didn’t do the night before.
Day 3 in Siem Reap
Ready for your last day in Siem Reap? This morning I highly recommend returning to Angkor Wat again. If you missed sunrise yesterday or the weather didn’t cooperate, don’t miss it today!
If you enjoyed the sunrise yesterday at the main temple, head to the other temples in the complex at sunrise to avoid the crowds. While everyone else is watching the sunrise at the main temple, you will have the others to yourself.
Then, if you want to see it again, head back to the main complex. The big crowds will be gone after sunrise so that you can avoid the most people again.
When you’re ready, head back to Siem Reap to enjoy your final afternoon here. Grab lunch in town and enjoy the afternoon with a walk through town, shopping, or another tour. If you want to book a tour for the afternoon, check out the next section for some great options.
Or, you can check out some of the museums in Siem Reap you didn’t have time for on day 1.
Finally, if you are up for a party, head to Pub Street for dinner and drinks. Give one final cheer to Siem Reap and reflect on your 3 days here. If you haven’t yet, try some street food or find my favorite Cambodian dish – Lok Lak!
Tours to Book in Siem Reap
Booking a tour in Siem Reap is a great way to maximize your time there and see the top sites. Plus, there are a huge variety of tours, so everyone can find something that interests them!
Here are the top tours in Siem Reap, Cambodia:
Tips for Getting Around Siem Reap
Siem Reap is compact and easy to navigate. Tuk-tuks are the most common and convenient way to get around for short distances. Agree on a fare before starting your trip, or use the Grab app to make sure you get fair pricing.
Renting a bicycle or e-bike is another popular option, especially for exploring Angkor Wat and nearby temples. If you’re venturing farther out, you can hire a driver for the day, which is affordable and gives you flexibility.
If you are ever unsure or need help with getting safe, reliable transportation, ask the desk of your hotel or hostel for help.
Where to Stay in Siem Reap
To make the most of your time in Siem Reap, you want to stay somewhere with good reviews in a good location. Check out these great hotels and home rentals at the best prices: