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 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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• 3 Days in Siem Reap, incl. Angkor Temples and Countryside Cycling

  Bike through Siem Reap's diverse landscapes over three days, covering 30-35km daily. Visit Arthvear pagoda and floating villages, tour the ornate Banteay Srei temple, and cruise West Baray reservoir to ancient West Mebon.

  

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  • Day 1

    Southern Siem Reap Countryside

    Start your adventure at 7:30 AM before the heat kicks in. You'll ride through Chrav village where local life comes alive with children walking to school and farmers working in their fields. The route takes you to Arthvear pagoda around 9 AM for a peaceful break watching monks go about their morning activities. In the afternoon you'll visit a local handicraft workshop where villagers make baskets from water hyacinth. This sustainable project helps support orphaned youth in the area. The day's ride covers about 25-30km on mostly flat roads.

    
  • Day 2

    Banteay Srei Temple Excursion

    Start with a big breakfast. You'll need the energy for today's 35-40km ride. The route to Banteay Srei temple follows quiet country roads where you might spot water buffaloes cooling off in muddy pools. Plan to arrive at the temple by 10 AM to avoid crowds and peak heat. The pink sandstone temple earned its nickname 'Lady Temple' from its delicate carvings. Wear sturdy shoes since the ancient stones can be uneven. Take your time looking at the detailed Hindu carvings. After lunch at a local spot you'll head back to Siem Reap by tuk-tuk to rest your legs.

    
  • Day 3

    West Baray Reservoir Circuit

    Your final day mixes cycling with a boat trip on Southeast Asia's largest hand-cut reservoir. Head out at 7:30 AM and cycle 17km to West Baray reservoir. Stop at local markets to see vendors selling fresh produce and traditional Khmer breakfast foods. Take a break at Wat Svay Romeat before boarding a boat to West Mebon temple which sits in the middle of the reservoir. You'll need a separate temple pass for this visit. The 30-35km route ends with lunch and a ride past Angkor Wat before catching a tuk-tuk back to your hotel.

    

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