Angkor Wat, Cambodia-5-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Siem Reap

Places to Go:

  • Angkor National Museum: A great place to learn about the history and culture of Angkor Wat. ($12 entry fee)
  • Pub Street: A lively street filled with restaurants, bars, and shops. Perfect for a night out.

Activities:

  • Explore the streets and alleys around Pub Street
  • Try some traditional Khmer cuisine at one of the local restaurants

Where to Eat:

  • The Red Piano: A restaurant serving delicious Khmer food in a cozy atmosphere.
  • Madam Butterfly: A popular spot for dinner and drinks.

Where to Stay:

  • Hotel Somadevi Angkor Resort & Spa: A comfortable and stylish hotel located near the old town.
  • Siem Reap Hostel: A budget-friendly option with dorms and private rooms.

Things to Know:

  • Be prepared for hot weather and sun exposure. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
  • Respect local customs and dress modestly when visiting temples.
  • Haggle politely when shopping at markets or from street vendors.

Transportation:

  • Tuk-tuks: A fun and affordable way to get around Siem Reap. Negotiate prices in advance.
  • Motorbikes: Rent a motorbike for more independence, but be careful on the roads.

Tips:

  • Sunrise at Angkor Wat: Wake up early to watch the sunrise over the temple complex. It’s breathtaking!
  • Explore the countryside: Take a day trip or rent a motorbike to explore the surrounding villages and countryside.
  • Support local businesses: Choose locally-owned restaurants, shops, and hotels to support the community.

Other Things of Interest:

  • The Killing Fields: A somber reminder of Cambodia’s tragic past. Visit at your own discretion.
  • Tonle Sap Lake: Take a boat trip to explore the lake and its floating villages.
  • Night Market: Browse through the stalls selling everything from souvenirs to knock-off designer goods.

Day 2: Angkor Wat

Places to Go:

  • Angkor Wat: The largest temple complex in Cambodia. Spend at least half a day exploring the grounds.
  • Bayon Temple: A mysterious and beautiful temple with intricately carved faces.

Activities:

  • Take a guided tour of the temples
  • Climb to the top of the Bayon Temple for panoramic views

Where to Eat:

  • The Sugar Palm Restaurant: Delicious Khmer cuisine in a cozy setting.
  • Kroya Restaurant: Try their signature dish, fish amok.

Where to Stay:

  • (same as Day 1)

Things to Know:

  • Respect local customs and dress modestly when visiting temples.
  • Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses for sun protection.

Transportation:

  • (same as Day 1)

Tips:

  • Sunrise at Angkor Wat: Wake up early to watch the sunrise over the temple complex.
  • Explore the surrounding temples: Take your time to explore the smaller temples around Angkor Wat.

Day 3: Tonle Sap Lake

Places to Go:

  • Tonle Sap Lake: Take a boat trip to explore the lake and its floating villages.
  • Floating Villages: Visit the communities that live on the lake.

Activities:

  • Take a guided tour of the floating villages
  • Try your hand at fishing with local fishermen

Where to Eat:

  • (same as Day 1)

Where to Stay:

  • Hotel Somadevi Angkor Resort & Spa: A comfortable and stylish hotel located near the old town.
  • Siem Reap Hostel: A budget-friendly option with dorms and private rooms.

Things to Know:

  • Respect local customs and traditions when visiting the floating villages.
  • Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses for sun protection.

Transportation:

  • Tuk-tuks: A fun and affordable way to get around Siem Reap. Negotiate prices in advance.
  • Motorbikes: Rent a motorbike for more independence, but be careful on the roads.

Tips:

  • Early morning boat trip: Take an early morning boat trip to see the sunrise over the lake.
  • Support local businesses: Choose locally-owned restaurants and shops to support the community.

Day 4: Beng Mealea

Places to Go:

  • Beng Mealea Temple: A mysterious and beautiful temple deep in the jungle.
  • Kulen Mountain: Take a trek up the mountain for panoramic views.

Activities:

  • Explore the temple grounds
  • Climb to the top of Kulen Mountain for stunning views

Where to Eat:

  • The Red Piano Restaurant: Delicious Khmer cuisine in a cozy setting.
  • Madam Butterfly Restaurant: A popular spot for dinner and drinks.

Where to Stay:

  • (same as Day 1)

Things to Know:

  • Respect local customs and traditions when visiting the temple.
  • Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses for sun protection.

Transportation:

  • Tuk-tuks: A fun and affordable way to get around Siem Reap. Negotiate prices in advance.
  • Motorbikes: Rent a motorbike for more independence, but be careful on the roads.

Tips:

  • Early morning visit: Take an early morning visit to see the sunrise over the temple complex.
  • Support local businesses: Choose locally-owned restaurants and shops to support the community.

Day 5: Siem Reap

Places to Go:

  • Pub Street: A lively street filled with restaurants, bars, and shops. Perfect for a night out.
  • Old Town Market: Browse through the stalls selling everything from souvenirs to knock-off designer goods.

Activities:

  • Explore the streets and alleys around Pub Street
  • Try some traditional Khmer cuisine at one of the local restaurants

Where to Eat:

  • (same as Day 1)

Where to Stay:

  • Hotel Somadevi Angkor Resort & Spa: A comfortable and stylish hotel located near the old town.
  • Siem Reap Hostel: A budget-friendly option with dorms and private rooms.

Things to Know:

  • Respect local customs and traditions when visiting the market.
  • Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses for sun protection.

Transportation:

  • (same as Day 1)

Tips:

  • Support local businesses: Choose locally-owned restaurants and shops to support the community.
  • Explore the countryside: Take a day trip or rent a motorbike to explore the surrounding villages and countryside.