After 7 years, I finally made it back to Siem Reap for a more relaxed trip – and what a remarkable six days it turned out to be.
While planning my trip, I noticed many itineraries seemed to cram everything into just 2-3 days. Trust me, you don't want to rush this experience. I'm sharing my carefully crafted 6-day itinerary that lets you soak in the majesty of Angkor's temples while still having energy to enjoy them.
Before diving in, here's the most valuable tip I discovered: Siem Reap's heat is no joke. Instead of pushing through sweaty, exhausting mid-day temple visits, I split each day into early morning and late afternoon explorations. This meant returning to town for brunch and a refreshing siesta during the hottest hours – a rhythm that made the whole experience so much more enjoyable.
Day 1: Arrival & Museums
Settling into Siem Reap After checking into my hotel, I kicked off the adventure with an afternoon visit to the Angkor National Museum. While some travelers skip this, I found it invaluable for understanding the historical context of everything I'd see in the coming days. The detailed exhibits on Angkor's deities and kings helped bring the temple ruins to life later. I wrapped up the day browsing the Made in Cambodia Market, where local artisans sell authentic crafts (much better quality than what you'll find at the night market, though slightly pricier).
Day 2: The Rolus Group & Ta Prohm
This day gives you a perfect contrast between Angkor's earliest temples and one of its most atmospheric sites. I started early at the Rolus Group, beginning with Lolei (the quietest), then Preah Ko, and finally the pyramid-shaped Bakong. These 9th-century temples show where it all began, and visiting early meant having them almost to myself.
The late afternoon was magical at Ta Prohm (yes, the famous "Tomb Raider temple"). By arriving around 2:30 PM, I caught the temple in perfect lighting for photos – when sunbeams pierce through the canopy and illuminate the stone-strangling tree roots. A quick visit to the peaceful Banteay Kdei followed, before catching sunset at Pre Rup temple. Pro tip: The steep stairs at Pre Rup are worth the climb for panoramic views over the jungle canopy.
Day 3: North Gate Exploration Setting out at 6:30 AM
I embarked on what turned out to be my favorite temple circuit. Starting at Preah Khan (which rivals Ta Prohm for atmospheric beauty but with fewer crowds), then moving to the intimate Ta Som, and finishing at the unique Neak Pean – built as a healing sanctuary in the middle of an ancient reservoir.
The afternoon visit to the APOPO Center, where hero rats are trained to detect landmines, offered a sobering but hopeful glimpse into Cambodia's ongoing recovery efforts.
Day 4: The Main Event - Angkor Wat
The iconic sunrise at Angkor Wat lives up to the hype, but here's what most blogs won't tell you: don't leave after the sun comes up! Most tourists depart for breakfast, leaving the temple blissfully peaceful for proper exploration. I spent several hours discovering hidden nooks and admiring the intricate bas-reliefs. The afternoon was dedicated to exploring Siem Reap's living Buddhist heritage at Wat Preah Prom Rath, offering a fascinating contrast to the ancient temples.
Day 5: Remote Temples & the Faces of Bayon
This day requires an extra-early start but delivers some of the trip's highlights. Banteay Srei, known as the "Citadel of Women," showcases the most intricate carvings I've ever seen. The remote Beng Mealea, meanwhile, feels like a true adventure – a largely unrestored temple being slowly reclaimed by the jungle. The day ended perfectly at Bayon Temple around 3:30 PM, when the afternoon light plays beautifully across its famous face towers, and most tourists have already left.
Day 6: Art & Departure
My final morning was spent at Theam's House gallery, an incredible artist's home-studio that offers a window into contemporary Cambodian art. It was the perfect way to connect Angkor's artistic legacy to modern-day Cambodia before departing.
Transportation Tips:
- For temple explorations, I hired a scooter for $10 per day. If you're comfortable this allows for a lot more freedom.
- Download Grab or PassApp for easy town transportation
A note on temple passes: While you can get a one-day ($37) or three-day pass ($62), I recommend the seven-day pass ($72) even for a 6-day trip. The flexibility to enter the temple zone multiple times per day makes it worth the marginal extra cost.