Exploring Angkor Wat and the Temples of Siem Reap: Our 3-Day Itinerary

Flo MBT
Nov 1
5 min read

Cambodia’s Angkor Archaeological Park is home to over a thousand temples, each with its own history and charm. To make the most of our visit, we bought a 3-day pass for $62 per person, which gives access to all temples, and explored everything on our own by scooter — giving us full flexibility and the freedom to go at our own pace.

3-Day Itinerary Overview

Here is our complete 3-day itinerary exploring Angkor Archaeological Park:

Day 1

Angkor Wat

We kicked off our journey with the star of the park — Angkor Wat itself. We were fortunate that it wasn’t too crowded that day, making the experience even more magical. We arrived at the East Gate, which isn’t the main entrance (the West Gate is), but that just meant we had our “wow” moment at the end of the visit, as we approached the temple from the back.

At the entrance, we hired a local guide for $15, and it turned out to be one of the best decisions we made. The guide not only helped us understand the historical and spiritual significance of the temple but also provided insights we never would have learned on our own. We highly recommend doing the same! For more detailed tips, check out our full article on Angkor Wat: Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting Angkor Wat.

Pro Tip: Take a break between Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom: Both Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom are massive, and exploring them can be quite tiring.

Angkor Thom

After Angkor Wat, we headed over to Angkor Thom, the mighty ancient capital. The city is surrounded by walls with four main entrances, each with a checkpoint. It’s so vast that you can drive between the different temples, making it easy to explore the area on your own. We visited a few must-see spots:

Bayon: Famous for its colossal stone faces, Bayon is the heart of Angkor Thom and one of the most fascinating temples in the park.
Royal Palace: While not much remains of the Royal Palace itself, the grand terraces and stairways offer a glimpse into the life of ancient Khmer royalty.
Elephant Terrace: This long, intricately-carved terrace was once used for royal ceremonies and is adorned with detailed carvings of elephants. It’s a beautiful spot to take in the views and imagine life centuries ago.
North Khleang: One of the quieter temples in the area, North Khleang offers distinctive towers and lovely bas-reliefs. It’s less crowded, making it ideal for some peaceful exploration.

Day 2

Angkor Wat Sunrise

We returned early at 5 a.m. to witness the sunrise over Angkor Wat. Even though the sky was cloudy, the experience was still magical. The soft light reflecting off the temple’s towers created a breathtaking atmosphere, and there was a calm serenity in the air.

Dead Gate Angkor Thom

We made our way to the South Gate of Angkor Thom, the grand entrance to the ancient city, lined with enormous carved statues of gods and demons. The sheer scale of the gate and the long avenue leading into the city set the tone for the grandeur of Angkor Thom.

Ta Prohm

Next, we explored Ta Prohm, a temple famous for its massive trees growing through the ruins. The way nature intertwines with stone here is a striking reminder of how time and nature claim back what was once built.

Pre Rup

We then visited Pre Rup, a temple mountain made of reddish stone. From its upper levels, we were treated to panoramic views of the surrounding countryside — the perfect spot to pause and take in the vastness of the landscape.

Eastern Mebon

Eastern Mebon was our next stop. This smaller temple sits on an island in a reservoir and is adorned with beautiful, detailed elephant sculptures.

Ta Som

Ta Som is a serene and smaller temple, but it’s known for the famous tree growing over its entrance. The tree’s roots have embraced the stonework, adding a mystical touch to the atmosphere of this peaceful site.

Neak Poan

We continued to Neak Poan, a unique circular temple set on an island in a reservoir. This site was once believed to have healing properties.

Preah Khan

Finally, we explored Preah Khan, a sprawling temple complex that is both partly restored and partly overgrown. It’s a fantastic place to wander and lose yourself in its maze of corridors, carvings, and peaceful courtyards.

Day 3

Banteay Srei (~40km north Siem Reap)

Banteay Srei, also known as the “Citadel of Women,” is renowned for its intricate pink sandstone carvings. The level of detail in the artwork here is astonishing — the carvings are so fine that they seem almost delicate. This temple is a must-see, as its beauty and craftsmanship are unlike any other temple in the park.

Kbal Spean (next to Banteay Srei)

Next, we ventured to Kbal Spean, also called the “River of a Thousand Lingas.” Reached by a 1.5 km hike through the forest, it’s an enchanting walk to see sacred carvings in the riverbed and a small waterfall. The carvings, which are believed to have had religious significance, are hidden away in nature, making this site feel especially magical. The best part? Entry is included in your Angkor Wat ticket, so there are no extra fees. Depending on the water level, the carvings may be more or less visible.

Banteay Kdei

After Kbal Spean, we visited Banteay Kdei, a peaceful monastery temple that feels like a quiet retreat. The temple features multiple courtyards and serene corridors, offering a perfect spot for wandering and soaking in the tranquil atmosphere. It’s one of the less-visited temples, so you’ll often find it more peaceful than the larger, more popular sites.

Ta Keo

Ta Keo is an impressive, unfinished temple mountain. Its steep stairways lead you up to towering heights, and the temple's raw, unfinished quality gives it a distinct, almost mysterious feel. The grandeur of the proportions makes it an awe-inspiring spot, even if the temple remains incomplete.

Phnom Bakheng

We wrapped up our day at Phnom Bakheng, a hilltop temple with sweeping panoramic views over Angkor Wat and the surrounding jungle. It’s one of the best places to catch the sunset!

This itinerary allowed us to explore the park at our own pace, enjoy quiet moments at less-visited temples, and fully appreciate the incredible history and beauty of Angkor — all thanks to our 3-day ticket and the freedom of traveling independently by scooter.

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