Siem Reap, Cambodia’s most iconic travel destination, is known worldwide as the gateway to Angkor Wat. Whether you’re visiting for a few days, or planning a longer stay, this itinerary will help guide you through the best experiences. There is much to do in Siem Reap, from ancient temples to vibrant markets and local cuisine.
Day 1: Exploring Angkor Wat and the Temples of Angkor
Siem Reap’s biggest attraction is, of course, Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the largest religious monument in the world.
- Sunrise at Angkor Wat – Arrive before dawn for a breathtaking sunrise. Buy your Angkor Pass at the official Angkor Ticket Office (Official Ticket Information).
- Angkor Thom & Bayon Temple – Visit the ancient Khmer capital, home to the smiling stone faces of Bayon Temple.
- Ta Prohm (Tomb Raider Temple) – Famous for its massive tree roots overtaking temple ruins. (pictured below)
- Banteay Srei – A stunning pink sandstone temple located about an hour outside Siem Reap.
Where to Book an Angkor Tour: For guided tours, check out GetYourGuide or Viator.
Day 2: Siem Reap’s Cultural & Natural Wonders
- Visit the Cambodia Landmine Museum – Learn about the impact of landmines and efforts to clear them (Official Site). These mines are leftover from the Vietnam war, and the program to remove them is actually one of the largest and most well-organized programs around. I see ads about it quite frequently, in a number of different languages.
- Phare, The Cambodian Circus – A mix of acrobatics, storytelling, and Khmer culture (Book Tickets Here). This is actually one of my favorite things to do around town. My friend Brandon has a year pass, and all I need to do to see an awesome show is shoot him a text and make plans. Information about a year pass: The Phare Circus offers the Phare Circus Lover Card, providing unlimited access to their regular performances in Siem Reap. The card is available in two options:
- 6-month validity: $90
- 1-year validity: $150
- Cardholders enjoy general open seating in Section C, with the option to upgrade by paying the difference in the published rate. Reservations are recommended as seating is subject to availability. Please note, the cards are non-transferable and non-refundable.
- Tonlé Sap Lake & Floating Villages – Take a boat tour to see traditional fishing communities at Kampong Phluk or Chong Khneas (Tonlé Sap Tours). Tours of Tonlé Sap floating lake typically range from $15 to $40 USD per person, depending on the tour duration and inclusions like boat rides, local village visits, or a guide. Some private or extended tours can cost more.
Day 3: Food, Markets, and Local Experiences
- Siem Reap Old Market (Psar Chaa) – Perfect for souvenir shopping and trying local street food.
- Pub Street – The nightlife hub with bars, live music, and international cuisine.
- Kandal Village – A trendy area with boutique shops and cafes.
- Cooking Class – Learn how to make authentic Cambodian dishes (Best Cooking Classes).
Pictured below is Siem Reap’s iconic Pub Street, a vibrant hub perfect for tourists and nightlife lovers. It’s an exciting first stop, buzzing with energy, music, and late-night revelry. While Pub Street has its charm, as someone who lives here, I rarely visit. It’s the touristy side of town—think of it as a mini Las Vegas, where the party never stops and prices, while still affordable, run a bit higher than elsewhere. When you first arrive, you’ll likely spend a lot of time here since English is widely spoken and the area is designed for visitors. But the longer I live in Siem Reap, the more I find myself drawn to the quieter, more authentic corners of the city.
There’s a section of Pub Street known as “Party Row,” where tuk-tuk bars—yes, that’s a thing—form a lively circle, turning the street into an all-night party until sunrise. The energy is electric, the drinks are cheap (if that’s your thing), and the atmosphere is carefree and fun. It’s a safe place to let loose, but keep an eye out for street kids—they’re skilled pickpockets!
You can actually ride around the city on a tuk-tuk and enjoy a few drinks as well, with this company below.
https://siemreapwonder.com/things-to-do/bar-cycle-cambodia
Where to Stay in Siem Reap
- Budget: Onederz Hostel (Check Prices)
- Mid-Range: Rambutan Resort (Check Availability)
- Luxury: Jaya House River Park (Book Here)
Regardless, your stay here will be very affordable. Expect to pay around $10–$50 per night for lodging, depending on whether you choose a budget guesthouse or a more comfortable hotel. For food, you can easily eat well for $5–$15 per day, with local street food and market meals on the lower end and sit-down restaurants on the higher end.
Image Credit: Viator.com
Getting Around in Siem Reap, Cambodia
Tuk-Tuks – The easiest and most affordable way to get around. In Siem Reap, getting around is incredibly easy thanks to ride-hailing apps like PassApp and Grab, which allow you to call a tuk-tuk right from your phone. These apps function similarly to Uber, providing upfront pricing and the convenience of cashless payment if desired. Tuk-tuk rides within the city generally cost between $1 to $3, while longer trips to Angkor Wat or the airport can range from $5 to $10, depending on distance and negotiation.
- For more details and to download the apps, check out:
- PassApp on Google Play / PassApp on the App Store
- Grab on Google Play / Grab on the App Store
- This makes transportation in Siem Reap both affordable and convenient, ensuring that you can explore the city’s top attractions without hassle.
- Bicycle Rentals – Many guesthouses offer bikes for rent, a great way to explore at your own pace. Eco-friendly travel Cambodia is totally possible, and Siem Reap has a thriving bike culture. The flat landscape, relaxed traffic compared to larger cities, and the stunning temples of Angkor Wat make cycling one of the best ways to get around. In face, many locals and expats prefer bicycles as their primary mode of transport.
Buying or Renting a Bicycle in Siem Reap
- Siem Reap bike rental is cheap and easy, with many guesthouses, hostels, and dedicated rental shops offering bicycles for as little as $2 to $5 per day. Some high-quality mountain or e-bikes may cost $10 to $15 per day. Where to rent a bike in Siem Reap:
- Angkor Cycling Tour – Offers a range of bikes for rent and guided cycling tours.
- Siem Reaper – Well-maintained bikes with options for daily, weekly, or monthly rentals.
- The White Bicycles – A community project where rental fees support local charities.
- For those staying long-term, buying a bicycle is a great investment. Prices vary based on quality and condition:
- Basic second-hand bikes: $30 to $60
- New city bikes: $80 to $150
- Mountain bikes: $150 to $400
- Electric bikes (e-bikes): $400+
- Bicycles can be purchased at markets, bike shops, or even through Facebook groups like Expats & Locals Living in Siem Reap where second-hand deals are common. Buy a bicycle in Siem Reap at these popular bike shops:
- Flying Bikes 2 – High-quality bicycles and repair services.
- Vicious Cycle Siem Reap – Specializes in mountain bikes and custom builds.
- Whether you’re looking for budget travel Siem Reap, an eco-friendly travel option, or a way to see Angkor Wat by bike, cycling in Siem Reap is a fantastic choice, and you should have no problem finding a Siem Reap bike shop. I see bike shops quite often. Siem Reap boasts a vibrant bicycle community as well as beautiful scenery to tour on a mountain bike.
Many would argue that this is the best way to explore Siem Reap, and that cycling in Cambodia can’t be beat. If cycling is not for you, at the very least, try an Angkor Wat cycling tour.
Final Tips for Your Trip to Siem Reap
- Best Time to Visit – November to March (cooler, drier weather).
- Currency – Both Cambodian Riel (KHR) and US Dollars are widely used.
- Visa on Arrival – Most travelers can get a 30-day visa on arrival (Visa Info).
- Stay Hydrated – Siem Reap is hot year-round, so drink plenty of water!
Experience the best of Siem Reap, from the world-famous Angkor Wat to vibrant nightlife and cultural adventures. Whether you’re here for a short visit or planning a longer stay, Siem Reap has something for everyone, and Siem Reap transportation is diverse and filled with options!
Looking for more travel tips? Check out Cambodia Tourism’s Official Website for up-to-date information.
In my opinion, the best way to see a new place is to simply walk around without plans. And Siem Reap is a wonderful and safe place to do that, as evidenced below. No matter how you decide to see it, expat transport in Cambodia is brimming with safe, affordable options.