A 3-Day Angkor Wat Itinerary: The Ancient Temples of Angkor

Siem Reap, Cambodia, is the gateway to one of the world’s most impressive historical wonders—the Angkor Archaeological Park, home to over 70 ancient temples.

My 5-day itinerary to Siem Reap was all mostly about exploring Angkor, and I’ve seen these ancient temples of Angkor that left me in awe. With that, I’m definitely sure that the sheer grandeur of these temples will also leave you speechless.

If you’re wondering about how long you should explore Angkor, here’s a 3-day itinerary to Angkor Wat! Personally, I recommend getting a 3-day Angkor pass (valid for 7 days) to maximize the time of your visit to Angkor.

Table of Contents

Essential Travel Guide & Tips

Buy your temple pass in advance to avoid queues. A 3-day pass costs $62 and can be used over 10 days, giving you flexibility.
The temples open at 5:00 AM, and it’s worth being there when the gates open.
Dress modestly. Make sure to cover your shoulders and knees when visiting temples to show respect for the sacred sites.
Carry a reusable water bottle, and most tuk-tuk drivers will provide cold water during your temple tour.
If possible, hire a knowledgeable local tour guide. Their insights can make the history and culture of the temples come alive.
You can also book your Angkor Wat tour via KLOOK!

Understanding Angkor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Angkor was the capital of the Khmer Empire (9th to 15th centuries) and once the largest city in the world (12th century). Today, Angkor is still an active spiritual site for Buddhists and citizens who engage in daily worship, prayer, and meditation. Angkor is also a living site where over 130,000 inhabitants have lived for many generations.

Angkor Wat Itinerary for 3 days

Day 1

Angkor Wat: Catching the sunrise at Angkor Wat is surely a bucket list for every traveler exploring Cambodia. Thus, you can start your day by waking up early (around 4:30 AM) to see the sunrise at the most iconic temple in Siem Reap, Cambodia, and Southeast Asia, Angkor Wat.

I know, for sure, that waking up too early must have been one of the hardest things to do in the morning, but catching the sunrise at Angkor War is surely one of the most breathtaking moments that you could do while you’re in Cambodia. Simply being present at Angkor Wat while waiting for the sun to rise was simply mesmerizing for me. One thing that I could cherish forever! Also, there’s a pond in the middle ground that reflects the iconic temple.

After catching the sunrise, you can start exploring Angkor Wat and enter the temple to learn more about its history. Built in the early 12th century by King Suryavarman II, Angkor Wat was initially dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu before becoming a Buddhist site. Its bas-relief galleries, depicting epic Hindu stories like the Churning of the Ocean of Milk, are some of the finest in the world.

Angkor Thom: the last great capital of the Khmer Empire. Enter through the monumental South Gate, flanked by a row of serene stone Buddhas on one side and demons on the other.

Bayon Temple: This temple is famous for its massive stone faces that peer down from every direction. The enigmatic smile of King Jayavarman VII, who is believed to be the face behind these carvings, adds a mystical aura to this temple.

Terrace of the Elephants & the Leper King: these places were used for royal ceremonies and public appearances.

Ta Prohm: This is a temple surrounded by nature. This atmospheric site, made famous by the “Tomb Raider” movie, is known for the giant sacred fig trees whose roots weave through the temple ruins, creating an otherworldly landscape.

Day 2

Preah Khan: This is a temple that seems almost swallowed by the jungle, but it’s quieter, offering a more peaceful experience.

Neak Pean Temple: a unique water temple situated on an island in the middle of a man-made lake. The temple was originally designed for healing purposes, with each of its four surrounding pools representing water, earth, fire, and wind.

Banteay Srei (The Pink Temple): often called the “jewel of Khmer art.” This temple is known for its pinkish hue and incredibly intricate carvings, which are some of the finest in Cambodia. Although smaller in size compared to Angkor Wat, the attention to detail in the carvings of Banteay Srei is unmatched.

Day 3

angkor wat siem reap itinerary for 5 days

Srah Srang: the “Royal Bath,” a large reservoir that provides a peaceful alternative to the more crowded Angkor Wat sunrise.

Banteay Kdei: a lesser-visited temple that offers a quiet, reflective start to your day. Banteay Kdei has an alluring, crumbling beauty, and it’s an excellent spot for photographers who love capturing the play of light and shadow.

Ta Som: a small but picturesque temple similar to Ta Prohm, with tree roots growing through the structure.

East Mebon: an older Hindu temple with five towers representing Mount Meru, the center of the universe in Hindu mythology.

Pre Rup Temple: This is a temple built in the 10th century as a royal crematorium. Pre Rup offers an elevated vantage point, and the warm glow of the setting sun against the reddish stone which creates a magical atmosphere. The best time to visit Pre Rup Temple is during the sunset.

Angkor Wat Visitor Code of Conduct

When visiting Angkor, or Angkor Wat, we need to be respectful of Cambodia’s own culture and traditions. Thus, here are some of the things that you need to be mindful of:

Dress Code

Revealing clothes such as shorts and skirts above the knees and showing shoulders are prohibited in sacred places. Respectful dress is strongly encouraged in Angkor.

Monuments

Touching carvings, sitting on fragile structures, leaning temple structures, moving or taking archaeological artifacts, and graffiti are strictly prohibited. Backpacks. umbrellas with sharp tips, tripods, and high heels are discouraged from being brought or worn inside the temples.

Sacred Sites

As Angkor is a sacred site, loud conversation, noise, and other inappropriate behavior, in Cambodian culture are considered to be offensive and may disturb other visitors. Please keep calm and be respectful.

Restricted Areas

For your own safety and for the conservation of Angkor, please comply with all signs on the site and be mindful of your steps at all times. Do not climb on loose stones.

Smoking and Littering

As a member of the World Health Organization, Angkor has been a smoke-free site since 2012. Smoking cigarettes disturbs others, and cigarettes can start bushfires. To protect the environment, please do not smoke and litter.

Candy or Money to Children

Buying items and giving candy or money to children encourages them not to attend school but to beg. If you wish to help the children, please consider donating to a recognized charity.

Monks

Monks are revered and respected. If you want to take pictures, please ask for permission first. Women should not touch, stand, or sit too close to monks.

Where to stay in Siem Reap, Cambodia?

Siem Reap has a wide range of accommodation options, from budget guesthouses to luxury resorts. If you want to stay somewhere with a mix of traditional charm and modern comforts, I recommend checking out The Twizt-Lifestyle Hostel & Hotel, where you can experience authentic Khmer hospitality while being just a short tuk-tuk ride away from the temples.

The temples of Angkor are more than just a tourist destination—they are a testament to the ingenuity, spirituality, and artistic mastery of the Khmer Empire. I hope this 3-day travel guide to Angkor gives you insights about what to expect and how long you should be exploring this UNESCO Heritage Site in Siem Reap, Cambodia!

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Exploring the Ancient Temples of Angkor: A 3-Day Angkor Wat Itinerary

Essential Travel Guide & Tips

Understanding Angkor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site