Ultimate Siem Reap Itinerary for 5 days: A Solo Backpacking Guide

Siem Reap, Cambodia, is a gateway to the ancient temples of Angkor, offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. This country in Southeast Asia is one of the most historically significant places that can take you back in time.

I visited Cambodia after exploring Thailand, and there’s one main reason why I wanted to visit Cambodia (apart from it being part of my Indochina backpacking trip): it’s Angkor Wat. Apparently, as mentioned above, Cambodia is known for its historical temples located in Siem Reap. It’s always been my dream to visit this historical place in Southeast Asia!

In this blog post, this 5-day itinerary to Siem Reap will guide you through the must-see sites and things to do, especially when visiting Cambodia for the first time.

How to Get to Siem Reap, Cambodia?

Whether you’re coming from neighboring Southeast Asian countries or from across the globe, there are several ways to reach this cultural hub. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to get to Siem Reap, Cambodia.

By Air

The most convenient and popular way to reach Siem Reap is by flying into Siem Reap International Airport (REP). The airport is well-connected with major cities in Asia and offers a range of international and domestic flights.

If you’re coming from the Philippines, I believe that there is no direct flight from Manila to Siem Reap, Cambodia. Thus, you need to at least enter other Southeast Asian countries like Thailand, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Vietnam.

In my case, since I was exploring Indochina and was coming from Bangkok, Thailand, I took a one-hour flight to Siem Reap. I took a flight to Siem Reap with AirAsia. For Filipino tourists, you can stay up to 30 days in Cambodia without a visa.

By Bus

Another way of getting to Siem Reap is by land. Traveling by bus to Siem Reap is a popular option for those exploring neighboring countries or traveling within Cambodia, since this is way cheaper than taking flights. There are several bus companies offering comfortable services.

From Phnom Penh:

Duration: The bus journey from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap takes approximately 5-7 hours, depending on the type of bus and road conditions.
Bus companies: Giant Ibis, Mekong Express, and Capitol Tours are well-known for their safety and comfort. Giant Ibis offers Wi-Fi, power outlets, and an onboard attendant.

From Bangkok, Thailand:

Duration: The journey from Bangkok to Siem Reap takes about 8-10 hours, including border crossing time. Several companies, like Giant Ibis and Nattakan, operate direct bus services from Bangkok to Siem Reap. The journey includes a border crossing at Krong Poipet (the Cambodian-Thai border), where you’ll need to get your Cambodian visa.

Essential Travel Guides and Tips

It’s advisable to purchase a 3-day Angkor Pass to cover your temple visits. It’s more economical and gives you the flexibility to explore at your own pace.
Make sure to dress respectfully at the temples, covering shoulders and knees. Avoid wearing tank tops, shorts, or skirts that are too short.
Make sure to bring enough cash before entering Cambodia, since ATM fees are quite expensive in the country. (based on observation)
Cambodian Riel (KHR) is the official currency, but US dollars (USD) are widely accepted. Prices for hotels, restaurants, and tours are usually listed in USD, and ATMs often dispense dollars.
Always take a water bottle with you, as the temperature in Cambodia is hot.

Getting Around Siem Reap, Cambodia

Once you arrive in Siem Reap, getting around is easy with a variety of transportation options:

Tuk-Tuks: The most popular and convenient way to explore Siem Reap. Tuk-tuks are affordable and can be hired for a single trip or the entire day.
Bicycles and Motorbikes: Many hotels offer bicycles for rent, and motorbikes are also available for those who want to explore on their own.
Taxis and Private Cars: For longer trips or temple tours, you can hire a taxi or private car with a driver.

Top Things to Do in Siem Reap, Cambodia

Explore Angkor Wat

You can visit and explore Angkor to see the famous Angkor Wat, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Cambodia. Located in the northern province of Cambodia, exploring Angkor Wat must be one of the main highlights of your visit to Siem Reap! In addition, Angkor Wat is said to be one of the largest religious monuments in the world. This is definitely a must-visit in Siem Reap, Cambodia. You can explore Angkor Wat for a day, 3 days, or 7 days, depending on your preference. Based on my personal experience, exploring Angkor Wat for 3 days must be enough for you to be able to visit other temples; such as the famous “Ta Prohm,” which used to be a filming location in the movie “Tomb Raider,” “Bayon Temple,” which is known for its numerous stone-carved faces, and “Angkor Thom,” which is said to be the last capital of the Khmer Empire, with several significant temples and structures.

You can buy the pass at the Angkor Ticket Office. Be sure to carry your ticket with you, as it is checked at each temple.

Visit the Angkor National Museum

If you want to have a deeper understanding of Angkor’s history, you can visit the Angkor National Museum. This can be done before or after visiting the temple complex.

Explore the pub street.

Exploring the night market or visiting the pub street is one of the best things to do at night in Siem Rep. Here, you can explore some local street food and local restaurants. A lively area packed with bars, restaurants, and shops. It’s a hub for nightlife and entertainment.

Wear the traditional Khmer clothing.

wearing khmer traditional clothes at angkor wat

This is one of the things that you can do while exploring Angkor Wat. You can rent Khmer traditional clothes for cultural experiences. Personally, this is one of my favorite things to do when traveling to different places. I always make sure to try on the traditional clothing of the place I visit whenever I get a chance.

Apsara Dance Show

For another cultural experience, you can watch a traditional Cambodian dance performance called “Apsara” that tells stories from mythology, often held at local restaurants or theaters.

Fortunately, I was able to experience watching this cultural dance show at my hostel. My hostel, The Twizt-Lifestyle Hostel & Hotel, is an amazing place to stay! It has a rooftop bar with a pool and usually has live bands and provides cultural shows for its guests!

See Tonle Sap Lake & Floating Villages

Tonle Sap Lake is one of Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lakes and a place where you can explore the floating villages and experience local life on the water.

Watch the Phare, the Cambodian Circus

If you want to have another Cambodian cultural experience, you can do it differently. You can try watching the Phare, which is a Cambodian circus. This show has a unique blend of acrobatics, theater, and storytelling. The performances showcase Cambodian culture, myths, and social issues through an energetic and emotional circus.

Take a Khmer Cooking Class

Take the Khmer cooking class to learn how to cook Cambodian dishes like amok (a traditional curry) or beef lok lak. Many local restaurants and hotels offer half-day classes.

Siem Reap Itinerary for 5 Days

If you’re traveling to Siem Reap, Cambodia, anytime soon, here is an example Siem Reap itinerary for 5 days. Kindly note that I was practicing slow travel during my visit, so I wasn’t able to see other must-see places within the area. Nonetheless, I was able to see some of the highlights of the country.

Day 1

Arrival in Siem Reap, Cambodia
Check in at The Twizt-Lifestyle Hostel & Hotel (this hotel is highly recommended!)
Free time
Rest

Day 2

Explore Angkor Wat Temples (Day 1)
Chill at the rooftop bar (from the hostel).
Pub Street
Rest

Day 3

Explore Angkor Wat Temples (Day 2)
Chill at the cafe
Rest

Day 4

Freetime
Cafe hopping
Chill at the rooftop bar (The Twizt-Lifestyle Hostel & Hotel)
Rest

Day 5

Explore Angkor Wat Temples (Day 3)
Back to Manila (optional)

In my case, I flew to Laos before going back to Manila since it was the last leg of my Indochina backpacking trip. You have the option to either go back to the Philippines or explore another Southeast Asian country.

Snaps from Siem Reap, Cambodia

angkor wat siem reap itinerary for 5 days

Frequently Asked Questions

How many days do I need at Angkor Wat?

To explore and see all the ancient temples of Angkor, the best thing to purchase is the Angkor 3-day pass that costs 62 US dollars!

Is 3 days in Siem Reap enough?

If you’re exploring Siem Reap for Angkor or Angkor Wat, three (3) days is enough to explore Siem Reap and to check the must-see places! For three days, you can explore Angkor Wat, the pub street, the museum, and floating villages, depending on your preference and pacing.

Is it better to go to Angkor Wat in the morning or afternoon?

Visiting Angkor Wat in the morning, most especially before sunrise, is one of the best things to do! Make sure to visit Angkor Wat around 4 to 5 AM to catch the sunrise!

How much does it cost to visit Angkor Wat?

The one-day pass costs USD 37, the 3-day pass costs USD 62, which is valid for 10 days, and the 7-day pass costs $ USD 72 and is valid for one month from the issue date. You can purchase the pass at the Angkor Ticket Office. Take note that you need to carry your ticket with you, as it is checked at each temple.

Is Siem Reap safe for tourists?

Siem Reap is generally safe for tourists, but like anywhere, it’s important to take basic precautions.

Siem Reap is a city rich in history, culture, and adventure. Whether you’re an architecture lover, history buff, or nature enthusiast, you’ll find plenty to explore in this province in Cambodia.

Siem Reap Itinerary for 5 Days: A Solo Backpacking Guide