Cradled amid jungle and rice paddies, Siem Reap is the gateway to Angkor—centuries of Khmer ingenuity etched in stone. Once the seat of a mighty empire, today it’s a lively town where bicycles hum past saffron-robed monks and the scent of lemongrass drifts from open kitchens. With four days, you can greet dawn at Angkor Wat, wander tree-tangled Ta Prohm, and glide along the stilted villages of Tonle Sap Lake.

Angkor’s story stretches back over 1,000 years, peaking in the 12th century with monumental feats like Bayon’s stone faces and the reservoir of Srah Srang. Modern Siem Reap adds a creative pulse: social enterprise eateries, artisan workshops, and the high-energy Phare Cambodian Circus, all supporting local communities.

Practical notes: Dress modestly at temples (shoulders/knees covered). The Angkor Pass is approximately $37 (1 day), $62 (3 days), $72 (7 days); bring cash or card and passport photo (not always required). US dollars are widely accepted alongside the Cambodian riel. Dry season (Nov–Apr) is cooler; rainy season (May–Oct) means lush carvings and fewer crowds.

Siem Reap

Siem Reap is compact, creative, and welcoming—a perfect base for temple-hopping by tuk-tuk. Mornings are for mist and moats; evenings for markets, craft cocktails, and street food skewers. Stay near the tranquil Wat Bo area for leafy lanes and artisan boutiques, or closer to the Old Market if you prefer nightlife on your doorstep.

• Don’t miss: Angkor Wat at sunrise, the smiling faces of Bayon, Ta Prohm’s roots, Phare Circus, and a boat ride to a floating village on Tonle Sap.
• Great neighborhoods: Wat Bo (quiet, stylish), Taphul Village (midrange stays and cafes), and the lanes around Old Market/Pub Street (buzzy and central).
• Eating & drinking: From refined “New Khmer” tasting menus to backyard smoke and street-side noodles, this is a superb city for food lovers.

Where to stay

• Amansara (luxury, design-forward, near Royal Gardens) — an elegant heritage retreat with tailored temple experiences.
• Onederz Hostel Siem Reap (budget, social, pool) — spotless, friendly, and walkable to everything.
• Browse more stays on Hotels.com or villa-style options on VRBO.

Getting to Siem Reap

• Fly direct to Siem Reap–Angkor International Airport (SAI). From Bangkok (~1 hr), Singapore (~2h10m), or Kuala Lumpur (~2h), economy fares often run ~$70–$220. Search flexible dates on Trip.com or Kiwi.com.
• From Phnom Penh, a flight is ~50 minutes; overland by bus/minivan takes ~5–6 hours. If you plan to continue overland, consider a private transfer for comfort.

Day 1: Arrival, Old Market Stroll, and Phare Circus

Morning: Fly into Siem Reap. If you arrive early, ease in with coffee at Sister Srey Cafe—great flat whites and a breezy upstairs overlooking the river—and a quick noodle soup at Khmer Grandma or a bowl of kuy teav (rice noodle soup) from a street cart.

Afternoon: Check in and shake off jet lag with a gentle walk around Wat Preah Prom Rath and the riverside. Dip into the Old Market (Psar Chaa) for spices, Kampot pepper, and palm sugar. For a late lunch, try HAVEN (training restaurant known for lok lak and creamy amok) or Mamma Shop (fresh pasta if you’re craving carbs).

Evening: Dine at Pou Restaurant & Bar by Chef Mengly (modern Khmer—crispy frog legs, prahok dips, mango salads). Then cap the night with a world-class performance at Phare Circus—acrobats, live music, and storytelling rooted in Cambodian experiences. Book here and arrive 30 minutes early for the preshow.

Phare: The Cambodian Circus Show in Siem Reap

Post-show drinks? Miss Wong Cocktail Bar mixes Sichuan pepper martinis and pandan sours; Picasso Bar is a cozy alleyway favorite.

Day 2: Angkor Wat Sunrise, Bayon Faces, and Ta Prohm Roots

Morning: Rise early for an unforgettable sunrise at Angkor Wat. Your private guide handles Angkor Pass purchase (~$37–$62 depending on pass) and positions you by the lotus ponds as the silhouette ignites pink. After exploring bas-reliefs and galleries, continue to Angkor Thom and Bayon—216 enigmatic stone faces—and the Terrace of the Elephants.

Full-Day Angkor Wat Sunrise Private Tour with Guide from Siem Reap

Afternoon: Visit Ta Prohm, where silk-cotton roots spill over sandstone like frozen waves—prime for photos and a reminder of nature’s slow embrace. Break for lunch near Srah Srang: think banana blossom salad, char-grilled pork skewers, and iced sugarcane juice. Return to town for a siesta or the Angkor National Museum to deepen the story of Jayavarman VII.

Evening: Go refined with dinner at Embassy Restaurant (seasonal tasting menus by the “Kimsan Twins”) or casual at WILD Creative Bar & Eatery (handmade spring rolls—think fish amok, pumpkin, or spicy pork—and craft cocktails in a lantern-lit garden). End with a mango sticky rice sundae at Gelato Lab on Pub Street.

Day 3: Kulen Mountain, Beng Mealea, and Tonle Sap (Full-Day Adventure)

Today is a full-day tour into the countryside, so no need to split by morning/afternoon/evening. Drive through villages to Phnom Kulen, the sacred mountain where the Khmer Empire’s independence was proclaimed. See the River of a Thousand Lingas carved into the riverbed, visit the hilltop reclining Buddha, and cool off by a jungle waterfall—bring swimwear and sandals with grip.

Kulen Mountain with Beng Mealea and Tonle Sap Small Group Tour

Continue to Beng Mealea, a 12th-century temple in romantic ruin, partly reclaimed by jungle. If lake conditions allow, you’ll also explore Tonle Sap to glimpse life on the water among stilted homes and floating gardens. Expect an early start and return around dusk; pack insect repellent, a light rain jacket in wet season, and small notes for snacks along the way. For dinner back in town, treat yourself to fish amok at Chanrey Tree by the river or smoky skewers at Khmer Grill.

Day 4: Slow Morning, Handicrafts, and Departure

Morning: Ease into your final day with breakfast at Common Grounds (omelets, cold brew) or The Glasshouse Deli at Park Hyatt (croissants, tropical fruit). Wander the Made in Cambodia Market for handwoven silk, natural soaps, and recycled brass jewelry, then stop by Artisans Angkor to watch stone carving and lacquerwork sustain traditional skills.

Afternoon: Squeeze in a 60–90 minute foot massage or Khmer oil massage before you depart; your legs will thank you after temple days. If time permits, grab a farewell lunch: Khmer Kitchen Restaurant for homestyle classics, or FCC Angkor’s shady veranda for a last look at the river. Transfer to the airport for your afternoon flight; taxis and hotel cars reach SAI airport in ~50 minutes depending on traffic.

Evening: In case of a late flight, dine early at Olive Cuisine de Saison (Mediterranean–Khmer touches) or pick up bánh mì-style baguettes and iced coffee for the road. Check flights and last-minute deals on Trip.com or Kiwi.com.

Extra tips

• Temple etiquette: Cover shoulders and knees; remove hats inside shrines; keep voices low.
• Best light: Sunrise for Angkor Wat; late afternoon for Bayon and Ta Prohm’s golden glow.
• Staying cool: Freeze water overnight, carry electrolyte packets, and schedule midday breaks.
• Shopping to support locals: Seek fair-trade labels and co-ops; ask about maker stories.

Siem Reap rewards curious wanderers: celestial towers at dawn, jungle-laced ruins by day, and a spirited food scene by night. With this 4-day itinerary, you’ve touched Cambodia’s ancient heart and today’s creative soul—leaving just enough wonder to draw you back.