Life of Travel
Siem Reap
Gateway to Angkor
Ancient temples, mystical sunrises, and the magnificent Angkor Wat await
Welcome to Siem Reap
Siem Reap is the gateway to Angkor, the ancient capital of the Khmer Empire and home to the world's largest religious monument. Beyond the temples, the town offers charming French colonial streets, charming French colonial streets, dining and entertainment on Pub Street, and Tonle Sap Lake's floating villages. This is Southeast Asia's most awe-inspiring archaeological destination.
Angkor In Photos
Angkor Wat Sunrise
Bayon Faces
Ta Prohm
Banteay Srei
Angkor Pass
1 Day Pass
Quick highlights visit. Best for limited time.
3 Day Pass
Use over 10 days. See major temples without rushing.
7 Day Pass
Use over 30 days. For temple enthusiasts.
Passes sold at main ticket office only. Photo taken on site. Sunrise requires buying pass the day before (open 5am).
Must See Temples
Tap each card to learn more
Angkor Wat
The world's largest religious monument and symbol of Cambodia
Best for: Sunrise • Architecture • Bas Reliefs • Photography
Bayon (Angkor Thom)
216 enigmatic stone faces gazing in all directions
Best for: Stone Faces • Morning Light • Unique Architecture
Ta Prohm
Jungle temple where trees grow through ancient ruins
Best for: Photography • Jungle Atmosphere • Movie Location
Banteay Srei
Pink sandstone temple with the finest carvings
Best for: Intricate Carvings • Pink Stone • Art Lovers
Preah Khan
Large labyrinthine temple complex, often less crowded
Best for: Exploration • Fewer Crowds • Photography
Beyond the Temples
- 🚤Visit Tonle Sap floating villages by boat at sunset
- 💃Watch traditional Apsara dance with dinner at a local show
- 🎪See Phare Cambodian Circus, an incredible social enterprise
- 🍳Take a Khmer cooking class and visit local markets
- 🍽️Enjoy family dining on Pub Street and try a fish spa massage
- 🚲Cycle through rice paddies to hidden countryside temples
Tonle Sap
Phare Circus
Pub Street
Temple Tips
For sunrise at Angkor Wat, arrive by 5:30am. The crowds are worth it.
Cover shoulders and knees at all temples. Guards will refuse entry otherwise
Hire a tuk-tuk for $15 to 20 per day or private car for $35 to 50. Air con is nice in afternoon heat
Bring lots of water. Temples can be exhausting in the heat. Start early, rest midday
Download offline maps. GPS works better than addresses in the temple complex
3 Day Temple Plan
Day 1: Small Circuit
Sunrise at Angkor Wat (stay 2 hours), Bayon at Angkor Thom, Ta Prohm. Afternoon pool time at resort. Evening Phare Circus (brilliant for families)
Day 2: Grand Circuit
Preah Khan, Neak Pean, Ta Som, East Mebon, Pre Rup for sunset. Less crowded, great for children to explore
Day 3: Outer Temples
Banteay Srei (go early), Banteay Samre. Afternoon Tonle Sap boat trip (fascinating for families). Evening family dinner on Pub Street
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely yes. It's crowded but magical. Position yourself at the left reflection pool by 5:30am. The colors and atmosphere are unforgettable.
Most visitors hire a tuk-tuk driver for the day ($15 to 25). They know the temples, wait at each stop, and provide water. Private car with AC costs more but beats afternoon heat.
Absolutely. Children are captivated by the scale of Angkor Wat and love exploring Ta Prohm's tree roots. Keep visits shorter with older kids and plan pool time in the afternoons. The Phare Circus is perfect for all ages, and tuk-tuk rides between temples are an adventure in themselves.
Angkor Wat: sunrise or late afternoon. Bayon: morning for best face lighting. Ta Prohm: any time but magical in soft morning light. Banteay Srei: morning before crowds.
Ready for Your Angkor Adventure?
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