Looks like you’re lucky enough to be visiting Siem Reap – you’re going to love it! I only wish you had more time to explore, but you will love spending 4 days in Siem Reap. You can’t see it all, so take it slow and allow yourself to see things fully. Check out this guide on the things you can’t miss during your 4 days in Siem Reap–I promise you’ll see just enough to want to come back!
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Is your time flexible and you're wondering if 4 days is enough? How many days should you spend in Siem Reap to get the most out of your trip? Find out here.
Pocket Guide to Siem Reap
When I think of Siem Reap...
I'm dripping sweat but brought to tears by the magnificent ancient history, and the horrific recent history.
Where To Stay
- Near Pub Stree (Best for party people)
- Wat Bo (Digital nomads & chill people)
- French Quarter (Best for artsy accommodations)
When To Visit
March-April is brutally hot. If you can, go during Spring/Autumn Equinox for the Angkor alignment.
Things To Do
- Explore the Angkor Complex (of course)
- See how daring you are with street food
- Cozy crafts and history at the Lotus Silk Farm
- Hold a life-saving rat at APOPO Visitor Center
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Day 1 // Welcome to Siem Reap
Your arrival in Siem Reap has to start with a friendly tuk-tuk ride from your drop off points. The city is small, so use day 1 in Siem Reap to get familiar with it. Once you settle in, walk around and you’ll find arts, events and shops that pull you in.
Try some delicious street food, watch the impressive local artists, and shop around…and good luck to the young men dodging the constant ‘massage’ calls, the tables have turned. Walk through Pub Street as it comes alive just to take in the madness, but don’t be out too late! Day 2 is an early one…
Day 2 // Temple Time
Finally, the reason that brought you to Siem Reap – Angkor Wat ( and the massive complex). This day will take some preparation and planning, since there are a few ways to experience it, and all of them start at 4am!
There are 70 major temples in the 400 square km area, and over 1,000 sites in total. So it’s important to do some pre-research to determine which ones you want to see. You can’t miss Angkor Wat, Bayon Temple, and my favorite, Ta Prohm.
Get your tickets at least a day before to save yourselves some time in the morning. Tickets can be purchased online or in person off Aspara Road. Aim to get to a good spot at least 30 minutes before scheduled sunrise, it can definitely be crowded!
1-day = $37 | 3-day = $62 | 7-day = $72
Self Guided
My favorite way to explore the complex is on a solo-adventure, moving at your own pace, admiring in peace…but I did go 5 different days! If you have a motorbike or a bicycle, you can go in the complex at any time with a valid pass. However, you don’t get the history explanation and significance that you would with a guide, (unless you listen to the history with a podcast like I did).
If you have a few extra days in the complex, or you like solo exploring, check out this guide to a Self-Led Sunrise Journey to Angkor Wat.
Small Circuit
The small circuit can be done in a half day or a full day tour, most easily booked through your accommodation. It is great for first timers, since it goes to all the “main” sites.
The Small Circuit loop, includes Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Bayon, Ta Prohm, and Phnom Bakheng. You can find tours that go at different paces with different style of travel (bikes, tuk-tuk, bus with A/C).
Large Circuit
If you’re buzzing off the ancient history and architecture here, then you won’t want to miss the hidden gems on the Large Circuit. This requires at least 1 full day, probably more, and
The full day tour hits the “Large Circuit”, everything you get in the small circuit + Preah Khan (one of my faves), Ta Som, East Mebon, and Pre Rup.
I didn’t do a full-day tour, but most of the people I knew who did, were absolutely exhausted after, granted it was 110F/40C. If you’re traveling in the hottest months of March-May, do yourself a favor and plan to break up the days!
If you still have some temple energy in you, you can go back in with the same ticket! Head to the Phnom Krom Viewpoint for sunset views. Or, get a 3-day pass and go again!
Day 3 // Culture, Crafts, & History
Siem Reap is famous for the Angkor Complex, but the other historic and creative aspects of the city shouldn’t be overlooked – they will be hard to miss! From painting classes in the traditional style, Khmer ceramics class, Cambodian cooking classes, or understanding the brutal (recent) history, take time to really sink into an aspect of this rich culture.
One of my favorite things I did in Siem Reap, was go to the APOPO visitor center. I first heard of the nonprofit when someone explained it as a “rat retirement home”. Obviously I was excited, but it was so much more!
There, you’ll learn about the Khmer Rouge, and how they use trained rats to sniff out the landmines.
History + humanitarian nonprofit + big rats = a great day.
The one regret I have from my time in Siem Reap is not going to the Lotus Silk Farm. Perfect for all ages, learn how to weave a silk scarf, make jewelry out of the lotus flower seeds, and enjoy the day surrounded by a picturesque lotus farm. Through this experience, you get beautiful DIY crafts to take home, plus you help the empowerment of local women and their heritage. Don’t skip out on this, you will be left regretting it like me!
Day 4 // Temples Take 2
From the first temple day, you’ll realize that you’re only scratching the surface. Especially if you’ve done a 1/2 day or self guided tour, you’ll be left wanting more!
If you did a full day tour and you’re more tempted by the other parts of the city, then take the day to explore. There is so much more to do here to immerse in the local culture, landscape, and food scene.
Other things to do:
- Angkor Wildlife & Aquarium
- Phare Circus
- Aspara Dance
- Market Shopping
While there are a lot of things for tourists to do in Siem Reap, some leave the land and people worse than before. I suggest you avoid doing these things, for ethical reasons.
- Floating Village
- Crocodile Farm
- Kulen Elephant Sanctuary
- Fish Foot Massage
Once your templed-out, check out this list of 20 Unique Things to do in Siem Reap Besides Temples.
Getting Around Siem Reap
This is something you’ll feel silly for wondering, because once you arrive you’ll see just how many tuk-tuks there are, you’ll never struggle to find a ride! It can cost about $5 to get across the city in tuk-tuk. If you like your driver, feel free to ask for their WhatsApp number in case you ever need to call for a ride!
If you want a motorbike, there are plenty of places to rent them for about $20/day, but do be aware that police do look for tourists and have been known to be corrupt. If you’re renting a motorbike, be sure to have your international driver’s permit.
Reminder to never carry too much cash on you, it can be extorted.
Summary - Best Way to Spend 4 Days in Siem Reap, Cambodia
There is so much you could pack into 4 days in Siem Reap. Although the city itself is pretty tiny, you could go off in any direction and explore something magical. You won’t want to skip out on the temples. I suggest at least 1 full day there, I spent 5 half days and could have kept going back!
Don’t miss the APOPO center or the Lotus Silk Farm for a full appreciation of the local history, people, and culture for an unforgettable time in Siem Reap! As always, be sure to drive safe, trust your instincts, and respect local culture <3
