Angkor Wat Itinerary: 4 Days In Siem Reap Cambodia

Posted at 03 Jun 2024

13 minute readtime

As a gateway to the famous Angkor Wat temples, Siem Reap is the cornerstone of Cambodia’s tourism and it’s definitely one of the best travel destinations to put on your Cambodia itinerary. You could easily spend a week or two exploring everything in the Siem Reap area, but the top highlights can be seen with 3 or 4 days in Cambodia if you’re limited on time. This Angkor Wat itinerary will guide you through some of the very best Angkor temples to see, along with a few of the most interesting sights in Siem Reap town itself. Hopefully this gives you some ideas for what to do in Cambodia for 4 days! This entire Angkor Wat itinerary takes place in and near the small town of Siem Reap, Cambodia. Fly to Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport (SAI), which is serviced by a bunch of budget friendly airlines with good ratings. Among other places, there are flights from Singapore (SIN), Bangkok (DMK), or Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to Siem Reap for as low as $40 USD. You can shop for flights to Siem Reap at Skyscanner. When you arrive in Siem Reap, take an airport transfer to your hotel. You can book this in advance on Klook for $11 by private car, or $5 by tuk tuk. Check in to your hotel, and get rested up to explore some ancient temples for 4 days in Cambodia! Wake up early and start your Cambodia itinerary with the incredible Angkor Wat sunrise on the pond. Afterwards, explore the main temple area, which is huge. This is one of my favorite temples in Angkor. It’s a small, barely known pyramid temple near Angkor Thom. You might have to ask your driver to stop here, because most tours don’t include it in the normal itinerary. It’s a hidden gem! This is a gate on the south side of the Angkor Thom temple complex, right next to Baksei Chamkrong. It’s in poor shape, but you can still drive or walk through it, so it makes for some cool photo ops. Bayon is one of the most important temples in Angkor Thom, and it has some of the best wall carvings in the area. This is also where you can see the famous stone faces that you’ve probably seen in lots of Cambodia photos. This is one of the less known temples in Angkor Thom, and most tour groups don’t seem to go here. The carvings and doorways are good to explore. Ta Prohm is the famous ‘Tomb Raider temple’ used in the 2001 Angelina Jolie movie. There’s an incredible tree here that is growing on top of one of the temples. It’s a must see. More incredible trees and temples! The tree roots at Banteay Kdei are absolutely massive, and they’re taking control of the buildings. Angkor Wat Sunrise Baksei Chamkrong Temple Angkor Thom Gate Bayon Temple Thommanon Temple Ta Prohm Temple Banteay Kdei Temple Tour the Angkor Wat again (grand circuit this time), starting with Preah Khan. Most of the main temple is ruined, but it’s cool to see how nature is reclaiming what’s left of it. This is an island temple in the middle of a little pond. It looks better right after the rainy season. Late in the dry season there’s not much water left. This is a smaller temple, but the best part is the stone doorway being consumed and held in place by a strangler tree. This temple is not in great shape, but the highlight here would have to be the elephant statues in each corner of the temple. This is a big temple near the end of the grand circuit. Funerals were done here, so that may be why the temple looks so creepy. The buildings at the top of the pyramid are in the best shape, so be sure to take a look up there. This temple is a 1 hour drive from Siem Reap, but it can be combined with a grand/small circuit tour if you pay your driver a bit extra. The red sandstone colors are nice, and it’s known for having some of the best stone carvings out of all the Khmer temples. Preah Khan Neak Pean Ta Som East Mebon Pre Rup Bantei Srei Temple Hire a driver for the day and head over to Koh Ker, a group of remote temples about 2.5 hours drive from Siem Reap. The main building is a 7-tier pyramid in the forest, and a stairway leads to the top where you can get a nice view of the whole area. This is an incredible spot that’s part of the Koh Ker area. These are ancient temples being swallowed up by huge strangler trees and you must see them while you’re nearby. This is another remote temple you can visit on the way back to Siem Reap. The temple is mostly ruined, but that’s part of what makes it cool! Last but not least, you’ll find the Roluos temples just 30 minutes east of Siem Reap. These date back to the 9th century, making them some of the oldest Khmer temples in Cambodia (you may have to pay your driver a little extra to pack so many sights into a 4 day Cambodia itinerary like this, but it’s worth it). Koh Ker Temple Prasat Pram Temple Beng Mealea Roluos Temples Start out Day 4 by exploring the many interesting restaurants and shops in Siem Reap town. If you really want a unique experience, head over to the Bugs Cafe. This place serves fried tarantulas, scorpions, and other bugs to eat! It was started by a French expat and a Khmer chef, and it’s a fusion of local culture as well as the influx of tourism. Make a culture & history stop at Wat Thmey, a Cambodian temple that’s also notable for being used as a killing field during the Khmer Rouge communist rule in Cambodia during the 1970s. There is a stupa memorial filled with skulls and bones from the victims of the genocide. The riverside markets in Siem Reap are great for souvenir shopping, street food, and street photography. The stalls have all kinds of items for sale, from paintings and clothing, to fridge magnets and postcards. The Bugs Cafe Wat Thmey Temple Siem Reap Market I hope this Angkor Wat itinerary was helpful for planning your own Cambodia trip. These are just a few ideas of what to do in Cambodia for 4 days. You could easily spend longer in Siem Reap exploring all of the nearby temples, and enjoying the restaurants and markets. Don’t forget to check out my full Angkor Wat Travel Guide with free tips, maps, photos, and more! If you're looking for a good Siem Reap driver/guide to show you around, Klook has shared day tours starting from $12 USD. If you plan to do the sunrise tour, which I highly recommend, they also have a private Angkor Wat sunrise tour by tuk-tuk for $19 USD or a shared sunrise tour for $12 USD. We've used Klook for lots of tours and activities around the world, and they're great! Highly recommended. Book Now: Angkor Wat Shared Tour / Private Tour We stayed at the 4-star La Residence Blanc D'Angkor in Siem Reap. It was $18 USD per night for a clean double room with cold A/C, work desk, refrigerator, wardrobe, and more. There's also an on-site restaurant and pool. The staff there is amazingly friendly, and I love the epic wall art showing scenes from the Angkor Wat. It sets the mood for exploring some Cambodian temple ruins. Prices may fluctuate from time to time, so just keep an eye out for a good deal. We stayed at this 4-star hotel in Siem Reap for $18 USD This was the pool at our hotel

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Exploring Monuments Recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

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# Introduction.\nAsia is a continent rich in history, culture, and architectural marvels. From ancient temples that whisper tales of spirituality to towering modern edifices that represent progress, Asia is a treasure trove of monuments that are not just visually stunning but also steeped in meaning. If you’re planning a trip or simply want to embark on a virtual journey, here are some must-see monuments scattered across this diverse continent.\n\n## 1. The Great Wall of China: A Symbol of Endurance.\nNo visit to Asia would be complete without witnessing the grandeur of the Great Wall of China. Stretching over 13,000 miles, this monumental structure was built to protect the Chinese states during various dynasties. Sections of the wall, such as those near Beijing like Badaling and Mutianyu, offer breathtaking views and a sense of historical significance. Visitors can hike along its stony pathways, appreciating the engineering prowess of ancient China while surrounded by gorgeous landscapes. Each brick has a story, and walking this landmark feels like traversing through time.\n\n## 2. The Taj Mahal: Love Carved in Stone.\nLocated in Agra, India, the Taj Mahal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most iconic symbols of love in the world. Built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, this stunning marble mausoleum is a masterpiece of architectural brilliance. The intricate carvings and symmetrical gardens create a magical experience, especially at sunrise or sunset when the light dances off the white marble. The Taj Mahal is not just an architectural gem but a poignant reminder of love’s enduring power.\n\n## 3. Angkor Wat: The Jewel of Cambodia.\nAngkor Wat, once a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Vishnu, has become a symbol of Cambodia and one of the largest religious monuments in the world. Nestled in the jungle, this 12th-century structure is renowned for its grandeur and intricacy. The temple complex features elaborate stone carvings and a vast moat, giving it an almost mystical aura. As the first rays of dawn illuminate its towers, witnessing this scene is a spiritual experience for many. Exploring Angkor Wat is not just visiting a monument; it’s stepping into a living history that spans centuries.\n\n## 4. The Petronas Towers: A Modern Marvel.\nIn stark contrast to the ancient monuments, the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, represent contemporary architectural innovation. Standing at 1,483 feet, these twin skyscrapers were the tallest buildings in the world from 1998 to 2004. The unique design, inspired by Islamic art and geometry, showcases Malaysia's cultural heritage. Visitors can access the sky bridge that connects the two towers, offering panoramic views of the bustling city below. At night, the towers illuminate the skyline, making them a stunning sight against the backdrop of a twinkling urban landscape.\n\n## 5. The Forbidden City: A Glimpse into Imperial China.\nThe Forbidden City in Beijing is a vast imperial palace that served as the home of emperors and the ceremonial center of Chinese government for almost 500 years. Spanning 180 acres, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world. With its ornate architecture, beautiful courtyards, and extensive gardens, the Forbidden City offers visitors a unique insight into China's royal history. The lavish halls and exhibitions within the walls detail the imperial life, turning each visit into an exploration of rich cultural heritage.\n\n## 6. Mount Fuji: Nature's Monument.\nWhile not a man-made structure, Japan's Mount Fuji is an iconic symbol and holds immense cultural significance. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this stratovolcano is revered in Japanese art, literature, and spirituality. Climbing Mount Fuji is a rite of passage for many travelers, offering stunning views from the summit and a deep connection with nature. The surrounding parks and shrines add to its charm, making it a holistic destination that combines physical challenge with cultural discovery. The picturesque reflection of Mount Fuji in Lake Kawaguchi is a photographer's dream.\n\n## Conclusion.\nAsia’s monumental offerings are diverse, reflecting the continent's rich tapestry of history, beliefs, and cultures. From ancient construction marvels that stand as testaments of mankind’s ingenuity to stunning modern structures that redefine architectural possibilities, these monuments deserve a place on your travel itinerary. Whether you’re drawn to the spiritual ambiance of Angkor Wat or the towering awe of the Great Wall, each monument has its own unique story and allure. Embrace the adventure and immerse yourself in these remarkable sites that continue to inspire millions every year.\n .

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