3 Days in Siem Reap: How to Visit Siem Reap in 3 Days?

Siem Reap is a great place to spend a couple of days. The exotic city in northwestern Cambodia is a hub for visitors to the ancient temple complex Angkor Wat. The city also has a vibrant culture with local art, food, and surrounding natural beauty. With some good planning, you'll be able to sample the best of what the city has to offer. Here's how to visit Siem Reap in 3 days.

Is 3 Days Enough to Visit Siem Reap?

Yes, it is! Three days is just enough time to be immersed in Cambodian history and get a taste of the city's vibrant culture. You can visit Angkor Wat and the surrounding environment, enjoy the bustling markets and street food, and see the sights of the surrounding countryside.

You'll want to explore Angkor Wat and the surrounding area. It takes a day to visit Angkor Archaeological Park and visit the nearby Angkor Centre for Conservation of Biodiversity. Another day can be spent visiting Tonle Sap Lak with its floating villages with time for exploring the countryside.

That still leaves enough time to enjoy Siem Reap itself. Cambodia cycling tours are popular for exploring the busy city streets. There are many places to see local arts and crafts and learn about Cambodian history. Angkor National Museum is the place to see the history of the Khmer Empire, and Siem Reap Art Center Market is a hub for local artwork and handicrafts. In the evening, check out Pub Street and the Night Market Area to get the best of Cambodian street food and the colorful atmosphere of the market.

4 Days to Explore Cambodia’s Cultural Heart: Siem Reap

Siem Reap

What to Do in Siem Reap in 3 Days?

If you are wondering what things to do in Siem Reap, there are 6 things that you can't miss:

Angkor Wat Visit
The UNESCO World Heritage Site, Angkor Wat, is the most iconic attraction of the whole country. Built in the 12th century, it is a stunning example of Khmer architecture. Angkor Wat is just one of many temples in Angkor Archaeological Park. Nearby temples such as Angkor Thom and Ta Prohm are also worth exploring.

Located only 6km from Siem Reap, it is easy to get there from the city. Taxis, private cars, and tuk-tuks can get there in 15-20 minutes for $7-$15. Some people also choose to rent bicycles, which takes around 30-40 minutes. A one-day pass to Angkor Archaeological Park costs $37. If you want to spend more time there, 3-day and 7-day passes are also available for $62 and $72, respectively.

Visit Angkor Wat and the surrounding environment.

Tonle Sap Lake/Floating Village
Tonle Sap Lake is famous for its floating villages. Whole communities live on floating platforms or in houses built on stilts, living in tune with the seasonal rise and fall of the lake. Chong Khneas, Kompong Phluk, and Kompong Khleang are floating villages popular for their proximity to Siem Reap or authentic experiences.

A boat tour is the way to see Tonle Sap Lake and floating villages in Cambodia. Tours usually last from a few hours to half a day. Long tail boats are the most common, but larger boats are available for bigger tour groups. Prices range from around $15 to $50 per person, depending on the tour length, group size, and tour operator.

Floating villages of Tonle Sap Lake.

Countryside village exploration & local home visit
Exploring countryside villages and visiting the homes of local Cambodian people is a unique way to be immersed in traditional culture. Amidst the beautiful local scenery, you can see rural customs and crafts such as farming, rice cultivation, pottery, and weaving. Local villages participate in community-based tourism, inviting visitors into their homes for meals and cultural exchanges.

Half-day and full-day tours can be arranged with experienced local tour guides. Costs can vary a lot depending on the length and itinerary. Expect to pay between $20 and $100 per person based on what kind of your choose.

Explore the traditional cuture in the countryside village.

Local night market
The Angkor Night Market is a popular destination for tourists and locals. There, you can find a mix of local crafts, souvenirs, and delicious street food. Located near the intersection of Sivatha Boulevard and 7 Makara Street, the market starts in the late afternoon and lasts until 11 pm or midnight. There is no cost to go and look around, but bring cash and small change if you plan on buying anything from local vendors.

Tast Angkor night delicious street food.

Spa Experience
Massage has a long history in Cambodia. In Siem Reap, many spas offer various treatments for relaxation and rejuvenation. Hour-long traditional Khmer massages or aromatherapy sessions usually cost between $15 and $30. A few popular spas are:

Body Spa: Offering traditional Khmer and modern spa treatments and popular for its serene ambiance. They have three locations in Siem Reap on Pub Street, in the Old Market, and near the airport.
Frangipani Spa: Offers affordable massages, body scrubs, and facials in a relaxed setting. It's located at No. 24 Hup Guan Street and is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 am to 8 pm.
Lemongrass Garden: It provides a tranquil atmosphere for its wide range of massages and wellness treatments. Located at 105B Sivutha Blvd, the spa is open seven days a week from 10 am to 10 pm.

Enjoy a rejuvenating spa in Siem Reap.

Take a bike/motorbike for an adventure tour
Biking or motorbiking is a unique and up-close way to explore the city and surrounding area. Bikes suitable for riding around the city can be rented for $2-5 USD by the day. Mountain bikes can be rented for off-road or exploring the countryside for $5-10 USD per day. With a valid driver's license, scooters or motorbikes can be rented for $5-20 USD per day. You can choose from guided tours or a self-guided adventure.

Angkor Wat bike tour.

The Most Classic 3-Day Trip Itinerary in Siem Reap

Day 1 – Arrival & City Exploration
The classic 3-Day itinerary for Siem Reap starts with you being welcomed at the airport by your tour guide and driver. After checking in at the hotel and taking some rest, you'll be picked up for a visit to the night market and Pub Street. There, you'll enjoy downtown Siem Reap and get to sample the great street food.

Day 2- Angkor Temple Discovery
Day 2 will be an early start, leaving before dawn to experience an unforgettable Angkor Wat sunset tour. The morning will include visits to the temples of Ta Prohm and Banteay Kdei, followed by lunch at a local restaurant. Angkor Wat temple will be the main feature of the afternoon.

After returning to Siem Reap, a rejuvenating spa session is next to relax with a Mudita Signature Treatment after the long day.

Day 3 – Tonle Sap Lake & Departure
Your tour guide will pick you up after breakfast for a Tonle Sap Lake boat tour. Starting with Kompong Phluk, the largest floating village, the boat trip will take you through beautiful lake views and mangrove forests. Before returning to the city, you'll visit a local Cambodian family for a traditional lunch. Back in Siem Reap there will be time for dinner and last minute souvenir shopping before a late departure to your next destination.

3 Days Siem Reap Temple Tour

Siem Reap

More Tips for Visiting Siem Reap in 3 Days

Three days are enough, but not a lot of time for Siem Reap traveling. Here are a few tips for having the best tour possible.

Visit in the Right Season
November to February has the best weather for visiting Siem Reap. Temperatures are cooler and dry, and the skies are clear. The shoulder seasons in March and May are also popular for the smaller crowds without too much rainfall.

Stay Hydrated and Protected from the Sun
Visiting sites like Angkor Wat and Tonle Sap Lake means being outdoors for long periods. Even in the cooler weather, you'll want to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Sunscreen and a hat are also essential for protection from the sun.

Dress Modestly When Visiting Religious Sites
When visiting Angkor Wat or other temples, it is important to respect local customs. Sleeveless shirts should not be worn, or shoulders should be covered with a shawl or scarf. Shorts or skirts should cover the knees. Tight or revealing outfits should be avoided.

Plan Your Tour in Advance with a Reputable Tour Operator
It's important to plan well in advance to fit everything into three days. We can handle all the arrangements, from accommodation, local transportation, meals, and entrance tickets. All you'll have to do is show up and enjoy the experience.

6 Days Best of Cambodia Tour Package

Siem Reap - Phnom Penh

Conclusion

Siem Reap is the perfect entry to Cambodian culture and customs. In just three days, you can experience the city's highlights, including its history, arts, culture, and food. It will be a whirlwind of experiences that you will remember for a lifetime.

Moreover, If you want more days to explore Siem Reap or extend the journey to other sites of Cambodia, please contact us and our consultant will consider all your needs!