Siem Reap Cambodia: Angkor Wat & Travel Guide 2026
Siem Reap Cambodia is the gateway to Angkor Wat and the monuments of the Khmer Empire. This original 2026 guide covers the best things to do in Siem Reap, hotels, restaurants, official tickets, safety, 3- and 5-day itineraries and how many days to spend.
Quick answer: spend three days exploring Angkor Wat, the main Angkor temples and Siem Reap city, or five days to add Banteay Srei and cultural experiences. Official Angkor Pass prices are US$37 for one day, US$62 for three days and US$72 for seven days.
Where is Siem Reap Cambodia?
Siem Reap is in northwestern Cambodia, close to Tonlé Sap Lake and Angkor Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1992. The current airport is Siem Reap Angkor International (SAI), outside the city.
| Travel fact | Details |
| Country | Cambodia |
| Currency | Cambodian riel (KHR); US dollar commonly used |
| Language | Khmer |
| Time zone | UTC+7 |
| Ideal visit | 3–5 days |
History of Siem Reap Cambodia Angkor Wat
Angkor Wat was built in the twelfth century under Suryavarman II, originally associated with Vishnu worship and later Buddhist practice. Jayavarman VII developed Angkor Thom, including the famous Bayon Temple. Angkor’s heritage includes extensive temples, reservoirs and urban remains.
Siem Reap how many days?
| Days | Recommended itinerary |
| 1 day | Angkor Wat, Bayon and Ta Prohm |
| 3 days | Two temple days plus the city |
| 5 days | Angkor, Banteay Srei, food and museums |
| 7 days | Slower sightseeing and relaxation |
Things to do in Siem Reap Cambodia: 15 highlights
1. Angkor Wat, Siem Reap Cambodia
Angkor Wat is the region’s signature monument, with remarkable towers, stone carvings and popular sunrise views. Allow at least two to three hours and respect temple dress rules.
2. Bayon
Famous for enormous sculpted faces at Angkor Thom. A licensed guide can help interpret its reliefs and history.
3. Ta Prohm
Tree roots surround atmospheric ruins made famous by Tomb Raider. Stay on designated walkways.
4. Angkor Thom South Gate
An imposing entrance to the former Khmer city, best combined with nearby monuments.
5. Terrace of the Elephants (Angkor Thom, Cambodia)
Historic platform decorated with elephant carvings and associated with ceremonial spaces.
6. Baphuon
Tiered temple-mountain with steep stairs and uneven ground.
7. Preah Khan
An extensive complex of galleries and courtyards linked with Jayavarman VII.
8. Neak Pean
A historical monument connected with water symbolism, often visited on the Grand Circuit.
9. Banteay Srei
A more distant temple renowned for intricate pink-sandstone carvings.
10. Pre Rup
A tiered monument and popular Grand Circuit stop.
11. Angkor National Museum- – Siem Reap and Angkor Wat Cambodia
Provides context on Khmer sculpture, history and religion. Check current admission directly.
12. Old Market (Psar Chaa)
A working market with food, local commerce and souvenirs.
13. Pub Street – Siem Reap and Angkor Wat Cambodia
The city’s best-known nightlife area, with bars and restaurants.
14. Khmer Cooking Class
Learn to prepare dishes such as fish amok and Khmer curry in an organized class.
15. Tonlé Sap
A major lake and cultural landscape. Choose ethical community visits and check seasonal access and safety.
Angkor Wat ticket prices in 2026
| Angkor Pass | Price | Validity |
| 1 day | US$37 | Selected day |
| 3 days | US$62 | 3 visiting days within 7 |
| 7 days | US$72 | 7 visiting days within 30 |
Children under twelve generally enter free with age documentation. Buy through official Angkor Enterprise. Some distant monuments need separate tickets and may have access restrictions.
3-day Siem Reap trip itinerary
| Day | Plan |
| 1 | Angkor Wat, Bayon and Ta Prohm |
| 2 | Preah Khan, Neak Pean and Pre Rup |
| 3 | Museum, Old Market and dining |
5-day Siem Reap itinerary – Siem Reap and Angkor Wat Cambodia
| Day | Activity |
| 1 | Arrival, city and Old Market |
| 2 | Angkor Wat, Bayon and Ta Prohm |
| 3 | Angkor Grand Circuit |
| 4 | Banteay Srei and cultural experience |
| 5 | Museum, food and relaxation |
On arrival day, rest and explore the Old Market near your hotel.
And, on the second day, visit the three most recognizable temples and start early to avoid the heat.
On day three, explore the Grand Circuit at a manageable pace.
And, on day four, see Banteay Srei and join a cultural or cooking experience.
On day five, explore the museum and city before departure, avoiding distant trips on flight day.
Where to stay in Siem Reap Cambodia
| Area | Best for |
| Old French Quarter | First-time visitors |
| Wat Bo | Boutique hotels and calmer streets |
| Old Market | Restaurants and nightlife |
| Charles de Gaulle Road | Resorts |
Hotels worth comparing include Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, Park Hyatt Siem Reap, Shinta Mani Angkor, Viroth’s Hotel and Jaya House River Park. Illustrative nightly double-room ranges: Raffles US$250–500+, Park Hyatt US$220–450+, Shinta Mani US$150–300+, Viroth’s US$100–220+, Jaya House US$180–350+. These are not live quotes. See the site’s existing hotel guide (Portuguese).
Le Grande Indochine Hotel – Siem Reap and Angkor Wat Cambodia
If you’re wondering where to stay in Siem Reap, Le Grande Indochine Hotel is an excellent choice for travelers seeking comfort, elegance, and great value for money.
Located in the heart of Siem Reap, this charming hotel combines colonial-inspired architecture with modern amenities and a peaceful atmosphere. Its central location makes it convenient to explore local restaurants, markets, and Pub Street while providing an excellent base for visiting the magnificent temples of Angkor.
One of the hotel’s highlights is its beautiful outdoor swimming pool, surrounded by tropical greenery — the perfect place to relax after a long, hot day exploring Angkor Wat, Bayon Temple, and Ta Prohm.
Guests can also enjoy spacious, air-conditioned rooms, spa facilities, on-site restaurants, and a fitness center. The hotel is particularly appealing to couples and families looking for a comfortable stay without paying the premium prices of Siem Reap’s most expensive luxury resorts.
Another compelling reason to recommend Le Grande Indochine Hotel is its excellent guest feedback. The property has earned an overall rating of approximately 9.0/10 on Booking.com, with particularly high scores for location, staff, comfort, and value for money.
My recommendation: Le Grande Indochine Hotel is a particularly attractive option for travelers who want to combine sightseeing, relaxation, and affordable luxury during their Cambodia itinerary.
It offers a convenient location, welcoming hospitality, and excellent facilities, making it a strong choice for a memorable stay in Siem Reap.
Where to eat in Siem Reap: restaurants and prices
Cuisine Wat Damnak
Contemporary Cambodian cuisine; illustrative budget US$35–70 per person.
Malis Siem Reap
Upscale Khmer cuisine; estimated US$15–40 per person.
Chanrey Tree
Known for Khmer dishes, with published main-course references around US$6–12.
Marum
A food and training initiative; main-course references around US$5–10.
HAVEN
A restaurant associated with hospitality training; illustrative US$8–18 per person.
Try fish amok, beef lok lak, Khmer curry, num banh chok and kuy teav. Street food can cost around US$2–5 and casual restaurants US$5–12. These are planning bands, not verified menus.
How to get to Siem Reap and get around
SAI airport is outside Siem Reap and road transfers may take about an hour or longer. Tuk-tuks and private cars are popular for Angkor. Illustrative transport ranges: short tuk-tuk ride US$2–5, day-long temple tuk-tuk US$15–30 and private car with driver US$35–65, with guides extra.
Cambodia visa requirements in 2026
Brazilian travelers generally require a tourist visa. The official type-T e-Visa costs US$30, permits one entry and one month of stay, is valid for use within three months and typically takes around three business days to process. See evisa.gov.kh; the separate arrival system is at arrival.gov.kh.
Is Siem Reap and Angkor Wat Cambodia safe in 2026?
Travelers can visit established Angkor tourist routes with precautions, but 2026 advisories note crime, unexploded ordnance in some regions and heightened risks near the Cambodia–Thailand border. Avoid restricted border travel, stay on marked paths and review official UK advice before distant excursions.
Best time and trip budget
November–February is usually more comfortable; March–May can be very hot and June–October rainier. An illustrative five-day budget, assuming two people share a room, ranges from US$292–742 per person including basic daily expenses, tourist visa and a three-day Angkor Pass, excluding international flights and airport transfer.
Frequently asked questions about Siem Reap
How many days do you need in Siem Reap?
Three full days cover essential Angkor temples and city highlights. Five days let you add Banteay Srei, museums and restaurants at a calmer pace. One day requires choosing only a few major attractions.
What are the best things to do in Siem Reap Cambodia?
Visit Angkor Wat, Bayon, Ta Prohm, Preah Khan and Banteay Srei, then discover Angkor National Museum and the markets. Add a Khmer cooking experience if you enjoy food, and always respect permitted access routes.
How much are Angkor Wat tickets in 2026?
Official passes cost US$37 for one day, US$62 for three days and US$72 for seven days. Multi-day passes can be used within longer validity windows. Children under twelve are exempt with proof of age.
Where should you stay in Siem Reap?
Old French Quarter is convenient for first trips; Wat Bo is quieter; Old Market is close to bars and restaurants but may be noisy; Charles de Gaulle Road offers larger hotels. Check transport, breakfast and location.
Is Siem Reap safe to visit?
Established sightseeing requires reputable operators and authorized routes. In 2026, official advisories warn about the Thailand border and unexploded ordnance in some areas. Avoid unmarked paths and check updated guidance.
When is the best time to visit?
November through February tends to be more comfortable. Hot-season days can be intense, while the rainy season brings greenery and occasional tour disruptions. Carry water and sun protection throughout the year.
Final thoughts: Is a Siem Reap trip worth it?
Absolutely. Angkor Wat, Bayon and Ta Prohm showcase extraordinary Khmer heritage, while Siem Reap adds cuisine, museums and hospitality. A five-day Siem Reap trip provides a balanced introduction when paired with current entry and security guidance.
Official sources and editorial update
Updated October 2026. Angkor Enterprise, UNESCO Angkor, Cambodia e-Visa and official safety advice. Commercial prices are illustrative, not live quotes.
