π°πSiem Reap | Temple Run
Siem Reap doesn't really experience seasons but to avoid the heavy monsoons or extreme heat, December to March is probably the best time to visit
Day 1: Arrive in Siem Reap
Convenient location and walking distance from the more happening parts of Siem Reap.
Open daily from 0700-2000
Open daily (except Sunday) 1600-2300. Definitely set aside more time to wander inside to see all the shops.
Day 2: Day 1 exploring the Angkor Archaeological Complex
There's the option of 1, 3, or 7 day pass to enter the archaeological complex and if you love history you should definitely get the 7 day pass but if you travel with "if you've seen one, you've seen them all" kind of people then maybe opt for lesser days.
The complex is huge and honestly too large to walk to every complex by foot, so it might be easier to get a guide / driver to bring you to those you want to see.Β
There's no access to the very centre but honestly walking around the perimeter is sufficiently long.
Walking distance from Bayon temple, Baphuon is a pyramid structure which you can climb up to the 2nd landing. There's seriously a lot of stairs and some are super steep so be prepared to be on your hands and knees.Β
As they start getting older, most of them are left in ruins and you can't access a lot of parts but the natural wonder of just being there is insane.
Also within walking distance, there's a viewing platform which you can look out at the complex at. However, there's no shade and if you go in the hotter months this could be where you get a heat stroke.Β
Looks somewhat like a maze and as you wander through the ruins, there's carvings all through the inside telling stories of their gods.Β
All these structures were within walking distance of each other and while it may seem like a lot of temples to cover in one day, this is only about 10% of the whole complex.
Day 3: The Circus
Spend the rest of the afternoon treating yourself to massages, manicures and others.
Explore the fair grounds and get some quick bites before the show which starts after sunset. Honestly never been to a circus before but this one was so cute and hilarious. It's also an organisation that helps to employ the locals so it's nice to see them work their magic.
Day 4: Day Trip to Phnom Kulen National Park
Book a guide / driver to bring you all around the national park. It's a pretty long drive up the "mountain" and the various parts of the national park are not within walking distance.
Alternative day trip (which we couldn't do since it was dry season):
Day 5: Day 2Β exploring the Angkor Archaeological Complex
Get in some shopping before going to the temple complex.
Temple in the middle of a lake.
Similar to Ta Som, Ta Prohm Temple is overgrown with trees and was famously where they filmed Tomb Raider. The central complex is like a maze so trying to find the exact tree Angelina Jolie stood at is honestly a hunt.
Be prepared for another uphill climb and try to time it with the sunset as it has a viewing platform at the top that has great views all around. Might have to research in advance to make sure the sunset is not too cloudy.
And after 2 days of exploring the temple complex, there's still like 80% to go.
Day 6: Day 3 Sunrise at Angkor Wat
Setting aside the largest religious structure in the world for a day set to have a beautiful sunrise, you need to get to the complex around 0500 to fight the hordes of people going in to see the same sunrise.
As the sun rises in the right position, it will appear right above the highest peak of the temple and if you stand in front of one of the two mirror lakes, the reflecting image is simply other worldly.Β
The rest of the complex is beautiful in the early morning and not as hot, so it's just nice to take the next 3 hours exploring the grounds. Be sure to check for special religious ceremonies that might bar access to the inner temple (because I didn't).
Didn't find enough energy to see the rest of the complex which is why you should get the 7 day pass:(
A second accommodation just to stay in a villa with breakfast room service and tomb raider on Netflix.
We honestly found ourselves here every other night just to be in the hustle and bustle and try everything they have to offer
Day 7: Rest Day
But if your more of a just do it traveller or have the 7 day temple pass, here's more to look at:
Within the Angkor Archaeological Complex:
Honestly, there's so much more, but these are the ones I'll definitely be back to see.
Outside the Archaeological Complex:
Requires a separate ticket to enter
Day 8: Massages and More Relaxation
Day 9: My Travel Companions Have Given Up
Siem Reap is basically all about the temples sooo
Day 10: Back Homeπ₯²
The home for unique & authentic travel
