All things Siem Reap!🇰🇭🛕🌅 This guide is packed with all of our favorite places in Siem Reap, home to the incredible Angkor Wat and so much more.

⬇️ Inside, you’ll find...

- Interactive map with all the must-visit temples and hidden gems
- Everything you need to know about navigating Angkor Wat
- Tips on budget-friendly accommodations, must-try restaurants, and our favorite activities

Siem Reap Guide: Angkor Wat & More!

THE STAR OF SIEM REAP: ⭐️ANGKOR WAT⭐️

We love keeping our meals budget-friendly, so most of the restaurants listed below offer delicious dishes for just a few dollars. That said, Siem Reap is also home to plenty of upscale dining options. If you’re working with a higher budget, we suggest checking them out!

Accommodations in Siem Reap are super affordable, so we treated ourselves to nicer stays than usual! To give you an idea, our typical budget per night ranges from $25–$35, and we found plenty of options within that range that felt luxurious.

Angkor Wat isn’t just a single temple—it’s the centerpiece of what was once a thriving kingdom at the heart of the Khmer Empire! This ancient city was a bustling hub, but only the temples remain today because they were built in stone, while homes and other structures were made of wood and have long since disappeared. With over 800 temples scattered across the giant complex, Angkor Archaeological Park is packed with history, culture, and jaw-dropping architecture.

Please note: We do not receive commission from any of the recommendations in this guide. These are genuinely our favorite places in Siem Reap, and we hope you love them too!

We opted for 3-day passes, which cost $62 each. This gave us plenty of time to explore the vast complex without feeling rushed. The 3 days do not have to be used consecutively; they just have to be used within 10 days. Single-day and 7-day passes are also available if you have a different itinerary in mind. We purchased online and presented the QR code when we arrived each day. 

We started the day bright and early to catch the sunrise at Angkor Wat. While the view was breathtaking, be prepared for crowds—it’s a popular experience. Thankfully, the temple complex is vast, so people spread out once the sun is up.

📱Rozy's WhatsApp (our tuktuk driver): +855 86-237-373

You only really need a guide for Angkor Wat itself, as they’ll provide valuable context and history that will help you appreciate the entire complex. Armed with that knowledge, you’ll have a much better idea of what you’re looking at as you explore the other temples on your own!

I’m not typically a huge history lover, but visiting Angkor Wat and the surrounding temples completely blew me away. I found myself wishing we had even more time to explore—it’s just that incredible. Whether you’re a history buff or just love an adventure, this is one destination you’ll never forget!

For a deeper understanding of the history and significance of Angkor Wat, we recommend hiring a guide at the main temple. While you can book online, we found it easiest to hire one on-site—there are dozens of certified guides available at the entrance. Take a moment to chat with them and ensure their English is clear enough for you to follow. Guides typically charge $15-20 for their services.

📍 Angkor Wat (Sunrise) – The most iconic temple in the complex!

For our final day, we hired a tuk-tuk driver to explore some of the Khmer Empire’s oldest temples. These might not be as grand as Angkor Wat, but their history and architecture are fascinating. This route only took a few hours, so it’s perfect if you’re looking for a lighter day.

📍 Bakong – One of the earliest mountain temples.

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Official Angkor Pass/Ticket - Angkor Enterprise®

To make the most of our visit, we hired a tuktuk driver for $20 per day, which is the most popular and efficient way to navigate the vast temple grounds. This saved us from the heat and allowed us to focus our energy on exploring. Tuktuk drivers are everywhere in Siem Reap, and most offer similar routes and prices. Whenever you hop in a tuktuk around town, ask them about temple tours!

If you’d like to book with the driver we used, we’ve included his contact information below. Keep in mind, tuktuk drivers are not certified guides—they’ll drop you off at each temple but aren’t allowed to accompany you inside or provide historical insights.

📍 Banteay Kdei – A smaller, quieter temple with peaceful vibes.

📍 Ta Prohm – Famous for its overgrown tree roots, many movie scenes have been filmed at this jungle-covered temple.

📍 Ta Keo – A towering temple with steep staircases and simple, yet striking architecture.

📍 Bayon – Known for its massive stone faces and central location in Angkor Thom.

📍 Preah Ko – Known as the “Sacred Bull” temple.

📍 Lolei – A small yet significant temple that once stood on an island.

📍 Banteay Srei – Known for its intricate pink sandstone carvings.

📍 Victory Gate & Death Gate – Two dramatic entrances to the Angkor Thom complex.

📍 Beng Mealea – A sprawling, jungle-covered temple that feels like an adventure.

📍 Preah Khan – A vast complex with a mix of ruins and well-preserved sections.

📍 Baphuon – A grand pyramid-style temple with great views and a long, scenic walkway.

Pro Tip: After Angkor Wat, we followed the classic route in reverse to avoid the bulk of the crowds. Most drivers recommend Angkor Wat first, followed by Baphuon, Bayon, Ta Keo, etc., but flipping the order made for a much more peaceful experience. See below for the order we recommend:

On the second day, we ventured further with a local friend who drove us in his car. These temples, located outside the main circuit, see far fewer visitors, and the serene atmosphere made this one of our favorite days.

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Most travelers come to Siem Reap for the temples, but there’s so much more to experience here! Make sure to set aside time to explore the town itself.

Siem Reap Guide: Angkor Wat & More!

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