Angkor Wat Itineraries
Optimized temple-by-temple itineraries for 1, 2, or 3 days — with exact timing, transport tips, and the best sunrise/sunset spots built into each day.
⚡ Quick Recommendation
Covers the greatest hits. Best if short on time. You'll see Angkor Wat, Bayon, and Ta Prohm.
The sweet spot. Small Circuit + Grand Circuit + Banteay Srei. No rushing, no temple fatigue.
For temple enthusiasts. Add Beng Mealea, Koh Ker, Roluos Group, or Tonle Sap.
Which Angkor Pass Do You Need?
| Pass | Price | Validity | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Day | $37 | Single day | Short stays, cruise ship stopovers |
| 3-Day ⭐ | $62 | Any 3 days in 10 | Best value for most travelers |
| 7-Day | $72 | Any 7 days in 30 | Photographers, historians, repeat visitors |
Evening Pass Trick
Buy your pass after 5:00 PM the evening before — you get free entry that evening (great for a sunset at Phnom Bakheng) and your full pass validity starts the next day.
1-Day Itinerary: The Essential Highlights
This action-packed day covers the must-see temples using the Small Circuit route. You'll see Angkor Wat (sunrise), Bayon, Ta Prohm, and catch sunset at Pre Rup.
Angkor Wat (Sunrise)
Arrive for sunrise at the reflecting pool, then explore the temple
Breakfast break
Eat at your hotel or grab street food near the park entrance
Angkor Thom (South Gate + Bayon)
Drive through the iconic South Gate, explore Bayon's 216 stone faces
Ta Prohm
The "Tomb Raider temple" — trees growing through ancient stone ruins
Banteay Kdei
Quieter alternative nearby with beautiful meditation halls
Lunch & rest
Beat the midday heat. Restaurants near the park or return to town
Thommanon & Chau Say Tevoda
Two small elegant temples — quick stops on the road
Ta Keo
Unfinished pyramid temple with a steep climb for views
Terrace of the Elephants
Royal viewing platform with carved elephant reliefs
Pre Rup (Sunset)
Elevated temple with panoramic views — the best sunset spot
2-Day Itinerary: The Comprehensive Route ★
Our recommended itinerary. Day 1 covers the Small Circuit (core temples), Day 2 explores the Grand Circuit plus the unmissable Banteay Srei.
Day 1 — Small Circuit + Angkor Wat Sunrise
Angkor Wat (Sunrise)
Sunrise + thorough exploration including Bakan tower climb
Angkor Thom complex
Bayon, Baphuon, Phimeanakas, Terrace of the Elephants, Terrace of the Leper King
Lunch break
Rest during peak heat
Ta Prohm
Explore thoroughly including the lesser-visited eastern sections
Banteay Kdei + Srah Srang
Peaceful temple and royal bathing pool
Pre Rup (Sunset)
Sunset from the top of this brick temple
Day 2 — Grand Circuit + Banteay Srei
Srah Srang (Sunrise)
Peaceful sunrise alternative at the royal bathing pool
Banteay Srei
30-min drive north — the "jewel of Khmer art" with exquisite pink sandstone carvings
Kbal Spean (optional)
River of 1,000 Lingas — 45-min jungle hike to underwater carvings
Lunch
Near Banteay Srei or back in the park
Preah Khan
Vast monastery complex — atmospheric and less crowded
Neak Poan
Island temple on a small artificial lake
Ta Som
Charming small temple with a famous tree-covered east gate
Phnom Bakheng (Sunset)
Hilltop sunset with distant Angkor Wat views (arrive early, limited to 300)
3-Day Itinerary: The Deep Dive
Days 1-2 follow the itinerary above. Day 3 is for venturing beyond the main park to remote temples and experiences that most visitors miss:
Beng MealeaMust-See
65 km east — completely overgrown jungle temple. An Indiana Jones experience. Half-day trip.
Koh KerAdventure
120 km northeast — remote pyramid temple. Full-day trip combined with Beng Mealea.
Roluos GroupHistory
13 km east — the earliest Angkor-era temples (Bakong, Preah Ko, Lolei). Less crowded, great carvings.
Tonle Sap floating villagesCulture
Combine with temples for a change of pace. Kampong Khleang or Kompong Phluk.
Day 3 Combo Recommendation
The most popular Day 3 combo is Beng Mealea + Roluos Group (full day, $60-70 with driver). Beng Mealea is the single most underrated temple in the Angkor region — a collapsed jungle temple that feels like a real-life adventure movie set.
The Small Circuit Explained
The 17 km Small Circuit (Petit Circuit) is the classic route covering the most famous temples. Most first-time visitors spend their entire visit on this loop.
Duration: 6-8 hours with breaks · Transport: Tuk-tuk $15-18 · Best start: 5 AM (sunrise at Angkor Wat)
The Grand Circuit Explained
The 26 km Grand Circuit (Grand Tour) extends north of Angkor Thom, passing through less-visited temples with equally impressive architecture and far fewer crowds.
Duration: 4-6 hours · Transport: Tuk-tuk $18-22 · Best combined with: Banteay Srei (add $5-10 to tuk-tuk)
Essential Planning Tips
What to Bring
- 2+ liters of water per person
- Sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat
- Scarf/sarong for temple entry (cover shoulders & knees)
- Comfortable walking shoes (not flip-flops)
- Portable phone charger
- Cash in USD for food, tuk-tuk, and tips
Transport Options
- Tuk-tuk: $15-25/day depending on route. Arrange the night before. Most popular option.
- E-bike: $10-15/day rental. Great for independent exploration. Battery lasts all day.
- Car + driver: $30-45/day with AC. Best March-May when it's brutally hot.
- Bicycle: $3-5/day. Doable for Small Circuit only. Very hot by 10 AM.
Angkor Itineraries FAQ
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