1 Day in Siem Reap
One day in Siem Reap means focusing on the Big Three temples. It's a packed day but absolutely worth it.
How should I spend 1 day in Siem Reap?
Angkor Wat sunrise (5 AM), Angkor Thom/Bayon (9 AM), Ta Prohm (11 AM), lunch break, Old Market (3 PM), Pub Street dinner (6 PM). Budget $50–$80 including Angkor Pass.
Day 1: The Big Three
Depart for Angkor Wat sunrise
The iconic sunrise over the world's largest religious monument.
💡 Buy pass the afternoon before for a free sunset.
Explore Angkor Wat interior
Bas-reliefs, libraries, and the upper gallery.
💡 Start from the east gallery — most tourists go west.
Angkor Thom & Bayon
216 stone faces gazing serenely from 54 towers.
💡 The upper terrace has the best face-to-face photo spots.
Ta Prohm
The "Tomb Raider temple" consumed by jungle trees.
Lunch at temple area
Many restaurants near the temples serve decent Khmer food.
Rest at hotel
Escape the midday heat — essential in Cambodia.
Old Market & Art Market
Browse souvenirs and silk in the atmospheric old quarter.
Phnom Bakheng sunset
Hilltop temple sunset panorama (or skip if too tired from early start).
💡 300-person limit. Arrive by 4:30 PM.
Pub Street dinner & drinks
$0.50 draft beers and vibrant atmosphere.
💡 Tips
- • Pre-buy the Angkor Pass the evening before for a free sunset bonus.
- • Hire a tuk-tuk for the day ($15–$20) — essential for temple hopping.
- • Hydrate constantly — temple touring in heat is exhausting.
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