Itinerary Siem Reap

December is one of the best times to visit Siem Reap: dry, sunny, not humid, and ideal for temple exploration and outdoor activities.

💰 Budget overview

Category	Amount
✈️ Transport	$900
🏨 Accommodations	$80
🧳 Gear	$80
🗺️ On-site	$380
Total	$1,440

🗺️ Activities & landmarks

🇰🇭 Siem Reap - 4 days

☀️ Daytime

• [ ] 🛕 Angkor Wat ⭐⭐⭐ (~4h)

  • The iconic temple and symbol of Cambodia — visit at sunrise for spectacular photos, hire a guide for rich storytelling.

• [ ] 🏛️ Angkor Thom & Bayon Temple ⭐⭐⭐ (~3h)

  • Marvel at the serene stone faces and ancient city layout — excellent for history and photography enthusiasts.

• [ ] 🏛️ Ta Prohm (Tomb Raider Temple) ⭐⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Famous for towering trees growing through the ruins — early morning best for uncrowded photos.

• [ ] 🏛️ Banteay Srei ⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Intricate pink sandstone carvings; farther out but worth the trip for its details.

• [ ] 🏛️ Preah Khan Temple ⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Atmospheric, less crowded ruin in jungle surroundings.

• [ ] 🌳 Angkor Archaeological Park cycling tour ⭐⭐ (~5h)

  • Rent bikes for the Small Circuit temples — adventure and flexibility, bring water and sun protection.

• [ ] 🌳 Phnom Kulen National Park ⭐⭐ (~4h)

  • Sacred mountain, waterfalls, and riverbed carvings (Kbal Spean), a favorite for hikers.

• [ ] 🏙️ Siem Reap Old French Quarter ⭐⭐ (~1-2h)

  • Chic colonial buildings, cafés, artisan shops.

• [ ] 🏙️ Kampong Phluk floating village ⭐⭐ (~3h)

  • Discover unique stilted homes, flooded forests, and Tonlé Sap livelihoods by boat.

• [ ] 🎨 Angkor National Museum ⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • State-of-the-art displays on Khmer history, superb for context before temple visits.

• [ ] 🎨 Artisans Angkor ⭐ (~1h)

  • Traditional crafts workshops, ideal for souvenirs and understanding Khmer artisanship.

• [ ] 🌳 Royal Gardens & Preah Ang Chek Preah Ang Chorm shrine ⭐ (~1h)

  • Popular for relaxation, spiritual offerings, and observing local life.

• [ ] 🏛️ Bakong Temple (Roluos Group) ⭐ (~1.5h)

  • One of the earliest Angkorian temples, ideal for those delving deeper into Khmer history.

• [ ] 🗺️ West Baray Reservoir ⭐ (~1h)

  • Vast waterworks built by ancient Khmer, peaceful for a midday break.

🌙 Evening & night

• [ ] 🍸 Pub Street ⭐⭐ (~1-2h)

  • Lively area with restaurants, bars, markets — good for a fun, casual evening vibe. Pickpocket awareness recommended.

• [ ] 🍸 Miss Wong Cocktail Bar ⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Elegant speakeasy known for inventive Asian cocktails; less rowdy than Pub Street.

• [ ] 🎨 Phare, The Cambodian Circus ⭐⭐⭐ (~1.5h)

  • Acrobatic and dramatic storytelling by young Cambodian performers — don’t miss for cultural immersion.

• [ ] 🍸 X-Bar Rooftop ⭐ (~1h)

  • Rooftop views over Siem Reap with live bands and relaxed social feel.

🍽️ Must-try food spots

• [ ] 🍜 Psar Chas (Old Market) food court ⭐⭐⭐

  • Extensive local dishes, from amok to lok lak, at affordable prices ($2–5/meal).

• [ ] 🍛 Marum Restaurant ⭐⭐

  • Social enterprise serving creative Khmer tapas in a peaceful garden setting ($6–10/meal).

• [ ] 🥗 Genevieve’s Restaurant ⭐⭐

  • Consistently top-rated for both Khmer and Western dishes, supporting local causes ($7–12/meal).

🔁 Optional if time permits

• [ ] 🛕 Neak Pean (~1h)

  • Unique island temple, photogenic in the rainy season.

• [ ] 🛕 East Mebon (~1h)

  • Temple with elephant statues, best for architectural details.

• [ ] 🛍️ Made in Cambodia Market (~1h)

  • Crafts and ethical souvenirs, especially on weekends.

• [ ] 🏙️ Wat Preah Prom Rath (~1h)

  • Central monastery, nice if interested in local Buddhist traditions.

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🎬 Films & series to watch

🇰🇭 Siem Reap

• [ ] 🎬 Tomb Raider (2001) — ⭐ 5.8 — Angelina Jolie’s classic adventure features Angkor temples — Amazon Prime
• [ ] 🎬 The Missing Picture (2013) — ⭐ 7.2 — Powerful docudrama on Cambodia’s history — MUBI
• [ ] 🎬 Cambodia: Land of Scars (2018) — ⭐ 7.8 — Insightful documentary on modern Cambodia — YouTube
• [ ] 📺 Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner: Siem Reap (2019) — ⭐ 7.6 — Chef David Chang explores local food — Netflix

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🍜 Local specialties

🇰🇭 Siem Reap

• [ ] Fish Amok (curried fish steamed in banana leaf)
• [ ] Khmer Red Curry (richer, less spicy than Thai red curry)
• [ ] Lok Lak (peppery stir-fried beef)
• [ ] Nom Banh Chok (Khmer noodle soup)
• [ ] Bai Sach Chrouk (pork & rice breakfast)
• [ ] Fried crickets & bugs — for adventurous eaters!

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📍 Maps - places to pin

🇰🇭 Siem Reap

1. 🌤️ Angkor Wat
2. 🌤️ Ta Prohm
3. 🌤️ Bayon Temple (Angkor Thom)
4. 🌤️ Angkor National Museum
5. 🌤️ Banteay Srei
6. 🌤️ Phnom Kulen National Park
7. 🌤️ Kampong Phluk floating village
8. 🌤️ Preah Khan Temple
9. 🌤️ Royal Gardens
10. 🌤️ West Baray Reservoir
11. 🌙 Pub Street
12. 🌙 Miss Wong Cocktail Bar
13. 🌙 Phare, The Cambodian Circus
14. 🛍️ Old Market (Psar Chas)
15. 🏨 Lub d Hostel
16. 🍽️ Marum Restaurant

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✈️ Transport to book

• [ ] ✈️ London → Siem Reap
• [ ] ✈️ Siem Reap → London

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🏨 Accommodations

City	Nights	Accommodation	Price
Siem Reap	4	Lub d Siem Reap Hostel (private room)	$80
Total	4		$80