Siem Reap (Cambodia)
Feb. 18 - 20, 2017 (3D3N): The capital of Cambodia and the gateway to the ruins of Angkor. We visited Thailand (Phuket + Bangkok) after Cambodia. You need at least 2 days to cover major part of Angkor Wat, although one can spend up to a week there! You can easily find tons of luxary hotel for a good price in Siem Reap.
*Highly Recommended
Day 1
- Evening arrival at Siem Reap (landing visa $32)
- Airport pick up from hotel & check-in @ Chronicle Residence & Spa, Siem Reap*
Day 2
- 8am: 2 day Angkor Tour from Angkor Tuk Tuk Travel (with Ravuth)
- Purchase entrance fee ($62pp for a 3 day Pass)
- Pre Rup*
- Banteay Srei
- Sugar Palm market*
- Banteay Samre*
- Lunch @ Stoeng Trorcheak
- Kompong Phuluk (floating village; $20pp for boat tour; skip, especially during dry season)
- Traditional Khem Massage @ Cool Sense*
- Tuk tuk to Pub Street:
- Dinner @ Khem Touch Traditional
- Shops at market
Day 3
- Grab to-go breakfast box from the hotel (or prepare your own breakfast basket)
- 5am: Sunrise Tour from Angkor Tuk Tuk Travel (with Ravuth):
- Angkor Wat*
- Angkor Thom South Gate*
- Bayon Temple*
- Elephant Terrace
- Baophuon*
- Royal Palace & Phimeanakas
- Tep Pranam
- Thommanom Chau Say Theveda
- Spean Thmor
- Ta Keo
- Lunch @ Samroh Srah Srang*
- Ta Phohm*
- Banteay Kdey
- Sras Srang
- Neck/shoulder/back Massage @ Cool Sense
- Tuk tuk to pub street
- Street food
- Ice cream
- Foot massage @ Namaste Spa*
Tips
- When choosing a tour company for Angkor Wat, opt for the tuk tuk as the mode of transportation over an SUV unless you have a big group. Tuk tuk is easier to maneuver around traffic in the temples and once the tuk tuk starts going, you will get a nice breeze.
- Make sure you hire a tour guide along with the transfer if it doesn't come with it (driver aren't necessary the tour guide).
- Prepare to arrive very early to catch the sunrise over Angkor Wat..it is super packed! There are cafes next to the Reflection Ponds for coffee and sandwich. Best spot to stand is at the south corner of the pond, directly facing Angkor Wat.
- Pack a sarong with you so you can cover your bare legs and wear a sleeve top on the day when you need to visit temples.
- I found some comfy elephant pants and cute t-shirts ($1 each) at the market by pub street.
