Ultimate 4-Day Cambodia Itinerary for A First Timer

For many travelers, a stop in Cambodia is a short visit to see Angkor Wat while touring Southeast Asia. For this Cambodia itinerary, we will limit it to Siem Reap. If you are visiting Siem Reap as part of a four-week tour of Southeast Asia, for example, three to four days is enough.

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Getting to Siem Reap

The simplest and most budget-friendly way to travel to Siem Reap is from Bangkok. But don’t worry, any of the major airports in Southeast Asia can get you there.

Bring US Currency with You

In Siem Reap, US dollars and the Cambodian Riel are widely accepted. When you arrive, you’ll need to apply for a visa, which costs $30 USD. I strongly recommend bringing at least $75 USD per person to cover the visa fee and a taxi to the city centre. While credit cards are accepted at the airport, I noticed many travelers’ cards didn’t work, so it’s best to have US cash on hand.

Getting Cambodian Currency at the Airport

The airport doesn’t have an ATM, but they do have a currency exchange area, which isn’t perfect either. I didn’t have US dollars with me, so I had to use my credit card. It was a bit touch and go as I had to sign my signature three different times. Apparently, it didn’t match my passport signature, and they wouldn’t give me any money until it matched through their recognition system. There is some truth to my inconsistent penmanship, as I tend to write like an eight-year-old learning cursive. 

Remember, Cambodia is a communist country, so be prepared. Bring US dollars, and you won’t have to deal with the hassle. Honestly, the airport in Siem Reap is a bit of a shit show and can be avoided by having US cash. Once you’re in the city centre, ATMs are everywhere, and I had no issues getting Riel. 

If you want to be extra prepared for your trip to Southeast Asia, check out my blog, 19 Things You Need to Know Before Your First Trip to Southeast Asia.

Getting to Siem Reap from the Airport

Once you clear customs and have $35 USD on hand, catch a taxi outside the airport to Siem Reap city centre. The drive to your hotel takes about an hour. My taxi driver’s English was excellent, which made for great conversation, but he did try to detour me. He attempted to take me to his friend’s restaurant, a souvenir shop, and a few other tourist traps, but I politely declined. If you aren’t aware, taxi and tuk-tuk detours aren’t uncommon in Southeast Asia. They often receive commissions for bringing tourists to local businesses, and you end up paying double or even triple the regular prices. 

Where to Stay in Siem Reap

I began my Cambodia itinerary at this fabulous boutique hotel, Antonios Villa Hotel, just a 3-minute walk from the main tourist area. There was a market just up the street with some incredible street food. The hotel had a nice pool to cool off after a hot day touring the sights, and the cost was a whopping 17 CAD per night. There are many hotels in Siem Reap, from budget to luxury, to suit everyone’s needs. The best hotel booking app for Southeast Asia is Agoda.

Antonios Villa Hotel and the street food area just up from the hotel.

I often stay in hostels when I travel. There are many reasons why I choose hostels, but it’s not because I can’t afford expensive hotels. To learn more, read my blog, ‘Hostels for Solo Travel at 49.’

The Angelina Jolie Cambodia Impact

There isn’t a more prominent spokesperson for Cambodia than Angelina Jolie. After filming Laura Croft: Tomb Raider at Ta Prohm Temple in Angkor Wat, Angelina fell in love with Cambodia. She returned to Cambodia, produced “First They Killed My Father,” and donated all profits to the Cambodian people. This is a movie about the killing fields and the impact they had on the people of Cambodia. Do yourself a favour and watch this movie before travelling to Cambodia.  She later adopted a Cambodian child and advocates for the environment and wildlife protection, health and economic stability in the community.

Dining in Siem Reap

You can’t go wrong with the food in Siem Reap, especially the street food. Some fantastic street food is located on the same street as Antonios Villa Hotel, just over the bridge. They serve authentic Cambodian cuisine for $2-3 CAD, and it’s the best Cambodian food I’ve ever had. And don’t forget to order a cold Cambodia or Angkor beer. 

Don’t forget to add street food to your Cambodia itinerary. It’s incredible!

Head Over to Pub Street – Cambodia’s Best Entertainment District

Head to Pub Street for nice sit-down restaurants and a fun vibe. Enjoy a crocodile pizza, a fancy cocktail, and a chocolate roti for dessert while enjoying the street party. They have everything to satisfy your palate here.

I loved the crocodile pizza and the hot sauce was next level!

A Cambodia Itinerary Must: Have a Tomb Raider at The Red Piano

The Red Piano, located in the Pub Street area, is Angelina Jolie’s favourite bar in Cambodia. It serves excellent food and even better cocktails, and its fabulous second level allows you to sit outdoors and enjoy the heat and vibe of the street.

The Red Piano renamed Angelina’s favourite cocktail, the Tomb Raider, which she frequently ordered at the bar while filming the famous movie. It’s a mix of vodka, pineapple, Malibu rum, and soda. Add a Tomb Raider Cocktail at The Red Piano to your Cambodia itinerary.

Spend a Day Touring the Angkor Wat Temples

This is what you came to Cambodia for, right? To see Angkor Wat, one of the wonders of the world. Angkor Wat is an experience that words and pictures cannot do justice to. You have to see it with your own eyes, and trust me, it floors you the second you lay your eyes on it. Just see it for yourself, and you’ll understand what I mean. The same applies to other world wonders, like the Pyramids in Egypt and Machu Picchu in Peru. Yes, it’s in that league. 

The Best Way to Tour the Angkor Wat Temples is via Tuk-Tuk

There are many ways to tour the temples, but I hired a tuk-tuk for the day. You can book more elaborate tours through your hotel, but this is how I roll. It cost me $20 USD for the day, which lasted 18 hours. Yes, you heard that right. An Angkor Wat temple day pass was another $37, and there were about $23 for meals. In total, it cost me $80 for the day, which is incredible considering it includes a personal tour guide and tuk-tuk transportation. If you are with a group, the cost of your tuk-tuk will be split, making it even less.

To learn how I plan epic days like my day at Angkor Wat, check out my blog, My Long-Term Solo Travel Planning Methodology.

My Tuk-Tuk Driver Picked Me Up at My Hotel at 3:30 AM.

Day 2 of my Cambodia itinerary began early, as my driver took me to pick up my Angkor Wat day pass, which was very exciting. This was easy and seamless.

Angkor Wat Temple Pass Tip: I was told by travelers that I needed to buy an Angkor Wat day pass in advance, but I had no issues purchasing my temple pass the day of. Maybe that was because I was at the box office when it opened at 4 am, but either way, I had no problems. 

First Stop – Angkor Wat Sunrise Over the Iconic Temple

Upon arriving at Angkor Wat, it was pitch black, and I could see nothing. After walking for ten minutes, I started exploring the iconic architecture before finding the perfect spot for the sunrise. As the sun rose, I witnessed the most spectacular sunrise of my life. The sun began rising over Angkor Wat, the most magnificent temple on the planet. You can’t put this experience into words or photos; it’s surreal. I then walked through the temple, which seemed to stretch on forever, exploring and then returning to the tuk-tuk. Don’t worry, there is more on Angkor Wat as we came back for an afternoon visit.

We Stopped for an Angkor Wat Breakfast

We were about to tour three new temples, but first, we stopped for breakfast. The breakfast spot was a large open field with many different vendors. I chose my spot and enjoyed a decent breakfast. This was clearly set up for tourists heading to the temples that I’m sure nearly every tour stops at. I had a great chat with the owner about Canada, Cambodia, and our journeys, which I loved. It’s always great to connect with locals and hear their stories. Oh, and I bought a book about the history of Angkor Wat and a fridge magnet. That’s about as far as I go for souvenirs, and I never buy them at attractions, so this was a good choice.

My Scenic tuk-tuk ride through ancient ruins and making friends along the way.

We Visited Three More Angkor Temples

Angkor Thom and Ta Prohm Temples: A Special Experience

We visited Angkor Thom, Ta Keo, and Ta Prohm temples before stopping for a late lunch. I loved these temples, especially Angkor Thom and Ta Prohm, which were used as filming locations for Laura Croft: Tomb Raider. Watching the locals pray at the base of Angkor Thom really moved me. All I could think of was that scene at the end of First They Killed My Father, another Angelina Jolie film, as I mentioned earlier. Another highlight was the massive tree at the Ta Prohm temple with exposed roots that stretch on forever. Combine these 500-year-old trees with the iconic temple, and you have a truly unforgettable experience.

Angkor Thom Temple to the left and center, and Ta Prohm Temple to the right.

Admire Angkor Wat With A Cold Beer

After lunch, we returned to Angkor Wat for another visit and to take more photos. It was great because it was less crowded, and there wouldn’t be that overwhelming shock this time. I suggest visiting the food stalls at Angkor Wat, enjoying a cold Angkor beer and a snack while reflecting on your perfect day. 

Head to Phnom Bakheng Temple for A Mountain Sunset

After a few more hours at Angkor Wat, we headed to Bakheng Mountain to watch the sunset, which was the perfect ending to one of the best travel days of my life. My driver dropped me off at the mountain’s base, and it was about a 20-minute walk to the top. Standing atop such a magnificent temple as the sun sets over the iconic ruins is an incredible experience. 

Bakheng Temple Sunset – Yes, that’s an epic sunrise and sunset added to your Cambodia itinerary.

Back to My Hotel but Not Before Some Cambodia Street Food

As the sun set, we headed back to my hotel, arriving around 9:30. I went for some Cambodian street food and a cold Cambodia beer to finish off a perfect day. Magically, this was the best Cambodian meal I’ve ever had. 

My tuk-tuk driver for the day, with whom I’d be happy to make connections, as this is his livelihood, and he is a great guy and tour guide.

Reflecting at the Killing Fields

I knew the Killing Fields had to be part of my Cambodia itinerary. After all, I had watched The Killing Fields and First They Killed My Father, along with a significant amount of reading on the Killing Fields, before my trip to Cambodia. This is a dark part of history which can’t be forgotten. I suggest doing your own research on this period of ethnic cleansing that took the lives of 3 million Cambodians. There is a display of human skulls, an image that is impossible to forget.  

I rented a tuk-tuk to visit the Killing Fields and the war museum, which is located across the street. We also stopped by the Angkor National Museum to learn more about the rich history. I covered the remaining spots on my itinerary in Siem Reap during this tuk-tuk tour, which cost me $10 USD plus minimal entrance fees.

My Tuk-Tuk Driver Took me Back to the Airport

I gave my tuk-tuk driver an extra $20 to take me to the airport. It was wild because we were on a major highway, and tuk-tuks aren’t that fast. It was definitely the most fun airport transfer I’ve ever experienced. Of course, you can also take a taxi back to the airport, which you can book through your hotel. 

I hope you enjoyed this 4-day Cambodia itinerary as part of your Southeast Asian tour, likely during a three or four-week trip. I hope it helps you plan your visit to Siem Reap and Angkor Wat and that you fall in love with Cambodia, its people, and its rich history, just as I did. 

Want to know what goes in my backpack for long-term travel? Read my blog, My Carry-On Packing List for Solo Travel: How to Pack Light

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