5-Day Siem Reap Itinerary: The Perfect First Trip

Siem Reap packs an incredible amount into a compact destination — gateway to the majestic temples of angkor wat. Five days gives you enough time to hit the highlights, discover a few secret spots, and still leave room for spontaneous detours.

Here is a tried-and-tested 5-day itinerary that balances must-sees with off-the-beaten-path experiences.

Day 1: Arrival & First Impressions

Morning/Afternoon: Arrive and settle into your accommodation in Old Market area — restaurants, bars, and souvenir shops. Take it easy — grab a coffee, orient yourself, and shake off the jet lag.

Late Afternoon: Head to Angkor Wat for your first taste of what makes Siem Reap special. The late-afternoon light is ideal for photos and the crowds start to thin.

Evening: Dinner in the Old Market area — restaurants, bars, and souvenir shops area. Try Amok — coconut curry steamed in banana leaf with fish — it is the quintessential local dish and the perfect way to kick off your trip.

Day 2: The Iconic Highlights

Morning: Start early at Ta Prohm (Tomb Raider temple). Arriving before 9 AM means fewer tourists and better photo opportunities.

Afternoon: After lunch, make your way to Banteay Srei. Budget about 2–3 hours here to fully appreciate the experience.

Evening: Explore the Wat Bo — quieter residential area with boutique guesthouses neighborhood on foot. Street food stalls serve excellent Nom Banh Chok — Khmer rice noodles with green fish curry at a fraction of restaurant prices.

Day 3: Deep Dive into Culture

Morning: Visit Bayon Temple — one of Siem Reap's most culturally significant sites. Hire a local guide for about $5 to get the stories behind the sights.

Afternoon: Wander through the Kandal Village — emerging arts and cafe district district. This is where locals shop, eat, and socialize, so the vibe is refreshingly authentic.

Evening: Treat yourself to a mid-range dinner featuring Fried Tarantula — crunchy deep-fried spider, an adventurous street snack. Expect to spend around $11 per person.

Day 4: Off the Beaten Path

Morning: Today is about discovery. Head to Banteay Chhmar — remote temple complex with few tourists, 3 hours by car — a spot most tourists overlook entirely.

Afternoon: Check out Preah Khan temple — sprawling complex often overlooked for Ta Prohm. The Charles de Gaulle Boulevard — upscale hotels and spas area is great for a leisurely walk and a late lunch.

Evening: Experience Siem Reap's nightlife scene — Pub Street — $0.50 draft beers and lively bars.

Day 5: Final Gems & Departure

Morning: Use your last morning to visit Kompong Khleang — less-visited stilted fishing village on Tonle Sap or revisit a favorite spot from earlier in the trip.

Late Morning: Pick up souvenirs at Old Market (Psar Chas) — handicrafts, scarves, and spices — support local artisans and avoid airport markup.

Afternoon: Head to the airport with memories (and a full camera roll) to last a lifetime.

Pro Tips

• Transport: Tuk-tuks are the main transport — negotiate day rates for temple circuits
• Budget: A comfortable mid-range daily budget is about $45 per day including meals, transport, and activities.
• Packing: Pack a wide-brimmed hat and strong sunscreen for temple visits You will average 12,000–15,000 steps per day on this itinerary.
• Etiquette: Dress respectfully at temples — cover knees and shoulders
• Safety: Watch for bag-snatching from passing motorbikes in town

Budget Breakdown (Per Person)

Category	Budget	Mid-Range	Luxury
Daily Total	$15	$45	$150
5-Day Total	$75	$225	$750

Final Thoughts

Five days in Siem Reap is enough to fall in love with the place — and to start planning your return trip. This itinerary is a starting point; feel free to swap days around based on weather, energy levels, and serendipitous discoveries.

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