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Angkor Wat Siem Reap Tonle Sap 3-Day Tour Review By Mr. Mark

Siem Reap Cambodia is much more than just a gateway to the famous Angkor temples. It’s a vibrant, generous, and authentic city where every alley, every market, and every smile tells a story. Wondering what to do in Siem Reap? During my 3 days in Siem Reap, I was lucky enough to explore the wonders of Angkor Wat, visit a floating village on Tonlé Sap Lake, and immerse myself in local Cambodian life. With the thoughtful support of AUTOUR ASIA, Cambodia travel agency, this 3-day trip to Siem Reap was perfectly paced, peaceful, and deeply enriching. Whether you’re passionate about heritage, curious about nature, or interested in traditional crafts, Siem Reap has everything to charm you. Here’s my 3-day Siem Reap itinerary to discover the must-sees of this unique destination in Cambodia.

I. Why choose Angkor Wat and Tonle Sap for 3 day trip in Siem Reap?

Angkor Wat and Tonle Sap Lake represent two unmissable aspects of Siem Reap Cambodia. The former is an architectural masterpiece and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's a powerful national symbol as well as a place of spirituality and living memory of the Khmer Empire. Wondering what to do in Siem Reap in 3 days? Walking through its ancient galleries, admiring the thousand-year-old bas-reliefs, and watching its towers at sunrise is a highlight of any 3-day Siem Reap trip.

Tonle Sap Lake, on the other hand, offers a different look into Cambodian life, one rooted in harmony with nature, lived on water, and guided by the rhythm of the seasons. The stilted villages, flooded forests, and serene fishing scenes reveal the country’s rural and authentic soul. Combining these two iconic sites during a 3 day itinerary in Siem Reap means balancing heritage, nature, and living culture, offering a complete immersion into the heart of Cambodia.

But beyond these two must-see destinations, I was lucky to discover many other captivating sides of the city during my 3-day trip to Siem Reap. From bustling markets to traditional villages and artisan workshops, Siem Reap Cambodia had plenty of surprises in store. Take a look at my 3 day itinerary in Siem Reap below to find out more!

II. What to do in Siem Reap? My detailed 3-day Siem Reap itinerary

1. Day 1: Arrival in Siem Reap and sunset at Phnom Bakheng

Upon arrival at Siem Reap airport, I was warmly welcomed by my AUTOUR ASIA guide, who would accompany me throughout this 3 day itinerary in Siem Reap. After a drive of nearly an hour to the city center, I checked into my hotel. My first impression of Siem Reap Cambodia was unforgettable, the genuine warmth of the locals, their sincere smiles, kind words... Here, the welcome feels truly heartfelt.

To gently begin exploring Siem Reap in 3 days, I spent the afternoon at the Old Market, the traditional heart of the city. Wandering through the lively alleys, I exchanged a few words with the vendors. One of them shared how he’d been selling spices for over 20 years; another showed me how he hand-carved wooden sculptures. These simple conversations offered a glimpse into the Cambodian way of life - humble, warm, and deeply human. What to do in Siem Reap? I also had the chance to taste some Siem Reap local specialties like curry amok, grilled skewers, and fresh tropical fruits. An absolute delight!

Around 3:30 PM, we headed toward one of the highlights of my 3 day Siem Reap itinerary: watching the sunset from the top of Phnom Bakheng. If you’re asking, “What to do in Siem Reap?”, this is a must for any 3 day Siem Reap trip. The hike to the top takes effort, especially with the crowd, but the reward is worth every step. From this ancient hilltop temple, one of the oldest in Angkor, the panoramic view over Siem Reap’s plains and distant temples glowing in golden light was simply breathtaking.

The thousand-year-old stones glowed under a magical golden hue. The red sun cast its final rays, and the ancient towers and statues seemed to radiate with a living warmth. The light gently touched the laterite stones and moss, revealing the silent beauty of the ruins. I felt deeply moved by this timeless setting. I couldn’t resist capturing the moment - it perfectly answers the question, “What to do in Siem Reap in 3 days?” It’s undoubtedly one of the must-have experiences during my trip to Siem Reap, I recommend to anyone spending 3 days in Siem Reap.

We wrapped up the day with dinner at a small local restaurant in Siem Reap, still savoring the amazing flavors. A wonderful start to my 3 day itinerary in Siem Reap, full of discoveries, tastes, and meaningful encounters that promised an unforgettable 3 day trip to Siem Reap.

2. Day 2: Exploring the temples of Angkor

On the second day of my 3 day Siem Reap itinerary, my guide picked me up at the hotel around 8 AM. We started the day by purchasing the Angkor Pass, an essential ticket for anyone wondering what to do in Siem Reap. This pass is the key to unlocking the wonders of the Angkor temple complex. Our first stop was Angkor Thom, the ancient royal city of King Jayavarman VII. The South Gate alone is already a spectacular sight, with its massive stone faces of Avalokiteshvara, the same iconic figures made famous by the movie Tomb Raider.

What to do in Siem Reap in 3 days? We visited Bayon Temple, a Buddhist sanctuary adorned with hundreds of enigmatic stone faces. It's a mesmerizing architectural riddle. We continued with the Elephant Terrace, the former Royal Palace, Phimeanakas, Terrace of the Leper King, and Baphuon Temple, the largest Hindu monument in Angkor Thom. Each site has its own atmosphere, history, and mystery.

Visit Siem Reap in 3 days, the highlight of the morning during my trip to Siem Reap was definitely Ta Prohm, the jungle temple where giant roots and trees entwine the ancient stone walls. Still preserved in its original, semi-ruined state, its wild and photogenic appearance makes it unforgettable. Yes, it’s another Tomb Raider filming location, but even more striking in person. If you're asking what to do in Siem Reap, Ta Prohm is a must-visit during your 3 days in Siem Reap.

After that, we stopped for lunch at a local restaurant, where we enjoyed simple yet delicious dishes prepared by a regional chef. If you’re still asking what to do in Siem Reap, visiting Phum Preah Dak, a traditional Khmer village, is highly recommended. The locals showed us how they make palm cakes and palm sugar. This moment offered a genuine glimpse of Cambodian rural life - peaceful, authentic, and far from the crowds. It's one of the top experiences from my 3 day Siem Reap itinerary.

In the afternoon came the most anticipated moment of my 3 day itinerary in Siem Reap: Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious monument and the crown jewel of Khmer civilization. Monumental, timeless, almost surreal. Built by King Suryavarman II in honor of the Hindu god Vishnu, Angkor Wat astonishes visitors with its hundreds of wall carvings, including the world’s longest continuous bas-relief. Standing before this masterpiece from another era, I felt truly humbled. Surrounded by a massive moat and crowned with five iconic towers rising above the jungle, everything about this site is awe-inspiring. This visit was a cornerstone of my 3 day Siem Reap itinerary, an essential stop for any traveler visiting Siem Reap Cambodia.

If you're planning a 3 day trip to Siem Reap, this full day of exploration and emotion is not to be missed. It’s a key part of my ideal 3 day Siem Reap itinerary to make the most of what Siem Reap Cambodia has to offer.

After a day filled with wonder, I returned to the hotel for some rest. On the advice of our knowledgeable guide, I ended the evening with a traditional Khmer massage - a relaxing way to wrap up this unforgettable second day of my 3 day Siem Reap itinerary.

3. Day 3: Discovering Tonle Sap Lake

On the third day of my 3 day trip to Siem Reap, I was picked up from my hotel at 10 AM. What to do in Siem Reap? Our first stop was SATCHA, Cambodia’s first artisan center. There, I discovered how local artisans combine traditional know-how with contemporary design to create unique handcrafted pieces. More than just a showroom, SATCHA is a place that passes down time-honored techniques to the next generation, with a positive social, economic, and environmental impact. If you’re looking for an authentic and meaningful experience during your Siem Reap 3 day trip, this is a perfect stop.

We then headed straight to Kampong Phluk, a fishing village of stilt houses located on the edge of Tonle Sap lake, just 21 kilometers from Siem Reap Cambodia. Curious about what to see in Siem Reap? Upon arriving at the lake’s pier, I boarded a local boat to explore the famous floating villages. I observed the daily life of families who rely on fishing as their primary livelihood. The brightly colored wooden homes, perched on towering stilts, are ingeniously built to withstand the dramatic rise of water levels during the rainy season. We cruised through a flooded mangrove forest, home to a variety of wildlife including crab-eating macaques and a community of around 3,000 people. This unique encounter with nature and village life was one of the most original activities in my entire 3 day itinerary in Siem Reap.

Still wondering what to do in Siem Reap in 3 days? The 3 day Siem Reap trip continued with a peaceful visit to a Buddhist monastery, located on an artificial island, a peaceful place steeped in spirituality. A visit that perfectly complements the 3 day Siem Reap itinerary. Finally, as the sun began to set, I experienced a truly magical moment: drifting on a small boat in the middle of Tonlé Sap Lake, watching the sun disappear beyond the horizon. It was a breathtaking, unforgettable way to end this third day of my Siem Reap 3 day trip.

Back in town, the evening wasn’t over yet. I was conveniently dropped off at the Siem Reap Night Art Market, where I strolled through local crafts and souvenirs to my heart’s content, a perfect conclusion to my 3 day itinerary in Siem Reap.

III. Travel tips for a 3-day itinerary in Siem Reap

1. Choose the best time to visit

The ideal period to visit Siem Reap in 3 days is from November to March, when the weather is dry and pleasant. During this time, you can fully enjoy visiting the Angkor temples and Tonle Sap Lake without being bothered by heat or heavy rains.

2. Balance culture, nature, and relaxation

A well-designed 3 day Siem Reap itinerary should include a mix of cultural wonders like Angkor Wat, encounters with local life in traditional villages or handicraft centers, and peaceful moments such as a sunset cruise or a traditional Khmer massage. This variety ensures your Siem Reap 3 day trip is both enjoyable and well-balanced.

3. Prioritize authentic experiences

Siem Reap Cambodia, is much more than just temples. Venture out to explore the floating villages of Tonlé Sap, local markets, or artisan workshops like SATCHA. These immersive experiences will help you better understand Khmer culture and create unforgettable memories, perfect for anyone planning a 3 day trip to Siem Reap.

4. Pack accordingly

Bring light but respectful clothing for temple visits, sunscreen, insect repellent, plenty of water, and comfortable walking shoes. These essentials will help you make the most of your adventures around Siem Reap.

5. Travel with a knowledgeable local guide

For a smooth and enriching Siem Reap 3 day trip experience, it’s highly recommended to hire a professional local guide. They can reveal the fascinating stories behind the temples, help you avoid crowds, and facilitate meaningful interactions with locals.

My 3 day Siem Reap itinerary will stay with me for a long time. What to do in Siem Reap? Between the majestic Angkor temples, the authentic encounters at local markets, and the serene moments on Tonle Sap Lake, this Siem Reap 3 day trip was a deep cultural and human immersion. I hope this 3 day Siem Reap itinerary inspires you as you plan your own journey. If you're dreaming of discovering Cambodia in a more meaningful way, away from mass tourism and with respect for the local culture, I highly recommend contacting AUTOUR ASIA, travel agency in Cambodia. Their passionate and knowledgeable team will help you create a custom, unique, and truly human travel experience. Don’t hesitate, Siem Reap Cambodia is waiting for you.