Weekend in Siem Reap: 2-Day Guide to Angkor Wat & Local Culture

Explore the ancient wonders of Angkor Wat, soak in Cambodia’s vibrant culture and unwind with great food and markets — all in a short but enriching weekend escape in Siem Reap.

Day 1 – Friday Evening Arrival: Local Flavors & First Impressions

Evening Arrival

• Arrive in Siem Reap on Friday evening. Take a taxi or tuk tuk from the airport (around 50 minutes)

• Hotel Recommendation: Stay at a centrally located hotel with a pool for easy access to attractions and post-temple relaxation

• Settle in and enjoy your first Cambodian dinner at a local restaurant — try Khmer classics like amok fish, nom banh chok or fresh spring rolls

• Optional: Take a short walk along the Siem Reap River for your first glimpse of the night markets and city lights

Day 2 – Saturday: Angkor Sunrise & Culture by Night

Morning: Angkor Wat Tour: Book a sunrise tuk tuk tour via platforms like GetYourGuide or directly through your hotel (highly recommended to book in advance)

• Angkor Wat at Sunrise (pickup around 4:30–5:00 AM):
  Arrive at Angkor Wat before dawn to witness the sun rising behind the temple’s iconic lotus-shaped towers — a magical, bucket-list moment. As the sky changes color, the reflection in the temple's front pond creates one of the most photographed scenes in Southeast Asia. After sunrise, take time to explore the vast 12th-century temple complex, originally built as a Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu before gradually becoming a Buddhist site

• Bayon Temple:
  Located at the center of Angkor Thom, Bayon is famous for its 216 massive stone faces smiling serenely from the temple’s towers. Built in the late 12th or early 13th century by King Jayavarman VII, the faces are thought to represent either the king himself or Buddhist deity. Bayon is also known for its detailed bas-reliefs, which depict historical battles and scenes of daily life in the Khmer Empire. It’s an incredibly photogenic site, especially during early morning light. Be mindful of monkeys around the temple — they’re bold, confident and often found near the main paths

• Ta Prohm Temple:
  Ta Prohm is one of Angkor’s most atmospheric temples, famous for the massive tree roots (primarily silk-cotton and strangler fig trees) that have grown over and through the crumbling stone structures. Left largely unrestored to preserve its "lost-in-the-jungle" feel, the temple offers a raw and mysterious glimpse into what many Angkor sites might have looked like before excavation. Ta Prohm rose to international fame after appearing in the 2001 Tomb Raider film starring Angelina Jolie, earning it the nickname “the Tomb Raider Temple.” It’s a powerful blend of nature and architecture, making it a favorite among visitors and photographers alike

• Return to Hotel (~12:00 PM)

Early Afternoon: Food, Markets & Cooling Off

• Lunch at Try Me Restaurant, a popular local spot known for its modern Khmer dishes in a casual setting

• Relax at the Hotel, cool off from the heat with a dip in the pool or enjoy a sunbath and rest

Late Afternoon & Evening: Markets, Pub Street & Rooftop Dining

• Made in Cambodia Market: a great place for artisan souvenirs - support local makers and explore handmade textiles, art, and accessories

• Siem Reap Night Market & Old Market: Wander through these colorful markets for street food, clothing and souvenirs (try snacks like fried banana or mango sticky rice)

• Pub Street: Brave the bright lights and buzzing energy of Pub Street — a fun, chaotic strip of bars and more food stalls

• Dinner at Christa Restaurant, enjoy dinner on the rooftop terrace with views over Pub Street - great for people-watching from above

• Drinks at Miss Wong Cocktail Bar, a speakeasy-style cocktail bar tucked in an alley, known for its 1920s Shanghai vibe and signature drinks

• Live Music at Laundry Bar, end the night with live acoustic or DJ sets in a more relaxed, artsy venue popular with travelers and locals

Day 3 – Sunday: A Leisurely Cultural Morning

Morning

• Start slow with a coffee at Tube Coffee, a trendy café offering great espresso, cold brews and local breakfasts

• Visit Angkor National Museum - a must-see for deeper insight into the Khmer Empire, Hindu-Buddhist art, and temple architecture

• Walk Through Royal Independence Gardens - a peaceful green space with traditional shrines and frequent monkey sightings. A nice way to experience local daily life

• Lunch at Café Indochine, one of Siem Reap’s most established restaurants, offering elegant Khmer cuisine in a colonial villa setting — perfect for a farewell meal

• Departure: Head back to the hotel to collect your bags and take a taxi/tuk tuk to the airport for your onward journey