Discover the Best Day Trips From Siem Reap
Welcome to the historic land of Siem Reap, the second-largest city in Cambodia and the gateway to the incredible UNESCO World Heritage Site, Angkor Wat. Siem Reap is a small but lively city that offers several incredible day trips you should take advantage of during your time here.
To make travel planning easier, I have curated a travel guide featuring the best day trips from Siem Reap, complete with tips and recommendations.
Let's jump into this adventure!
Find more information on Siem Reap with this Travel Guide.
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The Best Day Trips From Siem Reap
Floating Village Tour
Envision stilted, colorful houses perched high above a river used for fishing and transportation by the villagers. This floating village, Kampong Phluk, is an unmissable day trip from Siem Reap. I visited after the wet season (in December/January), starting my tour by boat down the river and getting a front-row glimpse into the locals' daily life. Afterward, we were able to walk along some of the roads in the fishing village, helping younger children practice their English, chatting with locals, and purchasing local goods to support the community. Later in the day, we enjoyed the sunset by boat and purchased coconuts, water, and snacks from the local shops floating by.
Most of the floating village tours cost around $12-$20 USD and include transportation to and from your hotel.
I highly recommend the tour I did—you can find it here!
Kulen Waterfall
Want to get in touch with nature during your time in Siem Reap? Located a couple of hours from the city center is Kulen Waterfall—a beautiful series of cascading falls. Not only a natural beauty, the falls also hold cultural and spiritual significance for the community. Some Cambodians believe it to be the birthplace of the ancient Khmer Empire. Here, you can swim, enjoy the greenery, and even explore some temples. I suggest booking a tour for this excursion. I, unfortunately, did not make it here due to a stomach infection, but I plan to head there next year when I am back in Asia again. ᴖ̈ᴖ̈ᴖ̈
Angkor Wat:
The absolute best day trip from Siem Reap is, of course, to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site: Angkor Wat. With millions of tours available, it may seem overwhelming to choose one. I recommend selecting a tour that includes Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm (the Tomb Raider temple), and my absolute favorite: Bayon Temple at Angkor Thom. Head here for more information on these amazing temples.
Most tours cost around $15-$20 USD per day and include transportation to and from your hotel. However, if they are this inexpensive, they usually do not include the entrance fee to the World Heritage Site.
1 Day Pass: $37 USD
3 Day Pass: $62 USD (valid for 10 days and does not have to be used on consecutive days)
7 Day Pass: $72 USD (valid for 1 month and does not have to be used on consecutive days)
Pro Tip #1: Want to catch the sunset the night before and the sunrise the following morning? Buy your 1-day pass after 5:00 PM. You will be able to enter in the evening and the following day until 5:00 PM.
Pro Tip #2: Remember to dress modestly since you'll be visiting sacred sites. This includes covering shoulders, midsections, and knees.
General Information on Siem Reap:
Where to Stay:
Siem Reap is small and easily walkable. I suggest staying near Pub Street, the Old French Quarter, Old Market, or Wat Bo Road.
Best Accommodation Options For Every Traveler
Best Backpacker/Hostel Option: The Twizt - Lifestyle Hostel & Hotel - I stayed here!
Best Low-Budget: Boutique Indochine d'Angkor or The Urban
Best Mid-Budget: Royal Crown Hotel & Spa or Two Seasons Siem Reap Hotel
Best Luxury: Viroth's Hotel or Golden Temple Residence
Best Time to Visit:
November - February (not as hot in these months)
How to Get to Siem Reap:
FLYING
You can fly directly to Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport (SAI). The airport is located about 50 km from the downtown area. You can book ahead to find cheaper transport options (around $7-$10 USD).
Pro Tip: If you arrive later after 9:00 P.M., finding a ride to the downtown area of Siem Reap can be challenging. If you are unable to book ahead, I recommend finding someone from your flight who is also traveling downtown and asking if they want to split the fare (usually around $35).
BUS / SHARED MINIVAN
You can also book one of these options depending on where you are coming from (Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos). This is a longer form of travel but can be great for those on a backpacker budget. For more information, I recommend searching online based on your origin. 12GoAsia is always great for finding specific companies, or you can check with your accommodation.
How to Get Around:
Most of Siem Reap, aside from day tours, is easily walkable. For day trips and farther destinations, I recommend joining one of the many inexpensive guided tours to Angkor Wat and Kampong Phluk Floating Village. Taxis and tuk-tuks are also available.
Vegan Food Options:
There was an insane amount of yummy vegan food options in Siem Reap I could not believe it…. Below I have listed some of my favorites.
Haven (Vegan Options - Restaurant gives back to its community)
Peace Cafe Vegetarian Restaurant (Cute Outdoor Seating)
New Leaf Eatery (Cozy and homey inside)
HeyBong The Healthy Secrets 100% Vegan (Yummy Smoothie Bowls)
Common Grounds Cafe (Yummy Coffee)
The Little Red Fox Espresso Cafe (More Yummy Coffee)
