Angkor Archaeological Park

The Angkor complex spans around 400 square kilometres of jungle just north of Siem Reap. It’s most time-efficient to explore it via three routes: the Small Circuit, the Grand Circuit, and the Outer Circuit.

• Angkor Wat (Angkor Small Circuit): The world’s largest religious complex, famed for its five lotus towers and intricate bas-reliefs, with spectacular sunrise reflections. (3–4 hours)
• Bayon Temple: Known as the “Face of Angkor” for its many towers adorned with giant stone faces, it sits at the heart of Angkor Thom. (1.5 hours)
• Ta Prohm (Ta Prohm Temple): Famous for its massive tree roots entwined with ancient stone structures, this atmospheric temple was a filming location for Lara Croft: Tomb Raider. (1.5 hours)
• Banteay Srei: Made of pink sandstone and celebrated for its exquisite carvings, often called the “Jewel of Khmer Art”. It’s located farther from central Siem Reap and is typically included on the Outer Circuit. (1 hour)
• Beng Mealea: An unrestored jungle ruin with scattered stones and trees growing through the structures, offering a thrilling, exploratory experience. (1.5 hours)
• Phnom Bakheng: A popular sunset viewpoint overlooking Angkor Wat, but access to the summit is limited, so arrive early. (1 hour)

Phnom Penh

• Royal Palace & Silver Pagoda: Home to Khmer royal architecture, the Emerald Buddha, and a floor inlaid with silver tiles. Modest dress is required (shoulders and knees covered). (2 hours)
• Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum: A former prison during the Khmer Rouge regime, this somber and essential site offers a reflective glimpse into Cambodia’s tragic past. Please maintain a respectful demeanour. (2 hours)
• Choeung Ek Genocidal Center (Killing Fields): One of Phnom Penh’s two main memorial sites, often visited after the museum for context. (1.5 hours)
• National Museum of Cambodia: Houses a rich collection of Khmer sculptures and Angkorian artefacts, set in a traditional Khmer-style building. (1.5 hours)
• Central Market: A bustling traditional market with a golden dome, great for shopping and sampling street food, as well as picking up handicrafts and spices. (1 hour)

Other Regions

• Tonlé Sap Lake Floating Villages: Stilt houses and floating schools; the scenery changes between wet and dry seasons. Boat tours take about 2 hours. (Half day)
• Kampot: A laid-back French-colonial riverside town surrounded by pepper plantations. Ideal for a relaxed stay of one to two nights. (1–2 days)
• Kep (Krong Kep): Known for its seafood markets and pepper farms. Fresh, affordable seafood and a peaceful vibe make it perfect for unwinding. (1 day)
• Sihanoukville & Koh Rong: A southern island destination ideal for beach holidays and snorkelling, with white sands and clear waters rivaling more famous tropical getaways. (2–3 days)

If you’re particularly interested in ancient ruins, consider spending an extra day or two in Siem Reap to explore the Small, Grand, and Outer Circuits over three full days. For those just wanting to see the highlights, a 3-day, 2-night trip is enough to cover Angkor Wat, Bayon Temple, and Ta Prohm.

It’s best to tackle Angkor in sections: the Small Circuit includes Angkor Wat, Bayon, and Ta Prohm with lots of nearby sites; the Grand Circuit features sites like Preah Khan, Neak Pean, and Ta Som, spread out over a longer route; and the Outer Circuit covers Banteay Srei and Beng Mealea, which require a vehicle. A three-day split allows a relaxed pace. With just one day, prioritise Angkor Wat, Bayon, and Ta Prohm. Banteay Srei and Beng Mealea are far apart, so set aside a full day for the Outer Circuit to avoid long back-and-forth travel — allow at least half a day for this part alone.