Siem Reap is one of the biggest cities in Cambodia that attracts tourists not only by the beauty of its landscapes but also by the originality of the culture and the lifestyle of the inhabitants on 1 day in Siem Reap and Angkor Wat. It is a must-see destination that you cannot miss during your tour to Cambodia.
When to visit Siem Reap?
The best time to travel to Siem Reap is between October and March. From November to February, the dry, cool monsoon from the Northeast brings little rain. Whereas, the Southwestern monsoon is responsible for 80% of the country’s rainfall between May and October. Maximum temperatures are 31°C in January and 34°C in April. Temperatures do not generally fall below 24°C.
How to get to Siem Reap?
There are many ways to get to Siem Reap. If you want to save money, do not forget to choose the following means of transport:
Airline – Getting to Siem Reap via International Flights
Most travelers choose to come by international flights and arrive at Siem Reap International Airport on 1 day in Siem Reap and Angkor Wat. This choice is fast, easy and convenient. Also, the visa application process to Cambodia is simple. Nowadays, it is possible to take direct international flights between some other cities and Siem Reap, mainly in East Asia.
Land Transportation – Traveling to Siem Reap by motorbike, bus or car
On your 1 day in Siem Reap and Angkor Wat, you can take a bus to Phnom Penh then go to Siem Reap. The journey time is from 6 to 7 hours and costs between five and ten dollars depending on the operator company.
Some people choose to drive a motorcycle or a car to move between cities. However, this adventurous trip is only recommended for experienced people who are confident enough to overcome the risky challenges of the road, danger or stray animals.
Waterway – Come to Siem Reap via cruises on the Mekong River
You can take a boat from Battambang or Phnom Penh to Siem Reap and this is a nice way to travel because you will have your opportunity to discover beautiful landscapes. However, you had better pay attention to the water level, cruise will be cancelled when the tide is either too low or too high.
Where to stay on 1 day in Siem Reap and Angkor Wat?
If you only spend 1 day in Siem Reap, it is essential to choose the perfect hotel for you. Siem Reap is not as crowded as Phnom Penh; therefore, the hotels are scattered in many separate places. Nevertheless, this city still offers you a multitude of choices with a lot of affordable and pleasant hotels.
We recommend you finding a hotel near Pub Street or Night Market to enjoy the nightlife in Siem Reap during your discovery in Cambodia.
Suggested itinerary for 1 day in Siem Reap and Angkor Wat
Morning in Siem Reap: Visit Angkor Thom
Angkor Thom means the “big city”. It was the last great capital of the Angkorian Empire. Today, this attraction is known as the largest site in the archaeological park of Angkor. If you want to discover further the culture and history of Cambodia, do not miss the visit of the following tourist sites:
South Gate of Angkor Thom
The South gate of Angkor Thom is the best preserved among vestiges. It is approached from the outside by a causeway of about fifty meters on a ditch. On your 1 day in Siem Reap and Angkor Wat, you can not only explore the ancient civilizations of Cambodia but also take beautiful pictures thanks to stunning scenery of this place.
Bayon Temple
Angkor, Bayon temple
This is a temple-mountain dedicated to the Mahayana Buddhist religion. Located at the intersection of north-south and east-west roads, this temple is the central structure of the ancient fortified city of Angkor Thom. It is well-known for hosting dozens of face sculptures everywhere inside and all of them are oriented towards a cardinal point. With its mesmerizing sculptures, Bayon deserves to be one of the most beautiful and mysterious sites of Angkor and Asia. Therefore, you should spend time visiting this unique destination on your 1 day in Siem Reap and Angkor Wat.
Baphuon Temple
Baphuon Temple, Cambodia
The place is located between the Royal Palace and the Bayon within the Angkor Thom compound. It is also the largest temple-mountain of Angkor. It was built over 1060s, under the reign of Yday Adityavarman II, to the glory of Shiva.
Afternoon at Angkor Wat
Visit Angkor Wat – one of the largest religious monuments
The majestic Angkor Wat, Cambodia
Angkor Wat is 5.5 km to the North of Siem Reap town and Southeast of Angkor Thom. This site remains as the largest and most important temple of the Angkor site. Considered an architectural heritage, it is the main tourist attraction of the country. Its structure is consequently recognized by the grandeur of the architecture and beauty of Khmer architectural decoration. Thanks to its cultural, historical and natural value, the temple is hailed as the eighth wonder of the world. If you visit Angkor Thom on your 1 day in Siem Reap and Angkor Wat, do not forget to find out more about other attractive tourist sites in Cambodia.
Visit Temple of Ta Prohm
Ta Prohm Temple, Cambodia
The temple is nestled in the jungles of Siem Reap, just a few kilometers to the East of Angkor Wat. This popular destination attracts thousands of tourists annually and has become famous since the movie Tomb Raider. It has a mission to preserve its authenticity and original appearance.
Evening in Siem Reap
Do some shopping
If you want to go shopping or enjoy the nightlife in Siem Reap, do not miss the suggestions below:
Old Phsar Chas Market
Built in the 1920s, Phsar Chas is located in the heart of historic Siem Reap. Today, it attracted a large number of foreigners and all tourists are enthralled by souvenirs and textile products sold at the market.
You will find art in the form of paintings, sculptures, and engravings. You can also find books covering Khmer history with a very suitable price on your 1 day in Siem Reap and Angkor Wat.
Angkor Night Market
From dusk until midnight, a new part of the city awakens. This is a nice place to go shopping in the evening in Siem Reap. It was the first-to-open night market in Cambodia in 2007. It is also located near Sivatha Road, where you can enjoy a drink or even have a tasty dinner in many bars, pubs, and restaurants here on your 1 day in Siem Reap and Angkor Wat.
Enjoy the nightlife in Siem Reap
Pub Street is the main tourist area in Siem Reap city that has a lot of bars, shops, restaurants, massage parlors, and clubs of all kinds. There are mainly foreigners who visit this area. Therefore, this is the ideal place for young people who want to party and have fun on 1 day in Siem Reap and Angkor Wat.
Best foods to try for 1 day in Siem Reap and Angkor Wat
Amok – Fish with coconut milk
Amok, one of the most delicious specialty of Siem Reap
This is a very popular dish in Cambodia. It consists of fish or chicken up to your preferences, accompanied by coconut milk and many spices and cooked in a banana leaf.
Nom banh chok – Khmer vermicelli noodles soup
The tasty Nom banh chok
This is a typical local breakfast, which is sold by Cambodian women on the streets. This dish consists of vermicelli, green curry made from fish, mint leaves, lemongrass, in decoration with banana leaves, slices of cucumber and other green vegetables.
Somlo Khoko soup
The nutritious Somlo Khoko soup
This typical Cambodian soup is made from green leaf papaya, small aubergines, spinach, chicken breast, and adding pieces of pork belly. The whole dish is sprinkled with pounded grilled rice as well.
Hopefully, our suggested itinerary meets your expectation. Customize your Cambodia tour so that we can help create your most amazing trip on 1 day in Siem Reap and Angkor Wat!
Let us help create your amazing trip on 1 day in Siem Reap!
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