🌅 Best Things to Do in One Day in Siem Reap

🕗 Morning: Explore the Wonders of Angkor
– Start early (around 7:30 AM) to beat the heat and crowds.
– Visit Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world.
– Continue to Bayon Temple (with the iconic smiling faces) and Ta Prohm (the Tomb Raider temple covered in roots).
– Tip: Arrange a tuk-tuk tour or hire a guide for historical context. Sokchea Angkor Hotel can help guests with bookings.

* Optional: Watch sunrise at Angkor Wat if you’re an early riser—totally worth it!

🍲 Lunch: Local Khmer Cuisine
– Head back into town and enjoy lunch at a recommended local restaurant.
– Try dishes like fish amok, beef lok lak, or green mango salad.
– Sokchea Angkor Hotel can suggest authentic and clean spots for traditional meals.

🛍 Afternoon: Culture & Craft
– Visit the Angkor National Museum to understand Khmer history and artifacts.
– Stroll through Artisans Angkor to see traditional crafts being made (and shop for souvenirs).
– Alternatively, try a Khmer cooking class if you prefer something hands-on.

🌇 Evening: Night Market & Entertainment
– Walk through the Siem Reap Night Market or Made in Cambodia Market.
– Grab street food or enjoy a relaxed sit-down dinner.
– End your day with either:
– An Apsara Dance Dinner Show (culture + dining).
– Or the Phare Cambodian Circus – storytelling through acrobatics and theater (highly recommended).

*Optional Add-on: Relax & Recharge
– Before dinner or after your day out, enjoy a Khmer massage or spa treatment.
– Many places offer 1-hour foot or full-body massages starting around $10–$15.

Siem Reap will come alive on Nov. 14-15 for its vibrant Water Festival, a lively celebration filled with a variety of activities that embrace Cambodia’s rich cultural heritage. Alongside the iconic boat races, which remain a highlight of the festival, visitors can partake in full moon salutations and taste traditional pounded rice dishes, symbolizing blessings and community unity. The enchanting lantern floats will also light up the evening sky, adding a magical touch to the festivities.

Beyond these traditional events, visitors can enjoy exhibitions showcasing local food and products, with stalls offering a taste of Cambodia’s unique flavors and craftsmanship. Concerts, cultural performances, and various forms of entertainment will fill the areas along the Siem Reap River, as well as key tourist sites, providing an exciting array of options for attendees.

This year’s festival aims to shine a light on the heart of Cambodian culture, with an expectation of drawing a diverse audience of both national and international visitors to the province. The Siem Reap administration warmly welcomes everyone to experience the festivities and has stressed the importance of maintaining order, security, safety measures, and cleanliness to ensure an enjoyable and respectful celebration for all.

One of the most unforgettable experiences in Siem Reap is witnessing the sunrise over the iconic Angkor Wat Temple—an awe-inspiring moment that draws visitors from around the world. As early as 4:30 AM, travelers begin gathering in front of the temple, often near the northern reflection pool, which is widely considered the best spot to capture the perfect silhouette of Angkor Wat’s five lotus-shaped towers mirrored in the still water. This location offers a magical view as the sky transitions from deep blue to soft pink and golden orange, with the temple gradually illuminated by the rising sun behind it. For photographers, arriving even earlier—around 4:00 AM—ensures the best front-row view, as the area fills quickly, especially during peak season. While Angkor Wat is the most popular sunrise destination, those looking for a quieter experience might opt for Srah Srang, also known as the Royal Bathing Pool. With its wide-open view and fewer crowds, it offers a peaceful and scenic alternative. No matter which location you choose, watching the sunrise in Siem Reap is not just a photo opportunity—it’s a moment of wonder and reflection, where history, nature, and spirituality converge in a truly breathtaking way. Be sure to bring a flashlight, wear comfortable shoes, and prepare for an early start to make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime experience.