Arrive at Siem Reap International Airport (REP) and transfer to your hotel to relax and freshen up; useful to book a hotel near the city center to minimize tuk‑tuk time. This is your buffer after travel and a chance to rent a tuk‑tuk or pre-book a private driver/guide for the temple days.
Visit the Angkor Ticket Center (purchased in advance or on arrival) and pick a 3‑day Angkor pass to cover the next two full temple days; staff can confirm park hours. Angkor Archaeological Park generally allows early entry for sunrise viewing (park access normally from ~5:00am to ~6:00pm).
Social‑enterprise restaurant serving modern Cambodian dishes made with local ingredients — great for a relaxed, meaningful lunch in a garden setting. Open typically 11:00am–3:00pm, good for first-day replenishing.
Gentle traditional Khmer massage or aromatherapy couple's treatment to recover from travel and prepare for early mornings; spas generally operate 9:00am–9:00pm but reserve in advance for couples.
Drive to Phnom Bakheng to watch sunset over the temples — arrive early because the hilltop viewpoint fills quickly; the park closes at dusk so plan arrival ~45–60 minutes before sunset.
Fine presentation of classic Cambodian cuisine in an upmarket setting, ideal for a romantic first-night dinner; open evenings ~6:00pm–10:30pm, reservations recommended.
Start very early and watch sunrise at the reflecting pools beside Angkor Wat — the site is busiest at dawn so arrive 30–45 minutes before sunrise to secure a good spot; Angkor Park opens for sunrise viewing (around 5:00am).
Explore the late 12th‑century Angkor Thom complex including the multi‑face towers of Bayon and the royal terraces; these monuments are central and best visited mid-morning when light is good for photos.
Continue the Grand Circuit: Terrace of the Elephants, small satellite temples and quieter ruins — good for strolling and photography in the softer afternoon light.
Experience the iconic jungle‑engulfed temple where massive tree roots entwine the ruins; it’s one of the most atmospheric sites and tends to be busiest mid‑afternoon — plan 60–90 minutes.
Relax for another temple sunset — Srah Srang features a serene baray (reservoir) reflection, while Pre Rup offers good elevated sunset views; arrive ~30–45 minutes prior to sunset.
High‑end tasting menu of contemporary Cambodian tasting courses—perfect for a special romantic evening but book well in advance; dinner service usually starts ~6:30pm–7:00pm.
Charming café with fresh, locally sourced breakfast options and good coffee — a favorite for relaxed mornings and light bites; opens around 7:30am on many days but check seasonal hours.
Take a morning boat trip to the floating villages (Kompong Phluk or Kompong Khleang) to see daily life on the lake; most boat operators run tours roughly 8:00am–3:00pm, morning trips avoid the heat and low light issues.
Drive ~30–45 minutes to Banteay Srei, famed for intricate pink sandstone carvings and delicate reliefs — it’s a quieter, smaller temple worth the extra drive; park access within normal Angkor hours.
Browse the Old Market for souvenirs, silk, silver and Cambodian handicrafts — ideal for last‑minute purchases and bargaining; shops generally open mid‑morning through evening.
Return to your hotel to collect bags and prepare for transfer; allow 30–60 minutes to arrive at Siem Reap airport depending on traffic and time of day.
Transfer to Siem Reap International Airport for your flight home, or continue on if you have onward travel; adjust this time to match your booked flight.