3-Day Siem Reap Loop: Temples, Markets & Tonle Sap (March 2026)

Day 1: Arrival & Small Circuit

Siem Reap, Cambodia on March 1, 2026

7:30am

Breakfast at Sister Srey Cafe

Healthy breakfast and specialty coffee served in a calm courtyard; great for charging up before temple visits. Opens early for tourists and expats.
USD6, 0h45m

8:45am

Angkor Wat sunrise (Small Circuit start)

Iconic sunrise at Angkor Wat followed by touring the main temple complex—essential for photography and understanding Khmer architecture; arrive early to beat crowds. Angkor Park opens daily at 5:00am.
USD37, 2h30m

11:30am

Visit Angkor Thom: Bayon & Baphuon

Explore the richly carved faces of Bayon and the restored Baphuon within the former capital; close to Angkor Wat so travel time is short.
USD0, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Marum (non-profit restaurant)

Contemporary Cambodian dishes with training programs for disadvantaged youth; reservations recommended. Typically open 11:00–2:30pm.
USD12, 1h

2:30pm

Terrace of the Elephants & Terrace of the Leper King

Short visit to impressive royal terraces decorated with bas-reliefs—good for history buffs and close to other Angkor Thom sites.
USD0, 0h45m

3:30pm

Return to hotel, brief rest

Freshen up and rest after morning temple walking; useful to avoid late-afternoon heat and prepare for evening activities.
USD0, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Chanrey Tree

Upscale Khmer cuisine by the river offering refined traditional dishes in a pleasant setting; ideal for a relaxed first-night meal. Open for dinner from about 6:00pm.
USD25, 1h30m

8:30pm

Walk Pub Street & Old Market

Experience lively nightlife, street food, and local crafts; good for casual shopping and people-watching. Most stalls and bars open late into the evening.
USD0, 1h30m

Day 2: Grand Circuit & Ta Prohm

Siem Reap, Cambodia on March 2, 2026

5:00am

Early pickup and transfer to Pre Rup for sunrise view (optional)

Alternative sunrise spot with fewer crowds and elevated views of the plains; depart very early to catch colors before sunrise. Pre Rup area accessible within Angkor Park opening hours (from 5:00am).
USD10 (transport), 1h

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel or Little Red Fox Espresso

Quick hearty breakfast or specialty coffee and pastries to sustain a full day of temple touring; many cafes open by 6:30–7:00am.
USD5, 0h30m

8:00am

Ta Prohm (Tomb Raider)

Famous for trees growing through ruins and cinematic atmosphere—must-see for its picturesque, overgrown appearance; usually less crowded early morning. Angkor Park hours apply.
USD0, 1h15m

9:30am

Preah Khan

Large monastic complex with maze-like galleries and carvings—excellent for exploration and photography. Close proximity to Ta Prohm makes for efficient routing.
USD0, 1h

11:00am

Neak Pean & East Mebon (Grand Circuit continuation)

Visit island temple features and water-focused shrines that highlight Angkor's hydraulic engineering; scenic and less crowded mid-morning.
USD0, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at The Blue Pumpkin (multiple locations)

Reliable cafe serving international and Cambodian options plus ice cream—good for a mid-day break. Open around 8:00am–10:00pm.
USD8, 1h

2:30pm

Ta Som and East Baray viewpoint

Short visits to smaller, tranquil temples and a scenic baray (reservoir) viewpoint to appreciate the landscape and engineering of Angkor's water systems.
USD0, 1h

4:00pm

Return to hotel; spa or massage

Relax with a traditional Khmer massage to ease walking-tired muscles; many spas operate until 9–10pm.
USD15, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Haven

Community-driven restaurant serving gourmet-Cambodian tasting menus and training programs; reserve ahead as seating is limited. Typically open for dinner from 6:00–9:30pm.
USD20, 1h30m

Day 3: Banteay Srei & Tonle Sap

Siem Reap, Cambodia on March 3, 2026

7:00am

Breakfast at Sister Srey Cafe or hotel

Light breakfast and coffee before a longer morning drive to Banteay Srei; cafes open from around 7:00am.
USD6, 0h45m

8:00am

Drive to Banteay Srei & visit

Explore the intricately carved pink sandstone temple often called the jewel of Khmer art; it's about 30–45 minutes from Siem Reap and less crowded in the morning. Banteay Srei is open daily (Angkor Park ticket required).
USD0, 1h15m

10:00am

Visit nearby Banteay Samre

A quieter, well-preserved temple complex close to Banteay Srei—nice follow-up for more expansive ruins without heavy crowds.
USD0, 0h45m

12:00pm

Lunch at Peace Cafe (Siem Reap)

Casual vegetarian-friendly cafe offering healthy dishes and smoothies—nice return to town for a relaxed meal. Open midday from around 11:00am.
USD7, 1h

1:30pm

Tonle Sap Lake floating village boat tour (Reamsey or Kompong Phluk)

Guided boat tour to see stilted homes, seasonal flooded forests, and local fishing life—best mid-afternoon when water levels and activity are visible. Tours run in the afternoon and last around 2 hours; confirm operator hours (typically 8:00am–5:00pm).
USD20, 2h

4:00pm

Return to Siem Reap, visit Angkor National Museum (optional)

Learn deeper context about Khmer history and art—museum open 8:30am–6:00pm and helpful if you want interpretive background after seeing temples.
USD12, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Khmer Kitchen Restaurant

Local Khmer dishes in a friendly setting—good final-night meal to sample classics like fish amok or beef lok lak. Open for dinner from about 6:00pm.
USD10, 1h30m

8:30pm

Evening Apsara performance (optional)

Traditional Apsara dance dinner shows are a cultural highlight—book tickets in advance; performances typically start around 7:30–8:00pm.
USD25, 1h30m
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