Siem Reap is Cambodia’s second-largest city and the capital of Siem Reap Province in northwestern Cambodia.
It is located just 5 miles from the incredible Angkor Wat temple complex – a UNESCO World Heritage site and the largest religious monument in the world.
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If you’re lucky enough to be spending 2 days in Siem Reap you’re probably wondering which of the temples to put on your ‘must-see’ list.
After all, the site is so large that it would be easy to spend a week in the area without fully exploring everything!
So we’ve put together this handy guide explaining what to do in Siem Reap in 2 days and the most important ruins to visit. We’ve also included a few extra things to see and do in the town and nearby areas.
You can buy your pass to see the temples at the Angkor Ticket Office. Don’t buy tickets that you may be offered elsewhere, as only those bought at the ticket office will be accepted.
Because you are visiting religious temples, you will need to dress appropriately. This means that shoulders must be covered and skirts and trousers must be below the knees.
Heading to Cambodia soon? Check out our guide to buying a Cambodian SIM card.
Day 1
On the first of your two days in Siem Reap you’ll be seeing some of the most magnificent temples at the Angkor Archaeological Park.
It can be tempting to try to see as many temples as you can during your visit, but we recommend visiting just the best ones and spending a bit more time at each.
Morning
The main ways to get around the temple complex are by bicycle, tour bus, or tuk-tuk.
Don’t try walking – the area is large, spanning over 400 square kilometers. Besides, you’ll be doing plenty of walking within the temples themselves.
Tuk-tuks are one of the most popular options and can be arranged by your hotel. Alternatively, you can flag one down in the street and agree on a price.
Head first to the Angkor Wat temple. The ticket office opens at 4.30 am. Yes, it’s an early start, but worth it if you can manage it. There is nothing quite like watching the sunrise from the temple!
Expect it to be busy – this is one of the most popular things for visitors to do – but it is still an unforgettable experience and one not to be missed.
After sunrise, explore the temple itself. There are no restrictions as to where you can walk and the magnificence of the interior can’t be overstated!
You’ll see sweeping staircases, awesome doorways, and decorated platforms at every turn – indeed, the temple is considered the pinnacle of Khmer architecture and art.
From there, move on to the Bayon Temple inside the walled, moated city of Angkor Thom. Although it has largely been engulfed by the jungle, Angkor Thom was once one of the largest cities in the region.
Believed by many to be the real highlight of the complex, the Bayon Temple was the state temple built by King Jayavarman. It features 54 towers, each with giant smiling faces carved into their sides (there are 216 faces in total!).
Some people think the faces depict Avalokiteshvara – the bodhisattva who represents compassion – and others think they are likenesses of the king himself.
There are other interesting carvings to see, too, some depicting daily life for citizens at that time.
Next, move on to Ta Prohm Temple.
Famous for being the home of Lara Croft (Tomb Raider), this intriguing temple has almost been swallowed up by the enormous tree roots that wind their way around it.
The way the manmade structure and natural roots have fused together is remarkable to see.
Dating back to 1186, the temple was originally a Mahayana Buddhist Monastery and University. It’s now one of the most popular and most-photographed sites in the complex, so expect it to be busy.
Your last stop of the morning is Ta Som Temple. It features some of the most intricate stonework in the entire complex, its eastern gate engulfed by a huge strangler fig tree.
Stop for something to eat now at one of the many little stands that dot the complex. You can buy a meal washed down with fresh fruit juice for just a few dollars.
Afternoon
South of Ta Som you’ll come across Neak Pean, which is a monument rather than a temple.
Sitting on an artificial island in the middle of the East Baray, it is sometimes called ‘the entwined snakes’ and is believed to have been built towards the end of the 12th century.
Some say that it might have been built for medical purposes, due to the supposed healing powers of the waters surrounding it.
Healing or not, the waters are beautiful and the reflections off their surface are spectacular to see.
Next, head to Prasat Kravan Temple. This is made up of five brick towers that were dedicated to Vishnu, the Supreme God of Hinduism.
It is extremely well preserved and enclosed by a moat, with three bas reliefs of Vishnu sculpted into the interior of the central sanctuary.
As the afternoon draws to a close, head towards the Phnom Bakheng Temple to watch the sun go down.
This is one of the oldest temples on the site and a great place to watch the sunset, as it sits on a hillside 60 meters above the rest of the Park.
Because it is set over seven levels – each representing the seven Hindu heavens – there are lots of great vantage points from which to enjoy the view!
Evening
It’s time to let your hair down after a full day of sightseeing. And where better to do that than at Pub Street?
This famous road is a ‘must see’ when spending a weekend in Siem Reap, lined with bars and restaurants serving a great range of Asian and western food.
It is loud and lively, with neon signs, thumping music, and clubs that stay open until the small hours.
If that’s not your scene, then content yourself with simply soaking up the atmosphere, enjoying the Roti (flatbreads) from the street stalls, or even getting a temporary Henna tattoo.
Day 2
On the second of your 2 days in Siem Reap, you’ll be visiting the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, relaxing with a massage, then discovering the attractions of the city’s vibrant market.
Morning
Head to Tonle Sap first thing, a name which roughly translates to ‘Great Lake’.
It is home to Cambodia’s Vietnamese minority, who have worked and lived in the region for many years. In fact, the Vietnamese people are the main suppliers of fish to the country’s restaurants and markets.
The lake is quite unique, its flow changing direction twice a year and its overall size dramatically increasing or decreasing, depending on the season.
The Vietnamese and Cham communities who live around it occupy incredible floating villages. Their houses tower above the water on stilts that are visible during the dry season.
The villages even include facilities like basketball courts, police stations, and churches! They are amazing to see, and best visited on a half-day tour when you can enjoy the spectacular birdlife in the area, too.
Afternoon
Head back to Siem Reap for lunch, then treat yourself to a traditional Khmer massage at one of the many massage parlors and spas around the city.
Practiced in Cambodia for centuries, this unique and rejuvenating therapy is used to open energy points – called Sen Sip – to restore harmony in the body.
Afterward, make your way to Angkor Night Market, off Sivatha Boulevard. It opens at 4 pm and is an essential part of any visit to Siem Reap!
Founded in 2007 to preserve traditional Khmer handicrafts, it now has more than 200 bamboo huts selling clothes, ceramics, handbags, and lots more.
It’s a fantastic place to buy all your souvenirs – just be ready to haggle to get the best prices!
Don’t forget to check out the street food while you’re here – some of it is eye-opening, to say the least!
From deep-fried bugs to giant spiders, there’s something here for the most daring diners – and even if you don’t want to partake, the displays make great photo opportunities!
Evening
The perfect way to end your 2 days in Siem Reap is with a spectacular show that gives you an insight into Khmer beliefs and culture.
The Apsara Dance Show is a great example and tickets include a fabulous buffet dinner.
Are 2 Days In Siem Reap Enough?
You won’t be able to visit all of the ruins on the vast Angkor Wat temple complex, but you can still see a lot of Siem Reap in 2 days and visit the very best of the historical sites.
Remember that this itinerary requires 2 full days, so consider adding an extra night if you arrive late or depart early on your final day.
Where To Stay In Siem Reap
Here are some of our favorite places to stay for a weekend in Siem Reap.
Best Budget Accommodation
Located right next to Angkor Night Market and 350 yards from Pub Street, Onederz Siem Reap has two swimming pools (one on the rooftop). It offers both dormitory accommodation and private rooms.
Best Mid-Range Accommodation
The Hari Residence and Spa has a great location just 5 minutes from the night market and a 15-minute drive from Angkor Wat temple.
Guests love the facilities, which include a spa, an outdoor pool, and a well-equipped fitness area. All rooms are air-conditioned and have garden or city views.
There is an on-site restaurant serving Asian, European, and local Khmer dishes, with 24-hour room service available.
Best Luxury Accommodation
For a real treat, spend your weekend in Siem Reap at the splendid Royal Angkor Resort and Spa, a high-end hotel set in 5 hectares of tropical landscaped gardens.
Housed in a 20th-century colonial-style Khmer building, the Royal Angkor has a large outdoor swimming pool and 6 on-site eateries.
The rooms are beautifully furnished, with handmade, sculptured furniture and local fabrics from a family of Cambodian Artisans.
Final Thoughts On Two Days In Siem Reap
We hope that this itinerary for seeing the best of Siem Reap in 2 days has been helpful.
With fascinating historical sites to explore by day and a fast-paced nightlife when the sun goes down, it’s a unique destination with something to offer every visitor.
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