How to Plan Your 2-Day Angkor Wat Tour in Siem Reap

Siem Reap, a city located in the northwest of Cambodia, is famous for its Angkor Wat Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. To explore the temple complex and enjoy the city’s vibe, you need to plan your itinerary correctly. In this post, we’ll discuss how to plan a 2-day Angkor Wat tour that covers everything from transportation to site tickets.

Day 1: Explore Angkor Thom and the Small Circuit

On the first day of your tour, you’ll explore the magnificent Angkor Thom and the Small Circuit. Here’s how you can go about it:

8:30 AM: Pickup from your hotel

The tour starts with a pickup from your centrally located hotel in Siem Reap. Adventure Travel Cambodia, the tour operator, sends an air-conditioned vehicle that will take you to the temple complex. You can select your pickup point from the list of options provided during checkout.

9:00 AM: Visit Angkor Thom

The first attraction of the day is the Angkor Thom archaeological site. You’ll enter the site through the South Gate and head to Bayon Temple to see the iconic carved faces. After that, you can visit the Baphuon Temple, the Royal Palace area, the Phimeanakas Temple, and the Elephant Terrace. The tour guide speaks English and has a valid license to conduct tours.

1:00 PM: Lunch break

After exploring the Angkor Thom complex, your guide will take you to a local restaurant for lunch. The tour includes drinking water, but any other personal expenses, such as souvenirs or alcoholic drinks, are not covered.

2:00 PM: Visit the Small Circuit

After lunch, you’ll continue your tour of the Small Circuit. You’ll visit the Ta Prohm, known for the tree roots growing around the temple, and the Banteay Kdei Temple, famous for its galleries with carvings. Lastly, you’ll visit the Srah Srang reservoir, a tranquil spot to rest and take some photos.

6:00 PM: Return to your hotel

You’ll return to your hotel in the evening, and the remainder of the day is free for your leisure.

Day 2: Discover Angkor Wat and the Grand Circuit

On the second day of your tour, you’ll explore the iconic Angkor Wat and the Grand Circuit. Here’s how you can plan the day:

5:00 AM: Angkor Wat sunrise

The sunrise over Angkor Wat is a breathtaking experience, and you can witness it on the second day of the tour. Your tour guide will pick you up from your hotel early in the morning, and you’ll head to the temple complex.

7:00 AM: Breakfast break

After the sunrise, you’ll have breakfast at a local restaurant.

8:30 AM: Visit Angkor Wat

Your guide will then take you on a tour of the Angkor Wat temple itself. You’ll learn about its history and significance while taking in the beautiful architecture and intricate carvings. The site is vast, and you can take your time to explore.

12:00 PM: Lunch break

After the Angkor Wat visit, you’ll have lunch at a local restaurant.

1:30 PM: Grand Circuit tour

After lunch, you’ll start your Grand Circuit tour. You’ll visit the Preah Khan Temple, a massive complex that’s often compared with Angkor Wat. Then, you’ll visit Neak Pean, a unique temple located in a serene lake, followed by Ta Som, another temple, and the East Mebon Temple, famous for its elephant sculptures.

5:00 PM: Return to your hotel

After visiting all the sites on the itinerary, you’ll return to your hotel, and the tour will end.

Planning Your Tour: What’s included and what to expect

The 2-Day Angkor Wat Tour is a private tour, which means only your group will participate. The tour operator, Adventure Travel Cambodia, provides an air-conditioned vehicle for transportation, English speaking tour guide with valid licenses, and drinking water. The entrance tickets for the temple complex, Tonle Sap lake pass, Circus ticket, and Apsara Shows are also included in the tour price.

The tour operator offers pickups from centrally located hotels in Siem Reap. However, the tour is not wheelchair accessible, and travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level. The tour’s confirmation is received at the time of booking, subject to availability. If you cancel the tour seven days before the start time, you’ll receive a full refund.

Ready to book the 2-Day Angkor Wat Tour? Book the tour here.

In conclusion, planning a 2-day Angkor Wat tour takes careful consideration, but with this guide, you can enjoy the magnificent temples in Siem Reap without any hassle. Remember to stay hydrated and wear sunscreen, and take your time to fully explore each temple complex. Happy touring!

Frequently Asked Questions About Siem Reap

Siem Reap, the city in the northwestern part of Cambodia, is a land of ancient temples and lively markets. The city is famous for its magnificent architecture, rich culture, and friendly locals. Whether it’s your first time visiting Siem Reap or you’ve been here before, there are always some questions that travelers have in their minds. In this post, we will try to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about Siem Reap to help you plan your trip better.

1. What is the best time to visit Siem Reap?

If you’re planning a visit to Siem Reap, the best time to go is from November to February. During this period, the weather is cool and dry, making it easier for tourists to explore the temples and other attractions. The temperature during these months ranges from 20 to 28 degrees Celsius, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities.

2. Do I need a visa to visit Siem Reap?

Yes, you need a visa to visit Siem Reap, and most other parts of Cambodia. You can get your visa on arrival at the international airports and land borders. Alternatively, you can apply for an e-visa online before your trip to Cambodia. The e-visa is valid for 30 days and costs around $36.

3. What is the currency used in Siem Reap?

The official currency of Cambodia is the Cambodian Riel (KHR). However, the US dollar is also widely accepted in Siem Reap, and most prices are quoted in US dollars. It’s always a good idea to carry small amounts of riel for small purchases like souvenirs and street food.

4. What language do they speak in Siem Reap?

The official language of Cambodia is Khmer, but English is widely spoken in Siem Reap, especially in the tourist areas. You won’t have any problems communicating with the locals in English, and most of the tour guides and hotel employees speak the language fluently.

5. What are the must-visit attractions in Siem Reap?

The main attraction of Siem Reap is, of course, the Angkor Wat temple complex, which is the largest religious monument in the world. Other must-visit attractions in Siem Reap include the Bayon Temple, Ta Prohm, Preah Khan, Banteay Srei, and Angkor Thom. Siem Reap also has a bustling night market and a floating village that’s worth a visit.

6. How do I get around Siem Reap?

The best way to get around Siem Reap is by tuk-tuk or motorcycle. You can easily find tuk-tuks by the roadside, and they are a cheap and convenient way to get around the city. Most hotels in Siem Reap also offer bicycle rentals, which is an eco-friendly way of exploring the attractions.

7. Is Siem Reap safe for tourists?

Yes, Siem Reap is generally a safe city for tourists. However, like any other tourist destination, petty theft can occur, so it’s always a good idea to take precautions. It’s advisable to keep your valuables in a safe place and be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.

8. What should I wear when visiting Siem Reap?

Siem Reap has a tropical climate, so it’s always hot and humid. When visiting the temples, it’s necessary to dress appropriately, which means covering your shoulders and knees out of respect for the local culture. Wear comfortable and lightweight clothing, and don’t forget to bring a hat and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.

9. What is the local food like in Siem Reap?

Cambodian cuisine, similar to that of its neighboring countries, has a blend of flavors that come from herbs, spices, and vegetables. Some popular Cambodian dishes include amok, a fish curry cooked in coconut milk, and lok lak, a stir-fried beef dish served with rice. Siem Reap also has a thriving street food culture, with plenty of delicious snacks and desserts.

10. How much should I budget for a trip to Siem Reap?

The cost of a trip to Siem Reap depends on several factors, such as your accommodation, food, and transportation choices. On average, you can expect to spend around $50 to $80 per day, which includes food, accommodation, and transportation. However, if you’re planning on doing some high-end activities or staying in luxury accommodation, then your budget will be higher.

In conclusion, Siem Reap is an incredible city full of history, culture, and natural beauty. We hope that this post has answered some of your most frequently asked questions about Siem Reap and will help you plan your trip to this wonderful city.