Siem Reap travel guide 2026: Angkor passes, temples and itinerary

Siem Reap exists to serve Angkor, the largest religious monument complex in the world, and almost every decision about a trip here comes down to how you pace your temple days. The heat is the constraint that shapes everything: mornings and late afternoons are for temples, the middle of the day is not. This guide covers passes, seasons, transport and a 3-day plan built around that rhythm.

When to visit Siem Reap

The dry season from November to March offers the most predictable weather and the most comfortable temperatures, and it is the peak period. December and January are the busiest and coolest months.

April and May are extremely hot. The wet season from roughly June to October brings afternoon downpours but also greener landscapes, fuller moats and considerably fewer visitors, and mornings are often clear. Whatever the month, early starts are the rule rather than the exception.

Which Angkor pass to buy

Angkor Enterprise sells three passes: one day at 37 dollars, three days at 62 dollars and seven days at 72 dollars. Prices have been stable and the passes are sold online, at the official ticket counters on Road 60, and through kiosks and guides in town.

The three-day pass is the usual recommendation for a first visit, and it is better value than it first appears because its days do not need to be consecutive. It is valid across a ten-day window, so you can visit temples on days one and two, take a rest day, and return on day four. The seven-day pass works the same way across a month.

Passes carry your photograph and are checked at temple entrances, so buy your own rather than accepting any informal offer.

Temple etiquette

Angkor is an active religious site as well as a monument. Shoulders and knees must be covered to enter the upper level of Angkor Wat and several other temples, and this is enforced. Sheer or transparent coverings are not always accepted, so bring genuinely opaque clothing rather than relying on a thin scarf. Hats and shoes come off in certain areas, and monks should not be touched or photographed without asking.

Loose, light, long clothing solves both the dress code and the sun at once, which is why you see so much of it here.

Getting around

Tuk-tuks are the standard way to reach and move between temples, usually hired for a full day at a rate agreed in advance and arranged through your accommodation. The main temple circuits are several kilometres apart, so a driver who waits for you is more practical than hailing rides individually.

Bicycles are viable for the small circuit if you are fit and start early, though the heat makes this harder than the distances suggest. Air-conditioned cars with drivers cost more and are worth it in the hottest months.

Example 3-day Siem Reap itinerary

Prompt idea: "3-day Siem Reap itinerary in 2026, first-time visitor, include sunrise at Angkor Wat, the major temples and one countryside day."

• Day 1 - Sunrise and the small circuit: Angkor Wat at dawn, Angkor Thom and Bayon, long midday break, sunset viewpoint.
• Day 2 - Further temples: Ta Prohm, Preah Khan and the quieter outlying sites, with an early start again.
• Day 3 - Town and countryside: Old Market and cafés, then a floating village or countryside tour in the afternoon.

If you are combining destinations, our Bangkok travel guide covers a natural pairing with this trip.

See what else the planner handles on the features page, or start from the trip planner directly.

FAQs

How many days do I need at Angkor?

Two full days covers the major temples at a sensible pace, and three lets you add outlying sites or the countryside without rushing. One day is possible but means seeing the highlights in a hurry.

Which Angkor pass should I buy?

The three-day pass at 62 dollars suits most first visits. Its days need not be consecutive and it stays valid across a ten-day window, so you can build in a rest day between temple days.

What is the dress code?

Shoulders and knees covered for temple entry, enforced at Angkor Wat's upper level in particular. Bring opaque clothing rather than a thin wrap. Loose long layers also protect you from the sun.

Is the sunrise at Angkor Wat worth it?

Yes, though you will share it with a large crowd. Arriving before dawn is necessary for a spot by the reflecting pools. Some visitors prefer sunrise at a quieter temple and save Angkor Wat itself for later morning.

How should I arrange transport?

Book a tuk-tuk driver through your accommodation with a day rate agreed in advance. Drivers wait between temples, which is far more practical than arranging individual rides in the heat.

Is Siem Reap safe?

Generally yes. The main risks are heat exhaustion and dehydration rather than crime, so carry more water than you think you need, take the midday break seriously and use sun protection.