3-Day Siem Reap Culture Tour with Angkor Wat and Apsara Show

3 Days Round trip from Siem Reap International Airport - SAI Moderate pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Visit the Wat Thmey Killing Fields memorial stupa honoring over 8,000 victims of the Pol Pot regime
02 Explore Bayon Temple's 54 towers adorned with more than 200 serene smiling faces
03 Discover Ta Prohm Temple entwined with jungle roots and featured in Tomb Raider
04 Admire Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with the world's longest continuous bas-relief
05 Enjoy an Apsara Cultural Dance Show with traditional Cambodian music, dance, and storytelling over dinner

Discover Siem Reap on this well-rounded 3-day tour, blending Cambodia's ancient temple heritage with its modern culture and somber history. Day 1 eases you in with a half-day city tour covering spiritual sites and the Wat Thmey killing fields memorial. Day 2 is the highlight, with a full-day exploration of the Angkor Archaeological Park, including the iconic Angkor Wat, the smiling faces of Bayon Temple, and the jungle-wrapped Ta Prohm Temple, capped off with an Apsara dance show over dinner. Day 3 is free for you to relax or explore at your own pace before departure.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 3 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

City Siem Reap

Languages English, French

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival in Siem Reap and Half-Day City Tour

Welcome to Siem Reap - Cambodia!

On your arrival at SAI - Siem Reap International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our local representative/driver and transferred to your hotel. The journey from the airport to Siem Reap city center is approximately 45 km and takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes by road. Enjoy the scenic views along the way. Siem Reap is known as one of the most popular tourist destinations in Cambodia, with fabulous temples, religious sites, and lively day and night entertainment.

Check in to the hotel and freshen up.

Lunch is at your own account, after which you will proceed on your half-day city tour to discover some of Siem Reap's best-kept known secrets.

Pick up from the hotel and proceed to Wat Thmey Pagoda to see one of the killing fields, where more than 8,000 people were murdered and buried during the rule of the Pol Pot regime from 1975 to 1979. Bones and skulls collected from different graves are kept in a memorial stupa, representing one of the saddest memories for the local people of Cambodia and honoring the victims.

Visit Preah Chek Temple, a significant spiritual site housing two revered statues of the Naga deities. It is a place where many locals come to pray for good fortune and blessings.

Continue to Ya Tep Shrine, view the Royal Residence, and visit Wat Preah Phromrath.

Dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight in a hotel in Siem Reap.

Day 02

Angkor Thom, Ta Prohm, Angkor Wat and Apsara Dance Show

Breakfast at the hotel.

After breakfast, the tour begins with a visit to the ancient capital of Angkor Thom from the 12th century. See the South Gate, flanked by huge statues depicting the churning of the ocean of milk, then continue to Bayon Temple, famous for its 54 towers decorated with more than 200 smiling faces of Avalokitesvara. You will also visit Phimeanakas, the Royal Enclosure, the Elephants Terrace, and the Terrace of the Leper King.

Continue to Ta Prohm Temple, one of the area's most beautiful temples. Ta Prohm was also used as a filming location for the famous Hollywood movies Tomb Raider and Transformer III.

Lunch at a local restaurant within the area, followed by a short walk to see Sra Srang Pond, which was built in the late 12th century for royal bathing.

In the afternoon, visit Angkor Wat. It has been listed as a World Heritage Site since 1992 because of its workmanship and ancient architecture. Angkor Wat also features the longest continuous bas-relief in the world, running along the outer gallery walls and narrating stories from Hindu mythology.

After the tour, return to the hotel to refresh and enjoy free time until pick-up for dinner.

Dinner is served while you watch the Apsara Cultural Dance Show and discover Cambodia's cultural heritage through a breathtaking mix of traditional music, dazzling dances, and enchanting tales. After the show, return to the hotel.

Overnight in a hotel in Siem Reap.

Day 03

Free Time in Siem Reap Until Departure

Breakfast at the hotel.

Free at leisure. The rest of the day is yours to explore Siem Reap at your own pace until your transfer to the airport for your onward journey to your next destination.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Siem Reap International Airport - SAI 1 city · 3 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

2 nights' hotel accommodation in Siem Reap in a twin/triple room with daily breakfast at the hotel
Meals as specified in the itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)
Services of a driver and private air-conditioned vehicle during all tours and transfers, except as specified
English-speaking tour guide during all sightseeing tours
Entrance fees to all sightseeing tours stated in the program
1-day Angkor Archaeological Park Pass
1 dinner with Apsara Cultural Dance Show
Mineral water and cold towel throughout the program
Cambodia souvenir from ZeroWings International Travel

What's Not Included

International and domestic flight tickets
Tipping for guides, drivers, hotel staff, restaurant staff, boat rider, etc.
Cambodia Visa Invitation Letter, visa, and stamping fee (if required)
Surcharge for peak season, Khmer New Year holidays, and compulsory hotel dinners during festive holidays such as Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve (surcharge will be confirmed upon booking)
Travel insurance

What to bring

Comfortable walking shoes - you'll be on your feet a lot, especially on Day 2 at the temples.
Lightweight clothing - long pants or skirts and covered shoulders for temple visits, in line with the dress code requirement.
Rain jacket or umbrella - for sudden downpours, especially if traveling in the wet season from May to October.
Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses - the heat and sun are intense, with temperatures often reaching 35°C.
Insect repellent - mosquitoes are common around the temples and in the evenings.
Cash in USD - Cambodia uses US dollars widely, and small bills are helpful.
Small backpack - for carrying your essentials while exploring the temples hands-free.

Know before you go

Dress code - Temples are sacred sites. Both men and women must cover their shoulders and knees (no sleeveless tops, no shorts, or skirts above the knee). In some areas, shoes must also be removed before entering temple sanctuaries.
Dietary needs - The tour includes meals. If you have dietary restrictions such as vegetarian, vegan, halal, or allergies, notify your tour operator in advance and we will be glad to arrange this for you.
ID/Visa - Most nationalities require a visa to enter Cambodia. You can apply for an e-Visa online before travel or get a visa on arrival at Siem Reap Airport. Bring a passport-sized photo and cash in USD. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date. Keep your passport with you at all times.
Walking distance - Be prepared for significant walking, especially on Day 2. Angkor Wat alone is massive, and Ta Prohm involves uneven ground and loose stones. Comfortable, sturdy walking shoes are essential. Some temple steps are steep. If mobility is a concern, private transport and rest stops can be arranged.
Weather contingency - Cambodia has two seasons: dry (November to April) and wet or Green Season (May to October). Bring a lightweight rain jacket or umbrella regardless. Early morning starts help beat the midday heat, when temperatures often reach 35°C/95°F. Stay hydrated. In case of extreme weather, your guide will adjust the itinerary as needed.

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