Top Review: Your 2-Day Whirlwind Adventure at Angkor Wat

Planning a trip to Angkor Wat? It is so, very understandable if you’re wondering just how to make the most of your visit. It’s a fairly big place, right? It is almost the size of a town, actually, but that’s probably something you know. This detailed review covers the Small Circuit, Big Circuit, and Banteay Srei. I am hoping to offer helpful insights and recommendations to make your 2-day visit as smooth and as memorable as it should be. Maybe this helps you get planning!

Day 1: The Iconic Small Circuit

Most people start their Angkor adventure with the Small Circuit, and it is so the popular choice. So, get an early start! That dawn experience at Angkor Wat is a must! Find a spot by the reflecting pool – there might be a little bit of a crowd there. It might be worth seeing, though, for the light reflecting off the temple as the sun rises. Like, you will not regret this! I think the early wake-up will be well worth it. Actually, the image that I took has ended up being one of my most treasured travel photos!

Angkor Wat: The place opens at 5:00 AM for sunrise viewing. So, grab a spot. That central tower climb, well that typically opens a little later, right? Around 7:30 AM. The craftsmanship in the bas-reliefs, it just is really incredible, right? Spend some time taking them in!

After you check out Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm, which is maybe most famously known as the “Tomb Raider temple,” will come next. It might get super busy, of course, but it might just be fun, too! Gigantic trees grow out of the temple walls. It almost feels like it has been swallowed by the jungle, yet what a unique vibe!

That final stop is Bayon Temple within Angkor Thom. It is very recognisable because of those giant stone faces. Just like, take your time here and try to imagine what it would have been like centuries ago. Find a guide. I did! Like, mine provided a lot of historical context that very much deepened my experience.

Day 2: Big Circuit and Banteay Srei

Day two sees the Big Circuit and maybe, depending on what time it is, the far away Banteay Srei. Ta Som will be your initial stop! I thought its east gate with the tree growing right over it was like, so picturesque! Get there early, okay? You will find it way quieter!

That next one is Neak Pean. It’s almost like a small island temple on a pretty big artificial lake. Maybe it isn’t something that most people rate very highly, but I guess it provided a calm contrast to the bigger temples.

Preah Khan. This used to be a temple that also was a city. Right? It might be somewhat unrestored, but that just makes it kinda atmospheric and enjoyable, in my opinion.

Banteay Srei: Banteay Srei is a fair bit away, alright? But it’s probably worth the trip, especially if you are a person that’s interested in intricate carvings. Banteay Srei is called the ‘Citadel of Women’. Like, it is quite striking to see how well preserved that pink sandstone is. I have always been the first one to want to have that extra hour to sleep in but honestly? Make the effort for this temple. Just do it. You probably will not regret that. It is more or less universally raved about, so go see it for yourself.

Essential Tips for Your Visit

• Passes: Like, purchase your Angkor Pass ahead of time to miss the ticket queues. That 2-day pass should be more than enough for your plan!
• Transportation: You can go around the area using a tuk-tuk or hire a driver for the two days. Hiring one might be fairly convenient for visiting the more faraway temples, in some respects! It’s actually how I did it!
• Dress Code: Cover your shoulders and knees when going inside temples, you! It might be wise to bring a lightweight scarf or sarong.
• Stay Hydrated: It really does get extremely hot! Make certain you always carry a lot of water. So, buy more when you have the chance.
• Best Times to Visit: Go earlier in the morning or after 3 PM to avoid huge crowds and that seriously brutal heat.

Food, glorious food!

You will get extremely hungry, so don’t stress! Loads of great food is around! So, just like, relax. Siem Reap is just one of those spots with super fantastic dining options. Okay?

• Khmer Cooking Class: Just do it! Learn the regional cuisine while discovering ingredients at the nearby markets! I did a cooking class that was more than just the eating, but about understanding Khmer cooking from locals.
• Traditional Apsara Dance with Dinner: Treat yourself. Have that meal along with an Apsara dance. This combo gives insight to what Cambodian culture has to offer. Okay? A variety of venues and restaurants typically will offer this cultural dining experience. That night, that I did that dinner show thingy was so fun!
• Street Food Tour: Why don’t you discover the Siem Reap flavors! Siem Reap’s night markets, in particular, showcase tons of dishes that give insights into culture through grub. Do it early on your journey; I thought that knowing what dishes there were right away helped to discover those local cuisines better.

Where to Stay in Siem Reap?

Accommodation choice matters! So, I always tell folks to do that well in advance of showing up!

• Luxury Hotels: If it’s something you enjoy, luxury hotels, such as Park Hyatt Siem Reap and Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor. That said, you may get premium amenities like private tours! That option sounds like a no-brainer for those craving pampering experiences. Right?
• Boutique Hotels: Look into The Rose Apple Boutique Hotel or Memoire Palace Resort & Spa; boutique hotels come with classy designs and local touches! You are able to discover Siem Reap in a genuine method that goes beyond just typical hotel stays! The intimate settings add an additional element that really stands out compared to bigger hotel chains in general, too. I like that it helps connect me better with nearby atmosphere when possible!
• Guesthouses and Hostels: Budget tourists who’d like community-oriented settings! Guesthouses just like Onederz Hostel Siem Reap are ideal to meet other travelers and conserve funds for experiences instead. It enables long-term budget travels too while at same giving cultural connection opportunities – essential aspects when really experiencing the spirit of any location abroad! Those social areas just make trips a whole lot easier for interacting personally when sightseeing gets boring!.

Is Two Days Really Enough?

Spending only two days at Angkor might seem extremely short. But with the correct plan and maybe some focused effort, it lets you experience key parts like its cultural legacy while nevertheless taking in various famous places from each circuit!

Common questions about Angkor Wat