Itinerary for 3 days to Cambodia: The Ancient Wonders

Cambodia is a country full of old wonders, where temples and monuments have tales of past glory. July is a great month to see one of these historic treasures, as it is much greener with fewer people than other times of the year.

Highlights 

1. Angkor Wat: 

• Temple Complex: The magnificent Angkor Wat boasts of being both the largest religious monument in the entire world and of possessing stunning architecture as well as detailed bas-reliefs. 
• Sunrise Views: Seeing is believing—well, something that stands true when one looks at Angkor Wat during sunrise. 

2. Bayon Temple: 

• Faces of Bayon: Referring to the faces of Avalokiteshvara with 216 smiles throughout 54 towers on this temple. 
• Central Angkor Thom: This is deep inside the historic city center of Angkor Thom. Laracroft Tomb Raider was starred in.

3. Ta Prohm: 

• Visit the magical Ta Prohm temple

Travelogue

Nothing on Earth is as grand as Angkor Wat, where the clear skies over its distinctive towers at sunrise will always be remembered with fondness. Bayon Temple’s unfathomable faces make it an aesthetic tragedy even as it remains splendid in some way, and Ta Prohm’s wreckage is known for its sense of exploration. In fact, at every temple in Cambodia, there are stories to be told, which makes this country a genuinely magical place.

Itinerary for 3 days in Cambodia — Travelogue:

Day 1: Angkor Wat — The Grandeur of the Khmer Empire

Commence your adventure from Siem Reap, which is the main entry point for the majestic temple complex of Angkor Wat. Wake up early to see the sun’s first beams shining on the famous tops of Angkor Wat, a view that will definitely awe you. Visit the temple’s huge compound, enjoying the detailed carvings as well as bas-reliefs, and considering the enormity of this beautiful architectural design.

Imagine what a hustle and bustle there was when the temple served as the center of the entire Khmer Empire several years ago. Appreciate the most outstanding aspects that make up this temple, recognized as a famous heritage center by all the people in the world. UNESCO is in no hurry to list any other site but Angkor Wat so far.

In the afternoon, visit the nearby Angkor Thom, the ancient fortified city that served as the capital of the Khmer Empire. Admire the imposing gates and the serene Bayon Temple, with its enigmatic stone faces gazing out over the landscape.

Day 2: Bayon Temple

Get up early and head to Bayon Temple to see the sunrise and explore the small details, such as the huge faces and bas-reliefs.

Later in the morning, visit the Terrace of the Elephants and Terrace of the Leper King.

Lunch, then Baphuon Temple and Phimeanakas early in the afternoon.

Later in the afternoon, do Preah Palilay and Tep Pranam. Return to Bayon Temple for sunset views of the changing light on stone faces.

Day 3: Ta Prohm — The Mystique of the Jungle Temples

Visit the magical Ta Prohm temple, which is mostly overgrown by the surrounding jungle. Be impressed by how the temple debris has been covered by big tree roots, and this has helped to create a supernatural and spiritual feeling that has kept on attracting people over time.

As you wander about the immense pathways and broken structures, picture the scope this area had a few centuries ago. This was a busy Buddhist monastery then. Despite its slow change, Ta Prohm has remained with some of its complex designs and concealed sections.

Experience Ta Prohm’s quiet, contemplative mood and let it take you back to an earlier period.

Let me revise and generate a more streamlined version of the path you want to follow: 

Day 1: Arrival and Angkor Wat

8:00 am: Arrival at international airport, Siam Reap

10:00 am: Visit the temple complex at Angkor Wat—the biggest religious building ever constructed. Explore the intricate bas-reliefs and stunning architecture.

12:00 pm: Have lunch at a local restaurant.

2:00 pm: Continue exploring Angkor Wat and watch the sunset over the temple.

6:00 pm: Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 2: Bayon Temple

5:30 am – 7:00 am: Early Morning Call 
Wake up early to see the rising sun over Bayon Temple.
Head to the South Gate of Angkor Thom at around 5:30 am
Watch the sunrise illuminate the mysterious faces of Bayon

Morning (7:00 AM – 10:00 AM).
Pay a proper visit to Bayon Temple.
Witness the mysterious 216 giant smiling faces on the 54 towers of the temple.
See the magnificent bas-reliefs lining the walls depicting historic events and scenes of everyday life.

Late Morning: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Visit the Terrace of the Elephants
See the Terrace of the Leper King
Take a short walk around the surrounding area of the Royal Palace

Lunch Break: 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM
Return to Siem Reap for lunch, or take a picnic lunch near the temples.

Early Afternoon: 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM
See Baphuon Temple-a massive three-tiered temple mountain
Visit Phimeanakas, a small pyramid temple within the enclosure of the Royal Palace.

From 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM during the middle afternoon: visit Preah Palilay, an equally impressive, less crowded place. Visit Tep Pranam, a Buddhist temple with a big statue of Buddha inside.

Late afternoon from 5:00 to 6:30 PM: Catch Bayon Temple when sunsets. Shoot the stone faces with changed light toward the end of the day.

Day 3: Ta Prohm and Departure

9:00 pm: Take a look at the temple of Ta Phrom.

12:00 pm: Have lunch at a local restaurant.

2:00 pm: Continue exploring Ta Prohm and take a moment to admire the large trees and roots engulfing the temple ruins.

4:00 pm: Return to Siem Reap International Airport for your departure.

Frequently Asked Questions by Tourists: 

• When is the best time to travel to Cambodia? 

That’s a moot point. Cambodia’s rainy months are in June through August, and it’s the low season as per tourism. At this time, when there are few people around, one would say these are prime times for visiting Cambodian ancient temples. Just brace yourself for the rain that could come at any time within these three months, then there is no better period than this one for touring Angkor Wat, Bayon Temple, and Ta Prohm. 

• Using basic stuff, what should I carry if I want to visit Cambodia’s ancient temples? 

You should take with you light clothes which allow the body to breathe. Comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen and a water bottle should be in your bag. A small backpack can be the best thing to have for your personal things.

• For Cambodia, which ancient temples should we place first? 

Angkor Wat, Bayon Temple, and Ta Prohm are best positioned as the top ancient temples to visit in Cambodia. In more detail, these places give passengers an insight into the glory and past of the Khmer Kingdom, and so they should not be missed by any tourist around the country. The essence of hiring a private driver or taking a guided tour is that you can save time and get to the main attractions quickly.

Prepare to enter an unforgettable journey on the ancient marvels of Cambodia, where the unique wilderness of each temple and ruin echoes the story of an extraordinary past. In this itinerary for 3 days in Cambodia, we take you into the country’s architectural wonders, cultural heritage of the past, and rich serene beauty. These offer even more reasons for its enchantment as an adventurous destination spent amidst our planet’s secrets.