Day trip Phnom Penh to Siem Reap & Return back

Highlights

Inclusions

Itinerary

1. Leaving early morning from your hotels in Phnom Penh to Siem Reap by private car with English speaking driver.

   6 h

2. After an enchanting five‑hour drive, we arrive in Siem Reap and begin our visit at the magnificent Angkor Wat. Built by King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century as a Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu, it spans an incredible 162.6 hectares—making it the largest religious monument on earth. Nestled within a vast moat, its five lotus‑bud towers symbolize Mount Meru, sacred in Hindu cosmology. As we explore, intricately carved bas-reliefs depicting Hindu epics and nearly 2,000 unique apsara dancers amaze us. This majestic temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a breathtaking glimpse into Cambodia’s spiritual and architectural legacy.

   2 hAdmission included

3. After your enriching visit to Angkor Wat, the driver will escort you to the renowned Angkor Thom complex, home to the iconic Bayon Temple. This extraordinary site, built in the late 12th century by King Jayavarman VII, is celebrated for its mesmerizing structure of 54 towers, each featuring four serene smiling faces—totaling 216 gazing sculptures that evoke mystery and reverence. As you wander through the courtyard and ascend its labyrinthine corridors, you’ll be captivated by the fusion of Buddhist and Hindu symbolism. Bayon’s architectural genius and spiritual ambiance offer a truly unforgettable experience in Siem Reap.

   1 hAdmission included

4. Next, your driver will take you to the enchanting Ta Prohm Temple—famously known as the “Tomb Raider Temple.” Nestled amid the jungle, this 12th‑century temple is remarkable for its giant silk‑cotton and strangler fig trees, whose vast roots weave through crumbling stone, often enveloping doorways and towers. Originally built as a Mahayana Buddhist monastery by King Jayavarman VII and dedicated to his mother, it was left largely unrestored to preserve its atmospheric fusion of architecture and nature. The centerpiece is the iconic “Tomb Raider tree,” made famous by the 2001 film. Wandering its shadowy corridors, you’ll experience one of Angkor’s most mystical sites.

   1 hAdmission included

5. The final temple on the itinerary is Banteay Kdei, a peaceful and less crowded site rich in history and charm. After exploring this ancient temple, we take a relaxing lunch break at a local restaurant along the beautiful Royal Pool, known as Srah Srang. This tranquil setting offers a perfect spot to unwind and enjoy traditional Cambodian cuisine. Following lunch, we begin our journey back to Phnom Penh, reflecting on the incredible experiences and sights from the day. It’s a wonderful way to end the tour, with lasting memories of Siem Reap’s unique cultural and historical treasures.

   30 minAdmission included

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.

Reviews

Ratings come from 12 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.

Know before you go

How it compares in Phnom Penh

• Its from-price is 113% above the median of the 39 day trips we list in Phnom Penh.
• It is longer than most of them.
• By number of reviews it ranks 6 of 39.
• The operator lists free cancellation on it.

About Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh is Cambodia's riverside capital, where a gilded royal palace, French-era boulevards and markets sit beside memorials to the Khmer Rouge years.

The Royal Palace, with its tall pointed spires, and the neighbouring Silver Pagoda, whose floor is laid with silver tiles, stand close to the riverfront promenade where the Mekong and Tonlé Sap meet. Wat Phnom, a small hill temple, gave the city its name, and the National Museum, in a red Khmer-style building, holds a major collection of Angkorian sculpture. Art Deco Central Market and the busy Russian Market are good places to wander.

Top-ranked sights in Phnom Penh: Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21), Choeung Ek Genocidal Center (Choeung Ek Killing Fields), Royal Palace.

See all 573 experiences in Phnom Penh