3-Day Angkor Wat & Tonlé Sap Tour from Siem Reap

Summary

Discover Ancient Temples & Floating Villages in Siem Reap

You’ll explore Cambodia’s famous temples with a local guide who knows all the hidden details—from floating villages on Tonlé Sap Lake to sunrise at Angkor Wat and tangled roots at Ta Prohm. This tour gives you time to soak it all in without feeling rushed.

What’s the experience like?

The air felt thick and a bit sweet when we landed in Siem Reap—almost like the city was holding its breath. Our guide, Dara, met us right outside baggage claim with a big grin and cold bottled water (trust me, you’ll want it). After a quick check-in at the hotel, we headed out to Tonlé Sap Lake. The boat ride was slow and steady; kids waved from floating houses painted in faded blues and reds. There’s this gentle hum of motors and the smell of grilled fish drifting over the water. I’d never seen a market on a raft before—vendors selling fruit from their boats, calling out to each other as they passed by.

The next morning started early—sunrise is when Angkor feels most alive. We entered Angkor Thom through its massive south gate; those stone faces staring down at you are something else. Dara pointed out carvings I’d have missed: tiny apsaras dancing along the walls, some worn smooth by centuries of rain. Inside Bayon Temple, it’s easy to get turned around among all those towers with smiling faces. He told us about King Jayavarman VII and how he built this place for his people—not just for gods.

By afternoon, we finally reached Angkor Wat itself. It’s huge up close—way bigger than any photo shows. Monks in orange robes walked quietly along the galleries while tourists snapped photos of bas-reliefs telling old Hindu stories. Later on, we wandered through Ta Prohm where tree roots snake around ancient stones; it’s quiet except for birds and the occasional squeak of cicadas. Dara let us linger for photos—no rush—which I really appreciated.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Arrival and Tonlé Sap Boat Trip

• Boat trip on Tonlé Sap Lake

Day 2 — Angkor Thom and Angkor Wat Tour

• Visit Angkor Thom and Bayon Temple
• Photograph Ta Prohm temple roots
• Explore Angkor Wat

Day 3 — Leisure and Departure

• Free leisure time
• Transfer to airport

Top questions

Is this tour suitable for older travelers or those not very fit?

Yes, most parts are accessible and there’s plenty of time to rest between stops. However, some temple steps can be steep or uneven.

Will there be an English-speaking guide?

Absolutely! Your guide speaks English well and shares lots of local stories along the way.

How long is the boat ride on Tonlé Sap Lake?

The boat trip usually lasts about 1–2 hours depending on water levels and village activity.

Are meals included?

No meals are included but your guide can recommend good local spots nearby each site.

What’s included

Your tour includes all entry fees for temples and Tonlé Sap Lake, bottled water throughout the day, an English-speaking local guide who knows every shortcut, plus comfortable air-conditioned transport between sites.