Siem Reap and Angkor: how many days and how to fit it in
Siem Reap and Angkor in a wider Cambodia trip: how many days, Angkor pass prices, the new airport, where to stay and how to continue onward.
Angkor Wat at sunrise
Researched from published sources
In short
Give Angkor two or three full days and stay in Siem Reap, ideally near the river or on the side of town closest to the temples. Passes cost US$37, 62 or 72 for 1, 3 or 7 days from the official seller. The new airport is about 45 km from town, and Phnom Penh is about 316 km away by road, which shapes how you connect to the rest of Cambodia.
Angkor is the reason most people come to Cambodia, and it deserves its reputation: hundreds of temples spread through forest north of Siem Reap, from the scale of Angkor Wat to the stone faces of the Bayon and the root-wrapped walls of Ta Prohm. The planning questions are simpler than they look, but a few of them are new.
How long to stay
Two full temple days is the right minimum for most travelers, three for those who like to go slowly. With arrival and departure, that means three nights in Siem Reap. More than four nights is usually better spent elsewhere in Cambodia.
Passes and hours
Angkor passes are sold only by the official seller, Angkor Enterprise, online, through its app or at the ticket office. Several 2026 guides report prices of US$37 for one day, US$62 for three days and US$72 for seven days, with children under 12 free; they disagree on how long multi-day passes stay valid, so check the official site. Reported opening hours are from 5:00 at Angkor Wat and 6:00 to 18:30 at most temples. Dress with shoulders and knees covered.
A licensed guide makes a real difference on a first visit; see Angkor with a licensed guide.
The new airport
Siem Reap Angkor International Airport, which replaced the old airport near town, is about 45 km from the centre, roughly an hour by car. An official shuttle bus and taxis run to the centre. Older guides describing a short ride from the old airport are out of date. Avoid planning a temple visit on the afternoon you land.
Where to stay
Siem Reap is compact. The quieter streets near the river and on the north side of town, towards the temples, suit most travelers; the area around Pub Street is lively and noisy at night. Comfort ranges from guesthouses to large resorts.
Where to go next
- Phnom Penh: about 316 km by road, roughly 5.5 to 6 hours by bus, or a short flight. See Phnom Penh.
- The wild east: via Phnom Penh or Kratie to Mondulkiri for gibbons and elephants.
- The south coast: via Phnom Penh to Kampot and Kep or the islands.
Overland travel to Thailand is not possible while the land crossings are suspended.
Questions travelers ask
How many days do I need for Angkor?
Two full days covers the major temples without rushing; three adds outlying temples and a slower sunrise. Plan three nights in Siem Reap so flights do not eat into temple time.
How far is the new Siem Reap airport from town?
Siem Reap Angkor International Airport is about 45 km from the centre, roughly an hour by car. An airport shuttle bus runs to town, and taxis cost more but are faster and door to door.
What is the best way from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh?
By road it is about 316 km: a bus takes roughly 5.5 to 6 hours and a private car is a little faster. Flights also run between the two cities; check current schedules, and remember both airports are some distance from town.
Can I cross overland from Siem Reap to Thailand?
Not at present. The Cambodia-Thailand land crossings are suspended, according to the UK government. Fly instead.
Sources and checks
Time-sensitive details on this page (prices, schedules, travel times, access) were last checked against the sources below on 12 October 2026. They change, so any proposal reconfirms them with the provider first.
- Angkor Enterprise: official Angkor ticket seller
- Hello Angkor: ticket prices and opening hours (updated February 2026)
- Siem Reap.net: Siem Reap Angkor International Airport (August 2026)
- Move to Cambodia: Phnom Penh to Siem Reap transport (2026)
- UK FCDO travel advice for Cambodia
- OpenStreetMap routing (road distances)
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