Explore Angkor Wat in Three Relaxing Days

The classic Angkor Wat itinerary involves three circuits, often characterized by intense sun exposure and long walks. However, by strategically planning the sequence over three days, you can make the experience much more enjoyable. On the first day, start with the small circuit to visit the most iconic sites. By the second day, when your legs are tired, head to the outer circuit to make the most of the travel time to rest. On the third day, wake up early to catch the sunrise, and explore the grand circuit at your own pace. Detailed Itinerary: Day 1 - Small Circuit Morning: Angkor Thom Area South Gate of Angkor Thom Bayon Temple Phimeanakas Terrace of the Elephants Chau Say Tevoda Thommanon Temple Bayon Temple is breathtaking; take your time to appreciate it. The famous "Smile of Angkor" is here, and the carvings on the outer stones depict scenes of daily life. Phimeanakas is tall, so climb carefully. The Terrace of the Elephants is impressive, and the last two temples are small and can be skipped if time is tight. Afternoon: Angkor Wat Area Prasat Kravan Angkor Wat Phnom Bakheng Sunset Prasat Kravan is small and peaceful, perfect for relaxing under the trees. Angkor Wat is a must-visit; hiring a guide can enhance your understanding. Local guides who speak excellent Chinese are available for about $20 for 1.5-2 hours. Note that the third level is closed on certain lunar days. Watching "The Beauty of Angkor" beforehand is highly recommended to make your visit more meaningful. The sunset at Phnom Bakheng is beautiful; allow 20 minutes to climb up. On my visit, clouds obscured the sun before it fully set, but the red sun was still stunning. Day 2 - Outer Circuit On the second day, instead of following the usual itinerary to the grand circuit, head to the outer circuit. This is a wise choice because the first day is exhausting, and the outer circuit has fewer sites, allowing more time to rest during travel. Morning: Banteay Srei Beng Mealea Banteay Srei may not leave a strong impression, but its intricate carvings are among the finest. Beng Mealea is a unique temple, coexisting with large trees, full of historical charm and vitality. It's a large temple, requiring a long walk, and is my personal favorite. Afternoon: Bakong Temple, which is very sunny and can be skipped if time is limited. Day 3 - Grand Circuit Angkor Wat Sunrise Ta Prohm Pre Rup Srah Srang Preah Khan The main highlight is the sunrise at Angkor Wat. Check the sunrise time and leave early to avoid crowds. Ta Prohm, surrounded by ancient trees and featured in "Tomb Raider," is worth a thorough visit. The other sites can be visited based on your energy levels, as by the third day, you might experience some visual fatigue. #AngkorWatTravel #AngkorWatTravelGuide #AngkorWatTravelJournal