Where I Stayed & How Long
Cambodia was a short but focused stop on my trip.
After Vietnam, I flew into Siem Reap with one clear intention: seeing Angkor Wat. I didn’t try to turn it into something bigger or rush through multiple places. Instead, I stayed in once location and let the experience unfold from there.
And honestly, that felt like the right approach.
Siem Reap (4 nights)
I recommend at least 4 nights in Siem Reap.
It gives you enough time to explore Angkor Wat and the surrounding temples without rushing, while still having space to enjoy the city itself and recover from the heat.
Accommodation: The Community, Siem Reap (€ 144 for 4 nights)
The place felt like a small retreat.
Tucked away from the busier streets, it had a calm, relaxed atmosphere that made it easy to switch off after long, hot days exploring temples.
What I loved:
the clean, spacious room
a pool area (although a bit small, but I didn’t mind)
very friendly and helpful english-speaking staff
tuk-tuk drivers right outside the hotel at all times
The tuk-tuks were one of the biggest advantages. Getting into the city center was quick and cost around $!, and for temple days, I simply arranged a driver for a few hours via the hotel to take me from one site to the next.
It made everything feel easy and seamless.
My Experience
Even though I only stayed for a few days, it didn’t feel rushed.
Mornings were for temples or exploring the city, starting early to avoid crowds and the midday heat.
Afternoons were slower, usually back at the hotel or at a coffee shop writing.
Siem Reap has a different energy than you might expect.
It’s not just a gateway to Angkor Wat, it’s a place where you can actually settle in for a few days, find a rhythm, and enjoy the slower moments in between.
My Recommendation:
If Angkor Wat is your main reason for visiting Cambodia, don’t underestimate how much better the experience is when you give yourself time.
You don’t need to rush in and out.
A few extra nights make all the difference, not just for the temples, but for how the whole place feels.
I had originally planned to visit Tonlé Sap Lake, but after speaking to a few locals and other travelers, I decided to skip it. Many said it’s become quite touristy and doesn’t feel authentic anymore, and honestly, I wasn’t in the mood for another day trip at that point.
Instead, something that came up a few times was Phnom Kale National Park. It’s about a 1.5 to 2-hour drive from Siem Reap, so I didn’t end up going this time, but it’s definitely on mu list for next time.