Siem Reap is a city that practically wears its ancient temples on its sleeve. With Angkor Wat as the crown jewel and a landscape dotted with lesser-known ruins, floating villages, and lush national parks, it’s a place where three days can be filled with awe-inspiring sights and authentic encounters. Whether you’re a history lover eager to explore every corner of Angkor or a nature enthusiast ready for boat rides on Tonle Sap, Siem Reap offers a variety of well-curated 3-day tours to suit your interests. We especially enjoyed tours that combine major temples with off-the-beaten-path experiences, such as visiting Kulen Mountain or floating villages, for a well-rounded trip.
For those looking for detailed itineraries and knowledgeable guides, the options include private tours with flexible schedules and small-group adventures that maximize your time without feeling rushed. One standout is the From Siem Reap: Angkor Wat and Floating Village 3-Day Trip—a great choice for travelers wanting a comprehensive experience with local insights. But whatever your style, these tours are designed to make your three days in Siem Reap memorable and stress-free.
Quick Overview of the Best 3-Day Tours in Siem Reap
Below is a curated list of top-rated tours, each offering a unique way to discover Angkor and surrounding attractions. From classic temple circuits to private explorations and even rural adventures, each tour focuses on specific highlights: some include sunrise visits, jungle temples, floating villages, or combined cultural and natural experiences. Many tours are private or small-group, ensuring personalized attention, while prices range from budget-friendly options to exclusive, fully customized experiences. Now, let’s dive into each.
1. From Siem Reap: Angkor Wat and Floating Village 3-Day Trip
At number 1 on our list, this 3-day tour offers a broad exploration of the highlights and some hidden spots, making it an excellent choice for first-timers. The tour includes visits to Banteay Srei, Beng Mealea, and Temple Sap, with a detailed guide explaining the history behind each ruin. The itinerary also covers Angkor Wat with sunrise viewing, along with a trip to Tonle Sap Lake and its floating villages—an eye-opening look at local life on water. While accommodation isn’t included, the tour provides airport pickup and drop-off, along with water and towels to keep you comfortable. The reviews emphasize the professionalism of the guides and the balanced mix of major sites and quieter temples, like Banteay Srei. Priced at $165 per person, it’s a solid value, especially if you want a rundown with some insider tips.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who want an all-in-one experience with expert guidance and flexibility, focusing on the most iconic sites plus the floating villages.
2. 3-Day Angkor Wat with All Interesting Major Temples, Banteay Srei & Beng Mealea
Number 2 on our list is a private tour that takes the stress out of navigating Siem Reap’s roads. For $246 per person, you get private transport and a guide to explore the UNESCO-listed Angkor Archaeological Complex over three days. It includes a sunrise at Angkor Wat, visits to Ta Prohm, with its famous tree roots, and Beng Mealea, jungle overgrown and almost lost in time. The tour’s highlights include Phnom Bakheng sunset and the grand Roulos temples, perfect for photographers. Guests praise the personalized commentary and the convenience of hotel transfers. The flexibility of this tour makes it suitable for those who prefer a tailored experience without rushing through major sights.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers seeking a private, hassle-free experience with deep insights into Cambodia’s temples and some scenic stops.
3. 3-Day Angkor Wat & All Interesting Major Temples & Kulen Mount Waterfall
Number 3 blends temple exploration with natural beauty, costing around $233.50. The tour starts with Angkor Wat, then ventures into Phnom Kulen National Park—famous for its Reclining Buddha and waterfalls—adding a refreshing outdoor element to your temple tour. The itinerary also includes Preah Khan, a sprawling monastic complex, and a boat ride to the floating village of Kampong Phluk. Guests love the balance of cultural sights and outdoor adventures. The guide provides detailed explanations, and the tour is suitable for active travelers who don’t mind a bit of walking and boat riding.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those who want a mix of temples, waterfalls, and river life—a bit of everything in three days.
4. Best of Siem Reap 3-Day Private Tour to Angkor Wat & Tonle Sap
This private tour (costing $160.26 per person) offers a deep dive into both Angkor and Tonle Sap Lake. Over two days, you explore the core temples and venture outside the main complex to quieter sites like Kleang village, with a boat trip included. The third day is focused on Tonle Sap, visiting a floating village. Guests appreciate the personalized itinerary and the convenience of private, air-conditioned transport. It’s especially well-suited for travelers wanting to avoid crowds and enjoy flexible scheduling. The tour emphasizes insider access to lesser-known sites, making it a good fit for curious travelers keen on authentic experiences.
Bottom Line: Excellent for those who want an intimate, flexible, and comprehensive look at Angkor and rural Cambodia.
5. Private Siem Reap 3 Day Tour Discover All Highlight Angkor Temple
Number 5 focuses on a personalized experience with a private guide and vehicle for $253.65. It covers Preah Ko, Bakong, and the Angkor Thom complex, with an emphasis on Cambodia’s royal and religious history. The tour is flexible, allowing you to skip or add sites based on your interests, and includes early morning sunrise at Angkor Wat. Guests loved the tailored approach, with the guide sharing extensive knowledge about the temples’ history and architecture.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers looking for a customized and in-depth exploration of Cambodia’s ancient sites.
6. 3 Days Siem Reap Explorer – Small Group
This small group tour (costing only $129) is a fantastic choice for travelers who prefer more personal interaction. Over three days, you’ll see Angkor Wat at sunrise, Tonle Sap, and Phare Circus for a taste of Cambodian culture. It’s ideal if you want a more intimate experience and enjoy hearing local stories firsthand. The group size guarantees personalized attention, and the itinerary includes key temples and cultural shows.
Bottom Line: Great for budget-conscious travelers who value small-group intimacy and cultural experiences beyond temples.
7. 3-Day Tour (Unforgettable Angkor Temple Complex, Banteay Srei & Floating Village)
Number 7 offers a flexible private tour that emphasizes hidden gems and allows you to choose what to visit. Starting with Ta Prohm and Banteay Srei, the tour proceeds to Pre Rup and Kbal Spean with its river carvings. At $179, it’s good value for travelers wanting to customize their experience. Guests highlight the insider tips for finding quieter temples and the opportunity to meet local Khmer people.
Bottom Line: Suitable for travelers wanting a personalized, relaxed tour with options to customize.
8. 3-Day Tour (The Historical of Khmer Empire)
For history enthusiasts, this luxury private tour ($199.50) concentrates on major sites like Angkor Thom, Banteay Srei, and Koh Ker. The guide shares in-depth stories about the Khmer Empire’s history and the construction of these monuments. Guests note the professionalism and extensive knowledge of the guide, making this tour particularly engaging.
Bottom Line: Best suited for history buffs who want detailed insights and a comfortable, private experience.
9. Angkor Wat & Floating Village 3-Day Private Tour
This private tour ($198.98) emphasizes cultural depth. It includes visits to Ta Prohm, Bayon, and Angkor Wat, with a special focus on dinner with a cultural performance. The third day adds Preah Khan and Kbal Spean. Reviewers like the knowledgeable guides and the balanced mix of temples and cultural activities. You can customize the trip slightly, ideal for travelers wanting both history and local culture.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those wanting a comprehensive, culturally rich experience with a private touch.
10. 3-Day ‘Temples & Tonle Sap’ Tour
Number 10 offers a value-packed itinerary for $156.93 that combines Angkor temples and the floating villages on Tonle Sap. The tour includes the Bayon and Baphuon, with a boat ride to Kampong Phluk. Reviewers praise its efficient logistics and well-rounded itinerary. It’s suitable for travelers who want to see the most important temples and experience Cambodian water life.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers who want to see both temples and floating villages.
11. 3 Days | Angkor Temples & Phnom Kulen Tour
Number 11 combines temple touring with natural scenery, including Phnom Kulen and Banteay Srei. The tour costs $250 and offers mountain waterfalls, river carvings, and ruins. Guests appreciate the less crowded temples and outdoor activities. Suitable for active travelers eager for a mix of history and nature.
Bottom Line: Best for those who want a comprehensive cultural and outdoor experience.
12. 3 Days Siem Reap Explorer – Small Group
A repeat of tour #6, this small group tour is oriented toward travelers seeking personalized, in-depth explorations. At $129, it’s accessible and includes a sunrise at Angkor Wat and Phare Circus. The small group size allows for a more relaxed experience and direct interaction with guides.
Bottom Line: Great for travelers wanting a personalized, cultural visit with a friendly atmosphere.
13. 3 Days Private tour in Angkor Wat
At $194.03 per person, this private tour zeroes in on the most visually stunning temples like Bayon, Ta Prohm, and Banteay Srei. The guides are praised for their detailed explanations and ability to adapt to your pace. Ideal for travelers who want to avoid large groups and enjoy customized schedules.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those wanting private, detailed insight into Cambodia’s most famous temples.
14. Special Three Days Angkor Tour
This fully guided tour at $110 offers a comprehensive overview of Angkor, including dozens of temples and scenic spots. As local guides are trained in licensed touring, they promise a reliable and memorable experience. It covers major sites and some less-visited temples, making it flexible and thorough.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers who want a cost-effective, well-rounded tour with local expertise.
15. 3-Day Angkor Wat Tour with Kulen Mountain & Floating Village
Last but not least, this tour ($139) combines Angkor Wat, Kulen Mountain, and floating village visits. It offers sunrise and sunset moments, along with river carvings and local countryside exploration. Reviewers mention the excellent guides and well-organized schedule. It’s suited for travelers wanting diverse experiences in just three days.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those seeking a balanced mix of temples, nature, and local life.
How to Choose Your Perfect Siem Reap 3-Day Tour
When selecting your tour, consider your budget, interests, and physical activity level. For instance, if you’re a history buff, tours focusing on Khmer Empire sites like the Historical of Khmer Empire might be your best pick. If you prefer private, customizable experiences, look at tours like the 3-Day Angkor Wat with All Interesting Major Temples. For those eager to combine cultural sights and outdoor adventures, tours that include Kulen Mountain or floating villages will satisfy that craving.
Booking early is recommended, especially during the high tourist season (November to February), to secure your preferred dates and guides.
Final Thoughts
From comprehensive guided adventures to luxury private tours, Siem Reap offers a variety of ways to explore the temples and surrounding sights over three days. For travelers with a tight schedule or budget, small-group tours like Siem Reap Explorer deliver excellent value. If you want a personalized experience, private tours such as Best of Siem Reap will give you more flexibility and in-depth insights.
Whatever your style, these tours will help you make the most of your time in Siem Reap. Early booking is wise to secure the best guides and avoid the crowds—these experiences are popular for good reason. Happy temple hopping!