We usually recommend having your earliest day first as you may be too tired after three days of exploring later on. However, if you have had a long journey to Siem Reap and need the first day to recover, you may want to do “Day 3” of the itinerary first, as that is the easiest day. Otherwise, your day begins at the absolutely must-see for most; sunrise at Angkor Wat Temple. If you are a photographer, you will want to be there before 4:45am, perhaps even as early at 4:40am. The temple opens at 5am, but there is limited space at the pond in front of the temple and people get there early to get their spot. We arrived at 4:40am and beat a large group by mere seconds. Being first meant that we could get what we considered the perfect reflection and establish our tripod space. If you are not a photographer, check the sunrise time and try to arrive at least 20 minutes before.

Ta Prohm Temple is the second most popular temple in Angkor Wat, thanks largely to its reputation as the “Tomb Raider temple.” It is famous for the ancient trees and root systems growing right out of the temple. Ta Prohm does not open until 7:30am, but I recommend arriving at least 10-15 minutes early to stay in front of the crowds. This will allow you to get your photos and walk the grounds without other people in your shots. It is also the nicest light for your photos. If you get there at opening as recommended, you’ll have time to explore at a leisurely place and get to the next stop ahead of the crowd.

Though similar to Ta Prohm, Banteay Kdei is much smaller, more peaceful, and quieter. There is a spot near the front entrance with a massive tree and root system growing over the outer wall, which was my favourite view of the temple.

For those of you who like to pack it all in, your next stops will be Ta Keo and Bayon temples. The advantage to visiting these two on your first day is that you will free up your third day to allow you to venture to some of the more remote temples. If you do not see them now, you will visit them on Day 3