Quick Info

Length of Stay: 4 days, 3 nights

Flights: Vietnam Airlines

Accommodation: Anantara Angkor in Siem Reap

Sights Visited: Angkor Wat, Bayon Temple, Ta Prohm, Banteay Samre Temple, Wat Preah Prom Rath, Preah Khan Temple, local village, Fair Trade Village in Siem Reap

Tours: Arranged by our hotel to include transportation and a private guide

Month Traveled: November

Average Temps: High 80’s and very humid

Currency: Cambodian Riel (though many places will accept the USD)

Visa: Visa required, complete online in advance

Angkor Wat: Pre-purchase tickets for multiple days; tickets include many of the surrounding temples

Dress: Legs and shoulders must be covered when entering all temple grounds

In November of 2023, we took advantage of a long weekend. We flew down to Cambodia as Angkor Wat has been on our Asia travel bucket list since arriving in Korea. We had thought about combining it with our Vietnam trip in the spring, but with all the stops we had on that trip, we decided to make a separate trip just for Cambodia. We spent four days in Siem Reap exploring Angkor Wat and surrounding temples with our toddlers.

This was not a budget trip in any way. My husband surprised us with upgraded Business Class tickets for our flights with Vietnam Airlines, and we opted to splurge on our lodging (which, to be honest, was still a great deal). We stayed at Anantara Angkor in a family suite with our private pool, which was a fantastic choice. The service, accommodations, meals, and spa treatments were phenomenal from start to end. My worries about staying there with two small toddlers on the loose were assuaged by the accommodating staff, who were always quick with a smile and helping hand.

*Our family at Angkor Wat in November 2023*

Through the hotel, we opted to pay a nominal fee to utilize their concierge visa service on arrival (before it was done online). We landed and were greeted in customs by a gentleman who handled our visa paperwork while our children ran wild through the newly opened Siem Reap-Angkor International. The new airport is a bit farther outside of Siem Reap than the old location, so our ride to the hotel was about 30 minutes, looking out over green landscapes and grazing cows.

We enjoyed dinner prepared at our table and a wine pairing for each course on our first evening. After a good night's rest, we set out with our guide, Sreyneang, who took us to Angkor Wat and several other notable temples nearby, including Ta Prohm, which is famous for its for old trees that have roots that stand out around the temple and was a filming site for Lara Croft: Tomb Raider.

Angkor Wat is unbelievable in person. Its sheer size and architecture will leave you in awe while you wander this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Angkor is one of Southeast Asia's most important archeological sites, preserving the capitals of Khmer Empires dating as far back as the 12th century. Intricate carvings and sculptures are everywhere, with many Budda statues missing heads. In the 1970s, the Khmer Rouge inflicted mass genocide on the country and stole many antiquities and statues to pay for their arms. However, some of the art had been previously pillaged. It's still so hard to fathom that period in Cambodia's history with such an enormous loss of life, and seeing these ancient works of art desecrated is heartbreaking.

After a quick nap time for the kids and a pool break for the adults we continued our tour. With each temple, we continued to be amazed at the detail of these ancient structures. We returned to our hotel exhausted and ready for dinner. That evening, we dined outdoors and were treated to a traditional dance show with another exquisite meal. The food in Cambodia was a highlight for both of us; so much flavor and fresh veggies in everything, and bonus, it wasn’t terribly spicy for my weenie self.

The next day, we ventured to Banteay Samre temple and a local village in the morning, then spent the afternoon taking turns using our included spa treatments and relaxing at the pool. On our last day in Siem Reap, I went back to Angkor Wat to watch the sunrise, then we took a local tuk-tuk driver and saw some local sites around Siem Reap. Our favorite was the artisans working at the Fair Trade Village, and we picked up a few things to take home with us. If we had more time, I would have loved to see the floating village which is only accessible by boat. If you are planning a trip to Siem Reap, make sure you check that out!

Though our trip to Cambodia was short, it was undeniably sweet. Every moment was memorable, from the warmth of the people to the incredible cuisine and the stunning historic architecture that has stood the test of time for centuries.

Above: Artisans working in the Fair Trade Village Siemp Reap

One highlight of our stay was Anantara Angkor—an experience I can 100% recommend (and no, this isn't a sponsored endorsement!). From the moment we checked in to the day we left, the staff provided exceptional service, making our stay truly memorable. And the food, did I mention the incredible food?!

If you're planning a visit, I suggest going in November or December when the weather is more comfortable. Is Cambodia on your travel list?

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