Siem Reap temples and treasures: sunrise and pink carvings

Sunrise over Angkor Wat is reason enough to visit Siem Reap. Standing in front of the world’s largest religious monument as the sky turns pink and orange is unforgettable. After the crowds dispersed we headed to Banteay Srei, nicknamed the ‘Citadel of Women.’ Its intricately carved rose‑pink sandstone made us feel like we were walking through a fairy tale. The kids traced delicate patterns with their fingers and marveled at the craftsmanship.

We also took a boat through a floating village and visited the Landmine Museum, sparking sobering conversations about Cambodia’s history. Siem Reap isn’t just ancient ruins; it’s a living place of resilience and beauty.

Family travel tip: Start early to beat the heat, hire a tuk‑tuk driver to hop between temples and bring plenty of water and snacks for the kids.

Which temple would you visit first—Angkor Wat or Banteay Srei? If Cambodia is on your family’s wish list, my travel guide has itineraries and context to make your visit meaningful. Altogether, we spent about $396 for the day.