Exploring Siem Reap: Angkor Wat and Beng Mealea

About This Trip

This private guided tour of Siem Reap takes you through the ancient Angkor ruins, local traditions, and hidden natural treasures. Explore Angkor Thom, visiting highlights such as Bayon Temple and the Terrace of the Elephants. Admire the impressive stone carvings and grand architecture of Angkor Wat. Wander through the overgrown ruins of Beng Mealea, feeling like you’ve stepped into the world of Tomb Raider. Take a bike ride through other parts of the Angkor complex to discover Banteay Srei and the enigmatic Ta Prohm Temple. Conclude with a cruise on Tonle Sap Lake’s floating villages and a refreshing dip in Koulen Mountain’s waterfalls, soaking in Cambodia’s untouched landscapes.

Summary

DAY

PLACE

HIGHLIGHTS

1 - 6

Siem Reap

Day 1: Arrival
Day 2: Angkor Wat, Bayon Temple, Terrace of the Elephants
Day 3: Temple-hopping Tour by Bicycle
Day 4: Tonle Sap Lake Cruise, Cambodian Cooking Class
Day 5: Beng Mealea, Koulen Mountain
Day 6: Departure

Itinerary

Begin your Cambodian adventure today! Upon landing, your guide will greet you at the airport and escort you directly to your hotel for check-in.

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Enter Angkor Thom through its South Gate and admire the intricate stone carvings lining the causeway. Explore the temple towers and gaze at the serene faces of the Buddha statues at Bayon Temple, experiencing the famous “Khmer Smile.” Continue to the impressive Terrace of the Elephants, stretching 350 meters long and 2.5 meters high, where you can imagine the emperor reviewing his victorious army centuries ago.

Next, visit the iconic Angkor Wat, a masterpiece of Khmer architecture. Its walls are adorned with detailed bas-reliefs depicting the daily life and grandeur of the ancient Khmer civilization. As you wander through the temple complex and study the engravings on stone pillars, you will feel transported to the era of the mighty Khmer Empire.

Conclude the day with a leisurely walk through Siem Reap’s old market. Sample local delicacies and soak in the bustling, colorful atmosphere of the town.

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Experience the majesty of Siem Reap’s ancient temples on an exciting cycling adventure.

Start your morning at Banteay Srei, the 10th-century Hindu temple renowned as the gem of Khmer artistry. Examine the intricately carved lintels above the doorways, and admire statues of goddesses in elegant poses, marveling at the craftsmanship and delicate artistry. Continue cycling along the back roads to Preah Khan, where you can touch centuries-old Buddha carvings and appreciate the graceful female deity reliefs scattered among the ruins.

Stop for lunch at a Khmer restaurant near Sreah Srang, the Royal Bathing Pool. Afterward, hop back on your bike to explore two hidden treasures of Angkor—Banteay Kdei and Neak Pean. If time and energy allow, visit Ta Prohm Temple, where massive trees and creeping roots have overtaken the ancient stone structures, showing nature’s reclamation of the once-great Khmer empire.

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Begin the day with a hands-on Cambodian cooking class. Your private driver will escort you to Le Tigre de Papier Cooking School, where over the next three hours, you will learn the art of Khmer cuisine from an expert chef. Visit a local market to select fresh ingredients, spices, and proteins, then prepare traditional dishes such as chicken curry, beef loc lac, and fish amok. Finally, enjoy the delicious meals you have crafted yourself!

In the afternoon, take a boat trip to the floating village on Tonle Sap Lake. Observe houses made of wood and corrugated metal rising above the water, and watch locals navigate small boats to carry supplies. Gain a deeper understanding of life on the lake and discover the unique customs and daily routines of the people who call this floating community home.

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Prepare for an exciting jungle expedition reminiscent of Lara Croft! Today, explore Koulen Mountain, considered the cradle of the Angkor Empire. After a scenic drive along the rugged mountain road, a breathtaking view unfolds: dense forests lining the valley and a powerful waterfall plunging down the cliffs. Accompanied by your guide, admire the enormous reclining Buddha at Wat Preah Ang Thom and wander along the “River of a Thousand Lingas.”

Next, venture into the mysterious Beng Mealea. In this forgotten temple, the charm lies in its raw and unspoiled state. Observe how the ruins and broken walls blend naturally with the surrounding jungle. Walk along the suspended wooden plank pathways or crawl through shadowy caves, fully immersing yourself in the temple’s hidden and untamed beauty.

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Your six-day journey in Siem Reap concludes today. A private transfer will take you to the airport, where you will catch your flight home or continue onward to your next destination.

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Accommodation Options

The hotels listed below have been carefully selected based on customer feedback. You can either choose the ones you'd like to stay in or allow our travel experts to recommend options tailored to your specific requirements.

Siem Reap 5 Nights

Top Choice

FCC Angkor by Avani Hotels & Resorts

Address: Pokambor Avenue, Siem Reap, Cambodia

Tara Angkor Hotel

Address: Vithei Charles de Gaulle (Road to Angkor Wat), Siem Reap, Cambodia

Sarai Resort & Spa

Address: P.O Box 93193, Wat Damnak Village, Sangkat Sala Komreuk, Siem Reap, Cambodia

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