Combining these two ancient Khmer Temple locations is the way to go. These temples are much older than Angkor Wat but in surprisingly great condition.
Tour Highlights:
- Journey Through The Cambodian Countryside
- Lolei
- Preah Ko
- Bakong
- Beng Mealea
Tour Walkthrough:
This full-day tour will give you an insight into the frequently overlooked temples of Siem Reap. First on your journey will be a stop at Lolei, a small but exquisite temple. Marvel at the detail on the four brick temple towers, then head next door and peek inside the modern-day Buddhist pagoda.
After you have finished discovering Lolei, we will take you to Preah Ko, the oldest temple in the Roluos group. Featuring six sanctuary towers with depictions of Garuda, Nagas and warriors, you will want to spend some time taking in the intricate detail and workmanship.
You will then travel a few minutes down the road to the magnificent Bakong temple. Walk over an ancient bridge surrounded by a moat, and step into another time. You can easily lose yourself in your thoughts whilst exploring this glorious sandstone temple. Challenge yourself by climbing the five-tiered pyramid and arriving at the central sanctuary, where the view will take your breath away.
After you have left Bakong, you can sit back and relax in the comfort of your tuk-tuk. It is a 55km drive to your next destination, Beng Mealea. This predominantly unrestored temple features collapsed galleries and towers, large sandstone blocks covered with moss and a mass of trees and thick brush. After you are finished exploring this humid temple you can pick up some local food in a restaurant across from the temple entrance. Alternatively, you may want to pack a picnic lunch and dine in the serenity of the bushland surround Beng Mealea.
Estimated Tour Time:
Full-day
Tour Includes:
Hotel Pickup And Drop Off, Transport To Beng Mealea, A Cold Bottle Of Water And A Traditional Khmer Snack
Tour Excludes:
Angkor Archaeological Park Entry Fee ($37 USD 1 Day / $62 USD 3 Day)
Entry Fee To Beng Mealea ($5 USD)
Meals
Suggestions:
Wear Comfortable Sandals Or Shoes Such As Keen Or Teva
$20-$50 For Lunch, Extra Water, Souvenirs Etc.
Tour Cost:
Tuk Tuk $30 USD
*At Sunrise Add $5 USD
Car $50 USD
*At Sunrise Add $5 USD
Koh Ker Temple
Koh Ker Temple is approximately two hours into the Cambodian country. We will shuttle you there and back by car.
Tour Highlights:
- Journey through the Cambodian countryside
- Koh Ker Temple
Tour Walkthrough:
Your journey to this glorious temple will take you through the Cambodian countryside. Located 120km from Siem Reap, Koh Ker was briefly the capital of the Khmer empire in the 10th century. Despite many hand-chiselled statues being looted and remaining in museums and private collections today, a trip to Koh Ker is certainly worth the distance. Depending on the time of day, you can be hard pressed to come across another soul whilst exploring the collection of structures in the Cambodian jungle. Without a doubt, your favourite structure will be the well-preserved pyramid that you can walk up to witness a spectacular jungle view.
Estimated Tour Time:
Full-day
Tour Includes:
Hotel Pickup; Transport to and from Koh Ker, a cold bottle of water and a traditional Khmer snack
Tour Excludes:
Entry fee to Koh Ker ($10 USD)
Meals
Tour Cost:
Car $90 USD
with Preah Vihear *link* $130 USD
Phnom Kulen Mountain
Phnom Kulen Mountain is another “Must See”. You’ll have to take a motorbike or a car up the mountain though, a Tuk Tuk can not make the journey up the bumpy mountainside roads. Once up the mountain you can drink from one of the most pure water springs on earth and play in a massive waterfall!
Tour Highlights:
- Journey through the Cambodian countryside
- Phnom Kulen Mountain
Tour Walkthrough:
When you arrive at Phnom Kulen, take your time to walk slowly through the local market strip and bargain with the local sellers. Once you have browsed to your heart’s content, walk up a long set of stairs towards a local pagoda. Once you have caught your breath at the top, visit a reclining Buddha made from sandstone; the biggest of its kind in Cambodia. You can take in the views of Cambodia’s lush forests and jungles whilst on top, then casually walk around the pagoda, taking in all the detail.
Next, eat lunch at a local restaurant and taste the tantalizing flavours that Cambodian food has to offer. You will want to rest before continuing your journey, so be sure to sit by the river and watch as locals picnic on the banks and have fun in the water. Once you are energised, take a walk to the waterfalls of Phnom Kulen and plunge into the refreshing water. Be sure to bring a change of clothes, as it is customary to frolic in the water fully clothed in Cambodia. Once you are ready to leave (though we doubt you will want to), head back to your tuk-tuk and sleep on the journey home.
Estimated Tour Time:
Full-day
Tour Includes:
Hotel Pickup; Transport to and from Phnom Kulen, a cold bottle of water and fresh fruit.
Tour Excludes:
Phnom Kulen entry fee ($20 USD)
Tour Cost:
Car $65
Optional to add Meng Mealea *link*
Roluos Group of Monuments
The Roluos Group are some of the oldest monuments in Cambodia dating back over 900 years. There are Male and Female monuments and much of what you will see is original to the towers. Because the towers were built close together there are some fantastic carvings to be seen. We recommend going in the morning as the suns angle will compliment your photos.
Tour Highlights:
- Lolei
- Preah Ko
- Bakong
Tour Walkthrough: This half-day tour will give you an insight into the frequently overlooked Rolous group of monuments in Siem Reap. First on your journey will be a stop at Lolei, a small but exquisite temple. Marvel at the detail on the four brick temple towers, then head next door and peek inside the modern-day Buddhist pagoda.
After you have finished discovering Lolei, we will take you to Preah Ko, the oldest temple in the Rolous group. Featuring six sanctuary towers with depictions of Garuda, Nagas and warriors, you will want to spend some time taking in the intricate detail and workmanship.
You will then travel a few minutes down the road to the magnificent Bakong temple. Walk over an ancient bridge surrounded by a moat, and step into another time. You can easily lose yourself in your thoughts whilst exploring this glorious sandstone temple. Challenge yourself by climbing the five-tiered pyramid and arriving at the central sanctuary, where the view will take your breath away.
We will then drop you back in Siem Reap town where you can spend the remainder of the afternoon shopping to your heart’s delight!
Estimated Tour Time: Half-day
Tour Includes: Transport to and from the Rolous Temples, a cold bottle of water and fresh fruit
Tour Excludes: Angkor Archaeological Park entry fee ($37 USD)
Tour Cost:
Tuk Tuk $15 USD
*Add Beng Mealea $30 USD
*At Sunrise Or Sunset Add $5 USD
Car $25 USD
*Add Beng Mealea $50 USD
*At Sunrise Or Sunset Add $5 USD
Beng Mealea
Beng Mealea is one of the more interesting stops. Much of the Temple has fallen in but there are many hidden treasures to be seen.
Tour Highlights:
- Journey through the Cambodian countryside
- Beng Mealea
- Beng Mealea Photo Gallery
Tour Walkthrough:
The drive to Beng Mealea is long, but we guarantee it is worth it. Located approximately 70km from Siem Reap, Beng Mealea is a predominantly unrestored temple. Lose yourself in the collapsed galleries and towers, marvel at the large sandstone blocks covered with moss and be amazed at the mass of trees and thick brush growing in and around the temple. Originally built as a Hindu temple, Beng Mealea is believed to have been converted later for Buddhist use.
If you are feeling adventurous, you will find a swimming area around the back of Beng Mealea, though be warned; the rocks are very slippery! After you are finished exploring this humid temple you can pick up some local food in a restaurant across from the temple entrance. Alternatively, you may want to pack a picnic lunch and dine in the serenity of the bushland surround Beng Mealea.
Estimated Tour Time:
Full Day
Tour Includes:
Hotel Pickup And Drop Off, Transport To Beng Mealea, A Cold Bottle Of Water And Fresh Seasonal Fruit
Tour Excludes:
Angkor Archaeological Park Entry Fee ($37 USD 1 Day / $62 USD 3 Day)
Entry Fee To Beng Mealea ($5 USD)
Meals
Suggestions:
Wear Comfortable Sandals Or Shoes Such As Keen Or Teva
$20-$50 For Meals, Extra Water, Souvenirs Etc.
Tour Cost:
Tuk Tuk $40 USD
*At Sunrise Or Sunset Add $5 USD
Car $50 USD
*At Sunrise Or Sunset Add $5 USD