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
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