Siem Reap to Beng Melea and Visit Khmer Empire Capital Koh Ker
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11h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Make a little extra effort to escape the crowds! Explore the genuine forgotten city! Visit Koh Ker’s long abandoned monuments! And on the way see the best example of a lost temple, overgrown by the jungle, Beng Mealea! - My webpages try to be most informative on their historical background.
Available options
Private with English Guide
Air condition Car: English Speaking Tour guide, air condition car and cold drinking water.<br/>Pickup included
English speaking Driver
Van/Minivan: Whole tour with English Speaking Driver.<br/>Pickup included
Join-Group Tour
Join-In Tour <br/>Duration: 11 hours<br/>Cold Drinking Water <br/>SUV Car /Minivan: Air condition transportation with English speaking tour guide. Hotel pick up at 7:45 am.<br/>Pickup included
What's included
Cold bottled water on car/van/bus
Air-conditioned vehicle
Local Live English speaking guide
Hotel Pick-up: 7:40 am to 8:10 am,Departure: 8:30 am,Drop off: 6 pm
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Beng Mealea is a very impressive temple built in the reign of King Suryavarman II, 12th century CE, and modified by Jayavarman VII. It is located in Beng Mealea village, Beng Mealea commune, Svay Leu District, Siem Reap province. It is about 77 Km Northwest of Siem Reap town and faces the eastern part of Kulen mountain on one side. Importantly, it is situated along the Royal Road to the east of Angkor, where leads from the eastern part of Bakheng mountain. From Angkor the Royal Road passes temples such as Bat Chum, Cao Srei Vibol, Banteay Ampil and Beng Mealea to Preah Khan Kampong Svay. This ancient road has well constructed bridges such as Spean Ta Oung, Spean Khvav and Spean Khmeng. Beng Mealea is flanked by Prasat Don Chan and Prasat Koh Chin on the west, Prasat Kong Pluk and Prasat Jrei on the east.
2
Discover the ancient Koh Ker temples, once known as Chok Gargyar. This was the Khmer capital under Jayavarman, before the capital was moved to Angkor Wat in 944 A.D. At Koh Ker, explore the 30 major structures of the mysterious site and walk through the ruins of sacred buildings and religious sculptures. Some of the giant sculptures from Koh Ker now make-up the collection at the grand National Museum in Phnom Penh. After your full-day visiting Cambodia's lost temples and mystical jungles, you'll be driven back to your hotel in Siem Reap.
3
Linga Temple 1 (Koh Ker) ... Also recorded as Prasat Thnoeng, Prasat Theng, and Prasat Balang Cheung. It is a large square sandstone temple .
4
this temple acted as the gateway of Prasat Thom complex and its name is derived from the red brick used for construction with astonishing tapestry in its exterior. It is square in plan, and may be the biggest open space brick tower in Khmer architecture.
5
Return to hotel and arrive around 6:00 pm.
What's not included
Koh Ker Temple
Entrance fee to Beng Mealea (Angkor Wat ticket is required)
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
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Important information
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Specialized infant seats are available
Service animals allowed
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meeting point
The tour leaves our office or waiting lounge at 8:30am sharp. Pickup is from 7:40am to 8:10am. Since a more exact time cannot be given, we suggest our customers to be ready at the hotel lobby by 7:40am.
About Siem Reap
Siem Reap is the vibrant gateway to the ancient Angkor temples, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This charming city offers a blend of rich history, vibrant markets, and lush landscapes, making it a must-visit destination in Cambodia.
Top Attractions
Angkor Wat
Angkor Wat is the largest religious monument in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site. This iconic temple complex is a masterpiece of Khmer architecture and a symbol of Cambodia.
Historical
Half to full day
USD 37 for 3-day pass
Angkor Thom
Angkor Thom is a walled city and the last capital of the Khmer Empire. It features several impressive temples, including the Bayon Temple with its famous smiling faces.
Historical
Half to full day
USD 37 for 3-day pass
Ta Prohm
Ta Prohm is a temple complex overgrown by jungle, featuring a unique blend of nature and architecture. It was famously used as a filming location for the movie 'Tomb Raider'.
Historical
1-2 hours
USD 37 for 3-day pass
Pub Street
Pub Street is the heart of Siem Reap's nightlife, offering a vibrant mix of bars, restaurants, and street food vendors. It's a great place to experience the city's lively atmosphere.
Entertainment
Evening
Free to explore, budget for food and drinks
Siem Reap Night Market
The Siem Reap Night Market is a bustling market offering a variety of local crafts, souvenirs, and street food. It's a great place to shop for unique gifts and experience local culture.
Shopping
1-2 hours
Budget to moderate
Must-Try Local Dishes
Amok
A creamy, coconut-based curry with fish, chicken, or tofu, steamed in banana leaves. It's a traditional Khmer dish with a unique flavor.
Main dish
Vegetarian options available
Nom Banh Chok
A popular breakfast dish consisting of rice noodles topped with a fish-based green curry gravy and fresh vegetables.
Breakfast
Vegetarian options available
Bai Sach Chrouk
Grilled pork served with broken rice and pickled vegetables. It's a popular breakfast dish in Cambodia.
Breakfast
Contains meat
Lok Lak
A stir-fried beef dish with a tangy lime and pepper sauce, served with rice and fresh vegetables.
Main dish
Contains meat
Popular Activities
Hiking in the Angkor Archaeological Park
Exploring the bamboo train in Battambang
Visiting spas and wellness centers
Enjoying a traditional Khmer massage
Exploring temples and historical sites
Attending traditional dance performances
Boat tours on Tonlé Sap Lake
Swimming in waterfalls
Best Time to Visit
November to February
The best time to visit Siem Reap is during the dry season when the weather is pleasant and ideal for exploring the temples. The cooler temperatures make it comfortable for long days of sightseeing.
20-30°C
68-86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Khmer
- Widely spoken: English
- English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas
Currency
Cambodian Riel (KHR)
Time Zone
Indochina Time (ICT), GMT+7
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Siem Reap is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and scams can occur. Exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings.
Important Precautions:
- • Be cautious of scams and overcharging.
- • Avoid walking alone at night in isolated areas.
- • Use reputable tour operators and transportation services.
Getting there
By air
- Siem Reap International Airport • 5 km from city center
By bus
Siem Reap Virak Buntham Express Terminal, Siem Reap Giant Ibis Bus Terminal
Getting around
Public transport
Tuk-tuks are the most popular and affordable mode of transport in Siem Reap. They are widely available and can be negotiated for short or long trips.
Taxis
Available • Apps: PassApp, Grab
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Wat Bo
Wat Damnak
Sivatha
Day trips
Battambang
150 km from Siem Reap • Full day
Battambang is a charming colonial town known for its well-preserved French architecture, bamboo train, and nearby temples. It's a great destination for a day trip from Siem Reap.
Kampong Phluk
16 km from Siem Reap • Half day
Kampong Phluk is a floating village on the edge of the Tonlé Sap Lake. It offers a unique glimpse into the lives of the local community and the stunning natural beauty of the area.
Kbal Spean
25 km from Siem Reap • Half day
Kbal Spean is a remote archaeological site featuring ancient carvings and a beautiful river setting. It's a great destination for those looking to explore off-the-beaten-path attractions.
Festivals
Khmer New Year (Choul Chnam Thmey) • April 13-15 (dates vary)
Bon Om Touk (Water Festival) • November (dates vary)
Angkor Photo Festival • December (dates vary)
Pro tips
- Hire a local guide for the Angkor Archaeological Park to gain a deeper understanding of the temples' history and significance.
- Visit the temples early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and the heat.
- Try local street food like nom banh chok and bai sach chrouk for an authentic culinary experience.
- Bargain for better prices at markets and street stalls, but do so respectfully and with a smile.
- Use a map app like Google Maps for navigation, as street signs can be limited and confusing.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
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