Sacred Angles Luxury Photo Expedition Koh Ker BengMealea Temple

Siem Reap , Cambodia

Sacred Angles Luxury Photo Expedition Koh Ker BengMealea Temple

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(3 reviews)

5h - 6h

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

Get out of Siem Reap town to visit the unrestored jungle temple of Beng Mealea. You'll also get to see Kampong Khleang floating village, a bird sanctuary and some sticky rice villages to learn about how they make this delicious Khmer delicacy and Koh Ker temple complex as Main shrine building, Elephants temple, Black sandstone temple, Pram temple, Pinks sandstone temple, Koh Ker was capital city of Khmer empire in 10th centuries.

Available options

Cambodia circus in siem reap

Pickup included

Explore Koh Ker Pyramid Temple With Beng Mealea Photography Tour

Pickup included

What's included

Boat Fee

Professional photographer

Lunch break at the local restaurant at Koh Ker.

Luxury private car/van/bus

Koh Ker tickets

Professional German/French/Spanish/and English speaking tour guide

Mineral waters and Tissue on tours

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

We'll start around 8 o'clock in the morning after breakfast and start the 65km or so drive out to Beng Mealea temple. This wonderful temple has been left unrestored which only adds to its beauty and intrigue. Many guests like coming here because of the thick surrounding jungles which keep you cool all year round. It's also not as busy as the temples at Angkor, so you don't feel overcrowded.

After lunch, we'll then head to Kampong Khleang floating village on the Tonle Sap lake. Here you can see how the local villagers live on top of the water. The people here rely on fishing and farming as their main source of income.

We'll also go to see a local bird sanctuary where you can see many types of birds. We'll also stop to see how sticky rice is created. This is a popular dessert in Cambodia which is eaten all year round.

Koh Ker: The Hidden Gem of Cambodia’s Ancient Temples

When thinking of Cambodia, most travelers immediately envision the majestic Angkor Wat. Yet, nestled deep within the jungle, approximately 120 kilometers northeast of Siem Reap, lies Koh Ker – an ancient temple complex that rivals the grandeur of Angkor, offering a unique experience for those willing to journey off the beaten path.

The Historical Significance of Koh Ker
Koh Ker served as the capital of the Khmer Empire for a brief period in the early 10th century under King Jayavarman IV. From 928 to 944 AD, Koh Ker flourished, with over 180 temples constructed across the vast complex. Unlike Angkor, Koh Ker's temples were abandoned soon after the capital was moved back to Angkor, which left them to be reclaimed by the dense Cambodian jungle for centuries.

Due to its remote location, Koh Ker remained relatively inaccessible until recently, allowing it to preserve its raw, untouched atmosphere. For those who visit,

The Most Attractive Features of Kompong Khleang
1. Stilted Houses and Floating Villages
One of the most striking features of Kompong Khleang is the way the entire village is built on high stilts, sometimes reaching heights of 10 meters. These towering wooden houses are designed to withstand the dramatic seasonal fluctuations in the water levels of Tonle Sap Lake. During the dry season, visitors can see the full height of these stilted homes, creating a surreal landscape where houses appear to be perched in the sky.

In the wet season, when the Tonle Sap swells, the water rises, and the village appears to float on the lake. Boats become the primary mode of transportation, and the once dry streets transform into waterways. This seasonal transformation is one of Kompong Khleang's most attractive and fascinating aspects.

2. Authentic Local Life
Unlike some of the more tourist-heavy floating villages, Kompong Khleang remains relatively untouched by mass tourism.

What's not included

Beng Mealea Ticket

Food & Drinks

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

3 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

You should wear clothes which keep you cool and your skin covered. It gets very hot in Cambodia and on the lake you'll be out in the sun. There is some shade on the boat, but it will be hot.

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.