1-Day Banteay Srei, Beng Mealea & Tonle Sap Great Lake Tour

At approximately 8:00 AM, you will be picked up from your hotel to visit a stunning Banteay Srei Temple.

Banteay Srei, renowned as the most beautiful pink sandstone temple in Cambodia, is located about 37 kilometers north of Angkor Wat. The name "Banteay Srei" translates to "Lady Temple," and its unique charm lies in its remarkable state of preservation and its small size, which is complemented by exquisite decorative details. This temple is truly a jewel of Khmer art. Due to its fine and intricate carvings, some locals believe it must have been constructed by women, which is reflected in its name.

Originally known as Isvarapura, Banteay Srei was built by King Rajendravarman II in 967 AD and was dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple was rediscovered by a Frenchman in 1914, although the site was not fully cleared until 1924. The first major restoration project was initiated by the École Française d'Extrême-Orient (EFEO) in 1923, employing a reinstatement method to preserve its beauty.

Next, we will proceed to visit Prasat Beng Mealea, the most renowned remote jungle temple in Cambodia. Located approximately 66 kilometers northeast of Siem Reap, Beng Mealea is an extraordinary ruin that exists in harmony with the surrounding nature, retaining its original, unaltered condition. Untouched by restoration and conservation efforts, it opened to visitors in the early 2000s after the landmines in the area were cleared.

Beng Mealea was constructed by King Suriyavarman II and later completed by King Dharanindravarman II. The temple features a captivating sarcophagus-like urn, reminiscent of the adventurous spirit of "Indiana Jones," surrounded by piles of fallen stones and dark, mysterious galleries. Your visit will be an enjoyable experience, provided you exercise caution as you explore this enchanting site!

Kompong Khleang is a renowned fishing community that offers visitors a unique opportunity to engage with local people and experience their way of life. The "Kompong Khleang" and its community is home to approximately 6,000 fishing families, totaling around 15,000 residents.

This wetland community undergoes a remarkable transformation during the wet season when all roads become submerged. The houses, elevated above the water level, appear to float gracefully on the surface. In contrast, during the dry season, the homes are supported by stilts, resembling wooden skyscrapers—a truly astonishing sight!

Visitors also have the chance to embark on a boating trip into the expansive waters of the Great Lake, where they can explore beautiful floating houses. Many local fishermen choose to live in these floating homes, as they provide easy mobility for their daily fishing activities. A visit to Kompong Khleang comes highly recommended for those seeking an authentic cultural experience!

Tonle Sap Great Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, located in central Cambodia. It plays a crucial role in the region's ecology and economy, supporting a rich biodiversity and providing livelihoods for millions. The lake is known for its remarkable seasonal fluctuations, expanding dramatically during the monsoon season and shrinking in the dry months, which creates a unique ecosystem.

Tonle Sap is home to numerous floating villages, where communities live and work on the water, relying on fishing and aquaculture. The lake is also a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, recognized for its importance in sustaining wildlife, including migratory birds and various fish species. Visitors to Tonle Sap can experience its stunning natural beauty, vibrant local culture, and the intricate relationship between the people and their environment.