Koh Ker and Beng Mealea: Full-Day Private Tour of Ancient Temples and Rural Villages
5.0
3 Ratings
Prasat Bakong
Immerse yourself in the ancient temples of Koh Ker and Beng Mealea on this full-day private tour. Explore rural villages, taste local delicacies, and witness the daily lifestyle of the locals.
Duration: 8 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Wat Khsach - Make a stop at the Bamboo Sticky Rice village to sample local sticky rice cooked in bamboo and capture some photos. “Bamboo sticky rice is made with sweet rice, black beans, coconut cream, and various spices, all placed inside a piece of bamboo and then cooked. It’s a traditional Khmer dish.”
  • Koh Ker Temple - Travel to Koh Ker, the former capital of the Angkorian Empire in the 10th century. Koh Ker was left abandoned in the forest for many years due to civil wars. After a scenic two-hour drive through rural Cambodia, we arrive at the Koh Ker ruins. We start our visit at Prasat Thom, entering through the main gateway flanked by atmospheric sanctuaries. Walk along a serpent-lined causeway to Prasat Krahorm, the “red brick temple,” near which there are libraries and reservoirs. Finally, we reach Prasat Thom, the “centerpiece,” a large seven-level pyramid made of sandstone, standing 45 meters tall. Climbing to the upper terrace offers panoramic jungle views. Visit other surrounding temples. Archaeologists believe there may be over 100 temple ruins in the area waiting to be discovered. On the way back, we stop at O-thma Dab, “the place where the ancient Khmer people quarried stones to build Angkor Wat.”
  • Beng Mealea - Explore the most intriguing temple outside the Angkor area, King Suryavarman II’s 11th-century Beng Mealea temple, a prototype for the more famous Angkor Wat. Beng Mealea stands almost forgotten in the jungle, and reaching the site is an adventure in itself. It was isolated during Cambodia’s civil war. It is the largest temple outside the main Angkor complex, with some parts remarkably intact and others utterly destroyed; tree roots envelop many of the temple walls and doorways. The atmosphere here is eerie but offers a welcome contrast to the more visited temples near Angkor Wat. Beng Mealea shares many features with Angkor Wat but on a smaller scale. It has three encircling galleries, the same four gates and entrances, and a pair of interior libraries. Unlike Angkor Wat, it has only one central tower instead of five.
  • Ancient Quarry - Visit the Ancient Quarry, where the ancient Khmer people cut stones to build Angkor Wat. The tour guide will explain how they cut and transported the stones. You will see hundreds of stone pieces that were cut and left there.
What's Included
  • Bottled water included
  • Private air-conditioned vehicle
  • English-speaking tour guide
What's Not Included
  • Koh Ker entrance ticket (US$15 per person. Child is FOC)
  • Temple entrance ticket (USD37.00 per person which covers all temples in this day tour. Child is FOC)
  • Lunch
Additional Information

After a hotel breakfast, embark on a journey to Koh Ker, the erstwhile capital of the Angkorian empire during the 10th century. Explore the remnants of Koh Ker and its secluded temples. Continue our expedition to Beng Mealea, making a stop at O-thma Dab, the location from where ancient Khmers obtained stones to construct Angkor Wat. Visit a Bamboo sticky rice community, where the local dish is prepared with sweet rice, black beans, coconut cream, and a unique spice, all cooked inside a bamboo stick.

• Get acquainted with locals and understand their day-to-day life
• Capture memorable photographs
• Savour the distinct flavours of seasonal fruit and Bamboo Sticky rice
• Witness picturesque rural landscapes, farming practices, country villages, markets, and schools
• Benefit from the continuous accompaniment of your guide throughout the day tour
• Avail informed commentary from professional guides and exchange experiences.
• This tour is private, designed to cater to your individual needs.

  • Your Tour Guide will send you a Link to purchase the temple entrance e-ticket days in advance.
  • Please wear flat shoes that are comfortable for walking.
Location
Wat Khsach
National Road 6
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(3 Ratings)
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J8859luannem
Mar 30, 2021
A Memorable Experience - Really enjoyed, conversation with guide, flexibility of tour, stunning temples - best photo spots. Mr phal - absolutely fantastic. Driver was courteous and spoke excellent English we would recommend them to any of our friends.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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minimum 2 guests
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up to 15 guests
2 Adult
June 2024
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