Discovering the ancient wonders of the Khmer Empire has never been easier. The Koh Ker & Beng Mealea Excursion Join-in Tour offers a chance to uncover the captivating history of these remote archaeological sites. For just $45 per person, travelers can embark on a guided journey that includes complimentary hotel pickup, air-conditioned transportation, and all necessary entrance fees. Whether marveling at the impressive Prasat Thom in Koh Ker or wandering through the enchanting ruins of Beng Mealea, this small-group tour promises an intimate and unforgettable experience. With inclusions like lunch and refreshments, it’s an opportunity to delve deeper into Cambodia’s rich past while enjoying the convenience of a well-organized excursion.

Key Points

Koh Ker & Beng Mealea Excursion Join-in Tour - Free Hotel Pickup - Key Points

  • Join-in tour featuring visits to Koh Ker and Beng Mealea historical sites, priced from $45 per person with a maximum group size of 15.
  • Tour includes hotel pickup and transportation, along with an English-speaking guide, entrance fees, lunch, and bottled water.
  • Departure time is 8:00 am, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours prior.
  • Koh Ker offers a remote archaeological site with a 7-tiered pyramid temple, while Beng Mealea showcases a unique 12th-century Hindu temple complex.
  • The tour provides a convenient and personalized exploration of these lesser-known Cambodian sites.

Tour Overview

Koh Ker & Beng Mealea Excursion Join-in Tour - Free Hotel Pickup - Tour Overview

The Koh Ker & Beng Mealea Excursion Tour offers travelers a chance to explore two of Cambodia’s most captivating historical sites.

The join-in tour includes hotel pickup, transportation, and an English-speaking guide. Priced from $45 per person, the tour can accommodate up to 15 travelers and is operated by Angkor Dynasty Travel.

Inclusions cover entrance fees, lunch, bottled water, and gratuities. The tour departs at 8:00 am with pickup from hotels or apartments, and cancellation is free up to 24 hours prior.

While not wheelchair accessible, the tour is suitable for most travelers, with the exception of infants who must sit on laps.

Inclusions

Koh Ker & Beng Mealea Excursion Join-in Tour - Free Hotel Pickup - Inclusions

This excursion tour includes a range of amenities to enhance the experience.

Travelers will enjoy hotel pickup between 7:30am and 8:00am, and transportation via air-conditioned car or minivan. An English-speaking guide will accompany the group, providing insights throughout the day.

Refreshments like cold towels and bottled water are also provided. Lunch is included, and entrance fees to both Koh Ker and Beng Mealea are covered. Gratuities for the guide and driver are also part of the package.

With these inclusions, travelers can focus on exploring the ancient sites without worrying about logistics or additional costs.

Pickup and Timing

Koh Ker & Beng Mealea Excursion Join-in Tour - Free Hotel Pickup - Pickup and Timing

Hotel or apartment pickups are provided for this Koh Ker and Beng Mealea excursion tour, with a start time of 8:00 am.

Pickup times are scheduled between 7:30 am and 8:00 am. This allows for efficient transportation to the first destination.

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, providing flexibility for participants.

With a maximum group size of 15 travelers, the tour ensures a personalized and intimate experience.

The pickup and timing details are designed to make the overall excursion as convenient and enjoyable as possible for the participants.

Accessibility and Participation

Koh Ker & Beng Mealea Excursion Join-in Tour - Free Hotel Pickup - Accessibility and Participation

Not wheelchair accessible, this Koh Ker and Beng Mealea excursion tour caters to most travelers.

Located near public transportation, the tour accommodates infants who must sit on laps.

While not wheelchair-friendly, the tour is suitable for:

  1. Active travelers who can navigate uneven terrain and stairs at the archaeological sites.
  2. Families with young children, as infants are welcome.
  3. Adventurous travelers seeking a unique cultural experience in Cambodia.
  4. Individuals or small groups of up to 15 participants, ensuring a personalized and intimate exploration of the ancient ruins.

Reviews and Feedback

Travelers have provided mixed feedback on the Koh Ker and Beng Mealea excursion tour. The overall rating is a 3.0 out of 5 from one review, indicating an average experience.

The guide and trip were rated as acceptable, but the reviewer found Beng Mealea less impressive than the photos suggested. The $15 entrance fee for Koh Ker was also considered high.

Timing of the lunch was criticized, with the reviewer suggesting bringing snacks for comfort.

Despite these concerns, the tour still provides an opportunity to visit these historic sites, with the convenience of hotel pickup and an English-speaking guide, as well as transportation and entrance fees included in the price.

Destination Highlights: Koh Ker

Koh Ker & Beng Mealea Excursion Join-in Tour - Free Hotel Pickup - Destination Highlights: Koh Ker

Koh Ker is a remote archaeological site located approximately 120 kilometers northeast of Siem Reap, Cambodia. It was the capital of the Khmer Empire for a brief period in the 10th century AD.

The site is known for its unique architectural style, including the towering Prasat Thom, a 7-tiered pyramid temple that stands 36 meters tall.

The highlights of Koh Ker include:

  1. Prasat Thom, the impressive 7-tiered pyramid temple.
  2. Numerous other temples and shrines scattered across the site.
  3. Intricate carvings and bas-reliefs adorning the temple walls.
  4. The serene and remote atmosphere, untouched by large tourist crowds.

Visiting Koh Ker provides a glimpse into Cambodia’s rich historical past and offers a chance to explore a lesser-known, yet captivating, archaeological wonder.

Destination Highlights: Beng Mealea

Koh Ker & Beng Mealea Excursion Join-in Tour - Free Hotel Pickup - Destination Highlights: Beng Mealea

Situated approximately 77 kilometers east of Siem Reap, Beng Mealea is a captivating Hindu temple complex that transports visitors back to the glory days of the Khmer Empire. Constructed in the early 12th century, the temple is renowned for its unique architectural style, featuring intricate carvings, collapsed walls, and a jungle-like ambiance. The site offers a glimpse into the ingenuity and craftsmanship of the Khmer people, with visitors able to explore the temple’s hidden corridors and climb atop its crumbling structures. Despite its less-preserved state compared to Angkor Wat, Beng Mealea’s raw, untamed charm makes it a popular destination for those seeking a truly immersive archaeological experience.

Feature Description
Style Unique Khmer architecture with collapsed walls and jungle-like ambiance
Construction Built in the early 12th century as a Hindu temple
Location Approximately 77 km east of Siem Reap, Cambodia
Condition Less preserved compared to Angkor Wat, but offers a raw, immersive archaeological experience

Tour Pricing and Booking

Koh Ker & Beng Mealea Excursion Join-in Tour - Free Hotel Pickup - Tour Pricing and Booking

The Koh Ker & Beng Mealea Excursion Tour is priced from $45.00 per person, with the cost varying based on the group size.

The tour is operated by Angkor Dynasty Travel and has a maximum group size of 15 travelers.

Included in the price are:

  1. Hotel pickup and transportation by air-conditioned car or minivan
  2. An English-speaking guide
  3. Entrance fees for Beng Mealea ($37) and Koh Ker ($15)
  4. Lunch, cold towels, and bottled water

The tour starts at 8:00 am with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience.

While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, most travelers can participate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Request a Private Tour Instead of a Join-In Tour?

Yes, customers can request a private tour instead of a join-in tour. The tour operator offers private tours for an additional cost, which provide a more personalized experience with just the customer’s group.

What Amenities Are Available at the Lunch Location?

The tour includes a lunch stop, but the specific amenities available at the lunch location are not clearly specified in the overview details provided. Travelers may want to inquire about the lunch arrangements when booking the tour.

How Long Is the Driving Time Between the Two Sites?

The driving time between Koh Ker and Beng Mealea is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. The tour operator likely plans for this travel time to ensure visitors have ample time to explore both archaeological sites.

Can I Stop for Photos Along the Way?

Travelers can stop for photos along the way, but the exact number and duration of stops will depend on the tour guide’s discretion and the group’s schedule. The driver will accommodate reasonable photo requests within the overall tour timeline.

Is There a Recommended Time of Year to Visit These Sites?

The best time to visit Koh Ker and Beng Mealea is during the dry season from November to April when the weather’s pleasant and there’s less rainfall. Crowds are also smaller compared to the busy tourist high season.

Recap

This Koh Ker and Beng Mealea Excursion Join-in Tour offers an affordable and convenient way to explore the fascinating history of the Khmer Empire. With free hotel pickup, air-conditioned transportation, an English-speaking guide, and included entrance fees, lunch, and refreshments, it’s an excellent choice for an intimate adventure. Discover the remote archaeological wonders of Koh Ker and the enchanting ruins of Beng Mealea in a small-group setting.