Private Day Tour: Banteay Srei Off the Beaten Track

Discover the enchanting world of Angkor’s lesser-known treasures on this private day tour. Venture off the beaten path to uncover the stunning 12th-century Banteay Kdei and the intricately carved Banteay Srei, known as the "Lady Temple." With a customizable itinerary and a licensed guide to share rich historical insights, you’ll embark on a truly personalized cultural journey. Included amenities, such as hotel pickup and entrance fees, ensure a seamless experience. But the real gem lies in what awaits beyond the temple walls, where the opportunity to explore a local village and witness the artisanal process of palm sugar making beckons.

Key Points

• This private day tour focuses on the lesser-visited Angkor sites, including the renowned Banteay Srei and serene Banteay Kdei.
• The tour offers a customizable itinerary based on individual interests, with a licensed temple guide providing expert insights.
• Guests can choose to visit a local village producing traditional palm sugar for a culture.
• The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, bottled water, and all entrance fees to the Angkor Temple Complex.
• Flexibility in the itinerary allows for adjustments to avoid crowds and discover hidden gems at the Angkor sites.

Tour Overview

This private, full-day tour allows visitors to explore less-visited Angkor sites, including the renowned Banteay Srei and the serene Banteay Kdei.

The itinerary is customizable based on individual interests, with a licensed temple guide included. Priced at a flat rate of $159 for groups up to 3 in a sedan or up to 7 in a minivan, the tour provides hotel pickup and drop-off.

Guests can expect a moderate level of physical activity, with the option to visit a village producing palm sugar. Confirmation is received at booking, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience.

Itinerary Details

The tour begins with a 9:00 AM hotel pickup in Siem Reap.

First, visitors explore the 12th-century temple of Banteay Kdei, characterized by its concentric walls and royal bathing pool.

Next, they venture to the renowned Banteay Srei, known as the "Lady Temple" for its intricate carvings in pink sandstone, built in 961 AD.

An optional stop at a village producing palm sugar provides a glimpse into local life.

Throughout the day, a licensed guide accompanies the group, sharing their expertise on the historical and cultural significance of the sites.

Hotel drop-off concludes the experience, with bottled water provided during the tour.

Included Amenities

The Banteay Srei Day Tour includes several amenities to enhance the experience.

Travelers receive hotel pickup and drop-off, ensuring a seamless start and end to the tour. Bottled water is provided throughout the day, keeping guests hydrated. A driver and licensed guide accompany the group, offering expert insights and guidance at the temples.

Entrance fees to the Angkor Temple Complex are also included, eliminating the need for additional payments. While lunch isn’t provided, the tour’s flat-rate pricing makes budgeting straightforward.

These thoughtful inclusions contribute to a well-rounded and hassle-free exploration of the lesser-known Angkor sites.

Additional Information

Confirmation of the booking is received at the time of purchase.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps during the journey. A moderate level of physical fitness is required to fully enjoy the tour. This private tour is exclusive to your group, ensuring a personalized experience.

• Not wheelchair accessible
• Infants must sit on laps
• Moderate physical fitness level required
• Private tour with only your group

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled start time, providing flexibility for travelers.

Reviews Summary

Summarizing the reviews, travelers have given the tour an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars based on 9 reviews.

Positive feedback highlights the knowledgeable guides and personalized experiences. However, some reviewers noted that the itinerary ended earlier than expected, with options for sunset viewing at an additional cost.

Nonetheless, notable mentions praise the guides’ photography tips and local insights, enhancing the overall experience.

The tour’s focus on lesser-known Angkor sites, like Banteay Srei and Banteay Kdei, appears to be a key draw for those seeking a more authentic and less crowded exploration of Siem Reap’s rich cultural heritage.

Customizable Itinerary

A key highlight of this tour is its customizable itinerary, allowing travelers to tailor the experience based on their interests.

With the guidance of a licensed temple guide, visitors can curate their ideal day exploring the less-visited Angkor sites.

The itinerary can be adjusted to focus on:

• Specific temple complexes that pique their curiosity
• Opportunities to interact with local artisans and learn about traditional crafts
• Discovering hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path locations
• Optimizing the schedule to avoid crowds and experience the sites at the best times

This flexibility ensures each tour is uniquely catered to the preferences and pace of the individual travelers.

Village Palm Sugar Option

One optional stop during the Banteay Srei Day Tour is a visit to a local village producing traditional palm sugar.

Visitors can observe the intricate process of extracting sap from palm trees and transforming it into the sweet, caramelized palm sugar. The guide will provide insights into this artisanal craft, which has been passed down through generations.

Guests can sample the freshly made palm sugar and even purchase some to take home as a unique souvenir.

This stop offers a glimpse into the local economy and traditions, providing a more well-rounded understanding of Cambodian culture beyond the famous Angkor Wat temples.

Knowledgeable Temple Guide

With a licensed temple guide included in the tour, visitors can expect a rich and insightful exploration of the historical and cultural significance of the Banteay Srei and Banteay Kdei temples.

The guide’s expertise provides valuable context, allowing guests to delve deeper into the intricate carvings, architectural features, and the stories behind these lesser-known Angkor sites.

The guide’s insights include:

• Explaining the symbolism and religious significance of the temple designs and sculptures
• Sharing historical accounts and legends about the temple’s construction and patronage
• Providing photography tips to capture the best angles and details of the temple complexes
• Offering insights into the daily life and cultural practices of the local communities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can We Visit Angkor Wat on This Tour?

No, this tour does not include a visit to Angkor Wat. The itinerary focuses on less-visited Angkor sites like Banteay Srei and Banteay Kdei. The tour is customizable based on the customer’s interests, but Angkor Wat is not part of the standard itinerary.

Is It Possible to Extend the Tour Duration?

Yes, the tour duration can be extended. The itinerary is customizable, so travelers can work with the tour provider to add or adjust activities and sites based on their interests and available time.

What Type of Transportation Is Provided?

The private tour provides transportation in either a sedan for up to 3 people or a minivan for up to 7 people. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included as part of the flat-rate pricing for the tour.

Are There Any Restroom Facilities at the Sites?

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, and the driver and guide will ensure that restroom facilities are available at the sites visited. Bottled water is also provided throughout the day.

Can We Request a Different Start Time for the Tour?

Yes, the tour’s start time can be customized based on the traveler’s preferences. The overview states the tour typically starts at 9:00 AM, but the itinerary can be tailored to accommodate different start times upon request.

Recap

This private day tour offers an immersive exploration of lesser-known Angkor sites, including the exquisite Banteay Srei temple. With a customizable itinerary, personalized guidance, and included amenities, travelers can discover the enchanting beauty and rich history of Cambodia’s cultural heritage. Whether visiting Banteay Kdei or learning about palm sugar production, this tour provides an unforgettable off-the-beaten-track experience tailored to individual interests.