Private Preah Vihea and 2 Temples Guided Tour

The Private Preah Vihear and 2 Temples Guided Tour offers travelers a captivating glimpse into Cambodia’s Khmer heritage. This immersive experience, priced at $215 for up to two participants, takes visitors on a journey through some of the country’s most awe-inspiring ancient sites. From the breathtaking Preah Vihear Temple perched atop a cliff to the impressive ruins of Koh Ker and Beng Mealea, this tour showcases a remarkable blend of historical significance and architectural brilliance. What secrets might these temples hold, and what stories will they reveal to those willing to explore their timeless mysteries?

Good To Know

1. This private guided tour offers a comprehensive experience visiting the Preah Vihear, Koh Ker, and Beng Mealea temple sites in Cambodia.

2. The tour includes transportation, an English-speaking guide, refreshments, and entrance fees, with a total travel time of approximately 6.5 hours.

3. Preah Vihear Temple is located atop a cliff and has a contentious history of ownership disputes between Cambodia and Thailand.

4. Koh Ker features the impressive Prasat Thom, a seven-tiered pyramid temple, showcasing the architectural achievements of the Khmer Empire.

5. Beng Mealea is surrounded by a large moat and displays a unique blend of Khmer and Hindu architectural styles.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

This private Preah Vihear guided tour offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of three prominent Khmer temples – Preah Vihear, Koh Ker, and Beng Mealea.

Priced from $215.00 per group (up to 2 participants), the tour lasts one day and includes free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Customers can reserve their spot without upfront payment.

The tour includes pickup and drop-off, an English-speaking guide, refreshments, and entrance fees.

Visitors will travel approximately 6.5 hours, visiting the awe-inspiring Preah Vihear Temple, the towering Koh Ker pyramids, and the moat-surrounded Beng Mealea.

This comprehensive tour provides a deep dive into Cambodia’s ancient Khmer heritage and remarkable temple architecture.

Itinerary and Transportation

The tour begins with pickup options from either the traveler’s hotel or four locations in Siem Reap’s city center, all at 5:00 AM.

The total travel time is approximately 6.5 hours, including a 3-hour drive to Preah Vihear Temple, a 1.5-hour drive to Koh Ker Temple, and a 1-hour drive to Beng Mealea.

The tour concludes with drop-off at the same locations as the pickup.

Throughout the journey, travelers will enjoy comfortable car rides and the guidance of an English-speaking tour guide, who’ll provide in-depth information about the history and significance of the three remarkable temple sites.

Temple Highlights

Preah Vihear Temple, perched atop a 525-metre cliff in the Dângrêk Mountains, is an ancient Hindu temple renowned for its contentious ownership history. The tour also includes visits to Koh Ker and Beng Mealea, two other captivating Khmer Empire sites. Koh Ker, once the capital city of the empire, features the impressive Prasat Thom, a seven-tiered pyramid reaching 36 metres high. Beng Mealea, a temple similar to Angkor Wat, is surrounded by a large moat spanning 1025m by 875m and 45m wide.

Site	Highlights
Preah Vihear	Ancient Hindu temple on a cliff
Koh Ker	Impressive Prasat Thom pyramid
Beng Mealea	Temple similar to Angkor Wat

Included Services

The tour package includes a range of services to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience.

Pickup and drop-off at the selected locations in Siem Reap are provided, along with an English-speaking guide to lead the way. Travelers will also receive cold towels and water throughout the tour.

Entrance fees to the three main temples – Preah Vihear, Koh Ker, and Beng Mealea – are covered. Plus, the transportation to Preah Vihear Temple is included, which is crucial given its remote location.

These comprehensive services aim to make the tour hassle-free and allow visitors to fully enjoy the rich history and stunning architecture of these ancient Khmer sites.

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Booking Information

Visitors can check the availability of different starting times for the tour.

Booking this private Preah Vihear and 2 temples guided tour is straightforward. Travelers need to select the desired number of participants and the date they wish to take the tour. The tour operator will then confirm the availability and secure the booking.

With a 24-hour cancellation policy, customers have the flexibility to make changes if needed. By reserving now and paying later, travelers can lock in their spot without an upfront payment.

Contentious Ownership History

Over the decades, the ownership of Preah Vihear Temple has been a source of contention between Cambodia and Thailand. The temple sits atop a 525-metre cliff along the Dângrêak Mountains, straddling the border between the two countries.

Both nations have claimed sovereignty over the site, leading to military clashes and diplomatic disputes. In 1962, the International Court of Justice ruled that the temple belonged to Cambodia.

However, tensions remained, and in 2008, the temple was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, further fueling the dispute.

Despite ongoing negotiations, the ownership of Preah Vihear Temple remains a contentious issue, highlighting the complex and sometimes turbulent history of the region.

Khmer Empire and Lingapura

Khmer Empire’s Lingapura, or Koh Ker, served as an important capital city during the 10th century. It was known for the Prasat Thom, a seven-tiered pyramid temple standing 36 meters tall.

This temple, along with other structures, showcased the Khmer Empire’s architectural prowess and engineering skills. Koh Ker was the capital for about 20 years under the rule of King Jayavarman IV, who moved the seat of power from Angkor.

The city featured a sophisticated water management system and was a center of religious and administrative activity.

Today, Koh Ker provides visitors a glimpse into the grandeur of the Khmer Empire and its remarkable accomplishments during its heyday.

Moat and Architecture

Typically, the temple of Beng Mealea impresses visitors with its expansive moat, which measures an impressive 1025 meters by 875 meters and spans a width of 45 meters. This massive water feature surrounds the temple, adding to its grandeur and mystique.

The temple’s architecture is equally captivating, featuring a unique blend of Khmer and Hindu styles. Intricate carvings and detailed reliefs adorn the temple’s walls, offering a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the Khmer Empire.

Exploring the crumbling ruins of Beng Mealea is a truly immersive experience, allowing visitors to step back in time and marvel at the ingenuity and craftsmanship of the ancient builders.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Dress Code for Visiting the Temples?

The temples require modest, conservative attire. Visitors should cover their shoulders and knees, avoiding shorts, sleeveless tops, or skirts/dresses above the knee. Respectful dress is expected to maintain the sanctity of these historical and religious sites.

Are There Any Restrictions on Photography at the Sites?

There are generally no restrictions on photography at the temples, but visitors should avoid flash photography and respect any posted signs or instructions from temple staff. Some sites may have specific photo guidelines for certain areas.

Are There Any Dining Options Available During the Tour?

The tour doesn’t include any dining options. Travelers will need to bring their own snacks and meals or plan to purchase food during stops along the way. There are no pre-arranged dining arrangements provided as part of this guided tour.

Can the Tour Accommodate Dietary Restrictions or Preferences?

The tour can accommodate dietary restrictions and preferences. Guests should inform the tour provider of any dietary needs when booking, and the guide will ensure appropriate meal arrangements are made throughout the day.

What Should Participants Bring for the Day-Long Tour?

Participants should bring comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, a light jacket or sweater, and snacks or water for the day-long tour. Bringing cash for any additional expenses is also recommended.

Sum Up

The Private Preah Vihear and 2 Temples Guided Tour offers an immersive exploration of Cambodia’s rich Khmer heritage. Visitors can experience the stunning Preah Vihear Temple, impressive Prasat Thom, and tranquil Beng Mealea, all while learning about the region’s contentious history and architectural marvels. With transportation, a knowledgeable guide, and all fees included, this tour provides a comprehensive and convenient way to discover the wonders of this remarkable cultural destination.

You can check if your dates are available here: