Siem Reap is home to some of Cambodia’s most captivating historical sites, and the Banteay Srey and Beng Mealea Full-Day Tour offers a chance to explore two of its most enchanting temples. Travelers can enjoy the intricately carved 10th-century Banteay Srey, a pink sandstone masterpiece, and then venture to the jungle-enshrouded 12th-century Beng Mealea, a temple that’s been reclaimed by nature. Throughout the day, visitors will indulge in Cambodian cuisine, witness traditional performances, and gain a deeper understanding of the country’s rich cultural heritage. But the true allure of this tour lies in the stories these ancient structures have to tell, waiting to be uncovered by the curious explorer.
Good To Know
- This full-day tour from Siem Reap takes visitors to the well-preserved Banteay Srey temple and the jungle-covered Beng Mealea temple.
- The tour includes hotel pick-up, transportation, an English-speaking guide, lunch, and a buffet dinner with an Apsara dance show.
- Guests can learn about traditional sugar palm production during the transit between the two temple sites.
- Discounts are available for students and military personnel, and wheelchair accessibility can be arranged upon request.
- The tour can be extended with additional activities, such as sunrise or sunset visits to Angkor Wat, bike tours, and Tonle Sap Lake boat tours.
Tour Overview and Pricing
This full-day tour from Siem Reap takes visitors to the ancient temples of Banteay Srey and Beng Mealea.
Priced from $95 per person, the tour lasts 8 hours and includes hotel pick-up, transportation, an English-speaking guide, lunch, and a buffet dinner with an Apsara dance show.
Guests can visit the well-preserved Banteay Srey temple, known for its intricate red sandstone carvings, and the jungle-covered Beng Mealea temple.
There’s also an opportunity to learn about local palm sugar production.
The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later.
Discounts are available for students and military personnel.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Angkor.
Itinerary Highlights
The tour begins with hotel pick-up at approximately 08:00.
After departing Siem Reap, the first stop is the famed Banteay Srey, located 16 miles from the Angkor complex. This 10th-century temple is renowned for its intricate red sandstone carvings and Khmer mythology.
Along the way, the group will also learn about sugar palm production from local villagers.
Following a local lunch, the tour continues to Beng Mealea, a 12th-century Hindu temple engulfed by the surrounding jungle, located 24 miles east of Angkor.
The day concludes with a buffet dinner and traditional Apsara dance show back in Siem Reap.
- Red sandstone carvings at Banteay Srey
- Sugar palm production in local villages
- 12th-century jungle-shrouded Beng Mealea
- Buffet dinner and Apsara dance performance
Inclusions
The tour package includes hotel pick-up and drop-off services within Siem Reap, providing convenient transportation for participants.
During the day, an English-speaking guide accompanies the group, sharing insights and historical context. Cold drinking water is provided throughout the tour.
Lunch at a local restaurant and a buffet dinner with a traditional Apsara Dance show in Siem Reap are also included.
However, tips and personal expenses aren’t covered by the tour price. Discounts are available for students and military personnel with valid identification, and wheelchair accessibility can be arranged upon request for an additional charge.
Important Information
Discounts are available for students and military personnel with valid ID.
This full-day tour from Siem Reap to Banteay Srey and Beng Mealea is wheelchair accessible at an extra charge upon request. Extensions for sunrise and sunset are available for an additional fee. Guests should be aware of extra charges payable on arrival.
Vegetarian options are available, but you must notify the tour operator at the time of booking.
- Wheelchair accessible at extra charge
- Tour extensions for sunrise and sunset available
- Extra charges payable on arrival
- Vegetarian options available with advance notice
Dress Code and Recommendations
Appropriate attire is important for this tour. Visitors should dress comfortably for the outdoor activities and unpredictable weather.
Trousers or knee-length skirts and dresses are required, as shorts and short skirts aren’t permitted. Comfortable walking shoes are a must, as the tour involves exploring ancient temple ruins.
It’s also a good idea to bring a hat, sunscreen, and lightweight layers in case the weather changes.
Following the dress code ensures a smooth and enjoyable experience, allowing you to fully learn about the cultural and historical wonders of Banteay Srey and Beng Mealea.
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Sugar Palm Production
Along the scenic route to Banteay Srey, visitors have the chance to learn about the traditional sugar palm production practiced in the local villages.
Travelers will witness the intricate process of extracting sap from the towering palm trees and transforming it into a range of sweet and nutritious products. This includes:
- Collecting the sap by climbing the tall palm trees and cutting the flower buds
- Boiling the sap to create palm sugar, a popular sweetener in Khmer cuisine
- Weaving the palm leaves into mats, baskets, and other handicrafts
- Enjoying the refreshing palm juice, a natural thirst-quencher
This cultural experience provides a glimpse into the daily lives and traditions of the Cambodian people.
Lunch and Dinner Experience
After exploring the captivating Banteay Srey temple, travelers will enjoy a delectable lunch at a local restaurant, savoring the flavors of traditional Khmer cuisine.
The tour includes a buffet dinner back in Siem Reap, where guests can indulge in a vibrant Apsara dance performance.
This cultural experience offers a glimpse into Cambodia’s rich heritage, showcasing the country’s culinary and artistic traditions.
Vegetarian options are available for those with dietary restrictions.
The full-day tour provides a well-rounded experience, blending historical exploration with authentic local flavors and cultural entertainment.
Tour Extensions
Travelers interested in enhancing their Siem Reap experience can opt for tour extensions tailored to their preferences.
These add-ons allow visitors to capture the magic of Angkor during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset. Some popular extensions include:
- Angkor Wat sunrise tour, offering a serene and atmospheric start to the day.
- Angkor Thom sunset tour, showcasing the ancient city in a warm, glowing light.
- Siem Reap countryside bike tour, exploring local villages and rice fields.
- Tonle Sap Lake boat tour, immersing in the unique floating community.
These extensions can be booked at an additional charge and are subject to availability.
Speak with the tour provider to customize your itinerary and make the most of your time in Siem Reap.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Tour Be Customized to Fit My Preferences?
The tour can be customized to fit the traveler’s preferences, as the tour provider offers optional extensions for sunrise/sunset visits and accommodates vegetarian dietary needs upon request. Additional charges may apply for customizations.
Are There Any Additional Charges for Group Bookings?
The tour operator doesn’t specify any additional charges for group bookings. However, they recommend checking with them directly as group size and other factors may impact the overall pricing.
How Experienced Are the Tour Guides?
The tour guides are experienced, having extensive knowledge of the historical and cultural significance of the sites. They are fluent in English and provide engaging commentary to enhance the guest’s understanding and appreciation of the tour.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
Passengers can’t bring their own food and drinks on the tour as the inclusions cover a buffet lunch and cold drinking water. However, they can request vegetarian options when booking the tour.
Is There Any Flexibility in the Tour Schedule?
The tour schedule has some flexibility. Guests can request tour extensions for sunrise and sunset at an additional cost. However, the core itinerary remains fixed to ensure the full-day experience.
Sum Up
The Siem Reap: Banteay Srey and Beng Mealea Full-Day Tour offers a captivating exploration of Cambodia’s rich cultural heritage. Visitors can enjoy the intricate carvings of the 10th-century Banteay Srey temple and the jungle-shrouded grandeur of the 12th-century Beng Mealea temple. Combined with delectable cuisine and a traditional Apsara dance performance, this tour provides an unforgettable cultural experience that showcases the enduring beauty and history of Siem Reap.
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