How to Plan Your 4-Day Excursion Angkor, Koh Ker in Siem Reap

Siem Reap is a beautiful city in Cambodia that offers tourists an exciting opportunity to explore the ancient temples of Angkor and see the floating villages of Tonle Sap Lake. Planning a tour can sometimes be a hassle; however, with this guide, you will have all the information you need to plan your 4-day excursion to Angkor, Koh Ker in Siem Reap.

Day 1: Angkor Wat Sunrise

On your first day, you will be picked up from your Siem Reap hotel at 4:30 am for an Angkor Wat sunrise tour. This tour will allow you to witness the beauty of the sunrise over Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world. After the sunrise, explore the temple complex with your English speaking guide, who will show you Ta Prohm, Angkor Thom, and Bayon Temple. You will also enjoy a packed breakfast picnic near the temples.

Day 2: Beng Mealea and Tonle Sap Lake

On your second day, explore the remote temple of Beng Mealea, located about 60 km from Siem Reap. This temple is an excellent example of Khmer architecture and is a beautiful, less-visited temple complex surrounded by nature. Continue your tour with a visit to the floating villages of Tonle Sap Lake. This boat ride will allow you to see how the locals live and experience the beauty of this ecological wonder.

Day 3: Koh Ker Temple

On the third day, visit Koh Ker Temple, a temple complex located approximately 120 km from Siem Reap. This beautiful Khmer temple site dates back to the 10th century and features several unique and well-preserved temples. You will also have the option to visit the Prasat Thom Pyramid, one of the largest temples in Cambodia.

Day 4: Free Day to Explore Siem Reap

On the fourth day, enjoy a free day to explore Siem Reap on your own. You can choose to relax by your hotel pool, stroll around the city to do some shopping or explore the local Cambodian cuisine.

What’s Included in the Tour

This 4-day excursion tour package includes a fully vaccinated English speaking tour guide and driver, a private vehicle with A/C, a free cool bottle of water and towels during the tour, and daily pickup and drop-off at your Siem Reap hotel. The tour also includes a 3-day Angkor pass of $62 per person, a Tonle Sap lake pass with a boat ride for $20 per person, and a Koh Ker pass for $15 per person.

Booking the Tour

You can book this tour package through the Viator website using this link: book the tour here. You can also personalize this tour package based on your needs and preferences by contacting Viator.

Conclusion

Planning your 4-day excursion to Angkor, Koh Ker in Siem Reap can be a hassle; however, this guide provides you with all the information you need to plan your trip. With this 4-day tour package, you will be sure to explore the best of Siem Reap, including witnessing the beauty of the Angkor Wat sunrise, visiting the remote temples of Beng Mealea and Koh Ker, seeing the floating villages on Tonle Sap Lake, and exploring Siem Reap on your own.

The Most Frequently Asked Questions About Siem Reap: A Comprehensive Guide

If you’re planning to visit Southeast Asia, Siem Reap is one of those cities you cannot afford to skip. Home to the world-renowned Angkor Archaeological Park, it’s the gateway to the rich, vibrant history of the Khmer civilization. While Siem Reap is a relatively small town, many tourists often have many questions about it. In this post, we’ll dive into the most frequently asked questions about Siem Reap to help you navigate your trip successfully.

1. What Is Siem Reap?

Siem Reap is a city located in northwest Cambodia. It’s the capital city of the Siem Reap Province and is roughly 314 kilometers away from the Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh. Siem Reap is a popular tourist destination due to its close proximity to the Angkor Archaeological Park, which is home to the world-famous Angkor Wat temple complex.

2. What Is The Best Time To Visit Siem Reap?

The best time to visit Siem Reap is between November and March when the weather is cooler and drier, making it ideal for exploring the temples. The months of April and May are the hottest and most humid, while June to October is the rainy season, making it challenging to navigate the temples for some tourists. However, the temples and landscape are serene, and if you’re up for it, it’s an excellent opportunity to enjoy Siem Reap outside of peak travel.

3. How Do I Get To Siem Reap?

The most common way to reach Siem Reap is by air. Siem Reap International Airport caters to international and domestic flights through popular carriers like Air Asia, Bangkok Airways, and Cambodia Angkor Air. You can also reach Siem Reap by bus or taxi from other Cambodian cities like Phnom Penh or Sihanoukville.

4. What Are The Must-See Attractions In Siem Reap?

The top attraction in Siem Reap is undoubtedly the Angkor Archaeological Park with its ancient temples, including the Angkor Wat, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. In addition, Siem Reap has several other notable attractions like the Tonlé Sap Lake, which is Southeast Asia’s most extensive freshwater lake, the Angkor National Museum, and the Artisans Angkor workshops, where artisans showcase their traditional Khmer handicraft-making skills.

5. What Are The Costs Involved In Visiting Siem Reap?

The cost of visiting Siem Reap primarily depends on your travel style, preferences, and the duration of your stay. Some of the significant costs include accommodation, transportation, food, and entrance fees to popular tourist sites. On average, a daily budget of $50 to $100 USD for mid-range travelers and $100 to $200 USD for luxury travelers is sufficient for a comfortable stay in Siem Reap.

6. What Are The Accommodation Options In Siem Reap?

Siem Reap has a wide range of accommodation options to suit all budgets, tastes, and preferences. You can choose from high-end luxury resorts, boutique hotels, guesthouses, hostels, and home-stays in Siem Reap. Popular options include the Park Hyatt Siem Reap, Shinta Mani Wild, Amansara, Belmond La Résidence d’Angkor, Heritage Suites Hotel, and Jaya House River Park.

7. What Are Some Tips For Visiting Siem Reap?

If you’re planning a trip to Siem Reap, here are some essential tips to help you make the most of your experience:

1. Research and plan your trip before arriving in Siem Reap, including booking accommodation and transportation.
2. Ensure that you have a valid visa (if required) before your trip.
3. Wear appropriate clothing when visiting temples, including covering your shoulders and knees.
4. Stay hydrated and carry water with you at all times.
5. Use only licensed tour guides and transportation providers to avoid scams.
6. Remember to respect the local culture and customs.

8. What Is The Local Food Like In Siem Reap?

The local food in Siem Reap is a fusion of Khmer and Southeast Asian cuisines. Some of the most popular dishes in Siem Reap include Amok Trey, a type of steamed fish curry, Lok Lak, a stir-fried beef dish served with rice, and Khmer Red Curry known as Somlar Kari. You can also indulge in fresh fruits, street food, and popular desserts like sticky rice and mango.

9. Can I Buy Local Handicrafts In Siem Reap?

Yes, Siem Reap is known for its authentic Khmer handicrafts, including silk weavings, ceramics, silverware, and stone carvings. You can buy these handicrafts at the local markets, including the Old Market and the Angkor Night Market, or visit the Artisans Angkor workshops, where artisans showcase their traditional handicraft-making skills.

10. Is Siem Reap Safe For Travelers?

Siem Reap is generally a safe destination for travelers. However, like any other tourist destination, there’s always some risk of petty crime. It’s advisable to exercise caution when navigating the temples and public areas and avoid flashing your valuables to avoid attracting unwanted attention. It’s also crucial to use licensed tour guides and transportation providers and refrain from using unlicensed motorbike taxis or tuk-tuks.

Conclusion

Siem Reap is an exceptional tourist destination with a rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty. Understanding the frequently asked questions about Siem Reap can help you plan your trip better and make the most of your experience. Remember to plan your trip, respect the local culture and customs, and stay safe. Happy travels!