How to Plan Your Banteay Srey Temple, Bengmealea Temple, and Koker Temples Group Tour in Siem Reap

When it comes to exploring ancient ruins, Siem Reap is a treasure trove. With so many temples to explore, it can be overwhelming to decide which ones to visit. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through planning a group tour that includes three must-visit sites: Banteay Srey Temple, Bengmealea Temple, and Koker Temples.

Overview

This full-day tour will take you to some of the most impressive ancient temples in Siem Reap, Cambodia. You’ll be picked up early in the morning and taken by an air-conditioned vehicle to Banteay Srey Temple, known for its intricate carvings and detailed architecture. After that, you’ll head to Bengmealea Temple, which is a hidden gem that’s off the beaten path. Finally, you’ll visit the Koker temples group, a collection of smaller temples that are less visited by tourists. Along the way, your English-speaking guide will provide you with the history and context of each temple.

What’s Included

This tour is offered by Bayon Tabi Tour and includes the following:

• Air-conditioned vehicle
• English-speaking guide (1-day tour)
• All fees and taxes
• Lunch
• Dinner

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup points are customizable to your convenience. The start time for the tour is 8:30 AM, and you’ll be picked up from your hotel or Siem Reap airport at 8:00 AM. Make sure you’re ready and waiting in the hotel lobby before the departure time.

What to Expect

This is a private tour, so only your group will participate. Confirmation will be received at the time of booking via email, and the tour is not wheelchair accessible. However, most travelers can participate, and it’s an ideal experience for history buffs and architecture lovers.

Cancellation Policy

If you need to cancel your reservation, you can do so up to 24 hours in advance of the experience, and you’ll receive a full refund. However, if you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour, you’ll forfeit the paid amount.

Price and Booking

The cost of this tour is $155 per person. You can book the tour online using the following link: book the tour here. We recommend booking the tour in advance to ensure your spot, particularly during peak tourist season.

Our Recommendation

This tour is a perfect opportunity to explore some of the less visited temples in Siem Reap. Banteay Srey Temple and Bengmealea Temple are particularly impressive, and the Koker Temples Group will provide you with an abundance of historical context. Additionally, the tour includes meals and professional guide service, making it an excellent value for the price.

Final Thoughts

If you’re planning to visit Siem Reap, we highly recommend taking a guided tour of the ancient temples in the area. This tour will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the history, architecture, and context of the temples, making your trip more memorable and enriching. Book your tour in advance to avoid disappointment, and don’t forget to bring a camera to capture the stunning beauty of the sites.

FAQs about Siem Reap

Siem Reap is a well-known city in Cambodia that is famous for the Angkor Wat temple complex, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As a result, people from all over the world come to Siem Reap to explore the rich history and culture of Cambodia. In this blog post, we will be answering some of the most frequently asked questions about Siem Reap to help travelers plan their trip.

1. When is the best time to visit Siem Reap?

The best time to visit Siem Reap is between November and February as it is the dry season which provides the best weather conditions for traveling. During this season, the temperature is around 25-30°C and the humidity is low, which makes it perfect for outdoor activities. However, keep in mind that this is also the busiest time of the year, so expect higher hotel rates and more crowded tourist locations.

2. Do I need a visa to enter Cambodia?

Yes, visitors need a visa to enter Cambodia, including Siem Reap. You can either choose to apply for it in advance online or get it on arrival at the airport. The visa on arrival costs around $30, and you can pay in either dollars or Cambodian riel.

3. How do I get around in Siem Reap?

There are several ways to get around in Siem Reap, including tuk-tuks, taxis, bikes, and scooters. Tuk-tuks are the most common mode of transportation and are quite cheap. However, be sure to negotiate the price beforehand to avoid any confusion. You can also rent a bicycle or scooter to explore the city on your own.

4. What is the currency used in Siem Reap?

The currency used in Cambodia is called the Cambodian riel. However, US dollars are widely accepted and even preferred by merchants and vendors. It’s important to note that small denominations of riel are often given as change for purchases made with dollars.

5. What are the must-visit places in Siem Reap?

Apart from the famous Angkor Wat temple complex, there are several other places worth visiting in Siem Reap, such as:

a. Bayon Temple

The Bayon Temple is known for its impressive stone sculptures and intricate bas-reliefs. This temple is considered to be one of the most enigmatic and mysterious of all the temples in the Angkor Wat complex.

b. Banteay Srei Temple

The Banteay Srei Temple is famous for its red sandstone carvings, which are considered to be some of the most intricate and beautiful of all the temples. This temple is located slightly further out from the main Angkor Wat complex, but is still worth the visit.

c. Tonle Sap Lake

Tonle Sap Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia and is known for its floating villages and stilt houses. Visitors can take a boat tour to explore the lake and learn about the unique way of life of its inhabitants.

d. Pub Street

Pub Street is the main nightlife spot in Siem Reap and is filled with bars, restaurants, and nightclubs. The atmosphere is lively and buzzing, making it the perfect place to unwind after a day of sightseeing.

6. What is the food like in Siem Reap?

The local cuisine in Siem Reap is known for its freshness, simplicity, and usage of aromatic herbs and spices. Some popular dishes include fish amok, a curry made with fish and coconut milk, and beef lok lak, a stir-fried beef served with rice and a fried egg. Vegetarians can enjoy dishes such as Khmer curry made with tofu or stir-fried morning glory.

7. What should I bring with me to Siem Reap?

There are a few things that you should consider bringing with you to Siem Reap, such as:

a. Sunscreen and insect repellent

Given Cambodia’s tropical climate, it’s important to protect yourself from both the sun and the mosquitos.

b. Lightweight and breathable clothing

Loose-fitting clothes made from cotton or linen are recommended to help you stay cool and comfortable in the humid climate.

c. Reusable water bottle

To reduce your usage of single-use plastics and stay hydrated, bringing a reusable water bottle is a good idea.

d. Cash and cards

Make sure to bring both cash and cards as ATMs and credit card machines may not be readily available in Siem Reap.

Conclusion

Siem Reap is a unique and fascinating city that offers something for everyone, from the history buffs to the foodies. We hope that this blog post has been useful in answering some of your questions and helping you plan your trip. Remember to plan ahead, stay safe, and most importantly, enjoy your time in Siem Reap!