How to Plan Your Full Day Preah Khan and Neak Pean Temples Tour in Siem Reap

Siem Reap is a city located in the northwestern part of Cambodia and has gained fame as the gateway to the Angkor temples. A trip to Siem Reap is incomplete without a visit to some of the Khmer temples, especially Preah Khan and Neak Pean. This full-day tour is a fantastic opportunity for anyone interested in Khmer culture and architecture to explore the lesser-visited temples in the Angkor area.

Here’s a complete guide on how to plan your full-day Preah Khan and Neak Pean temples tour in Siem Reap:

Overview of the Tour

The tour aims to take you away from the tourist-crowded areas around Angkor and show you some of the off-the-beaten-path sights in Siem Reap. This private tour is ideal for those who want to explore the lesser-known Khmer temples with ease and at a pace that suits them.

One of the best things about this tour is that you’ll be traveling in comfort, with hotel transfers provided and an air-conditioned vehicle at your disposal. The tour also includes bottled water and lunch, so you won’t have to worry about any additional expenses.

What’s Included

• Hotel Pick up and Drop off
• Professional guide and driver
• 1 bottled water per person
• Lunch

Itinerary

This full-day tour to Preah Khan and Neak Pean temples includes visits to other lesser-visited temples. The detailed itinerary for the tour is as follows:

8:00 AM: Pick-up from your Hotel

The tour guide and driver will pick you up from your Siem Reap hotel at 8:00 AM, and you’ll start your journey towards the temples.

9:00 AM: Visit Preah Khan Temple

Preah Khan is a beautiful temple that offers a glimpse of what Angkor Wat would have been like in its prime. Being one of the largest complexes at Angkor, you’ll be able to explore the temple’s maze of courtyards, corridors, and passageways.

11:00 AM: Visit Neak Pean Temple

Neak Pean is a small but charming temple surrounded by a pond that offers a serene environment. The temple is interesting for its architecture, which symbolizes the Hindu concept of balance. You can take a walk around the pond and admire the tranquility of the temple.

12:00 PM: Lunch

After visiting Neak Pean, it’s time for a lovely lunch. Your tour guide will take you to a restaurant where you can sample some of Cambodia’s finest cuisine.

1:00 PM: Visit Pre Rup Temple

Pre Rup is a lesser-known temple that offers a great example of the Khmer’s architectural prowess. It’s awe-inspiring to see the well-preserved carvings and bas-reliefs on the temple columns and walls.

2:00 PM: Visit Ta Som Temple

Ta Som is a beautiful temple that is still largely covered in jungle vines. The temple is known for its beautiful carvings of devatas, which are female celestial beings in Hindu and Buddhist mythology.

3:00 PM: Visit East Mebon Temple

The East Mebon temple is situated on an island in the middle of a vast artificial lake, and it was the focus of a planned city in the 10th century. The temple’s beautiful carvings and sculptures are some of the most beautiful per-existing artworks of the Angkorian period.

4:00 PM: Back to your Hotel

After visiting all the temples, you’ll be dropped off at your hotel by the tour guide and driver.

Additional Info

• The tour is available all year round;
• The tour requires at least two people to operate;
• The tour is wheelchair accessible;
• Please wear comfortable clothing;
• Please carry sunscreen and a hat as it can get pretty hot in Siem Reap;
• This is a private tour so you’ll have personalized attention from the tour guide;
• Confirmation will be received at the time of booking;
• The tour is confirmed subject to availability.

Booking Your Tour

If you’re interested in this tour, you can book it on Viator’s website. The tour includes hotel transfers, lunch, bottled water, and a professional guide and driver. Book the tour here: Book the tour here.

Conclusion

Overall, this full-day tour of Preah Khan and Neak Pean temples in Siem Reap is an excellent opportunity to explore the less-visited temples and learn about Khmer culture and architecture. The tour offers hotel transfers, lunch, bottled water, and the dedicated attention of a professional guide – all the ingredients for a fantastic day trip!

Frequently Asked Questions About Siem Reap

Siem Reap is a city located in northwestern Cambodia, famous for its ancient temples, floating villages, and natural beauty. It attracts millions of tourists every year who come to explore the city’s rich history and culture. However, as a first-time visitor, you might have some questions that need answers. In this post, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about Siem Reap.

1. 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 dry and cool. This is the peak season, and you will find crowds of tourists around the city’s popular sites. However, if you prefer to avoid the crowds and enjoy lower prices for accommodations and tours, you can visit during the shoulder season, which runs from April to early June and from September to early November.

2. What are the must-visit temples in Siem Reap?

Siem Reap is home to numerous temples, each with its own unique features and history. However, three temples stand out as must-visit destinations for any visitor to Siem Reap:

Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat is the largest and most iconic of all the temples in Siem Reap. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is considered one of the seven wonders of the world. The temple was built in the 12th century and was originally a Hindu temple but was later converted to a Buddhist temple. Angkor Wat represents the pinnacle of classical Khmer architecture and is a must-visit destination for any visitor to Siem Reap.

Bayon Temple

Bayon Temple is a 12th-century Buddhist temple built by king Jayavarman VII. It is famous for its 54 towers, each featuring four smiling faces. Bayon Temple is also a UNESCO World Heritage site and is located in the center of Angkor Thom, a walled city that was once the capital of the Khmer Empire.

Ta Prohm Temple

Ta Prohm Temple is a 12th-century temple built by king Jayavarman VII to honor his mother. The temple is famous for its overgrown trees, which have grown into the temple walls and have become intertwined with the ruins. Ta Prohm Temple was used as a location in the movie Tomb Raider and is a favorite destination for photographers.

3. What is the dress code for visiting the temples?

Siem Reap’s temples are holy places, and visitors are required to dress appropriately. This means covering your shoulders and legs, and not wearing revealing clothing. Hats and sunglasses are also not allowed inside the temples. If you are not dressed appropriately, you can rent a scarf or cover-up at the entrance of the temple.

4. What is the average cost of a tuk-tuk ride in Siem Reap?

Tuk-tuks are the most common mode of transportation in Siem Reap, and they are inexpensive. The average cost of a tuk-tuk ride within the city is around $2 to $4, depending on the distance. However, if you’re planning on hiring a tuk-tuk for a full day of temple-hopping, you can negotiate a flat rate of around $20 to $30.

5. Is it safe to drink tap water in Siem Reap?

It is not recommended to drink tap water in Siem Reap, as it is not safe for consumption. It is best to stick to bottled water, which is widely available in the city.

6. What are the best activities to do in Siem Reap?

Besides visiting the temples, there are many other activities to do in Siem Reap. Here are some of the best activities:

Explore the floating villages along Tonle Sap Lake

Tonle Sap Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia and is home to many floating villages. You can take a boat tour to explore the villages and learn about the unique way of life of the people who live there.

Visit the Angkor National Museum

The Angkor National Museum is a great place to learn about the history and culture of Siem Reap and the surrounding areas. The museum features exhibits on the Khmer Empire, the temples, and the local way of life.

Try Cambodian cuisine

Cambodian cuisine is unique and flavorful, with influences from Thai, Chinese, and Indian cuisines. You can try local dishes like amok (a fish curry), lok lak (a stir-fry with beef), and kuy teav (a soup with rice noodles).

Explore the night market

The night market in Siem Reap is a great place to shop for souvenirs, clothing, and local handicrafts. You can also find street food stalls and live entertainment.

In conclusion, Siem Reap is a fascinating city with a rich history and culture. We hope this post has answered some of your questions and helped you plan your visit. Remember to respect the local way of life, dress appropriately, and enjoy your time in Siem Reap!