How to Plan Your Full-Day Preah Vihear, Koh Ker and Beng Mealea Private Tour
If you’re a history buff looking to explore beyond the popular temples of Angkor in Cambodia, the Full-Day Preah Vihear, Koh Ker, and Beng Mealea Private Tour might have caught your attention. This off the beaten path tour takes you to three lesser-known ancient temples that are sure to transport you back in time.
Overview of the Tour
The tour starts in Siem Reap and takes you to the border of Cambodia and Thailand to visit the Preah Vihear Temple, a remarkable cliff-top temple built in the 11th century. From there, you’ll head to the Koh Ker Temple, a group of ruins that served as the capital of the Khmer Empire for a brief time in the 10th century. Finally, you’ll visit the Beng Mealea Temple, a temple nestled in the jungle that’s said to have inspired the architecture for the more famous Angkor Wat.
One of the best things about this tour is that it’s fully customizable to your interests. You’ll have a personal guide who’ll cater to your needs and answer any questions you may have along the way. Plus, you’ll travel comfortably in an air-conditioned vehicle.
What’s Included in the Tour
Along with a private guide, comfortable transportation, and personalized attention, this tour includes pick-up and drop-off at your hotel or guest house. Admission tickets to the Preah Vihear Temple and the Koh Ker Temple group are also included in the tour price. However, entry tickets for the Beng Mealea Temple and meals are at your expense.
Booking the Tour
If you’re interested in booking the Full-Day Preah Vihear, Koh Ker, and Beng Mealea Private Tour, you can do so through the Viator website. The tour operates with a minimum of two travelers and departs at 5:00 AM. Pick-up is available from most hotels, but you’ll need to check their website or contact the tour company to confirm your pickup location.
Benefits of the Full-Day Preah Vihear, Koh Ker, and Beng Mealea Private Tour
- If you’re a history buff, this tour is perfect for you. You’ll get to discover three lesser-known temples that are sure to amaze you.
- The tour is fully customizable, so you can adjust it to your needs and interests.
- You’ll have a personal guide who’ll cater to your needs and attend to any of your questions.
- The tour includes pick-up and drop-off at your accommodation, so you don’t need to worry about transportation logistics.
- Travel in an air-conditioned vehicle for utmost comfort and safety.
FAQs about the Full-Day Preah Vihear, Koh Ker, and Beng Mealea Private Tour
How long is the tour?
The tour lasts for a full day, starting at 5:00 AM and ending around 5:00 PM.
Are meals included in the tour price?
No, meals are not included in the tour price. You’ll need to bring your own or purchase them along the way.
What should I wear for the tour?
It’s recommended that you wear comfortable and modest clothes suitable for exploring temples. Also, bring a hat and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun.
What’s the level of physical fitness required for the tour?
You don’t need a high level of physical fitness for this tour, but you should be able to walk on uneven terrain.
Conclusion
The Full-Day Preah Vihear, Koh Ker, and Beng Mealea Private Tour is a fantastic way to explore three of the lesser-known ancient temples in Cambodia. With a personal guide catering to your needs and an air-conditioned vehicle providing utmost comfort, you’ll get to experience the rich history of this beautiful country. So why not book the tour today and embark on a journey back in time?
Insider’s Guide to Siem Reap: Uncovering the Hidden Gems
Siem Reap, a city in Cambodia that literally means “Siamese Defeated,” is known for its stunning temples and natural beauty. While visiting the famous Angkor Wat is a must-do, there’s more to this city than just the usual attractions. Let’s dive deeper into Siem Reap and explore some hidden gems that only locals know about.
Local Attractions: Beyond the Tourist Spots
While Angkor Wat is the most famous tourist attraction in Siem Reap, it’s also worth checking out some of the other lesser-known temples. A great example is Banteay Samre, which is located outside the main temple complex.
Another hidden gem worth visiting is the floating village of Kompong Phluk. It’s a unique experience to see how the locals live on boats, and you can also visit a floating market and see the beautiful mangrove forests.
If you’re looking for a nature walk, the Angkor Centre for Conservation of Biodiversity offers guided tours, and you might spot some monkeys, gibbons, and exotic birds.
Dining Spots: Local Cuisine and Stories
Cambodian cuisine is a mix of Khmer, Thai, and Vietnamese influences. While most tourists might be familiar with dishes like amok or khmer curry, a lesser known but no less delicious dish is kuytheav, which is rice noodle soup with pork or beef.
One restaurant that we highly recommend is Marum. Not only does it serve great food, but it’s also a social enterprise that provides training and jobs for vulnerable youth in Siem Reap.
Another spot worth visiting is Vibe Cafe, which has a cosy and relaxed atmosphere. They serve an excellent selection of smoothies and juices, as well as vegan and gluten-free options.
Cultural Experiences: Festivals and Traditions
Siem Reap has a rich and vibrant culture that is celebrated throughout the year. One of the biggest festivals is the Khmer New Year. This three-day festival, which takes place in mid-April, involves water splashing, traditional dances, and a lot of food. It’s a great opportunity to experience the local customs and traditions.
If you’re interested in art, check out Theam’s House, which is a traditional Khmer house that has been converted into an art gallery. You can see traditional Khmer art, as well as learn about the techniques used to create them.
Local History: Captivating Stories
Siem Reap has a fascinating history that stretches back over a thousand years. The city was once the capital of the Khmer Empire, which ruled over most of Southeast Asia. While most tourists visit the ruins of Angkor Wat, there are other sites that offer a glimpse into this ancient civilization.
One such site is Preah Khan, which was built in the 12th century. It was both a temple and a royal palace, and it was built by Jayavarman VII, who was one of the most powerful Khmer rulers.
Another captivating site is the Land Mine Museum, which was created by a former child soldier who spent years clearing landmines throughout Cambodia. You can learn about the impact of landmines on the local communities, as well as support the museum’s efforts to clear landmines and support victims.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions: Unforgettable Experiences
For an unforgettable experience, we recommend taking a hot air balloon ride over Angkor Wat. It’s a unique perspective on the temples, and you can watch the sunrise or sunset from above.
If you’re looking for some adventure, consider going on a quad bike tour. You can explore the surrounding countryside, visit local villages, and see a different side of Siem Reap.
Lastly, if you want to relax and unwind, we recommend visiting the Kbal Spean waterfall. It’s a bit of a hike to get there, but the beautiful scenery and tranquil atmosphere will make it worth your while.
In conclusion, Siem Reap has so much more to offer beyond the famous temples. From hidden attractions to local cuisine, cultural experiences, and unique off-the-beaten-path suggestions, this city has something for everyone. So, go ahead and explore it for yourself!
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