Explore Beng Mealea and Banteay Srei

Angkor temples with names such as the ‘Lotus Pond’ Temple or the ‘Citadel of Women’ sanctuary are destined to bring the explorer out of you. Away from the sheer size of Angkor, the jungle-based Beng Mealea and charming Banteay Srei beckon to be visited.

• Explore the lesser-known temples of Angkor
• Enter Beng Mealea and learn about its unique place
• Soak in the charm of the pink sandstone temple Banteay Srei
• Enjoy a traditional Khmer lunch en route
• Return transfers from and to your hotel are included

At around 8 am, your English-speaking guide and driver will be waiting at your hotel lobby for a full day away from the main Angkor temples and move into the countryside. The ride to the jungle-based Beng Mealea lies 80 kilometres outside Siem Reap and will fill our morning with ease. The Beng Mealea, or “Lotus Pond” Temple, from the early 11th Century built by Suryavarman II as a Hindu Temple and is hidden in a maze of the jungle. Architecturally, Beng Mealea is noted for its innovative, for its time, construction of hallways, it once was a very large temple with galleries foreshadowing Angkor Wat. For a long time, it was left aside by nearby villagers until it was (re)discovered by local explorers and remains still one of the least-visited temple ruins of Angkor. The sprawling jungle temple covering over one square kilometre is overrun by vegetation, so there is plenty to see, explore and walk around.

After enjoying a simple lunch en route and on the way back to Siem Reap, you will visit Banteay Srei. Named ‘The Citadel of Women’ this is a tiny, yet very enchanting temple, which is one of the jewels in this remarkable city. Built of red sandstone in the 10th century and dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, the carved male and female figures in the niches are executed exquisitely in both style and proportion. This is the most Indian of all the temples in Angkor and the words of H.W. Ponder, is ‘a fairy palace in the heart of an immense and mysterious forest’. A proper dress code applies for visitors to this temple and your guide for the day will gladly explain the requirements to enter the holy sanctum of Banteay Srei.

The day comes to an end, and with the air-conditioning on and seeing countryside life passing by, we head back to Siem Reap.

• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• This tour is operated on full private basis with English-speaking guide. Other languages are on request / subject to availability and supplementary charges may apply
• Return transfers for this excursion apply only / are inclusive for customers staying in and inside Siem Reap. Transfers outside these areas, including any accommodation outside this area such as Tonle Sap, Koh Ker, Banteay Srei and Siem Reap International Airport are excluded. Supplements apply for customers who want to join this excursion outside one of these regions
• We will do all possible to comply with any dietary requirements during this excursion; it may not always be possible to confirm your wishes in advance based on the choice of local restaurant
• Guests are advised that some walking is required during this excursion; we always ensure that we take the most comfortable ways from the entrance of the sight to the sight itself
• To avoid any issues pertaining obtaining an arrival visa at the airport, please ensure that your passport contains at least two empty pages. Failure to do so may result in not gaining entrance into the Kingdom of Cambodia
• Some of the Angkor sights temples and palaces (such as the Baphuon) uphold a very strict dress code: it is essential that you dress appropriately during this excursion by wearing clothes that cover shoulders and fall below the knees.
• Customers wearing shirts with obscene and disrespectful prints and pictures and brightly-coloured clothing may be refused entrance
• Natural elements of any kind have a destructive effect on electronic equipment. It the customer’s own responsibility to ensure that any camera, mobile telephone or other device is properly wrapped and protected against these elements. We cannot be held responsible in any way for negligence and/or not following suggestions for any damage related to this
• Please ensure that you bring sunglasses, a hat /cap and sunblock with a high SPF factor when traveling with us on this tour – even when it is cloudy, the sunrays still have an immense power
• It is the responsibility of the customer to provide us with the correct hotel information, should pick-up and drop-off services be included in the package. Any changes in accommodation outside 24 hours will be handled accordingly: changes within 24 hours may be on request
• In the event of no-show or change of accommodation without prior consent and confirmation from us within 24 hours may result in the applicable cancellation charges as outlined in the terms and conditions.
• Important note: From 1st January 2020 on wards, Visiting to Beng Mealea temple will require visitors to have a Angkor pass to enter.

• Explore Beng Mealea and Banteay Srei
  Add
  Pickup included

• One-day Angkor entrance pass
• Lunch at a local restaurant (food only)
• All applicable taxes and service charges
• Transportation by air-conditioned vehicle with professional driver.
• A professional English-speaking guide.

• Personal expenses such as meals, drinks, tips and gratuities, shopping, portage fees and optional tours, unless otherwise stated
• Tours, inclusions of any kind and other services that are not outlined in the tour description
• Transfers for customers arriving or departing from any airport or resorts located outside the general pick-up and drop-off locations
• Travel insurance coverage for customers (highly recommendable)

Trending Siem Reap Nearby Tours Likely To Sell Out

– Please contact Asian Trails at least 72 hours before your activity date to confirm your reservation and arrange transportation. Changes within 24 hours may be on request.
– Pick-up times for excursions will be reconfirmed one day prior to commencement of your booked excursion. As an indication, the pick-up time from your accommodation is scheduled 30-60 minutes prior to the confirmed starting time.
– Please be ready and waiting in your hotel lobby 15 minute prior to your scheduled pick up time.
– Upon pickup, please present your confirmation/voucher or photo ID in exchange for your activity.
– Important note: From 1st January 2020 on wards, Visiting to Beng Mealea temple will require visitors to have a Angkor pass to enter.

In the event of no-show or change of accommodation without prior consent and confirmation from us within 24 hours may result in the applicable cancellation charges as outlined in the terms and conditions.

Please be advised..

• This Tour is Provided by Asian Trails LTD.
• Tour Timezone & Starts at Asia/Phnom_Penh.
• Mobile or paper ticket accepted.
• All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
• Minimum 1 Travelers is required to book.
• Maximum 15 Travelers is accepted for booking.