Banteay Srey and Kbal Spean (Valley of 1000 Lingas). (Code: BSK)
The delightful temple of Banteay Srey has some of the most spectacular carvings of all of the Angkor Temples. An early start is required as it is very small and gets busy mid morning.
Kbal Spean; commonly known as the valley of a 1000 Lingas, is set deep in the jungle to the north east of Angkor. A 45 minute steep jungle walk takes you to the riverbed where a hundreds of phalluses are carved in to the rock.
There is a lovely waterfall here which is best seen at the end of the rainy season. At the top of the falls are numerous carved animals. This site has only been opened up to tourism since 1998.
Small Group Tour $70 per person (minimum 2 person)
Starts 7:00am, English speaking guide and entrance fee is included.
Phnom Koulen with Banteay Srey (Code: PKB)
The Khmer Pilgrimage site of Phnom Koulen is situated at the heart of Koulen Mountain; the 20km long limestone plateau is mostly forested. The Koulen Falls are among the most impressive in Cambodia; in the rainy season the falls are spectacular.
As with Kbal Spean, we visit Banteay Srey (See above) and continue to the Koulen Range. We drive up the steep mountain road to the falls, lingas, hilltop temple and shrines. Kulen Is a great place to see Khmers practicing their religion; listen to the traditional music and get a real taste of living Khmer culture. There are opportunities for swimming here so bring your bathers.
If you do not have an Angkor Pass or have already seen Banteay Srey there are plenty of stalls and places to eat and drink while you wait for the rest of the group.
Small Group Tour $60 per person (min 2 person) Starts 7:00 return 3-4pm (discounts available for groups)
Admission of $20 to Phnom Koulen is included. Angkor Temple Pass is required for Banteay Srey.
Beng Mealea. with Banteay Srey (Code: BMB)
Set behind huge walls, dripping with vegetation with huge trees growing out of the ruins; Beng Mealea is a place of sensational atmosphere. This temple was built 30 years before Angkor Wat to a similar plan. Although lacking in carvings; nature provides the decoration.
New steps and walkways have made access easier. So while agility and a head for heights is less necessary; we advise caution on the stones; which are slippery when wet.
Beng Mealea is at its most atmospheric from May to December.
Climbing is at your own risk!
We visit the beautiful temple of Banteay Srey which has the finest carvings of all the temples. This is best seen early in the day.
Small Group Tour $45 per person (min 2 person) with a/c car and guide
Starts 7:30returns 5pm
Angkor Temple Pass is required for Banteay Srey and $5 for admission to Beng Mealea.
Koh Ker with Beng Mealea (Code: KKBM)
This temple city is a long day trip from Siem Reap. Situated in to the north east; Koh Ker has some spectacular towers and huge Lingas and the highest Khmer pyramid which towers over the jungle. Koh Ker is had relatively few visitors; so an amazing place to visit photograph without crowds.
The KK Tour gives time to see more of the 35 temples and see a slice of local life. The KKB tour give a less intensive look at the Koh Ker sites before returning after lunch via Beng Mealea (see BMB tour)
Small Group Tour $75 per person. (min 2 person) Starts 7am returning at 6 to 7pm with car and guide
Koh Ker pass and Beng Mealea Pass is included.
Banteay Chhmar (Code: BC)
The enclosure of a vast "Narrow Fortress" originally covered approx double the area of Angkor Wat! Its moat 1600x 500 meters contains a spectacular ruin with Bayon Style towers, walls and enclosures cloaked with vegetation. The bas reliefs on the inner sanctuary walls are spectacular. It is famous for its bas reliefs and 32 armed Vishnu.
In the wet season almost every step gives another fabulous picture of man and nature; blending together in a most dramatic way. It is a long drive via Sissophon and can be a bumpy ride at times.
*Cost from $75 per person depending on options (min 4 person); Depart 6 am, return 7pm
Banteay Chhmar entrance is included.
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