Full Day Banteay Srei, Beng Mealea and Kulen Mountain with Picnic

Exploring Cambodia’s Hidden Gems: Full Day Banteay Srei, Beng Mealea, and Kulen Mountain with Picnic

Our review focuses on a popular all-day tour from Siem Reap that promises a mix of stunning temples, natural beauty, and cultural highlights. While we haven’t taken it ourselves, the detailed itinerary, reviews, and features suggest it’s a well-rounded experience perfect for those wanting to see Cambodia’s lesser-visited sites without missing the iconic Angkor temples.

What makes this trip stand out? We love the opportunity to visit Banteay Srei, known for its intricate carvings; the chance to explore Kulen Mountain’s natural beauty with a scenic waterfall and panoramic views; and the adventure of discovering Beng Mealea, a temple overtaken by nature that feels like stepping into an Indiana Jones movie. Add in the convenience of hotel pickup, a guided experience, and included meals, and you’ve got good value for a full day out.

One aspect to consider is the admission fees outside the tour’s upfront cost—specifically the $20 Kulen Mountain pass and the $37 Angkor pass. Travelers should budget for these if they want full access, but the overall package still offers a balanced blend of transport, guide expertise, and local experiences. This tour is best suited for history lovers, nature enthusiasts, and those seeking authentic Cambodian sights beyond the crowded temples.

Key Points

• Comprehensive itinerary covering temples, natural sites, and cultural experiences.
• Expert English-speaking guide, with some reviews highlighting enthusiastic and fun guides.
• Includes transportation, water, towels, and a picnic lunch, enhancing comfort and convenience.
• Visit to Banteay Srei, one of Cambodia’s finest carved temples.
• Scenic stops at Kulen Mountain, waterfalls, and panoramic viewpoints.
• Beng Mealea offers a more mysterious and overgrown temple experience.
• Additional costs for entrance fees, which should be factored into your budget.
• Small group experience (max 14 travelers) for more personalized attention.
• Booking is popular, usually 17 days in advance, indicating high demand.

The Itinerary Breakdown: What to Expect at Each Stop

Starting Bright and Early at Srah Srang and Palm Cake Village

The day kicks off with a unique local experience—visiting Palm Cake Village, where you’ll see traditional Cambodian palm cakes being made. This sets a warm, cultural tone for the day. Afterward, a guided visit to Banteay Srei follows, renowned for its delicate and detailed carvings in pink sandstone. This temple is often called the “Citadel of Women” because of its intricate stonework, which is arguably some of the best preserved and most artistic in Cambodia. Expect about an hour to appreciate its beauty and take plenty of photos.

Exploring Phnom Kulen and Its Natural Wonders

Next, you’ll head to Phnom Kulen National Park, considered the birthplace of the Angkor Empire. Here, the guide often takes you to Poeng Ta Kho, a viewpoint offering sweeping vistas over the park, and to Preah Ang Thom, home to the largest reclining Buddha sculpture in Angkor. Reviewers highlight the guides’ enthusiasm and knowledge—one mentioned Dara, who took many photos, making the trip more memorable. You might also see the 1000 Shiva Lingas—a sacred riverbed lined with carved stones, a striking sight that blends spirituality with history.

Waterfall and Picnic Break

A highlight is the Phnom Kulen Waterfall, where travelers can unwind amid the natural surroundings. The tour includes a picnic lunch—a simple yet satisfying grilled chicken with jasmine rice, complemented by seasonal fruits and palm cakes for tasting. The waterfall area is great for a short break, photo opportunities, or just soaking in the peaceful vibe. Many reviewers appreciate this relaxing pause in their busy day.

Beng Mealea: Cambodia’s Lost Temple

After lunch, the journey takes you into the rainforest to Beng Mealea, a temple nearly swallowed by nature. Its wild, overgrown state makes it feel like an Indiana Jones set—one reviewer described it as “captivating” with hidden Hindu motifs and Buddhas peeking through the greenery. The temple’s untouched feel offers a more adventurous and mysterious vibe compared to the bustling Angkor sites. Expect about an hour exploring this atmospheric site.

Return to Siem Reap

The day wraps up with a comfortable drive back to your hotel, taking around 1.5 hours. Many travelers value this smooth return, especially after a full day of exploring.

Transportation and Group Size

Transport is via air-conditioned vehicle, which is especially appreciated on long, hot days. With a maximum group size of 14, the tour offers a good balance of intimacy and shared experience. The smaller group means more flexibility and personal interaction with your guide, often cited as a plus in reviews.

What We Appreciate About This Tour

Value and Convenience: At $55, this all-inclusive package covers most essentials—transport, guide, water, towels, and a delicious picnic. The only extra costs are the admission fees for Kulen Mountain and Angkor, which are separate. Considering the inclusions, it’s a cost-effective way to see several key sites in one day.

Authentic Experiences: Visiting Palm Cake Village and the less-touristed Beng Mealea offers a glimpse into local life and Cambodia’s hidden treasures. Travelers often comment on the knowledgeable guides, who bring the sites alive with stories and insights—one reviewer specifically praised Dara’s enthusiasm and photography skills.

Natural Beauty and Serenity: The waterfalls, mountain vistas, and lush greenery provide a refreshing contrast to Cambodia’s more famous temples. Many mention the peaceful atmosphere and spectacular views, making it more than just a temple tour.

Small Group Dynamic: The limited number of participants allows for a more personalized experience, with time for questions and photos. This is especially valuable at sites like Banteay Srei, where detail-oriented exploration enhances appreciation.

Considerations for Travelers

Additional Entrance Fees: Be prepared to pay $20 for Kulen Mountain and $37 for the Angkor pass if you want full access to all sites. These aren’t included in the base price but are typical for local temple visits.

Physical Fitness: The tour involves some walking and climbing, especially at Beng Mealea and the mountain viewpoint. Reviewers note a moderate level of fitness is recommended, but it’s manageable if you’re comfortable on your feet.

Weather Preparedness: Cambodia can be hot and humid, and the waterfall stops require some outdoor exposure. Bring sun protection, comfortable shoes, and perhaps a raincoat during the rainy season.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This tour is ideal for travelers who want a comprehensive day combining cultural, natural, and historical highlights without the hassle of planning multiple entries or transports. It’s perfect for history buffs, adventurers, and nature lovers looking for more than just Angkor Wat. The inclusion of local food, scenic stops, and smaller group size makes it especially appealing to those seeking a more authentic and immersive experience.

Final Thoughts

This full-day tour offers a well-balanced mix of history, natural beauty, and Cambodian culture, all wrapped in a convenient package. The guided approach means you’ll learn plenty about each site, especially with passionate guides like Dara, who also help you capture memories with photos. The included picnic lunch and water keep you comfortable, while the scenic spots provide moments of tranquility and awe.

While it does require a bit of budget for the entrance fees, the overall value considering the transportation, guide, meals, and small group size makes it a smart choice for those wanting to see beyond the famous Angkor temples. The blend of mysterious ruins, mountain vistas, and local culture ensures a memorable day out in Siem Reap.

If you’re seeking an engaging, hassle-free way to explore Cambodia’s lesser-known but equally captivating sites, this tour is a solid pick. It’s best suited for curious travelers who love history, nature, and authentic experiences—ready for a full, rewarding day in Cambodia.

FAQ

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes professional English-speaking guides, transportation via air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water, towels, a picnic lunch, seasonal fruits, palm cake tasting, and hotel pickup and drop-off.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience lasts around 10 hours, from early morning pickup to late afternoon return.

Are entrance fees included?
No, the $20 fee for Kulen Mountain and the $37 for the Angkor pass are paid separately on the day.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, a hat, insect repellent, and possibly a raincoat during the rainy season.

Is this tour suitable for children?
The moderate physical activity and walking might be suitable for children used to walking, but always check individual stamina and comfort levels.

How many people are in each group?
The tour is limited to a maximum of 14 travelers for a more personalized experience.

Can I customize the tour?
The itinerary is fixed, but you might have some flexibility with timing, especially at certain stops, depending on your guide.

What is the best time to book?
Booking 17 days in advance is typical, indicating high demand. Early booking ensures availability, especially during peak seasons.

Is the tour suitable for all fitness levels?
A moderate level of fitness is recommended because of walking and some climbing involved at sites like Beng Mealea and Phnom Kulen.

To sum it up, this tour offers an engaging blend of Cambodia’s cultural treasures and natural splendors, all with the advantage of expert guidance and local insight. Perfect for those looking to experience Cambodia’s authentic side beyond the crowds, it provides good value and memorable sights in just one day.