Private 2 Days Angkor Wat Sunrise, Floating Village & Beng Mealea

Travelers often flock to Siem Reap for the chance to see Angkor Wat, but a well-crafted tour can turn a simple sightseeing trip into an unforgettable adventure. This private 2-day experience offers a comprehensive look at Cambodia’s most iconic temples, local life, and hidden gems—all with a personal touch.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the sunrise at Angkor Wat — nothing beats witnessing the dawn illuminating the centuries-old temple. Second, the floatation village boat ride brings you face-to-face with the unique lifestyle of Tonle Sap’s residents. Lastly, the encounter with Beng Mealea, an untouched jungle temple, offers a sense of discovery that’s hard to match.

However, it’s worth noting that admission fees for Angkor Park and Beng Mealea are not included, which can bump up the upfront cost. Also, this tour requires a moderate level of fitness** due to the walking and climbing involved.

All in all, this experience suits travelers who want a personalized, well-rounded exploration of Angkor’s highlights combined with local life and lesser-visited sites. If you’re passionate about history, photography, or simply want a hassle-free way to see the best of Siem Reap, this tour could be a perfect fit.

Key Points

Private, Guided Experience: You’ll have your own guide and vehicle, making for a flexible and personalized trip.
Includes Iconic & Offbeat Stops: From Angkor Wat’s sunrise to Beng Mealea’s jungle ruins and a floating village.
All-Inclusive Transportation: Private transport, boat rides, and entry fees included (except for some sites).
Authentic Local Encounters: Experience Cambodia’s unique lifestyle on Tonle Sap’s floating houses.
Limited Group Size: Designed for groups up to 12, ensuring a comfortable, intimate experience.
Cost-Effective for Value: At $279 for up to 10 people, it offers good value considering the depth of exploration.

Day 1: The Heart of Angkor’s Ancient Marvels

The first day is a deep dive into Angkor Thom and Angkor Wat. We loved how the itinerary is paced so you can truly soak in these extraordinary sites without feeling rushed. The early start to catch the sunrise at Angkor Wat is a highlight—expect to get up before dawn, wrapped in a cozy jacket, as the sky gradually lightens and the silhouette of the temple emerges.

The guide will likely emphasize the architectural grandeur and symbolism of Angkor Wat, which the reviews highlight as a major plus. One reviewer praised the “excellent guide and driver,” noting how the guides’ knowledge enhanced the experience. Remember, admission is not included, so budget extra for this.

Next, the Bayon Temple — famous for its smiling Buddha faces—becomes a key photo stop. The attention to detail in the carvings is mesmerizing, and your guide will probably share stories about the symbolism behind the faces, adding layers to your visit.

A visit to Ta Prohm, the “Tomb Raider” temple overgrown with roots and jungle, is like walking into a Hollywood set. Here, we loved hearing how the guide pointed out specific tree roots and explained how nature has reclaimed the site over centuries, giving it a mystical vibe.

The afternoon includes stops at Baphuon Temple, with its intricate carvings and panoramic views from the top, and the Terrace of the Elephants, where detailed sculptures of elephants and horses tell stories of Khmer history. The Terrace of the Leper King offers a more mysterious atmosphere, with mythic figures carved into the stones.

Throughout the day, transportation is private and comfortable, with water and wipes provided—small touches that reviewers appreciate. The overall flow of the day allows you to see the key temples without fatigue, although some walking and climbing are involved.

Day 2: Life on the Water and Jungle Secrets

The second day starts with a visit to Kompong Khleang, the largest floating village on Tonle Sap. Here, you’ll enjoy a boat ride that offers a genuine glimpse into a way of life unchanged for hundreds of years. Reviewers like Enid praised the “relaxing” boat ride and the chance to see “stilt houses and boat-houses” where locals fish and live. It’s a stark contrast to the stone temples and provides insight into Cambodia’s rural livelihood.

The boat trip typically lasts around two hours, and admission is included—a nice inclusion making the experience straightforward. You might find the scenery of floating houses, chickens, and children playing on the water both charming and eye-opening.

Following this, you’ll explore Beng Mealea, an outback jungle temple that feels like stepping into an Indiana Jones film. Its wild, overgrown ruins evoke a sense of discovery, as though the site is untouched by modern tourism. The guide will likely share insights about its history as an ancient Hindu temple and its current state of preservation. Reviewers describe Beng Mealea as “the most untouched jungle temple,” perfect for those who crave a sense of adventure and exploration.

The second day wraps up with a transfer back to Siem Reap, leaving you with memories of Cambodia’s vibrant water-based communities and mysterious ruins.

What’s Included and What To Expect

This tour’s inclusions make it easier to enjoy the experience without worrying about logistics: private transportation, boat rides, water, wipes, and most entry fees (except for the entrance to Beng Mealea and Angkor Park). The private guide enhances the trip, sharing stories and answering questions along the way, which reviewers especially appreciated.

However, meals and soft drinks are not included, so packing snacks or planning for meals is advised. Also, because the admission fees are extra, you should budget accordingly—roughly $37 for Angkor Park and additional for Beng Mealea.

The tour is recommended for those with moderate physical fitness, given the walking, climbing, and boat rides involved. The pace is designed to be manageable, but some uneven terrain and stairs mean it’s not ideal for those with mobility challenges.

How the Experience Feels: Pros and Cons

Pros:

• The personalized approach with private guides and transport means you set your own pace and ask endless questions.
• The early sunrise at Angkor Wat is a bucket-list moment, made even better by the detailed explanations from knowledgeable guides.
• The floating village offers authentic insights into Cambodian rural life, far from tourist crowds.
• Beng Mealea’s jungle overgrowth makes it feel like a secret lost city, perfect for adventure lovers.

Cons:

• The additional entrance fees might surprise some travelers, so it’s wise to budget a bit more upfront.
• The tour’s duration (around 2 days) might be tight if you want to see every detail, but it’s well-paced for most.
• Those seeking a more relaxed, less physically demanding experience might find the walking and climbing somewhat tiring.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for history buffs, photographers, and culture seekers who want to see the main highlights without the hassle of organizing separate entries or transportation. The private guide and personalized service make it ideal for small groups or families.

If you’re looking for a comprehensive, authentic look at Angkor’s temples, rural life, and jungle ruins, this tour strikes a good balance. It’s also a great choice for those who prefer a structured yet flexible itinerary with the comfort of private transport.

Final Thoughts

This private 2-day tour offers a well-rounded glimpse into Cambodia’s most iconic sites and hidden treasures. From witnessing the sunrise over Angkor Wat to exploring the untouched jungle of Beng Mealea, it provides a mix of awe-inspiring temples and authentic local life that few experiences can match.

The tour’s personal guide, private transport, and inclusion of boat rides make it a convenient and comfortable way to explore. The attention to detail and genuine insights from guides like Han and Yanos, combined with the positive reviews about driver Tata, show how dedicated the team is to making the trip memorable.

While the extra entrance fees and physical activity levels are worth noting, most travelers will find this tour to be a value-packed, enriching experience that captures the essence of Siem Reap’s wonders.

For travelers seeking a balanced mix of history, culture, and adventure with a personal touch, this tour hits just the right note.

FAQs

Does the tour include transportation between sites?
Yes, private transportation is included, making it easy to move between the temples, floating village, and Beng Mealea without hassle.

Are meals included?
No, meals and soft drinks are not included, so plan to bring snacks or buy food during the day.

What is the cost for each entry fee?
Entry fees for Angkor Park and Beng Mealea are not included; expect to pay around $37 for Angkor Park, with additional costs for Beng Mealea.

Is this tour suitable for children or elderly travelers?
It requires a moderate fitness level, so it’s best suited for those who can handle some walking, climbing, and boat rides.

How early do I need to book?
It’s recommended to book at least 15 days in advance to secure your preferred dates.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Since it’s a private tour, you can discuss your preferences with the guide, though major changes might depend on availability.

What makes Beng Mealea special?
It’s considered the most untouched jungle temple, offering a sense of adventure and discovery away from crowded sites.

Are there any hidden costs?
Besides entrance fees and meals, no hidden costs are expected. The tour includes boat rides, tolls, parking, and fuel.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing, sun protection, and sturdy walking shoes are recommended, especially for temple exploration.

What is the typical group size?
The tour is designed for groups up to 12, providing a more intimate experience than large-group tours.

This private 2-day tour of Siem Reap balances stunning temples, local life, and jungle adventure—ideal for travelers who want a meaningful, hassle-free experience that captures the spirit of Cambodia.