Siem Reap City Hidden Gems (Private Guided Tour)

Siem Reap’s hidden gems beckon curious travelers to uncover the city’s rich cultural tapestry. This private guided tour promises an immersive journey through the Royal Residence, local markets, and ancient temples, unveiling the essence of Khmer heritage. With personalized attention and inclusive pricing, it’s an opportunity to engage with locals and explore the vibrant spirit of this captivating destination. From the bustling Old Market to the serene Royal Residence, each stop on the itinerary holds the promise of unveiling Siem Reap’s lesser-known treasures.

Key Points

• This private guided tour explores lesser-known attractions in Siem Reap, including the Royal Residence, hidden temples, local markets, and monasteries.
• The 3-4 hour tour offers a culture in Khmer heritage and local traditions, with insights into history and Buddhist influences.
• Pricing starts at $39 per person, with optional add-ons like the Apopo Rats Center, and a full refund available for cancellations up to 24 hours in advance.
• The tour includes hotel pickup, guided visits, and provision of cool drinking water, with optional meal and tipping arrangements.
• Customer reviews highlight the knowledgeable and friendly guides, while suggesting improvements in itinerary clarity and adherence to advertised activities.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Siem Reap City Hidden Gems Private Guided Tour offers a 3-4 hour exploration of the lesser-known gems of the city, with prices starting from $39.00 per person.

Travelers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and they can reserve their spot without any upfront payment.

The tour includes hotel pickup in Krong Siem Reap, a guided visit to the Royal Residence, and exploration of hidden temples, local markets, and monasteries.

Highlights include a 10th-century brick temple and a monastery with the longest wooden boat in the area.

Itinerary and Highlights

After hotel pickup in Krong Siem Reap, the tour begins with a visit to the Old Market, where guests spend around 20 minutes exploring the lively local scene.

Next, the guide leads a 30-minute tour of the Royal Residence, providing insights into Cambodian history and culture.

The tour then ventures off the beaten path, exploring hidden temples, local markets, and monasteries. Highlights include a 10th-century brick temple, a monastery with the longest wooden boat, the Satcha Handicraft Incubation center, and the Made in Cambodia Market.

An optional visit to the Apopo Rats Center is available for an additional $10 per person.

Cultural Experience

Beyond the sights, the Siem Reap City Hidden Gems tour provides an immersive cultural experience. Guests gain insight into Cambodia’s rich Khmer heritage and local traditions.

They’ll learn about the country’s history and Buddhist influences through visits to shrines, monasteries, and schools. The tour immerses travelers in the natural beauty surrounding Siem Reap, offering a glimpse into daily life.

Exploring local markets, handicraft centers, and the Made in Cambodia Market gives visitors a chance to interact with the friendly people and discover unique arts and crafts.

This cultural journey leaves a lasting impression of Cambodia’s vibrant spirit.

Tour Inclusions

The Siem Reap City Hidden Gems tour includes a private guide and driver, ensuring a personalized and hassle-free experience.

The tour also provides:

1. All attraction tickets (except Apopo Rat Center)

2. Cool drinking water and all taxes

3. Optional meals (lunch) and tipping at discretion

4. The opportunity to immerse in the natural beauty surrounding Siem Reap.

This comprehensive package allows visitors to fully explore the hidden gems of the city without worrying about logistics or additional costs.

The tour’s inclusions make it a convenient and value-packed experience.

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Customer Reviews and Feedback

Customers have provided an overall rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars for the Siem Reap City Hidden Gems tour based on 3 reviews.

Feedback highlights the knowledgeable and friendly guides. However, some suggest improvements to ensure itinerary clarity and adherence to advertised activities.

One reviewer praised the tour as "amazing" and a "definite must," while another found it "very interesting" and appreciated learning about Cambodian history.

There were mixed experiences regarding itinerary changes and the tour format, with some preferring walking while others enjoyed the tuk-tuk transportation.

Exploring Old Market

What does the Siem Reap City Hidden Gems tour offer visitors at the Old Market? The tour provides a 20-minute guided exploration of this vibrant local market.

Visitors can:

1. Witness the bustling energy and haggling of vendors selling a diverse array of goods, from fresh produce to handcrafted souvenirs.

2. Immerse themselves in the sights, sounds, and aromas of traditional Khmer cuisine, with opportunities to sample local delicacies.

3. Gain insights into the market’s historical significance and its role in the daily lives of Siem Reap’s residents.

4. Browse unique local handicrafts and artisanal products, supporting the local economy.

Discovering the Royal Residence

After exploring the vibrant Old Market, the Siem Reap City Hidden Gems tour takes visitors on a 30-minute guided tour of the historic Royal Residence.

Once the home of Cambodian royalty, the Royal Residence showcases intricate Khmer architecture and offers a glimpse into the country’s rich heritage.

The Royal Residence showcases intricate Khmer architecture and offers a glimpse into Cambodia’s rich heritage.

Visitors will learn about the site’s historical significance and observe the well-preserved structures, including pavilions and courtyards.

The knowledgeable guide provides insights into the daily lives of the royal family and how the residence functioned.

This stop offers a unique cultural experience, allowing travelers to step back in time and appreciate Cambodia’s storied past.

Experiencing Local Traditions and Crafts

Beyond the regal setting of the Royal Residence, the Siem Reap City Hidden Gems tour immerses visitors in the vibrant local traditions and crafts of the region.

The tour highlights include:

1. The Satcha Handicraft Incubation center, where traditional Khmer artisanship is preserved and taught to new generations.

2. The Made in Cambodia Market, showcasing a diverse array of locally produced goods, from textiles to wood carvings.

3. Opportunities to observe skilled artisans at work, providing insights into the intricate processes behind Cambodia’s rich cultural heritage.

4. An optional visit to the Apopo Rats Center, where rodents are trained to detect landmines and unexploded ordnance, a testament to the country’s resilience.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Flexible Is the Tour Schedule?

The tour schedule is somewhat flexible, as the itinerary can be adjusted to accommodate travelers’ interests and needs. However, the core activities are typically fixed to ensure a comprehensive cultural experience.

Is the Tour Suitable for Families With Young Children?

The tour is generally suitable for families with young children, offering a mix of cultural experiences and sightseeing. However, the duration and walking may be tiring for younger kids, so families should consider their children’s interests and stamina when booking.

What Precautions Are Taken for COVID-19 Safety?

The tour company follows COVID-19 safety protocols, which may include mask requirements, social distancing, and sanitizing measures. Travelers should check the latest policies before booking. Safety precautions help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Personal Interests?

The tour can be customized to personal interests. Travelers can discuss their preferences with the guide prior to the tour, and the itinerary can be adjusted to incorporate activities and sites that align with their interests.

What Is the Policy for Dietary Requirements or Food Preferences?

The tour company is generally accommodating of dietary requirements and food preferences. Travelers should notify the company in advance so arrangements can be made, though meal options may be limited during the tour. Vegetarian, halal, or other special meals can typically be provided with prior notice.

The Sum Up

This private guided tour of Siem Reap’s hidden gems offers a unique opportunity to uncover the city’s rich Khmer heritage. Visitors can explore local markets, the Royal Residence, and ancient temples, gaining personalized insights from a knowledgeable guide. With hotel pickup, all attraction tickets included, and the chance to engage with locals, this immersive experience provides a fascinating glimpse into the vibrant spirit of Siem Reap.

You can check availability for your dates here: