ATS02 — Beyond Angkor: Banteay Srei & Beng Mealea

Full-Day Private Temple Tour · Approximately 9–10 Hours · Siem Reap, Cambodia

1. Tour overview

Discover two remarkable temples beyond Angkor’s best-known sites on a full-day journey through Cambodia’s ancient Khmer heritage. Begin at Banteay Srei, celebrated for its delicate pink sandstone carvings and exceptional artistic detail. Often called the “Jewel of Khmer Art,” this 10th-century temple offers a closer look at the craftsmanship of the ancient Khmer civilization. APSARA National Authority Continue to Beng Mealea, a vast 12th-century temple complex surrounded by lush vegetation, where collapsed stone galleries, ancient walls, and jungle growth create a memorable atmosphere of exploration. APSARA National Authority With private transportation, a flexible schedule, and the option of a licensed English-speaking guide, ATS makes it easier to explore these fascinating places at your own pace. Suggested itinerary

• • 7:30 AM — Pickup from your hotel.

• • 9:00 AM — Visit Banteay Srei.

• • 10:30 AM — Scenic drive through the countryside.

• • 12:00 PM — Lunch at a local restaurant.

• • 1:30 PM — Explore Beng Mealea.

• • 3:30 PM — Optional local village or countryside stop, subject to timing.

• • 5:00–5:30 PM — Return to Siem Reap.

Highlights: Intricate sandstone carvings, less-central temple landscapes, rural scenery and photography opportunities.

2. Detailed itinerary

7:00 AM — Hotel pickup and departure

Your private driver will meet you at your hotel or agreed pickup point in Siem Reap. Settle into an air-conditioned vehicle and travel toward the countryside north of the city. Enjoy views of rural Cambodia along the way, with rice fields, local homes, and everyday village life. Your pickup time can be adjusted to your hotel location and the day’s conditions.

8:00 AM — Explore Banteay Srei Temple

Arrive at Banteay Srei, a small but extraordinary temple known for its warm pink sandstone and finely detailed carvings. During your visit, discover:

• • Intricate carvings on doorways, lintels, and pediments.

• • Hindu-inspired stories and decorative figures carved into the stone.

• • The temple’s historical significance and distinctive architectural style.

• • Beautiful opportunities for close-up photography.

Allow approximately 60–90 minutes to explore at a comfortable pace. A licensed guide can explain the stories behind the carvings and the temple’s place in Khmer history.

9:30 AM — Scenic countryside drive

Continue toward Beng Mealea through the Cambodian countryside. Enjoy the changing scenery and observe rural landscapes along the route. A short refreshment or restroom stop may be arranged when suitable. Any additional village visit should be agreed upon in advance and must not interfere with the planned temple visits.

10:30 AM — Discover Beng Mealea Temple

Explore one of Cambodia’s atmospheric temple complexes, where fallen sandstone blocks, overgrown structures, and ancient galleries reveal a different side of the Angkor-era world. During your visit, you can:

• • Walk along designated visitor paths and wooden walkways where available.

• • Observe the remains of towers, galleries, courtyards, and carved stonework.

• • Learn about the temple’s 12th-century origins and architectural similarities to Angkor Wat.

• • Photograph the interplay between ancient stone and surrounding vegetation.

Allow approximately 1.5–2 hours. Some areas have uneven surfaces, loose stones, and steps, so sturdy footwear and careful movement are important. Follow current site access rules and do not climb restricted structures.

12:30 PM — Lunch break

Take a relaxing lunch break at a suitable local restaurant along the route or near the temple area, depending on availability. You may enjoy Cambodian dishes or choose another available option to suit your preferences. Lunch and drinks are not included unless specifically stated in your selected package.

1:30 PM — Relaxed countryside return journey

Begin the return journey toward Siem Reap, enjoying the countryside from the comfort of your private vehicle. If time, road conditions, and your agreed package allow, you may request a short photo stop along the way. Additional attractions are not guaranteed and should be arranged in advance.

3:30–4:00 PM — Return to your hotel

Arrive back at your hotel or agreed drop-off point in Siem Reap, concluding your full-day journey through Cambodia’s extraordinary temple heritage. The estimated return time may change depending on traffic, visitor pace, weather, and the time spent at each site. Timing is a suggested itinerary, not a guaranteed schedule. Confirm the final departure time and current temple access hours before accepting a booking.

3. What makes ATS02 special?

– Two distinctive temples in one day – Experience the refined stone artistry of Banteay Srei and the atmospheric ruins of Beng Mealea. – Private and flexible travel – Enjoy transportation arranged for your group, with no need to join a large tour bus. – More insight into Khmer heritage – Upgrade to a licensed English-speaking guide for historical explanations and cultural context. – Photography and discovery – Capture intricate carvings, ancient stonework, and the distinctive atmosphere of Cambodia’s countryside temples.

4. What’s included?

Included

• • Private air-conditioned transportation for the agreed itinerary.

• • Hotel pickup and drop-off within the agreed Siem Reap service area.

• • Professional driver.

• • Licensed English-speaking tour guide.

• • Bottled drinking water.

• • Fuel and standard vehicle operating costs.

• • Tour coordination by Angkor Transport Services.

Excluded

• • Angkor admission ticket.

• • Breakfast, lunch, snacks and other drinks.

• • Personal expenses, tips and travel insurance.

• • Any additional stops outside the agreed itinerary.

Important Tour Information

• • Duration: Approximately 9–10 hours, including hotel transfers and breaks.

• • Departure: Early morning, adjusted to the sunrise time.

• • Tour type: Private tour.

• • Physical level: Moderate walking, uneven stone surfaces and steps.

• • What to bring: Angkor admission ticket, comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, insect repellent and drinking water.

• • Dress code: Shoulders and knees should be covered when visiting temples.

• • Weather: Sunrise visibility and outdoor conditions depend on the weather.

• • Accessibility: This itinerary involves uneven paths and steps and is not automatically wheelchair-accessible. Guests with mobility requirements should contact ATS before booking.

Important entrance-ticket costs

For Angkor-related tours, the official Angkor Enterprise website currently lists the following international visitor ticket prices. Angkor Enterprise® Official Site+1

Ticket	Official price
Angkor 1-day pass	$37
Angkor 3-day pass	$62
Angkor 7-day pass	$72
Beng Mealea pass	$10
Koh Ker pass	$15
Kbal Spean pass	$5

Check the official ticket portal for the selected visit date, eligibility and applicable ticket rules. These admission fees are not included in the selling prices above. Do not add every ticket together: the required tickets depend on the itinerary. Official ticket portal: Angkor Enterprise.