Discover Forgotten Temples
Private Tour
Starting from $589 pp
Vietnam
Land of the Rising Dragon
Overview
Cambodia has some of the largest and most intricate temples in the world. On this trip we have put together a tour that gives you the opportunity to explore the most exciting of them. You have all heard of Angkor Wat but how about standing on the side of a mountain taking in the views from Preah Vihear known as ‘Cambodia’s Soul’. Explore the incredible Mayan-esque 7-tier temple of Koh Ker and the new Indiana Jones temple of Beng Mealea that is now proving more popular than Lara Croft Ta Phrom temple.
Many of the temples on this tour are not on the normal tourist trail. This mean that you will get a unique experience unlike most visitors to the Angkor Archaeological park. A feeling of more of an adventurer! Our guides are trained to avoid the crowds wherever possible giving you some precious time for yourself to take everything in and to contemplate rather than being surrounded by hordes of tourists.
Itinerary Details
Day 1: Arrive Siem Reap
Arrive in Siem Reap where you will be met by an Asia for Expats representative who will then transfer you to your hotel. In the afternoon you will enjoy an introduction to Cambodia by taking a pilgrimage to the holy mountain of Phnom Kulen located 50km from town. Returning to Siem Reap you will have your first encounter with the incredible Angkor Temples at Banteay Srei, the ‘Citadel of Women’.
Day 2: Siem Reap to Saem
Today you will leave Siem Reap behind for a couple of days and travel north to discover the lost temples of Beng Mealea, Koh Ker and the hill top temple of Preah Vihear. Be a leader not a follower; get out of Siem Reap and see the true country and you will be rewarded. After spending time exploring the temples you continue your journey to Saem which will be your base to explore Preah Vihear.
Day 3: Saem, Preah Vihear and Preah Khan
This morning you will rise early to explore Preah Vihear temple at sunrise. The temple sits on top of a 700 metre high cliff and will literally take your breath away. Well that is if you decide to walk to the top rather than taking the 4×4 on offer. The temple is magnificent and is often described as being ‘Cambodia’s Soul’ (Angkor Wat being Cambodia’s heart). After returning to your hotel for a late breakfast the temple safari continues back to Siem Reap stopping off at Preah Khan known as the largest single religious complex ever built during the Angkorian Era.
Day 4: Angkor Complex and departure
Turn back time and feel like a true explorer as you unearth the main temples of Bayon, Ta Prohm and the mother of all temples Angkor Wat. Touring the temples is an absolute must for all expats and travellers. If it is not on your bucket list put it on now. After your tour you will then be transferred to the airport for your departing flight home.
*Please see our list of activities that can be added to your getaway.
Activities
Angkor Temple Helicopter Flights
Minimum Number: 3 People
Duration: from 8 minutes
See the incredible temples from the air! Your helicopter flights will last anywhere from 8 minutes, to a whole day. As well as Angkor you can also discover Banteay Chhmar, Preah Vihear, Koh Ker and Beng Mealea. For longer flights we can also incorporate time on the ground.
Quad Bike Adventures
Minimum Number: 1 Person
Duration: from 1 hour
If you’re looking for a little excitement or some family fun, then get out of town and discover a different side to Siem Reap. We offer five different Quad Biking 4-wheel adventures that vary from a one-hour sunset ride to an eight-hour, full-day adventure that includes lunch.
Horseback Riding
Minimum Number: 1 Person
Duration: from 1 hour
Rides from 1 to 4 hours, cart rides and lessons for beginners. We can also arrange lead rides for those getting off the ranch for the first time.
*This activity is for children over the age of 8 unless you are an experienced rider and have consent of an adult. Cart rides are suitable for all ages.
Zip Lining in Angkor
Minimum Number: 1 Person
Duration: from 2 hours
The two-hour course includes 21 different stations, from hanging bridges, ziplines, abseiling and viewing platforms. It is the perfect jungle canopy experience!
Traditional Khmer Cooking Classes
Minimum Number: 1 Person
Duration: from 4 hours
Interested in learning how to cook some of Cambodia’s tastiest treats? Then make sure you include one of our cooking classes. Our classes start with a trip to the local markets so you know what ingredients you need in order to recreate the dish when you get back home.
Yoga Classes
Minimum Number: 1 Person
Duration: from 1 hour
Yoga has become increasingly popular in Siem Reap and the yoga scene is firmly established. We are able to offer hour-long classes or total retreats lasting over seven days. Take some time out to treat yourself. If not now, then when?
Pottery Class
Minimum Number: 1 Person
Duration: from 2 hours
A two-hour Potter’s Wheel Workshop where you will be guided by a local potter to create a traditional Khmer Ceramic Pot, decorated with different colored local glazes. After your class your pots will be fired and your finished masterpiece will be delivered to your hotel the following day.
Dirt Bike Riding
Minimum Number: 1 Person
Duration: from 4 hours
Cambodia is a playground for bikers. We can arrange anything from day tours to multi-day countrywide trips that take in all of the best sights. We will also be able to arrange beginner courses for those that are interested in building their confidence first.
The Cambodian Circus
Minimum Number: 1 Person
Duration: 1 hour
Story-telling, acrobatics, music, dance and culture. This show is organized by the performing arts school within the NGO Phare Ponleu. They have provided the platform for young Cambodians to develop their skills and now their show is a spectacle all over the world.
Escape the Room Challenge
Minimum Number: 2 People
Duration: 1 hour
Search for the clues, solve the puzzles and try escaping in less than one hour. Test your wits and your problem-solving skills in four different games to choose from.
Moto Adventures
Minimum Number: 1 Person
Duration: from 4 hours
The Cambodian preferred mode of transport is their trusty moto (Honda Dream 125cc). So what better way to discover a country? Our tours range from half-day countryside adventures to full-day discover tours, as well as overnights in traditional homestays.
Traditional Village Discovery
Minimum Number: 1 Person
Duration: 2 hours
The short tour is a great opportunity to meet some of the families (mostly farmers) and learn what typical village life is all about. You will have the opportunity to look around people’s houses and ask questions to get an insight in how other people live.
Temple Sunset Tour
Minimum Number: 1 Person
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
You will be picked up from your hotel for an introduction to the temples and sunset at Pre Rup Temple. After picking up your temple pass you will take a short 20-minute walk up to Pre Rup. Once here you are free to enjoy the beautiful view of the surrounding rice fields, jungle and village houses.
Kayaking Adventure
Minimum Number: 1 Person
Duration: from 4 hours
If you want to get a different perspective of the waterways around the Tonle Sap Lake, then a Kayaking adventure is the perfect opportunity. We are able to offer half-day trips to full-day discovery tours that include lunch and sunset drinks, and even overnight stays.
Traditional Buddhist Water Blessing
Minimum Number: 1 Person
Duration: 1 hour
Water blessings are sacred rituals that are performed in pagodas by Buddhist Monks all across Cambodia. They bring cleansing luck and happiness. Choose from a light sprinkling to a full dousing and experience Cambodia’s traditions first hand.
Photo Dinner (150 years of photography)
Minimum Number: 1 Person
Duration: from 2 hours
Gain a deeper understanding of the modern history of Cambodia through photos and video while you enjoy dinner and lively conversations with your host and other guests.
Temple Sunrise Tour
Minimum Number: 1 Person
Duration: from 2 hours
Arriving in the dark to Angkor Wat is a very exciting. You will walk down the main promenade and to the outskirts of the temple to try and catch that perfect shot of the sun rising over the three main towers. Once the sun as risen you will then enjoy a temple tour of Angkor before returning back to your hotel for breakfast.
Siem Reap Photography Tour
Minimum Number: 1 Person
Duration: 1 day
On this tour your professional photographer will take you to all the very best places to help you take amazing shots in perfect light. Our day tours are suitable for all ages and abilities, from professionals to the beginner.
Floating Villages Tour
Minimum Number: 1 Person
Duration: 5 hours
Enjoy a fascinating half-day tour out to the unspoilt floating community of Kampong Phluk, which is best known for its stilted-house villages and flooded forest. We’ll set off to the largest fresh water lake in SE Asia, Tonle Sap, before returning back to town.
Jewellery Making Course (Ammo)
Minimum Number: 1 Person
Duration: 3 hours
During this easy and fun three-hour class, you will learn how to heat metal using a traditional blowtorch and bellows, create patterns with hand-made Cambodian stamping tools and cut and form your metal into a design.
Mountain Bike Tour
Minimum Number: 1 Person
Duration: from 4 hours
If you are looking for something a bit more energetic when visiting Cambodia, then try a two-wheel adventure. On all of the mountain biking tours you will be guided by local experts. Experience the Angkor Complex by bike, as well as various rides that will take you to hidden temples and the stunning Cambodian countryside.
A Round of Golf
Minimum Number: 1 Person
Duration: from 4 hours
With three fantastic golf courses in Siem Reap it is no wonder why more and more people are wanting to play 18 holes during their break away. . There is also no need to bring your clubs with you as at each of the courses there are some very good-quality rental clubs.
Kulen Mountain Tour
Minimum Number: 1 Person
Duration: from 6 hours
The mountain range stretches over 12.8km and holds a special symbolic importance as it is venerated by Cambodians as the site that the Khmer empire originated. See the beautiful underwater carvings of the 1,000 lingas, visit the large Buddha ‘Preah Ang Thom’ and enjoy a dip in the mountain waterfalls.
Expat Tips
Top Expat Tips
- Go to the FCC (Foreign Correspondents Club) for Happy Hour 5pm to 7pm
- Make sure you don’t miss a Traditional Apsara Show
- For food lovers make sure you book a table at Cuisine Wat Damnak
Challenges:
- For the energetic climb the 700 steps up to Preah Vihear temple
- Find the special spot at Bayon temple where you can take a picture nose to nose with a giant face
- Try two of Cambodia’s most traditional dishes (Amok and Lok-Lak)
For Families:
- How about getting birds eye view of the temples and booking a ride on the static line air balloon.
- On the way back from Banteay Srei ask to stop for a drink at the ABC butterfly centre
- Take a stroll through the Royal Gardens to see the local fruit bat colony
Information
Tour Includes:
- Land transportation within Cambodia by private air-conditioned vehicles.
- English speaking guide
- Accommodation listed
- Breakfasts each morning on the tour
- Excursions as mentioned
- All admission fees at activities mentioned in the itinerary, temples and attractions.
- All taxes
Tour Excludes:
- Flights to/from Asia. (Our team can help you arrange flights if requested)
- International airport departure taxes
- Visa fees, currently $30 US per person
- Meals, unless otherwise mentioned
- Beverages and personal expenses
- Other excursions and entrance fees
- Travel insurance (cover against all cancellation costs, medical expenses, including repatriation and evacuation in the event of accident of illness).
- All other services not listed in “Tour Includes”.
Flights
We will arrange all flights and transportation within Asia as mentioned in the itinerary. Our team can arrange bonded ATOL flights to/from Asia upon request. Please complete the enquiry form with the necessary information to issue a quote for your international flights.
Visa
A visa is required to enter Cambodia, the current cost is $30. Our team will happily advise you on visa requirements.
Passport
Please ensure your passport has a validity of at least six months beyond stay. Also at least one blank page for each of the countries you are visiting and 4 passport-size photos are needed.
Insurance
Please make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance adequate for your holidays and the activities you want to undertake. Your insurance must cover medical costs related to hospitalisation, repatriation and emergency travel.
Vaccinations
Please consult your doctor, clinic or your national Department of Health for recommended vaccinations and medication when travelling to Southeast Asia. It is important to arrange the necessary appointments well in advance of your trip.
Currency
US Dollars (USD) are widely accepted in Cambodia as well as the local currency Khmer Riel (KHR). For currency conversion please click here.
How to Book
Only once you are fully happy with your tailor-made itinerary you will receive an invoice. In order to secure availability for your booking, tour, activities and accommodation we require a 20% deposit.
Responsible Travel
Asia for Expats is committed to promote tourism that creates better places to live in and better places to visit. As expatriates living in Asia we care about the people and regions where we travel. Please read our Responsible Travel section to find more.
Please note:
Our prices are correct at the time of publishing. They are subject to changes and can only be confirmed after receiving an enquiry.
Make an enquiry
1
Siem Reap
We can tailor this experience to suit your needs. Please complete the enquiry form specifying any requirements or alterations to the itinerary.
