Explore the ancient ruins of Beng Mealea temple, then finish the day at Kompong Khleang, the largest floating village on Tonle Sap Lake.
While you will no doubt see Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom, there are many other temples to visit in Siem Reap province. One of the largest is Beng Mealea, east of Siem Reap. Because the temple is far from the city center, it has not received the same attention as the temples of Angkor, and much of this 12th-century temple is still collapsed and in ruins. Visiting Beng Mealea makes you feel more like an explorer than a tourist, and it offers some of the best photography in Cambodia.
On the way out of Siem Reap you stop for Khmer sticky rice, a countryside favorite made fresh in the village. At Beng Mealea you spend up to two hours exploring the temple at your own pace, then stop for lunch at a restaurant right next to the temple (lunch is not included).
From there you continue to Kompong Khleang, the largest floating village in Siem Reap, and take a boat through the village and out onto Tonle Sap Lake, before heading back to Siem Reap in the late afternoon.
The day, hour by hour
- Hotel pickupPrivate air-con vehicle and your English-speaking guide
- Sticky rice stopKhmer sticky rice, made fresh in the village
- Beng MealeaUp to two hours exploring the jungle temple at your own pace
- Lunch breakAt a restaurant next to the temple; lunch is not included
- Drive to Kompong KhleangAbout an hour through the countryside
- Kompong Khleang by community boatThrough the largest floating village on the lake and out onto Tonle Sap Lake
- Drive back to Siem Reap
- Back at your hotelAbout 8 hours including lunch
Times are approximate, and the order of stops can change with the water level.
What's in this day
- Air-con vehicle with driver from your hotel and back
- An English-speaking guide from the village
- Community boat tickets
- Beng Mealea morning
- Houseboat communities
- Water and snacks; life jackets on the boats
Not included: the Beng Mealea entrance (USD 10 per person, or included in your Angkor pass) and lunch.
Priced for your group; children under 2 are free. Free cancellation up to 4 hours before pickup.
Good to know
Is the Beng Mealea ticket included?
No. The Beng Mealea entrance is USD 10 per person, paid at the temple, or free if you already have an Angkor pass. It is not part of the price.
How far is it?
Beng Mealea is about 65 km east of Siem Reap, an hour and a half by car. Kompong Khleang is an hour back towards town, so the day is a loop with no doubling back.
How long is the day?
About 8 hours including lunch, from an 8:00 am pickup to about 4:00 pm back in town. This tour does not stay for sunset.
Is lunch included?
No. We stop for lunch at a restaurant next to Beng Mealea, and you pay for your own meal.