3-Day Angkor Wat & All Interesting Temples With Beng Mealea

Imagine walking through a landscape filled with towering stone temples, sprawling jungle ruins, and centuries-old carvings — all brought to life by a friendly, knowledgeable guide. That’s exactly what you get with the 3-Day Angkor Wat & All Interesting Temples Tour offered by Happy Angkor Tour Cambodia. Although we haven’t personally been on this exact journey, this in-depth review pulls from detailed descriptions, guest feedback, and the tour’s itinerary to help you picture what awaits.

What we love most about this experience is its comprehensive coverage, the flexibility of a private tour, and the chance to see both iconic and remote sites in comfort and style. Plus, the inclusion of expert guides ensures you’ll learn more than just names and dates — you’ll gain insights into Cambodian art, culture, and history that bring the temples alive.

A potential consideration is the pace — with three full days packed with sights, early mornings and long days are unavoidable. Travelers who prefer a relaxed, leisurely exploration might find it a bit intense, but those eager to see everything in depth will appreciate the thoroughness. This tour is best suited for travelers who want an immersive, well-rounded experience without the hassle of planning every detail themselves.

If you’re looking for a deeply informative, flexible, and exciting way to explore Angkor’s famous sites, plus some hidden gems, this tour could be perfect. Whether you’re a history buff, a photography enthusiast, or simply curious about Cambodia’s ancient wonders, you’ll find plenty to love.

Good To Know

Comprehensive Coverage: The tour covers all major temples on both the Small & Big Circles, plus remote sites like Beng Mealea and Banteay Srei, giving you a full picture of Angkor’s diversity.

Private & Flexible: Being a private tour means the itinerary can be adjusted to your pace and interests, making for a personalized experience.

Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides share rich insights, making each site more meaningful and easier to understand.

Early Starts & Long Days: Expect early mornings, including sunrise at Angkor Wat, and full days of temple hopping — ideal for energetic travelers.

Authentic & Remote Experiences: Visiting lesser-visited sites like Beng Mealea and the Rolous Group offers a sense of adventure and discovery beyond the crowds.

Value for Money: At $212 per person, including hotel pickups, water, towels, and transportation, this tour offers excellent value for such an in-depth exploration.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Itinerary: What You Can Expect

Day 1: From Angkor Wat to Jungle Temples

Your adventure begins with an 8:00 am hotel pickup, setting the stage for a day packed with iconic sights. You’ll start at Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world, built in the 12th century. The intricate bas-reliefs and towering spires are awe-inspiring, and you’ll likely spend a few hours marveling at its grandeur. The guide will share stories behind the carvings and the temple’s significance, making it more than just a photo op.

Next, you’ll visit Ta Promh, the famous “Tomb Raider” temple overtaken by massive tree roots, a scene that remains one of the most photographed sights in Angkor. Guests consistently praise guides for their knowledge here — one reviewer called their guide “amazing,” highlighting how well they explained the temple’s history and the significance of the roots.

After lunch in a local restaurant, the tour continues into Angkor Thom, the ancient city with the iconic Bayon Temple featuring 49 towers with smiling faces. Walking through the Victory Gate, the guide’s stories about Khmer kings and religious symbolism add depth to the visual spectacle. You’ll also see the Baphuon and Reclining Buddha, along with the Royal Enclosure, Elephant Terrace, and Terrace of the Leper King. The day ends with a sunset view from Phnom Bakheng, where the panoramic vistas over Angkor are spectacular.

Day 2: Sunrise and Remote Temples

Starting at 5:00 am, the early wake-up call is rewarded with a breathtaking sunrise at Angkor Wat — an unforgettable experience. You’ll get to witness the first light illuminating the temple’s towers, an ideal moment for photography and quiet reflection.

Following breakfast, the tour heads to the Big Circle temples, such as Preah Khan, Neak Pean, Ta Som, East Mebon, and Pre Rup. These sites are less crowded but full of character, with some still covered in jungle growth, adding to their mystique. The guide’s detailed explanations help you appreciate the architectural styles and historical context of each.

In the afternoon, after a hearty lunch, the journey takes you further away from the main complexes to visit Banteay Srei, often called the “Ladies’ Temple.” Built from pink sandstone, its intricate carvings and detailed bas-reliefs make it one of the most beautiful temples in the area. The drive over rural roads through rice paddies offers a glimpse into Cambodia’s countryside life.

The day wraps up with visits to Banteay Samre and Banteay Kdei, before heading back to your hotel around 4-5 pm, giving you some downtime before dinner or evening activities.

Day 3: Ancient Capitals & Jungle Temples

The final day begins with a visit to the Roluos Group — Lolei, Preah Ko, and Bakong — which are among the earliest permanent structures in Khmer architecture. These ruins provide context for the evolution of temple design and offer a quieter, more reflective experience.

After a long drive, you’ll arrive at Beng Mealea, a true highlight for those looking for adventure. Still untouched by major restoration efforts, this sprawling jungle temple is overgrown and mystical. The feeling of exploring a lost city overrun by nature is something special, and guest reviews confirm this — one said it’s often called the “Indianajon temple” because of its jungle-covered ruins.

Lunch is provided before the exploration, and the guide will help you navigate the site, pointing out the original construction and the jungle’s role in shaping its current appearance. The journey back to Siem Reap includes a stop at Phsa Leur (local market), Old Market, and Artisan d’Angkor, giving a taste of local crafts, souvenirs, and daily life.

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The Experience: What Makes This Tour Stand Out

Transport & Comfort: Traveling in air-conditioned vehicles with a driver means no sweating through long drives — a relief in Cambodia’s heat. Hotel pickups and drop-offs are included, making logistics hassle-free.

Guided Insights: Guests consistently praise the guides for their friendliness and knowledge. One review mentions a guide “very kind, funny, and cheerful,” who made the complex history accessible and engaging.

Timing & Flexibility: Starting early, especially for sunrise, ensures you beat the crowds and enjoy the temples at their most serene. Being a private tour allows for adjustments, so if you want more time at a specific site, it’s usually doable.

Inclusions & Extras: Water and towels are provided, helping you stay cool and refreshed. The 3-day pass costs $62, which is separate, but the tour’s value comes from the convenience and expert guidance.

Authentic & Remote Sites: Visiting sites like Beng Mealea and the Rolous Group offers a sense of discovery that many large-group tours overlook. These ruins, covered in jungle and less visited, provide a real adventure.

The Cost & Value

At $212 per person, this tour presents good value considering the comprehensive itinerary, private guides, transportation, and hotel pickups. Entrance fees for the temples ($62 for a 3-day pass) are not included but are a manageable additional expense. Compared to other tours, the flexibility and personalized attention make it worthwhile, especially for those keen to maximize their time and avoid crowds.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for travelers who want to cover a lot of ground without the stress of planning each detail. History buffs will appreciate the detailed explanations, while photographers and adventurers will enjoy the early mornings and jungle temples. It’s also ideal for those who prefer a private, customizable experience with friendly guides who genuinely want you to learn and enjoy.

If you’re looking for a deep dive into Cambodia’s ancient worlds, with a mix of famous monuments and hidden gems, this tour delivers in spades.

The Sum Up

Choosing a 3-day private tour like this one offers unmatched convenience, expert guidance, and an authentic connection to Angkor’s history and culture. You’ll visit the must-see temples at sunrise, explore lesser-known sites in the countryside, and walk through the jungles where ancient ruins tell stories of a bygone era. The flexibility of a private experience means you can tailor the pace, making it suitable for energetic explorers or those who want a more relaxed approach.

This tour offers excellent value for money, especially given the depth and breadth of sites covered, the quality of guides, and the comfort of private transportation. It’s well-suited for travelers eager to see Cambodia’s highlights while enjoying a personal, immersive experience.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, as a private tour, it can accommodate different age groups, but be prepared for early mornings and long days of walking.

Are meals included in the price?
Meals are not included; you will need to purchase lunch and dinner separately. The tour provides time to enjoy local restaurants.

What is the significance of visiting Beng Mealea?
Beng Mealea remains largely untouched and overgrown by jungle, giving you the feeling of exploring a lost city — a true highlight for adventurers and photographers.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Yes, since it’s a private tour, the guide can often adjust the schedule to meet your interests or pace.

How much does the 3-day temple pass cost?
The pass costs $62 per person, which is separate from the tour price.

What should I bring for the tour?
Bring comfortable shoes, sun protection, water, and a camera. Towels are provided on the bus, and early mornings can be chilly, so layers are advised.

Is the tour suitable for travelers with mobility issues?
Most sites involve walking and uneven surfaces, so those with mobility challenges should consider this before booking.

What language do guides speak?
Guides speak English and are skilled at making complex history accessible and engaging.

In summary, this private 3-day tour offers a deep dive into Angkor’s most famous and remote temples, guided by friendly experts who enhance every step of the journey. If you want a flexible, thoroughly enriching experience, this trip is a fantastic choice that balances adventure, comfort, and cultural insight.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby