2 Day Angkor Wat Kulen Mountain Beng Mealea Floating Village Tour

This 2-day guided journey through Siem Reap offers a well-balanced mix of ancient temples, scenic landscapes, and authentic local experiences. While I haven’t personally taken this exact tour, the detailed itinerary, glowing reviews, and thoughtful design suggest it’s a fantastic choice for travelers eager to dive into Cambodia’s cultural treasures without feeling rushed.

What we love about this tour: the early morning sunrise at Angkor Wat (a magical start), the exploration of jungle-overgrown temples like Ta Prohm and Beng Mealea, and the opportunity to visit Kulen Mountain’s waterfalls and reclining Buddha—each offering a different facet of Cambodia’s beauty. The inclusion of a floating village adds a genuine local touch, highlighting how these communities live on Tonle Sap Lake.

A possible consideration is the early start (4:30 AM for the sunrise), which might test those who prefer sleeping in. However, it’s a small price for the incredible views and fewer crowds.

This tour suits travelers who want to see the highlights but also appreciate deeper cultural and scenic experiences—perfect for first-time visitors or anyone craving a comprehensive yet authentic taste of Cambodia.

Good To Know

• Early start for a stunning sunrise at Angkor Wat, setting the tone for the trip.
• Balanced mix of temples, natural wonders, and village life offers variety in just two days.
• Expert guides bring stories and secrets to life, making the experience more meaningful.
• All-inclusive price ($88) covers entrance fees, meals, transportation, and guides, offering good value.
• Small group size (max 14 travelers) ensures personalized attention.
• Authentic experiences like sampling local palm cake and visiting floating villages provide cultural depth.

The Itinerary in Depth

Day 1: Temples, Countryside, and Jungle Treasures

The day kicks off super early, with a pickup at your hotel around 4:30 AM. The goal? Catch the breathtaking sunrise over Angkor Wat, arguably Cambodia’s most recognizable sight. As the dawn breaks, you’ll be among the fewer early risers, making for some incredible photos and a more intimate experience of the ancient wonder. One reviewer mentioned how “the sunrise was truly magical,” and it’s easy to see why.

After soaking in the views, you’ll explore the temple itself, with a guide explaining its architectural marvels and significance. The included tickets let you wander freely, but having a knowledgeable guide helps you catch the hidden details that a quick glance might miss. Expect about 2 hours here, plenty of time for photos and appreciating the grandeur.

Next up is a visit to Srah Srang, where a local family-run restaurant serves breakfast. The food is simple but meaningful—an authentic taste of rural Cambodia—and your support here helps sustain local livelihoods. The reviews highlight the food as “delicious,” and the experience as a reminder of how tourism can directly benefit communities.

The tour then takes you into Preah Dak village, where you can enjoy the countryside charm and sample a traditional palm cake. This gives travelers a chance to interact with locals and see how they live outside the temple grounds. It’s a quick stop, but one that adds a personal, human layer to your trip.

The highlight of the afternoon is Ta Prohm, the jungle temple famously overgrown with trees and roots that seem to have claimed the stones. The atmosphere here is surreal—an image made famous by the film “Tomb Raider.” Reviewers mention how the “roots and stones create an almost mystical scene,” making you feel like you’ve stepped into a jungle adventure.

The day wraps up at Angkor Thom, with visits to the Bayon Temple, renowned for its giant smiling faces, and the Terrace of the Elephants. These sites are architectural marvels and great for photography. The guide’s stories help you appreciate the history behind these structures, making it more than just sightseeing.

You’ll return to Siem Reap by around 1 PM, leaving the afternoon free for rest or exploring on your own.

Day 2: Mountain, Waterfalls, and Village Life

Starting again early, the second day focuses on Kulen Mountain, a natural highlight with panoramic views, waterfalls, and spiritual sites. The Poeng Ta Kho viewpoint offers vistas across canyons and forests—think of it as the perfect photo spot with a view that stretches as far as the eye can see.

Next, you’ll visit Preah Ang Thom, home to an 8-meter reclining Buddha carved into the mountainside. The atmosphere here is peaceful, with local families lighting incense and monks praying—an authentic glimpse into local religious life. Reviewers mention the “sense of history and spirituality” here, making it a meaningful stop.

A short drive takes you to the 1000 Lingas, an ancient sacred site where carvings in the riverbed symbolize fertility and spiritual significance. Visitors often comment on the “mystical feeling” of standing where priests carved symbols over a millennium ago, turning flowing water into a sacred act.

The highlight of the day is definitely the Phnom Kulen Waterfall, where crystal-clear pools invite you for a refreshing swim. It’s the perfect way to unwind after a busy morning—most reviews mention how enjoyable the cool water and scenic surroundings are, like one reviewer who called it “waterfall heaven” with waterfalls playing a soothing soundtrack.

After lunch, the tour heads to Prasat Beng Mealea, a temple that looks like Cambodia’s “lost temple” due to its jungle-reclaimed ruins. Built in the 12th century, it’s a favorite among those who love photography and exploring less crowds. Tour reviews describe it as “nature’s temple”, with vines and ruins creating a mysterious atmosphere.

The final stop is Kompong Phluk, a floating village on Tonle Sap Lake. Here, families live on stilts, and the boat ride showcases a different side of Cambodia—one of resilience and adaptation. Reviewers consistently mention how “this floating village was the real highlight,” and it’s a humbling, authentic experience.

You’ll be back in Siem Reap by around 6:30 PM, with options to relax or explore local markets.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

For $88, this tour packs in a wide array of experiences—temples, waterfalls, villages, and scenic views—delivered with professional guides and included meals. The all-inclusive approach, covering entrance fees, transportation, and meals, simplifies planning and ensures you won’t face unexpected costs. Visitors report that guides like Mr. Mony and Mr. Chy are knowledgeable and attentive, making the experience more engaging and educational.

The small-group format (maximum 14 travelers) means you get more personalized attention and flexibility—important when navigating busy sites. Plus, early starts, while challenging, allow you to enjoy sites like Angkor Wat in relative peace and capture photos without crowds.

The reviews emphasize the “well-organized itinerary” and the “friendly, passionate guides” who go beyond just narrating facts—they share stories, answer questions, and even help with photography. Multiple reviewers mention guides’ care, like checking on individuals feeling unwell or taking extra photos.

The Experience and Practicalities

Transportation is comfortable and operated by experienced drivers, which is essential when covering so many sites in two days. The inclusion of cool water and towels helps keep everyone refreshed amidst Cambodia’s warm climate.

Meal options include vegetarian choices, accommodating dietary preferences—a thoughtful touch appreciated by many travelers. The tours begin early, around 4:30 AM, which might be tough for some, but it pays off with quieter temples and gorgeous sunrise views.

While the tour covers a lot, it’s paced well enough to allow genuine exploration without feeling rushed. Reviewers mention that the guides’ storytelling and local insights make the experience richer and more memorable.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is ideal for first-time visitors eager to see the main highlights of Siem Reap with depth and authenticity. It suits those who appreciate a combination of cultural history, scenic landscapes, and local life. The inclusion of natural sites like waterfalls and villages makes it appealing to travelers who want a mix of adventure and culture.

If you dislike early mornings or long days, you might want to prepare accordingly, but most reviews suggest that the experience is worth the effort. The small group size and knowledgeable guides ensure you’ll gain genuine insights and memorable moments.

The Sum Up

This 2-day Angkor Wat Kulen Mountain Beng Mealea Floating Village Tour offers excellent value for travelers seeking a comprehensive, authentic Siem Reap experience. The combination of iconic temples, stunning natural scenery, and local life delivers a well-rounded snapshot of Cambodia’s cultural heart.

The thoughtful itinerary, attentive guides, and inclusion of meals and entrance fees make it practical and stress-free. Whether you’re marveling at the sunrise, exploring jungle-covered temples, or floating on Tonle Sap Lake, there’s enough variety to keep the trip engaging and memorable.

This tour is best suited for curious travelers who want to see the highlights without sacrificing depth or authenticity. It’s especially great for those who appreciate knowledgeable guides, scenic moments, and meaningful cultural encounters—all packed into just two days.

FAQ

What is included in the tour price?
The $88 fee covers all entrance tickets for the sites, professional guides, transportation, lunch, breakfast, cool water, and towels. Vegetarian options are available.

What is the start time each day?
Day 1 begins with hotel pick-up around 4:30 AM for the sunrise at Angkor Wat. Day 2 also starts early to make the most of the day’s highlights.

How many people are in each group?
The maximum group size is 14 travelers, ensuring a more personal experience.

Do I need to bring anything special?
Comfortable clothing, sun protection, and good walking shoes are recommended. The tour provides water and towels, but a hat or sunglasses can help during the day.

Is this tour suitable for children or older adults?
Most travelers can participate, but those with mobility issues or difficulty with early mornings might find the schedule challenging. It’s best suited for those in good health and prepared for some walking and outdoor exposure.

Are there vegetarian meal options?
Yes, vegetarian meals are available upon request, making it suitable for different dietary preferences.

What happens if I want to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Less notice means no refund.

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off at your hotel in Siem Reap.

Can I customize the itinerary?
This is a set tour, but guides are usually flexible about some stops if you have specific interests. It’s best to confirm with the provider beforehand.

This comprehensive, well-organized tour offers a rich taste of Cambodia’s history, scenery, and culture, making it a smart choice for anyone eager to get the most out of their Siem Reap visit.