Cambodia · Religious & Spiritual

2-Day Angkor Temple Tour in Siem Reap with Kbal Spean Hike

2 Days Round trip from Krong Siem Reap Moderate pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Marvel at the major temples in Angkor Archaeological Park
02 Experience Khmer history, culture, and civilization in detail
03 Learn about the history of each monument from a knowledgeable guide
04 Hike up to the thousands of Shiva lingas at Kbal Spean

Explore the religious highlights of Angkor, the ancient capital of the Khmer Empire in Cambodia, and witness the marvellous architecture of the 10th century. Visit Cambodia's most popular attractions, including Angkor Thom and Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world. Hike up to Kbal Spean to see the thousands of Shiva lingas and enjoy a small waterfall, then admire the intricate carvings of Banteay Srei and Banteay Samre.

Enter the ancient city through its Southern Gate and witness the temple of Bayon, where 216 enigmatic faces have been smiling upon the land for centuries.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 2 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

City Siem Reap

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Angkor Thom and Angkor Wat Discovery

Meet the driver and tour guide in your hotel lobby at 8:00 am and travel to the ancient walled city of Angkor Thom.
Enter the ancient city through its Southern Gate and witness the temple of Bayon, where 216 enigmatic faces have been smiling upon the land for centuries.
Continue to Baphuon Temple, known for its long causeway and an impressive giant Reclining Buddha, a jigsaw puzzle only put back together in 2011 following a 37-year disruption caused by the war.
Enjoy over-the-tree-top views of Angkor Thom as you climb the steep steps of Phimeanakas Temple.
Visit the Royal Palace, more commonly known as the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King.
Watch nature take over the ancient human-made structures, with golden Spung tree roots wrapped tightly around mossy stones at Ta Prohm.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
Commence the afternoon adventure at Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument ever built.
Spend hours wandering in awe of the grandeur of this temple, its many levels, and the intricate carvings adorning its galleries.

Return to the hotel.

Day 02

Kbal Spean, Banteay Srei, and Banteay Samre

Meet the driver and tour guide in your hotel lobby at 8:00 am and travel to the top of Kbal Spean.
Appreciate the intricately carved stone riverbed along a fairly steep incline. The path is well worn, and a series of well-maintained wooden staircases helps visitors overcome the biggest boulders.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
Visit the temple of Banteay Srei, known for its beautiful, delicate carvings in warm pink sandstone.
Continue to Banteay Samre, a larger temple often overlooked by tourists that looks gorgeous in the late afternoon light.

Return to the hotel.

Where this trip takes you

Angkor Wat, Bayon faces, Kbal Spean stone riverbed

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Krong Siem Reap 1 city · 2 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Transport by air-conditioned vehicle
Driver/guide
Professional guide
Private tour
Transport by private vehicle
Toll roads
Car parking
Cold water and wipes
Gasoline
Hotel pick-up and drop-off

What's Not Included

Entrance fees
Meals
Accommodation

What to bring

Some cash
Hand sanitizing gel
Sunscreen
Mosquito repellent
Hat
Sunglasses
Power bank and charger
Daily medicine

Know before you go

The 7 points in the Official Code of Conduct for Angkor Park

Appropriate clothing
Short shorts and sleeveless shirts are forbidden in holy places. This applies, of course, to the entire archaeological park of Angkor. Incidentally, and while I am on this subject, since August 2016, visitors have been unable to buy an Angkor pass if they are not appropriately dressed at the time of purchase. This can be quite annoying, as you will need to come back when dressed correctly.
Touching the monuments
It is in human nature to want to touch everything we see. Actually, nature has this covered very well. This way, we can "grasp" things literally. Only there is a significant problem. If many hands touch the old stones in places like Angkor Park, they will become greasy and no longer look beautiful. Even though you may want to, you should simply look with your eyes and not touch them so that they remain intact.
Talking loudly
Talking loudly is frowned upon in Cambodia and even more so in Angkor Park. You should refrain from loud shouting, screaming, and shrill laughter.
Prohibited areas
There are many signs indicating which areas should not be entered. There is a good reason for this. Most of these safety signs indicate which areas visitors cannot access or which rocks visitors should not climb on. It makes little sense to expose yourself to such hazards.
Smoking is prohibited
Since 2012, a total smoking ban has been in place throughout Angkor Park, including outside the temples.
Children selling souvenirs
It can be difficult, but basically, you should not buy anything from children. Often, they are kept away from school in order to sell items. Although this may not be true in all families, there is usually no time to check whether a child also attends school. If you want to do something good, then find out about the best local charitable organizations.
Photographing monks
Monks in their orange robes are always a popular sight. Ask them first; do not simply take a photo. It is very important that women should not touch the monks. Touching monks' clothing is also considered taboo.

Penalties for criminal acts

A special note in the Code of Conduct provides information related to offences such as looting and destruction of any kind, the revealing of an individual's genitals (including breasts), and complete nudity - all of these offences are considered crimes and are severely punished.

Logistics