2-Days Angkor & Banteay Srei & Kulen Mountian Waterfall Tour

2-Days Angkor & Banteay Srei & Kulen Mountain Waterfall Tour offers an immersive experience into Cambodia’s most iconic sights. For $126 per person, you’ll spend two full days exploring Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm, Banteay Srei, and the ancient city of Mahendraparvata on Phnom Kulen Mountain, including a visit to the stunning Kulen Waterfall. The tour is typically scheduled with options to start in the morning or early dawn for the famous sunrise over Angkor Wat.

What we love about this tour is how it balances the majesty of Angkor’s most famous temples while also giving a taste of the spiritual and historic significance of Kulen Mountain — a site less crowded yet equally breathtaking. Plus, a knowledgeable guide like Mr. Chanra can transform these ruins from mere stones into stories you’ll remember long after your trip. The second highlight? The chance to relax by a waterfall and see the largest reclining Buddha carved from a single stone, adding both serenity and a sense of wonder.

A small caveat: this tour involves a fair amount of walking, climbing, and outdoor exposure, so comfortable shoes and sun protection are a must. Also, the temple entrance fee isn’t included in the price, which could add about $37 for a one-day pass, so budget that into your planning. This tour suits those eager to see highlights but also appreciate the stories and landscapes behind each monument.

If you’re someone who values a mix of cultural discovery, scenic beauty, and expert-guided storytelling, this experience will suit you well. It’s especially good for travelers who want a comprehensive taste of Angkor without feeling rushed, as well as those intrigued by the lesser-known historical sites like Mahendraparvata.

Key Points

Comprehensive itinerary covering Angkor’s top temples, Mahendraparvata, and Kulen Mountain.
Expert guides like Mr. Chanra provide engaging stories and local insights.
Balanced experience of awe-inspiring ruins, scenic landscapes, and spiritual sites.
Value for money considering guided tours, transportation, park fees, and inclusions.
Physical activity involved, so suitable for travelers comfortable with walking and outdoor conditions.
Flexible booking options with free cancellation and pay-later reservations.

You can check availability for your dates here:

In-Depth Review of the 2-Day Angkor & Kulen Mountain Tour

Starting Off: Convenience and Comfort
This tour is designed with convenience in mind. It includes hotel pickup and drop-off, modern transportation, and all logistical details handled behind the scenes. We particularly appreciated the air-conditioned vehicle, which keeps you comfortable during the transfers — especially on the longer drive up to Kulen Mountain. The tour operates as a private group, meaning you get more personalized attention and a flexible pace, unlike large bus groups that often rush through.

Day 1: Exploring Angkor’s Marvels
You begin at 8:00 AM after breakfast, meeting your guide in your hotel lobby. This early start is perfect for beating the crowds at Angkor Wat, and for catching that unforgettable sunrise — a highlight many travelers rave about. You’ll spend several hours marveling at Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world, with its intricate bas-reliefs and impressive towers. Your guide will share stories behind the temple’s Hindu origins, helping you appreciate its grandeur beyond just the photo ops.

Next, you’ll visit Ta Prohm, famously overgrown with trees and roots, creating an atmosphere straight out of Tomb Raider. The sense of history and nature intertwined is palpable here. The guide’s detailed stories about the temples’ history and architecture make the experience more than just sightseeing; it becomes a narrative that ties these ruins into Cambodia’s cultural fabric.

After a local lunch, you’ll explore Ta Nei, a smaller, less crowded temple hidden in the jungle, offering a peaceful contrast to the more popular sites. Moving on, you’ll witness the East Gate of Angkor Thom, then visit the Bayon Temple, with its iconic faces, and Baphuon, often overlooked but beautifully restored. The tour includes key historical sites like the Royal Enclosure, Elephant Terrace, and Lipper King Terrace, each with its own story and significance.

Evening: Sunset at Phnom Bakheng
The day wraps up with a traditional sunset view from Phnom Bakheng, providing a panoramic look over the Angkor complex. The guide’s local knowledge ensures you find a good spot and understand what you’re seeing.

Day 2: A Journey to Kulen Mountain and Beyond
After an early start — leaving your hotel at 4:30 AM — you head to watch the sunrise at Angkor Wat, a moment that often makes the trip worthwhile. Breakfast back at your hotel gives you a breather before heading out again.

The next adventure is Phnom Kulen, about 65 km from Siem Reap, an ancient city known as “the great mountain of Indra.” Here, you’ll see the thousand Lingas, carved into the riverbed, representing the sacred river Shiva bathed in to wash away sins. This site offers a spiritual experience that’s less commercialized than Angkor’s temples but equally inspiring.

At Preah Ang Thom, you’ll find the largest reclining Buddha sculpture in Cambodia, carved from a natural stone, exuding tranquility amid lush scenery. The waterfall nearby is a perfect spot for bathing and cooling off — a refreshingly natural break from temple sightseeing. The guide will tell stories about the significance of these sites, enhancing your understanding of their spiritual importance.

After lunch, you’ll visit Banteay Srei, known as the Ladies’ Temple for its intricate pink sandstone carvings. Built in the late 10th century, it’s a testament to the artistic skill of Khmer craftsmen. The detailed stonework here leaves many travelers in awe. You might also explore Banteay Samre and Pre Rup, adding more layers to your understanding of Khmer architecture and religious history.

Evening: Return to Siem Reap
The tour concludes around 6:30 PM, giving you time to relax or explore a bit more in Siem Reap.

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What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Informed Guides
As the review from Pasiarski notes, having a guide like Mr. Chanra makes all the difference. His passion and detailed stories turn ruins into stories, making history come alive. This personalized insight is invaluable, especially if you’re keen on understanding the cultural and spiritual context of each site.

Balanced Itinerary
This tour strikes a good balance between “big sights” and peaceful spiritual places. The early sunrise and the waterfall at Kulen Mountain provide moments of serenity, while the temples offer awe-inspiring architecture and history. The inclusion of Mahendraparvata adds a layer of depth, as it’s an important yet lesser-known site.

Value for Money
For $126, you get guided transportation, park fees, water, towels, and expert storytelling. When you consider the cost of individual entry tickets ($37 for a one-day pass), plus private transport and a guide, the value is clear — especially for those who want a hassle-free, insightful experience.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

Travelers eager to see Cambodia’s most famous temples without the hassle of planning will appreciate this tour’s convenience. It’s ideal for those who want a broad overview but also enjoy some lesser-known sites like Mahendraparvata and Kulen Mountain. Nature lovers, history buffs, and spiritual seekers will all find something here. Keep in mind that the physical demands — walking, climbing, outdoor exposure — mean it’s less suitable for travelers with mobility issues or back problems.

Final Thoughts

This 2-day tour offers a well-rounded introduction to Angkor’s wonders, combining the iconic with the lesser-known. You’ll love the expert guide’s storytelling, which deeply enriches each site’s significance and history. The scenic moments — sunrise over Angkor Wat, the waterfall at Kulen, the carvings of Banteay Srei — make this experience memorable.

While it’s a fairly full itinerary, it’s designed to keep you engaged without rushing. The inclusions and logistics make it a good value, especially if you prefer guided comfort over DIY exploration. Be prepared for some physical activity, and remember to bring essentials like comfortable shoes, sun protection, and a camera.

If you’re looking for a thoughtfully curated, authentic, and scenic tour of Cambodia’s most treasured sites, this experience will serve you well.

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FAQ

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
The tour involves some walking, climbing, and outdoor exposure, so it’s best suited for travelers in good physical condition. It’s not recommended for those with back problems or mobility issues.

Are meals included in the price?
Meals are not included, but the tour provides time for lunch at local restaurants. This gives you a chance to enjoy authentic Cambodian cuisine and customize your meal.

What is the best time to do this tour?
Starting early, especially to catch the sunrise at Angkor Wat, enhances the experience. The cooler mornings also make walking and exploring more comfortable.

How are transportation arrangements handled?
The tour includes private, air-conditioned vehicles with a driver, ensuring comfort between sites and saving you from the stress of navigating on your own.

Are temple entrance fees included?
No, entrance fees are not included in the tour price. You’ll need to purchase a ticket (around $37 for a one-day pass). The guide can help you with the process.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility in case your plans change.

Is this a group or private experience?
The tour is a private group experience, meaning you get personalized attention and a flexible schedule.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and a camera are essential for a comfortable day of exploration. Towels and water are provided to keep you refreshed.

This tour offers a rich, engaging way to experience Cambodia’s most famous archaeological sites while also allowing for moments of peace and natural beauty. Whether you’re a history buff, a spiritual seeker, or simply looking to see the highlights with ease, this 2-day adventure provides a memorable journey into Cambodia’s soul.