3-Day Angkor Wat & All Major Temples & Kulen Mount Waterfall

Experience the Majestic Angkor and Beyond in Cambodia

If you’re craving a deeply immersive exploration of Cambodia’s ancient temples, this 3-day Angkor Wat & Major Temples Tour is an excellent choice. For around $200 per person, you gain access to some of the most iconic and lesser-known ruins, combined with a scenic adventure to Kulen Mountain Waterfall. Led by experienced guides and comfortable transport, it’s tailored for those who want more than just a quick glance—the tour offers a detailed look at Cambodian culture, history, and natural beauty.

What we love most? First, the guide’s wealth of knowledge brings each site to life—one reviewer mentioned how their guide, Bun, explained the history so well you could almost hear the stories echoing through the stones. Second, the inclusion of Kulen Mountain’s waterfall and scenic countryside adds a refreshing break from temple-hopping, turning this journey into an authentic experience rather than just a tourist checklist.

A possible consideration? The tour schedule is packed, with early mornings and long days, so it’s best suited for travelers who enjoy active, full days of sightseeing. If you prefer a more relaxed pace, some flexibility in the schedule is available but expect a busy itinerary.

This tour appeals most to history enthusiasts, photography lovers, and those eager to see both the famous and hidden parts of Angkor while also enjoying Cambodia’s natural scenery. It’s particularly ideal for travelers who appreciate expert guides and want to maximize their experience in a short time.

Key Points

• Comprehensive Itinerary: Visits to Angkor Wat, Ta Promh, Bayon, Baphoun, and more.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides like Bun make history come alive.
• Natural Beauty: Kulen Mountain Waterfall offers a relaxing swim and scenic views.
• Flexibility and Comfort: Private transportation, hotel pickup, bottled water, and towels.
• Full Cultural Context: Learn about Cambodian art, history, and local life.
• Value for Money: Three days of guided exploration, transportation, and personalized service at $200.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring Cambodia’s Iconic Temples and Natural Wonders

This 3-day tour beautifully balances temple exploration with natural scenery, giving you a well-rounded taste of what Cambodia has to offer. From the moment your guide picks you up, you’ll realize that this isn’t just about ticking boxes; it’s about understanding and experiencing the soul of Angkor and its surroundings.

Day 1: The Magnificence of Angkor Wat and the Jungle Temples

We start early at 8:00 am, with a comfortable pickup from your hotel, setting the tone for a well-organized adventure. The centerpiece is Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world, built in the 12th century. Its intricate bas-reliefs and towering spires evoke awe, and you’ll love the way your guide shares stories of its construction and significance.

Next, the tour takes you to nearby small circle temples such as Ta Promh, famous for its roots-claiming trees, which made it the filming location for the Hollywood blockbuster “Tomb Raider.” Visiting Ta Promh is like wandering into a jungle dream—gigantic roots enveloping crumbling stone, a testament to nature’s reclaiming power.

After a local lunch, the afternoon broadens into Angkor Thom, the “Great City,” with its famous Bayon Temple and its smiling stone faces. Our reviewer Misty highlights how their guide was thorough, considerate, and flexible—finding shade and quiet spots when needed. Walking through Victory Gate, Baphoun, and the Elephant Terrace, you really get a sense of the grandeur of ancient Khmer civilization.

The day wraps up with a sunset at Phnom Bakheng Hill, a perfect spot for panoramic views and one of the most popular sunset spots in Angkor. Expect to be back at your hotel by 6:00-7:00 pm, feeling both exhausted and enriched.

Day 2: Sunrise, Big Circle Temples, and Rolous Group

The early bird gets the best view—at 5:00 am, you are on-site for the sunrise at Angkor Wat. Watching the temple emerge from the dawn glow is a magical experience. After breakfast, you’ll explore the Big Circle temples, including Prah Khan, Neak Poan, and Pre Rup. These sites are less crowded but equally fascinating, showcasing a variety of architectural styles and religious motifs.

Post-lunch, a drive into the Roluos Group takes you to Bakong, Prah Ko, and Lolei temples—mainly built from sandstone and brick, giving insights into early Khmer architecture. Our review notes how guides like Mao made the experience enjoyable and informational, emphasizing that this part of the tour is a calmer, more relaxed exploration of ancient villages and temples.

Day 3: Kulen Mountain and Waterfall

The highlight of the final day is a scenic drive to Kulen Mountain National Park, about 65 km from Siem Reap. The mountain, once called Mahendraparvata, is a sacred site filled with natural beauty and spiritual significance. You’ll see 1000 Linga carvings, symbols of Shiva, carved under the riverbed—a stunning sight that underscores Cambodia’s Hindu roots.

The Big Reclining Buddha carved from a natural rock formation offers a peaceful stop, and then it’s time for the waterfall, where you can swim or relax in nature—an ideal break from the intense temple touring. Our reviewer Misty appreciated how this part of the trip “goes far beyond just a waterfall,” with scenic views and a chance to unwind.

After a local lunch, the tour continues with visits to Banteay Srei, known as the “Ladies Temple,” carved from pink sandstone, dedicated to Hindu gods. The last stop is Banteay Kdei, a peaceful, less-visited temple that offers a calm conclusion to your adventure.

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What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour package is quite comprehensive, including hotel pickup and drop-off, a licensed English-speaking guide, cool water and towels, and air-conditioned transportation. It’s especially convenient that all transportation logistics are handled, so you can focus on enjoying the sights.

However, the temples pass, Kulen Mountain tickets, and meals are not included. That’s typical for tours at this price point, but it’s worth budgeting for these extras. The tour’s flexibility with book-and-pay-later options makes it easy to reserve without immediate commitment.

Authentic Experiences and Practical Tips

One aspect that stands out, according to reviews, is the quality of guides like Bun and Mao. They don’t just recite facts—they bring history alive, find the best photo spots, and adapt the schedule to your needs. Misty’s review highlights how their guide made sure to find shady spots and quiet corners, enhancing comfort and enjoyment.

At $200 for three days, considering transportation, guiding, and several sites, this tour offers solid value—especially when compared to the cost of individual entrance fees and transportation if planning on doing it yourself. You’ll get a thorough, guided experience without the hassle of arranging everything independently.

Timing is packed but well-paced, with some long days starting early and ending late. The inclusion of natural scenery, like Kulen’s waterfall and scenic countryside rides, enriches the experience, breaking up the temple visits.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re someone who values expert guidance, a comprehensive itinerary, and the chance to see both popular and lesser-known sites, this tour is ideal. It’s particularly suited for curious travelers who want to understand the stories behind the stones and enjoy Cambodia’s natural beauty.

Travelers who appreciate authentic local experiences, like swimming at Kulen Waterfall, and those willing to tackle a busy schedule, will find this trip rewarding. It’s not for those seeking a very relaxed pace or planning to visit only a few sites—this tour is full-on, immersive, and well-organized.

Final Thoughts

This 3-day tour from Siem Reap offers a well-rounded experience that combines iconic temples, scenic countryside, and natural waterfalls. The inclusion of knowledgeable guides like Bun, who make history engaging, and the chance to relax at Kulen Mountain, make it a memorable journey.

While it demands energy and a busy schedule, the value and authenticity it provides are hard to match at its price point. It’s ideal for travelers who want to maximize their time, experience Cambodia’s cultural richness, and enjoy some scenic breaks along the way.

In the end, it’s a trip that balances history, nature, and local life, giving you a genuine sense of what makes Cambodia special.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
It’s best suited for travelers who are comfortable with early mornings and long days of walking or exploring. The activities are active but manageable for most ages with good mobility.

Are the temple tickets included?
No, the tour price does not include temple or Kulen Mountain tickets. You will need to purchase those separately.

What is the group size?
This is a private group tour, so your experience is tailored and personal, with guide and driver dedicated to your party.

Can I customize the schedule?
While the schedule is fairly fixed, the guide is flexible about timing, especially for breaks and shade, based on your preferences.

What should I wear?
Light, breathable clothing, comfortable walking shoes, and sun protection are recommended. Don’t forget a hat and sunglasses.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included, but the tour provides opportunities to enjoy local restaurants at designated times—budget around $5-$10 per meal.

This detailed, authentic guide should help you decide if this tour matches your travel style. Whether you’re a history buff or just want a comprehensive, stress-free tour of Angkor and Cambodia’s natural highlights, it offers a memorable way to see the best of Siem Reap.

You can check availability for your dates here: