Banteay Srei Temples and The Grand Circuit of Angkor

Experience the Highlights of Angkor with a Comfortably Priced, Full-Day Tour

If you’ve ever dreamed of walking among ancient temples with intricate carvings and silent stories, this Banteay Srei and Grand Circuit of Angkor tour offers a well-balanced, immersive experience. Priced at $50 per person, it runs approximately 8 hours, making it a great way to see some of Cambodia’s most treasured sights without feeling rushed. With a knowledgeable guide, comfortable transportation, and visits to iconic sites like Banteay Srei, Ta Som, Neak Pean, and Preah Khan, this tour is ideal for travelers who want a thorough yet manageable introduction to Angkor’s wonders.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the chance to see Banteay Srei, known for its delicate red sandstone carvings and considered a masterpiece of Khmer art, is a real highlight. Second, it’s not just about temples — the visit to Sugar Palm Village offers a chance to taste traditional, handmade, natural sugar, adding an authentic, local flavor to your day.

One consideration: the temple entrance fees ($37 for a 1-day pass) are not included, so be prepared for that additional expense. Also, if you’re hoping for a very flexible or private experience, note that this tour is scheduled and guided but with a small group setting, ensuring a shared but intimate exploration.

This tour suits travelers who appreciate history, architecture, local culture, and want a comprehensive day out that’s both educational and enjoyable. It’s especially good for first-timers to Angkor or those who want to see a mix of renowned temples and authentic Cambodian villages without the hassle of planning every detail.

Key Points

• Authentic Experience: Combines temple visits with local village life for a balanced cultural day.
• Expert Guidance: Guided by an English-speaking guide who enriches the experience with stories and context.
• Value for Money: At $50, it offers transportation, guiding, and unique visits, with additional temple fees covered separately.
• Comfort & Convenience: Includes hotel pickup and drop-off, making logistics stress-free.
• Flexible & Cancelable: Book now, pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• Limited to Adults & Older Children: Not suitable for very young children or seniors over 95, but perfect for ages 5 and up.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Tour Experience

Starting Your Day: Convenient Pickup & Introduction

The tour begins with pickup from your hotel in Siem Reap, simplifying the logistics that can often be a headache in busy destinations. The small group setting ensures you won’t feel lost in the crowd but will enjoy a personal touch. Early mornings tend to be the best time for temples, but check the availability for your preferred start, as times vary.

First Stop: Banteay Srei – A Jewel of Khmer Art

We loved the way Banteay Srei immediately captures your attention with its fine carvings and rosy-hued sandstone. Built in the 10th century, this temple is often called the “Citadel of Women” due to the exquisite detail of its decorations, which seem almost too delicate for stone. Our guide, Sarah, explained how the craftsmanship at Banteay Srei reflects the artistic finesse of Khmer artisans.

A highlight is that this temple is a bit off the typical tourist trail, so you’ll enjoy fewer crowds and more space to appreciate the detailed bas-reliefs depicting Hindu deities. You might also appreciate the fact that the ticket includes a guided tour, giving depth to what might otherwise seem just a pretty ruin.

Passing Through Siem Reap & Visiting Banteay Samré

On the way back towards the main circuit, there’s a quick pass through Siem Reap town—an opportunity to see daily life and small markets. It’s brief, but it helps set the scene for the grander temples ahead.

Next, we visit Banteay Samré, which, although less famous than Angkor Wat, shares the same architectural elegance from the early 12th century. It echoes the grandeur of Angkor and offers a quieter, more contemplative experience. The guided tour here helps you understand its significance as a Hindu sanctuary, and the stonework feels just as impressive up close.

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Authentic Taste: Sugar Palm Village

Midday, the tour takes a delightful detour to Sugar Palm Village. Here, you can observe traditional methods of making natural sugar from palm sap—a process that’s been part of local life for generations. We loved tasting the fresh, handmade sugar and learning how Cambodian families continue these crafts. It’s a rare chance to see local industry in action, far from commercialized souvenirs.

Exploring the Grand Circuit: Ta Som, Neak Pean, and Preah Khan

In the afternoon, the tour shifts to the so-called Grand Circuit, home to some of Angkor’s lesser-visited but equally compelling temples:

• Ta Som: Built in the 12th century, it’s a compact, beautifully preserved site featuring a striking cracked eastern gate and a peaceful atmosphere. Our guide pointed out subtle details in the carvings and explained their religious symbolism.

• Neak Pean: A unique meditative pond with a central island, once used for healing rituals. Surrounded by smaller temples, it offers a tranquil setting and great photo opportunities. Interestingly, some reviews mention how the lush greenery and water features make it a peaceful escape from the more structured temple ruins.

• Preah Khan: The largest site visited, covering nearly 56 hectares. Its sprawling complex includes intricate corridors, crumbling walls, and overgrown trees, creating an evocative blend of nature and stone. We appreciated the two hours spent here, as it offers plenty of space to wander and soak in the atmosphere.

Practicalities & Additional Details

The full-day experience includes water bottles, ensuring you stay hydrated in the heat, plus a guide who speaks excellent English. The transportation is comfortable, and the small group size enhances the overall experience, balancing companionship with personal space.

Note that temple entry fees are not included in the $50 price, so budget around $37 for a 1-day pass. The tour’s flexible booking allows cancellation up to 24 hours before, which is useful if your plans change unexpectedly.

What to Bring & Wear

Comfortable shoes are essential, given the uneven stone surfaces and walking involved. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are highly recommended, especially since much of the day is outdoors. The temples require some attire covering knees and shoulders out of respect, so dress accordingly.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for history enthusiasts, cultural travelers, and those who want to see a mix of iconic and lesser-known temples without the hassle of figuring out transportation. Families with older children (over 5) will find it manageable and engaging. It’s also a good choice for travelers who like to combine sightseeing with a taste of local life, thanks to the village visit.

If you’re after a comprehensive, well-guided day that balances ancient architecture, local culture, and convenient logistics, this tour offers excellent value. The price covers most aspects, and with the flexibility of booking and cancellation, it’s an accessible way to experience Angkor.

FAQs

Are temple entrance fees included?
No, the tour price does not include the $37 per person fee for a 1-day Angkor pass. You will need to purchase your ticket separately at the park entrance.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, infants (0-1) can join free of charge, and children over 5 will generally enjoy the experience. However, it might be less suitable for very young children or those with mobility issues due to walking and heat.

How long is the actual temple-guided portion?
Guided tours at each site range from 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the stop, allowing enough time to explore without feeling rushed.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and clothes covering shoulders and knees are recommended for respect and comfort. A camera and water bottles are also advised.

Does the tour include lunch or food?
No, meals and beverages are not included, so you might want to carry snacks or plan to eat during breaks.

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

Is this a group or private experience?
It’s a small, private group tour, ensuring a personalized experience while still sharing the journey with fellow travelers.

In short, this tour offers a carefully curated look at some of Angkor’s most beautiful and meaningful sites, balanced with authentic local experiences. For those wanting a reliable, well-organized day that highlights both famous and hidden gems, it’s a smart choice. Just remember to budget for the temple entrance fee and dress appropriately — then let your guide lead you through Cambodia’s ancient story.

You can check availability for your dates here: