From Siem Reap: Banteay Chhmar and Banteay Toap Day Trip

From Siem Reap: Banteay Chhmar and Banteay Toap Day Trip

If you’re visiting Siem Reap and craving something beyond the crowds of Angkor Wat, this day trip offers an authentic glimpse into Cambodia’s quieter, more mysterious temples. For $300 per group (up to six people), you’ll spend about a full day exploring the remote Banteay Chhmar temple, a site that’s less visited but packed with history, art, and a sense of discovery. Your journey also includes stops at the Prasat Banteay Toap and the Ancient Bridge of Spean Toap, giving you a well-rounded look at the region’s ancient infrastructure and spiritual sites.

What we love about this tour is its personalized approach, with a private guide who can share local insights and stories you won’t find in any guidebook. The remote location means fewer visitors, giving you the chance to marvel at the well-preserved bas-reliefs depicting military scenes and daily life—a quiet counterpoint to the bustling Angkor complex. Plus, visiting the Spean Toap Bridge, known as the Soldier Bridge, adds a touch of historical curiosity and scenic beauty.

A potential consideration is that the temple is in a poor state of preservation—no recent restoration efforts mean it’s somewhat overgrown and weathered. This might be a drawback if you prefer perfectly preserved ruins, but it’s perfect for those interested in authentic, untouched sites. This tour suits travelers eager to go off the beaten path, explore Cambodia’s lesser-known temples, and learn from local guides in an intimate setting.

Key Points

• Remote Location: Offers a peaceful, less crowded temple experience away from Angkor.
• Authentic Art: See well-preserved bas-reliefs depicting military and daily life scenes.
• Local Insights: Guided by a knowledgeable Cambodian guide with local stories.
• Historical Stops: Includes the ancient Spean Toap (Soldier Bridge) and possibly Banteay Toap.
• Limited Restoration: The temple is in a declining state, adding to its authentic, untouched charm.
• Value for Privacy: Private group experience for a more personalized visit.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the Experience

Starting from Siem Reap, the trip begins with a hotel pickup, usually in a comfortable, air-conditioned van. The two-hour drive takes you northwest toward the border with Thailand, into the Banteay Meanchay province. This journey alone offers a change of scenery, moving from the tourist-filled temples to the quiet countryside dotted with rice fields and small villages.

Exploring Banteay Chhmar

Once you arrive at Banteay Chhmar, you’ll immediately notice its size and layout resemble Angkor Thom, with sprawling walls and multiple enclosures. The temple dates back to the late 12th or early 13th century, built during the reign of a Khmer king—likely Jayavarman VII—who left behind grand, sprawling complexes across Cambodia.

Your guide, probably a local with deep knowledge of the site’s history, will lead you through the ruins, pointing out the noteworthy bas-reliefs. These carvings are what make Banteay Chhmar stand out; they depict scenes of military engagements and everyday life, akin to the famous carvings in the Bayon temple. We loved the way the reliefs vividly portray battles, hunters, and scenes of Khmer life, offering an intimate window into the past.

The temple’s poor preservation state lends a sense of adventure—some walls are crumbling, overgrown with moss and vines, giving you the feeling of walking through an archaeological treasure untouched by recent restoration. As one reviewer put it, “the site is in a bad way, but that’s part of its charm.” It’s a reminder that not all ancient sites are perfectly restored, and some are best appreciated in their natural, weathered condition.

Discovering the Surroundings

If time permits, your guide might take you to the Prasat Banteay Toap, a smaller, less known temple nearby. While not as grand as the main site, it adds to the understanding of regional architecture and religious practices.

On your way back, a brief stop at the Spean Toap, known as the Soldier Bridge, offers more than photo opportunities. This ancient stone bridge once played a vital role in local transportation and trade routes, and standing on it gives a real sense of Cambodia’s historical connectivity.

Practical Details

The tour includes private transport, usually a well-maintained van with air conditioning, ensuring comfort during the roughly 2-hour drives. The private guide is licensed, knowledgeable, and eager to share stories but also respects your pace. The tour is designed for flexibility; if you’re in a hurry or want to linger longer, your guide can adjust the schedule.

Cost-wise, $300 for a group up to six appears reasonable, especially considering the private nature and the all-inclusive services—toll roads, parking, gasoline, cold water, and hotel pickup/drop-off. The temple entrance fee is not included**, so budget for that separately.

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What to Bring

Expect to be outdoors for most of the day, so pack comfortable shoes, a hat, sunscreen, your camera, and plenty of water. The site’s remote location means amenities are limited, so being prepared ensures a comfortable visit.

Authenticity and Value

We appreciated that this tour isn’t a slick commercial package but a private experience with a focus on authenticity. You’ll get a chance to see parts of Cambodia rarely visited by travelers, which makes your day memorable and meaningful.

While it’s true the temple isn’t restored to pristine condition, that’s part of its appeal for history buffs and adventurers. The absence of crowds means you can walk quietly along the ancient walls and imagine what life was like centuries ago.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip suits travelers seeking a more intimate, off-the-beaten-path experience. If you’re interested in authentic ruins, Khmer history, and local stories, you’ll find this tour enriching. It’s ideal for those who prefer private guides over group crowds and are comfortable with a bit of wear and tear on ancient structures.

It also works well for history enthusiasts, photographers wanting unique shots, or anyone who simply loves the idea of exploring Cambodia’s hidden corners. However, if pristine, fully restored temples are your priority, this might not be the best choice—think of it as a journey into Cambodia’s less polished, more real past.

FAQs

Is this a full-day tour?
Yes, the trip lasts about one day, including travel time, visiting the temples, and stops along the way. You’ll be picked up in the morning and returned in the late afternoon or early evening.

How large is the group?
The tour is designed as a private experience for up to six people, offering a more personal and flexible visit.

Are meals included?
No, the tour price doesn’t cover lunch, so you might want to bring snacks or plan to buy food during the day.

Is the temple ticket included?
No, the entrance fee to Banteay Chhmar is not included; you should budget separately for this.

What is the state of preservation of the temples?
The temples are in a deteriorated condition, with no recent restoration efforts. Walls are crumbling, and the site is overgrown in places, adding to its authentic charm.

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, the tour provides private, air-conditioned transport, making the roughly 2-hour drives comfortable, even in hot weather.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a meaningful way to see Cambodia beyond the crowds and the well-trodden Angkor sites, this day trip to Banteay Chhmar offers a window into the country’s lesser-seen past. It’s a chance to walk where few travelers have tread, see impressive bas-reliefs, and learn from a local guide about the history and stories behind these ancient stones.

While the ruins are weathered and imperfect, that’s part of their story—their authenticity, their silent witness to centuries of Khmer life. It’s perfect for travelers who value genuine experiences and are willing to trade pristine restoration for history and atmosphere. If you’re after quiet, unique, and deeply Cambodian sites, this tour deserves a spot on your list.

You can check availability for your dates here: