Kaoh Ker’s 11 Top Tours (With Prices)

Kaoh Ker is a fascinating area for travelers eager to see Cambodia’s lesser-visited temples and hear stories that aren’t part of the Angkor scene. What makes Kaoh Ker stand out is its collection of ancient sites sprinkled through jungle landscapes, offering a quieter, more authentic experience. We love how some tours combine visits to Preah Vihear, with its dramatic mountain-top setting, and Beng Mealea, often called the sister of Angkor Wat, for a varied journey into Khmer archaeology. For a comprehensive, hassle-free experience, check out the Full-Day Preah Vihear, Koh Ker and Beng Mealea Private Tour, which offers a full day of exploration with hotel pickup and drop-off included.

Whether you’re after a half-day adventure or a multi-day deep dive, Kaoh Ker’s tours give you a chance to see impressive pyramids, ancient temples, and lush countryside. For those who want an intimate, guided experience, the Small-Group Tour combines well-known sites with quieter, less crowded spots. If your schedule is tight, the Private One Day Trip to Koh Ker and Beng Mealea offers a personalized, efficient way to hit the highlights.

1. Beng Mealea, Koh Ker & Floating village Day Tour

This full-day tour is perfect for travelers wanting to see a mix of ancient ruins, natural scenery, and local life. Starting with the jungle-covered Beng Mealea Temple, you’ll walk through a site where nature has taken over, creating an atmospheric scene straight out of Indiana Jones. Then, you’ll climb the seven-tiered pyramid at Koh Ker, the ancient Khmer capital, and explore some of Cambodia’s most impressive architecture. The day finishes with a visit to a floating village, where you’ll see stilted houses and flooded forests.

What makes this trip stand out is its balance of history, nature, and cultural interaction. The tour is rated 5/5 by five reviews, highlighting its quality and value at just $65 per person. It’s ideal for those who want a comprehensive day without breaking the bank. The highlight? “Discover Cambodia beyond Angkor,” as this tour takes you into lesser-known yet spectacular sites that are often overlooked.

Bottom line: This tour offers a well-rounded experience for those with limited time, blending adventure with historical curiosity.

2. From Koh Ker: Full-Day Private Tour of Cambodian Temples

For around $150 per person, this private guided trip provides a detailed day exploring Cambodia’s most remote and majestic temples. The tour kicks off from Siem Reap and includes visits to Preah Vihear, perched atop a mountain, and the jungle temple of Beng Mealea. The guide, Sareik, is praised for helping travelers understand the sites deeply, making it a personalized experience.

The route involves a scenic drive through the countryside, with a truck ride up to Preah Vihear—offering both spectacular views and a sense of adventure. It’s perfect for travelers who prefer a flexible schedule and want a deep dive into Khmer architecture and history. One review states, “The tour was excellent. Our guide helped us a lot,” emphasizing the personalized attention.

Bottom line: This tour is ideal if you seek a private, in-depth experience with expert guidance and are comfortable with a longer, 12-hour day.

3. Banteay Srei, Beng Mealea & Koh Ker Small-Group Tour

At around $79, this small-group tour offers a more intimate look at Cambodia’s less-visited temples. The journey covers Koh Ker, with its impressive pyramid, Beng Mealea, wrapped in jungle, and the beautifully carved Banteay Srei temple, famous for its intricate stonework. The tour lasts about 10 hours, with a well-structured itinerary that includes a local lunch.

One reviewer calls Beng Mealea “a stunning wonder,” and mentions how the guide makes the history come alive, transforming the trip into a mini adventure. The tour also provides a chance to experience local countryside life, making it well-suited for travelers interested in more than just ruins.

Bottom line: If you’re after a relaxed, guided tour with a small group and a mix of lesser-known sites, this is a fantastic choice.

4. Siem Reap: Private Preah Vihear and Koh Ker Temples Tour

For $125, this private 10-hour trip from Siem Reap takes you beyond the Angkor temples to Preah Vihear and Koh Ker. The tour features an air-conditioned SUV, hotel pickup, and a scenic countryside drive. The Preah Vihear temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the star attraction, perched on a cliff overlooking the plains below. The guide shares stories and insights about the site’s significance.

Guests appreciate the thoughtful organization, with one saying, “The guide told us stories carved on the stones,” and highlighting the comfort of the transportation. Note that the Koh Ker site might be a bit underwhelming if you’ve already seen Angkor, but the spectacular views and historical significance make it worth the trip.

Bottom line: This tour suits travelers wanting a personalized experience with educational commentary and scenic drives.

5. 11-Day Cambodia Tour: visit Phnom Penh, Siem Reap & Beyond

This is a large-group, multi-day tour for those ready to spend over a week exploring Cambodia’s highlights, including Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and the remote sites like Preah Vihear. Priced at $3,168 for up to four people, it promises comprehensive culture with natural wonders and historical landmarks.

It’s perfect if you’re after a guided, all-inclusive trip that combines city tours with visits to lesser-known sites like Koh Ker. This tour features a senior English-speaking guide and curated experiences, making it suitable for travelers seeking a structured, deep dive into Cambodia’s heritage.

Bottom line: Best for travelers with flexible schedules who want an in-depth, guided tour of the region’s diverse attractions.

6. Full-Day Preah Vihear, Koh Ker and Beng Mealea Private Tour

This private 1-day trip is tailored for those wanting to cover Preah Vihear, Koh Ker, and Beng Mealea efficiently. It includes hotel pickup, private transport, and visits to iconic temples with minimal fuss. The itinerary emphasizes UNESCO sites and spectacular cliff-top views at Preah Vihear.

Travelers who value a personalized schedule and comfort will find this option appealing. The reviews highlight the hassle-free experience, with one noting, “Just only a short one day to discover the remote attractions.” It’s excellent for those tight on time but eager to see the region’s key sites.

Bottom line: Ideal if you want a private, comprehensive day trip with maximum comfort and flexibility.

7. Koh Ker & Beng Mealea Temples Private Tour

For $99, this 9-hour tour focuses on Koh Ker and Beng Mealea, perfect for travelers who want to avoid crowds and explore at their own pace. The tour includes hotel transfers, cold towels, and iced water, adding to the comfort.

Guests love how this tour offers a chance to connect with local people and learn about their livelihoods, art, and culture. The panoramic views from the pyramid of Koh Ker are a highlight, providing a sense of discovery away from tourist-heavy sites.

Bottom line: Best suited for those wanting a private, relaxed exploration of Cambodia’s ancient temples.

8. Kompong Kleang Village and Tonle Sab Lake

For $79, this tour takes you off the beaten path to see Kompong Khleang village and cruise around Tonle Sap Lake. It offers a glimpse into rural Cambodian life, with a scenic drive through countryside and a boat trip among floating houses and flooded forests.

It’s perfect for travelers interested in local lifestyles, traditional livelihoods, and the unique architecture of stilted homes. The tour emphasizes authentic encounters rather than just ruins, making it a well-rounded cultural experience.

Bottom line: Great for those wanting a break from temple sightseeing to explore rural Cambodia.

9. Private One Day Trip-Pyramid Temple Koh Ker and Beng Mealea

This 100% private tour costs $135 and focuses on Khmer architecture and countryside exploration. The itinerary includes Beng Mealea, Koh Ker pyramid, and other ancient sites, with private transportation and guidance.

Guests rave about the expert guide and the chance to see temples without crowds. The trip involves guided walks and safety briefings, making it suitable for travelers wanting a thorough, personalized experience that emphasizes authenticity.

Bottom line: Perfect for travelers seeking a private, immersive day of temple exploration.

10. Private Tour Koh Ker & Beng Meala Temples

For $125, this 6-hour private tour offers a condensed but thorough visit to Koh Ker and Beng Mealea. It’s tailored for those who want adventure and exploration without a long day. The focus is on architecture, countryside, and away-from-crowds experiences, with local guides making the sites come alive.

Guests appreciate the flexibility and personalized attention, making this a good option for travelers who want quality over quantity.

Bottom line: Good if you prefer a shorter, private experience with an emphasis on authenticity.

11. Siem Reap: Overland to Preah Vihear, Koh Ker and Beng Mealea

This 12-hour overland day trip from Siem Reap for $130 covers Preah Vihear, Koh Ker, and Beng Mealea. It’s designed for travelers who want to see the main remote attractions with a guide and hotel pickup included. The day is structured to maximize temple time and include guided explanations of their significance.

While the Koh Ker site might seem less impressive if you’ve seen Angkor, the scenic drive and cliff-top views at Preah Vihear make it worthwhile. Reviews note the convenience and rich storytelling of guides.

Bottom line: Suitable for travelers who want a full, guided day trip with minimal hassle.

How to Choose

When deciding between these tours, consider your budget, time constraints, and interests. For those seeking full immersion and private attention, options like the Full-Day Private Tour or Private One Day Trip are best. If you prefer smaller groups with a mix of popular and quieter sites, the Small-Group Tour offers a good balance.

For travelers on a budget, the Beng Mealea, Koh Ker & Floating village Day Tour provides an excellent value. For those interested in local life, the Kompong Kleang Village tour offers a different perspective.

Booking early is advised, especially during peak seasons, to secure your preferred date and avoid disappointment.

In summary, Kaoh Ker offers a variety of tours catering to different interests and schedules. From comprehensive private adventures to small-group explorations and cultural insights, there’s something for every curious traveler. For maximum enjoyment, think about what kind of experience you want—whether it’s a quick highlights tour or a deep, private exploration—and plan accordingly. The region’s ancient temples, rugged landscapes, and local villages promise an enriching journey that’s well worth the effort.