Discover Cambodia’s Hidden Gems: Koh Ker & Beng Mealea Full-Day Tour

If you’re craving more than just the busy temples of Angkor Wat, this full-day tour from Siem Reap offers a chance to explore two of Cambodia’s lesser-visited archaeological sites: Koh Ker and Beng Mealea. For around $79 per person, you’ll spend about 13 hours with a friendly, English-speaking guide, traveling comfortably in an air-conditioned minivan. The tour includes hotel pickups, iced water, and cool towels—perfect for staying refreshed on a long day of exploration.

What we really love about this experience is how it takes you off the beaten path—away from the crowds—and into the jungle where these ancient ruins hide. The sites are remote enough that you’ll often be wandering through quiet, ancient landscapes, giving you a rare sense of discovery. Plus, the guide’s insights help bring these sites alive, making the history feel personal and meaningful.

A possible drawback? Since the tour visits places about 120 km away from Siem Reap, the drive is quite long and involves some time on the road. Also, entrance fees aren’t included, so you should budget around $15 for Koh Ker and be prepared to pay for Beng Mealea’s ticket if you don’t have an Angkor pass. This tour is best suited for those who want a deeper, more authentic experience beyond Angkor’s crowds, especially history buffs and adventure seekers willing to spend a day exploring remote ruins.

If you’re comfortable with a full-day adventure and looking to uncover Cambodia’s quieter, more mysterious temples, this tour is a solid choice. It’s especially good for travelers eager to see a different side of Angkor’s legacy, away from the tourist hotspots.

Key Points

Authentic Adventure: Visit two sites fewer travelers frequent, offering a more intimate experience.
Comfort & Convenience: Hotel pickup, air-conditioned transport, cold water, and towels make the long day more enjoyable.
Flexible & Informative Guide: A friendly, English-speaking guide helps you understand the history and significance of each site.
Cost Considerations: Entrance fees are extra; budget around $15 for Koh Ker plus additional for Beng Mealea if you lack an Angkor pass.
Time on the Road: Be prepared for a 2-hour drive each way, which is part of the adventure but also a commitment.
Limited Free Time: Each site is given about an hour, so if you love photography or in-depth exploration, plan accordingly.

A Closer Look at the Tour

While in Siem Reap, here are other experiences we've covered

Getting Started with the Itinerary

The day begins with a prompt hotel pickup between 7:40 and 8:10 am, giving you the chance to settle in comfortably before the day’s adventure begins. The tour officially kicks off at 8:00 am at the meeting point, where a friendly guide will greet you and set the tone for the day.

Koh Ker: Cambodia’s Remote Imperial Capital

The first major stop is Koh Ker, about 120 km north of Siem Reap. This site was once the 10th-century imperial capital during a period of intense political change, and it offers a fascinating glimpse into a different chapter of Cambodian history. The site is sprawling, with a variety of temples and structures spread across a scenic landscape. Expect to see a step pyramid—a rare architectural feature in Cambodia—and several smaller temples.

Traveling here, you’ll notice how far removed it feels from the bustling Angkor temples. The site’s remoteness means fewer visitors, allowing you to enjoy exploring in peace. You’ll visit Prasat Linga 1 or Prasat Thnoeng, where the silence and the jungle’s embrace create a mystical atmosphere. Your guide will explain the significance of the structures and how Koh Ker served as a short-lived but important capital.

Exploring Prasat Kraham and Prasat Krachap

Next, you’ll visit Prasat Kraham inside the Koh Ker complex, a smaller but charming temple with well-preserved stone carvings. This stop offers a chance to see the craftsmanship of ancient Khmer builders up close. The last stop in Koh Ker is Prasat Krachap, a temple nestled further into the complex, providing more photo opportunities and a sense of discovery.

Beng Mealea: Jungle-Entwined Ruins

After a two-hour drive, you arrive at Beng Mealea, about 40 km east of Angkor. Known as the “jungle temple,” this sprawling complex is a true adventure for those willing to walk through overgrown corridors and crumbling stone. Built during the Angkor Wat period, around 1180-1190, Beng Mealea offers a raw, untouched feel—less restored and more wild, with trees growing through the ruins.

You’ll spend about an hour here, wandering through corridors, climbing over fallen stones, and imagining what it was like in its prime. It’s a fantastic place for photography, with its tangled roots and weathered stones creating a dramatic scene. Remember, entrance fees are not included, so budget roughly $15 for Koh Ker and check whether your Angkor pass covers Beng Mealea.

While you're exploring Siem Reap, here are other experiences we've looked into

Practical Tips for the Day

Wear comfortable shoes—many ruins involve uneven terrain and some climbing.
Bring sunscreen and a hat—the Cambodian sun can be intense.
Stay hydrated—the tour provides cold water, but extra isn’t a bad idea.
Be ready for some driving—the journey is part of the experience, but it’s worth noting if you prefer less travel.

What Travelers Say

Many past travelers appreciate the chance to see less crowded, more authentic ruins. One review mentions, “We loved the way Koh Ker was so quiet and surrounded by jungle—it felt like discovering a secret.” Another highlights the guide’s knowledge: “Our guide brought the sites alive with stories, making the long drives worth it.” However, some note that the long drive can be tiring, especially in hot weather.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience suits travelers who have already explored the main Angkor temples and are hungry for something different. It’s perfect if you enjoy history, archaeology, and adventure, and don’t mind spending a good part of the day on the road. It’s also a excellent choice for those seeking a more solitary, unspoiled experience away from the crowds. If you’re traveling with family or friends who don’t mind a full-day adventure, this tour offers a great mix of discovery and comfort.

The Sum Up

We find this tour offers a rewarding way to see Cambodia’s less-visited archaeological treasures. The combination of Koh Ker’s remote majesty and Beng Mealea’s wild charm provides a memorable contrast to the crowded Angkor complex. The included hotel pickup and air-conditioned transport make it convenient, and the guide’s insights add depth to your understanding of these sites.

While the drive is long, the chance to explore hidden temples makes it worthwhile. It’s best suited for history enthusiasts, adventure lovers, and anyone eager to escape the crowds for a day. If you value authentic encounters in peaceful surroundings, this tour delivers a genuine taste of Cambodia’s ancient past.

Overall, it’s a well-balanced experience that combines comfort, discovery, and a touch of adventure—ideal for those wanting a deeper connection to Cambodia’s archaeological legacy.

FAQ Section

Are hotel pickups available?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off at your accommodation in Siem Reap.

What is the duration of the tour?
It lasts approximately 13 hours, starting around 8:00 am and ending around 6:00 pm.

Are entrance fees included?
No, the entrance fees are not included. You should budget around $15 for Koh Ker, and Beng Mealea’s fee is payable if your Angkor pass doesn’t cover it.

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, you’ll travel in an air-conditioned minivan, which makes the long drives more bearable.

Can I participate if I have mobility issues?
Most travelers can participate, but be prepared for some walking and uneven terrain at the ruins.

How many people are in the group?
The tour is limited to a maximum of 15 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sunscreen, a hat, plenty of water, and a camera for photos.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, but consider your children’s stamina and interest in walking and exploring ruins.

Do I need an Angkor pass?
Yes, for Beng Mealea, an Angkor pass is required if you want to avoid paying the entrance fee separately.

What makes this tour different from other Angkor tours?
It focuses on lesser-known sites, offering a more peaceful, authentic experience away from the crowds.

This tour offers a rare glimpse into Cambodia’s ancient grandeur, perfect for those seeking history, adventure, and a break from the crowd. Pack your curiosity and sense of adventure—you’re in for a memorable day.