Full Day Phnom Kulen, Bantey Srei, Bantey Samre
Drinking Water
Entrance Fees
Hotel Pick up & Drop off
From Price per person
price based on 2 persons travelling or
per person for join-in tours.
$130
Excursion Highlights
- Discover the intricate beauty of Banteay Srei, renowned for its exceptional pink sandstone carvings.
- Experience the sacred ambiance of Phnom Kulen, the birthplace of the Khmer Empire, and explore its ancient riverbed filled with spiritual carvings.
- Visit the tranquil Ang Tho monastery and the reclining Buddha, a site of local devotion and serenity.
Full Day Phnom Kulen, Bantey Srei, Bantey Samre
Your journey begins with an 8:00 AM departure from your hotel. After approximately 40 minutes, you will arrive at the exquisite Banteay Srei temple, which dates back to 967 AD. Dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, this temple is famed for its intricate carvings in warm pink sandstone—some of the finest in all of Angkor.
Continuing onward, you will travel to Phnom Kulen, a sacred mountain located about 30 km from Angkor Wat, widely regarded as the birthplace of the Khmer Empire. It was here, in 802 AD, that King Jayavarman II declared independence from Java, marking the rise of the Angkorian era.
As you explore the lush forest surroundings, you will visit the ancient riverbed adorned with over 1,000 lingam carvings, etched just beneath the flowing water. These sacred symbols of fertility, along with carvings of Vishnu resting on the serpent Ananta, make this site deeply significant in Hindu tradition. The holy river flows downstream into a waterfall, where you can relax and take in the natural beauty.
Nearby, you will visit the revered Ang Tho monastery, home to a reclining Buddha carved into a massive boulder. Climbing the wooden staircase to reach the statue, you will find locals coming to pray, burn incense, and offer fruits in this peaceful spiritual setting.
After enjoying a local lunch (own cost), you will begin your return journey to Siem Reap. On the way, stop at Banteay Samré, a beautifully preserved 12th-century temple built during the reign of King Suryavarman II. Its elegant architecture and quiet surroundings offer a perfect conclusion to the day. You will return to your hotel at approximately 5:30 PM.
Note: The road to Phnom Kulen operates as a one-way system—vehicles travel uphill before noon and downhill after noon.
Destination Information
Siem Reap
Siem Reap is a city where ancient history and everyday life coexist amid a landscape shaped by waterways and lush greenery. Its streets reveal a blend of traditional Khmer architecture and modest urban development, reflecting a community rooted in local customs while engaging with growing tourism. The city’s proximity to the vast Tonle Sap Lake influences both its economy and atmosphere, with floating villages and fishing activities visible beyond the urban edges. Central to Siem Reap’s identity is the nearby Angkor Archaeological Park, where temple ruins rise from dense forest, offering insight into the grandeur of the Khmer Empire. This historical presence contrasts with the lively Old Market area, where vendors sell local crafts and produce, providing a glimpse into contemporary daily life. Beyond the city limits, Phnom Kulen National Park offers natural landscapes and spiritual sites, reinforcing the region’s connection to Cambodia’s cultural heritage. Together, these elements create a destination that balances the weight of its past with the rhythms of present-day community life.Travel Notes
- Departure is scheduled for 8:00 AM; ensure clients are ready on time to maximize their day.
- The journey to Banteay Srei takes approximately 40 minutes. Advise clients to enjoy the scenic views along the way.
- At Banteay Srei, clients should be prepared for potential crowds, especially during peak tourist seasons. Early arrival can help mitigate this.
- Phnom Kulen is a sacred site; remind clients to respect local customs, especially when visiting religious areas like Ang Tho monastery.
- Walking is required to explore the ancient riverbed and the waterfall at Phnom Kulen; comfortable footwear is recommended.
- Lunch is not included; suggest clients try local cuisine at nearby eateries, but they should be prepared for varying service times.
- Note that the road to Phnom Kulen operates on a one-way system; vehicles travel uphill before noon and downhill after noon, which may affect timing for the return journey.
- Ensure clients are aware of the need for cash for any purchases or offerings at temples and local shops, as card facilities may be limited.
Indicative Travel Distances
- Siem Reap to Banteay Srei: Approx. 25 km / approx. 40 minutes by road.
- Banteay Srei to Phnom Kulen: Approx. 30 km / approx. 1 hour by road.
- Phnom Kulen to Banteay Samré: Approx. 35 km / approx. 1 hour by road.
- Banteay Samré to Siem Reap: Approx. 15 km / approx. 30 minutes by road.
All travel distances and travel times are indicative only and may vary depending on traffic, weather, road conditions, routing, sightseeing stops and local operating conditions. Distances and travel times are based on direct routing and do not account for optional visits, detours or sightseeing activities included during the journey.
Included Services
- Drinking Water
- Entrance Fees
- Hotel Pick up & Drop off
- Tour Guide
Excluded Services
- International and domestic flights unless specifically stated
- Travel insurance
- Meals and beverages not mentioned in the itinerary
- Personal expenses of any kind
- Gratuities and tips for guides, drivers and other service providers
- Any items not specifically mentioned under "Included in Your Excursion"
