Kampong Khleang Village and Beng Mealea Day Tour

Head south from Siem Reap toward Tonle Sap and the stilted village of Kampong Khleang, where homes rise up to 10 metres on stilts above the lake's seasonal floodplain. Sail out along the shoreline, water levels permitting, past petrified mangrove forests and hidden waterways in Southeast Asia's largest freshwater lake. The afternoon turns to Beng Mealea, the 'Lotus Pond' temple built in the early 11th century by Suryavarman II. Clamber over collapsed sandstone blocks to reach its jungle-swallowed inner sanctuary, one of the few temples of its kind still open to this kind of exploration. Return to Siem Reap by early evening, having traded Angkor's more familiar circuit for a day of rural Cambodia. A full day pairing lake life with one of the region's most atmospheric ruins.

1. 1

   Kompong Khleang

   3 hours

   In the morning, we head out into the northern direction following the contours of the Tonle Sap. Our goal for the morning is the stilted village of Kampong Khleang. Via local paths and almost meandering through the greens and houses, our boat will sail out (depending on the water levels) and show you these houses from the lake. Some of these homes are constructed on top of stilts, reaching a height of 10 meters! The region is known for regions of the petrified mangrove forests and waterways, sometimes hidden from the naked eye. Enjoy the fascinating scenery of Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake.

2. 2

   Prasat Beng Mealea

   3 hours

   In the afternoon, we travel through the thriving countryside, past rice paddy fields and local villages to Beng Mealea. The Lotus Pond Temple dates back to the early 11th Century and was built by Suryavarman II as a Hindu Temple. Beng Mealea is a temple hidden in a maze of the jungle - if there is one temple to explore resplendent with jungle engulfing it, it is Beng Mealea. Clambering over large sandstone blocks to reach the inner sanctuary and eerie worship corridor is an exploration to remember. Architecturally, Beng Mealea is noted for its innovative, in its time, construction of hallways, it was a very large temple with wide galleries foreshadowing Angkor Wat. At around 5 pm, you reach your hotel after a stunning rural experience, away from the more known tourism paths.

• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• This tour is operated on full private basis with English-speaking guide. Other languages are on request / subject to availability and supplementary charges may apply
• Return transfers for this excursion apply only / are inclusive for customers staying in and inside Siem Reap. Transfers outside these areas, including any accommodation outside this area such as Tonle Sap, Koh Ker, Banteay Srei and Siem Reap International Airport are excluded. Supplements apply for customers who want to join this excursion outside one of these regions
• We will do all possible to comply with any dietary requirements during this excursion; it may not always be possible to confirm your wishes in advance based on the choice of local restaurant
• Due to the nature of this tour, we regret to inform you that this excursion is not suitable for wheelchair users

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.