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Private Tour to Kbal Spean and Banteay Srei: An Ancient Angkor Experience

5.0

9 Ratings

Siem Reap

Embark on a private tour to Kbal Spean and Banteay Srei for an ancient Angkor experience. Discover the River of 1000 Lingas, explore the splendor of the Angkor complex, and capture beautiful views at Pre Rup. Travel in comfort with a professional guide.

Duration: 9 hours

Cancellation: 1 day learn more

Highlights

Kbal Spean - While Kbal Spean may not match the grandeur of other ancient Khmer sites, its allure and mystique are undeniable. It’s not typically recognized as a landmark, yet it stands out as a distinctive Cambodian treasure, a realm of enchantment that defies the imagination. Remarkably, Kbal Spean remained undiscovered until 1969.
What distinguishes the “1000 Lingas” is their location beneath the water’s surface. The Lingams rest on the riverbed, just a few centimeters beneath the water, creating an underwater gallery that defines Kbal Spean’s uniqueness, adding another unparalleled charm to Cambodia, the Kingdom of Wonder.
Banteay Srei Temple - When asked about the most exquisite temple they’ve encountered in Cambodia, many visitors will concede that while Angkor Wat is magnificent, Banteay Srei holds a special place in their hearts. Locals will assert that without witnessing Banteay Srei, one hasn’t truly experienced Cambodia. Indeed, Banteay Srei could easily contend for the title of the world’s most beautiful temple.
The temple’s distinction lies in its profusion of intricate carvings and the seamless integration of architectural and sculptural elements. At Banteay Srei, the fusion of structure and decoration is so complete that it rivals the finest artistry found in India. Yet, unlike Indian masterpieces, Banteay Srei is not excessively decorated. Its design is subtle and charming rather than ostentatious. The temple’s scale is surprisingly intimate, often catching visitors off guard with its modest size.
Prasat Preah Khan - Preah Khan is an expansive and intricate temple, a seemingly boundless maze of rectangular courtyards and shadowy corridors. Outside of Cambodia, it’s rare to find such large, forested areas densely filled with ruins like those at Preah Khan. This 12th-century sanctuary is the largest single-level temple in Angkor.
Cultural history enthusiasts should note that Preah Khan was more than just a temple. It served as a Buddhist monastery, a complex of shrines dedicated to 430 Hindu deities, a Mahayana Buddhist university with over a thousand educators, a venue for hundreds of professional dancers, the central office for agricultural administration, a royal residence, and a complete city, all concurrently.
Neak Pean - Neak Pean stands out as a unique structure within Khmer architecture. Unlike other Khmer temples, it was constructed on an artificial island with a diameter of 350 meters within the vast Baray. Neak Pean features a circular temple platform, 14 meters in diameter, resembling a lotus bud, and is itself an islet within the larger island. This central platform is encircled by a square pond, 72 meters across, which lies at the heart of a cross formed by four additional square ponds, each 24 meters on a side. Originally, these five ponds were encased by eight more square pools, arranged in a lotus pattern.
Pre Rup temple - Pre Rup stands out for its architectural and artistic significance. The style of this era is known as the Pre Rup style, signifying the shift from the pre-classic to the classic period in Angkor art. Visitors also ascend this pyramid for the splendid views it offers of the surrounding landscape.

What's Included

Private air-conditioned transportation
Hotel pick-up and drop-off included
Professional English-speaking tour guide
Service charges and government VAT included

What's Not Included

Cambodia Landmine Museum ticket $5/ticket
Tipping for tour guide and driver
Angkor Temple entrance tickets ( $37 per ticket to cover all temples in itinerary )

Additional Information

Experience a privately guided full day tour, immersing yourself in Kbal Spean’s River of 1000 Lingas. Explore the magnificent Angkor complex, including the scenic hike up to Kbal Speal hill with its river bed featuring 1000 Linga carvings. Continue on to visit the beautifully intricate Banteay Srei, and conclude the journey by touring Angkor’s grand circle which includes Preah Khan, Neak Pean, Ta Som. Capture stunning views at Pre Rup.

Personalized full day tours from Siem Reap with a proficient English-speaking tour guide
Enlightening narration of Cambodia’s history from a knowledgeable personal guide
Take pictures of renowned destinations like Kbal Spean, Banteay Srei, Preah Khan, Neak Pean, Ta Som and Pre Rub.
Travel in a private, comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle

Location

Kbal Spean

Angkor, Kulen Hills

Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings

5.0

(9 Ratings)

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1 star

Kumelys

Nov 21, 2022

Nice temples in the jungle, recommended - Awesome temples, lots of them, reconstruction is ongoing as some are quite damaged and collapsed. Entry ticket is not so cheap, 75€ for 3, one of us kid 8yo. We had tuktuk from hotel waiting for us all the time. Sunrise tour started at 4:30 hotel pickup.