Private 2-Day Angkor Temples Tour: Angkor Wat, Banteay Srei & More

Summary

Siem Reap Private Temple Adventure: Hidden Gems & Iconic Sites

You’ll explore Cambodia’s most famous temples—Angkor Wat, Bayon, Ta Prohm—and discover quieter gems like Ta Nei and Beng Mealea on this private two-day tour with your own local guide. Skip the crowds, see hidden corners most visitors miss, and enjoy easy hotel pickup so you can focus on soaking up every detail.

What’s the experience like?

The air was still cool when we left our hotel at 7:30 am—just a hint of lemongrass from a street vendor’s cart drifted by as our guide greeted us with a grin. First stop: the Angkor Pass checkpoint. It’s quick if you get there early, and our guide handled the details while we watched tuk-tuks rumble past. Stepping into Angkor Wat, I felt tiny under those ancient towers. Our guide pointed out carvings I’d have missed—tiny apsaras tucked in corners, stories in stone. The place is huge, but somehow it never felt crowded; we moved at our own pace, pausing for photos when the light hit just right.

Angkor Thom’s South Gate is something else—the stone faces watch you as you cross the bridge lined with gods and demons clutching a naga. Inside, Bayon’s towers rise up like chess pieces, each one grinning down at us. We wandered through Baphuon and along the Terrace of the Elephants, where you can almost picture royal parades from centuries ago. Later, we ducked into Ta Nei—a quiet spot off the main road where birdsong echoed louder than any tourist chatter. By late morning, Ta Prohm was dappled in sunlight and roots curled over crumbling walls. If you’ve seen Tomb Raider, you’ll recognize it instantly—but nothing beats seeing those trees in person.

The next day started after breakfast—no rush—which I appreciated after all that walking. Beng Mealea sits about an hour from Siem Reap; it’s wild and half-swallowed by jungle vines. Our guide shared stories about movie shoots here (apparently “Two Brothers” filmed some scenes), but honestly, clambering over mossy stones felt like my own adventure movie moment. Afterward, we drove to Banteay Srei—the “pink temple.” The carvings are so delicate they look almost new despite being over a thousand years old. There’s a faint scent of incense near the entrance; locals sometimes leave offerings here.

We wrapped up at Preah Khan—a sprawling maze of corridors and courtyards built by King Jayavarman VII. Our guide explained how this place once housed monks and scholars; now it’s mostly butterflies flitting through shafts of sunlight. Each stop felt different—some grand and busy, others peaceful and half-forgotten. And every time we hopped back in the van (with cold water waiting), I was glad for both the company and the quiet moments between sights.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom & Ta Prohm

• Hotel pickup and Angkor Pass purchase
• Visit Angkor Wat temple
• Photo stop at Angkor Thom South Gate
• Explore Bayon temple
• Visit Baphoun temple
• See Terrace of the Elephants
• Visit Ta Nei temple
• Explore Ta Prohm temple

Day 2 — Beng Mealea, Banteay Srei & Preah Khan

• Explore Beng Mealea temple
• Visit Banteay Srei temple
• Tour Preah Khan temple

Top questions

How early does the tour start each day?

The first day begins at 7:30 am for cooler weather and fewer crowds; day two starts around 8:00 am after breakfast.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes! The pace is relaxed with plenty of breaks—anyone comfortable walking can join.

Are entrance fees included?

No—the Angkor Pass and Banteay Srei admission are not included; your guide will help with tickets at each site.

Will there be time for photos or exploring on my own?

Absolutely! The private format means you can linger for photos or wander at your own pace.

What’s included

Your private tour includes round-trip hotel pickup and drop-off in Siem Reap, an air-conditioned vehicle for comfort between sites, cold bottled water throughout both days, plus a licensed English-speaking local guide who knows all the shortcuts—and stories—you won’t find in any book.