Siem Reap: Banteay Srei & 5 Temples Small Group Day Tour

Summary

Banteay srei’s pink stone in the morning light, temple carvings and quiet corners on a long day out from siem reap

You’ll join a small group for a full-day journey from Siem Reap to Banteay Srei Temple plus five other ancient sites like Preah Khan and Ta Som. Expect early pickup, cool towels between stops, stories from your local guide — maybe even some laughter over lunch near the temples. By sunset you’ll have dusty shoes and memories of carvings older than most countries.

What’s the experience like?

We’d barely finished our coffee when the minivan pulled up outside our guesthouse in Siem Reap — right on time, which I didn’t expect. Our guide, Dara, greeted us with a big smile and handed out cold towels (already a win). The drive out to Banteay Srei was quieter than I thought it would be; just the hum of the road and Dara pointing out how the rice fields looked different after last week’s rain. When we finally stepped out at Banteay Srei, the air felt thick and sweet — like warm honey — and those pinkish stones really do catch the early light in a way photos never get right. There was this moment where Dara traced his finger along one of the carvings and told us how old it was. I tried repeating the Khmer name for the temple but probably butchered it; he just laughed.

After that, everything blurred together in a good way — Pre Rup’s towers standing sharp against the sky, East Mebon with its elephant statues (one of them missing half an ear), Ta Som’s gate tangled up in tree roots. At Preah Khan, we wandered through long corridors where sunlight slipped in sideways and you could hear birds echoing somewhere deep inside. Lunch was at one of those cafés near the temples; honestly pricier than town but after all that walking I didn’t care much. Someone ordered something called amok and it smelled like coconut and lemongrass — I still think about that.

The last stop was Neak Pean, which sits on an island you reach by crossing a wooden walkway over water lilies. It felt quieter there somehow, or maybe we were just tired. On the ride back to Siem Reap, everyone sort of nodded off except Dara, who kept chatting softly with the driver about football scores. We got dropped off around 4pm with dust on our shoes and more temples in my head than I can keep straight. If you’re looking for a day trip from Siem Reap that covers Banteay Srei plus these other temples with a local guide (and air-con), this is it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Banteay Srei and Four Temples

• Visit Banteay Srei Temple
• Visit Preah Khan Temple
• Visit East Mebon Temple
• Visit Pre Rup Temple
• Visit Ta Som Temple
• Visit Neak Pean Temple

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Banteay Srei tour?

Yes, hotel pickup in Siem Reap is included between 7:40am and 8:10am.

How many people are on this small group temple tour?

The minibus holds up to 10 guests per tour.

Are meals or lunch included on this day trip?

No lunch is included; you can bring your own or buy food at cafés near the temples.

What should I wear to visit these temples?

You must cover shoulders and knees for both men and women; no shorts or sleeveless tops allowed.

Which temples are visited during this tour?

Banteay Srei, Pre Rup, East Mebon, Ta Som, Preah Khan, and Neak Pean are all included.

Is this tour suitable for children under 12?

No, this join-in tour isn’t suitable for infants or kids under 12 years old.

Does this tour operate in bad weather?

Yes, it runs rain or shine — dress appropriately for conditions.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from Siem Reap between 7:40am–8:10am in an air-conditioned minivan with up to ten travelers. A certified English-speaking guide leads you through Banteay Srei plus five other temples. Cold towels and bottled water are offered throughout the journey before drop-off around 4pm back at your hotel.