Exploring the Khmer wonders of Siem Reap on foot
In summary
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Sports
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Duration4 days
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LevelAll levels
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DestinationAsia / Cambodia
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AgeFrom 5 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions95.33 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
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Languages
English
French
In a few words
Immerse yourself in Khmer history in Siem Reap , the essential starting point for exploring the majestic temples of Angkor . This exceptional UNESCO World Heritage site covers over 400 square kilometers and is home to architectural masterpieces dating from the 9th to the 15th centuries . At the heart of this sanctuary stands Angkor Wat , a national symbol and earthly representation of Mount Meru , the mythical abode of the gods. Once the largest pre-industrial city in the world , Angkor continues to fascinate with its spiritual and aesthetic power. But Siem Reap is more than just its glorious past: the city also captivates with its contemporary dynamism , verdant golf courses , charming international hotels , and lively atmosphere along Pub Street . Between millennia of history and vibrant modernity , this destination offers a perfect balance for travelers seeking cultural discovery , comfort , and authentic experiences .
The highlights
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Discover the iconic temples of Angkor
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An authentic immersion in rural life in the village of Kompheim
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Exploring Tonlé Sap Lake and its traditional floating villages
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
A cultural tour including temple visits with moderate walking, some stairs, and uneven terrain. Travel is primarily by vehicle or tuk-tuk. Suitable for most travelers in average physical condition. The optional bicycle excursion increases the difficulty level to moderate (3.5/5) .
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 4h30
Management
English
French
Address:
Phum Sala Kanseng, Khum Svay Dangkum, Siem Reap Province, Cambodia
Telephone: +855 63 964 595 | Fax: +855 63 964 591 | Email: [email protected]
Hours of operation:
- Monday to Friday: 8:00am–6:00pm (except for lunchtime between 12:00pm and 2:00pm)
- Saturday: 8:00am-12:00pm (from mid-October to the end of March)
Tours and transfers with licensed French or English-speaking guide/assistance services.
Program
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Arrival - Siem Reap
- Transportation Car - 11h - 50km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Accommodation 4-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
Arrival at Siem Reap airport, welcome by the guide and transfer to the hotel.
Note: The official check-in time at the hotel is 2:00 PM and the official check-out time at the hotel is 12:00 PM.
Lunch at a local restaurant
Visit to the temples of Ta Prohm, Neak Pean and Pre Rup.
Ta Prohm is one of the most beautiful and famous temples in the region, as it has remained (almost) intact since its discovery and retains much of its mystery. For all aspiring Mouhots and budding Indiana Joneses, Ta Prohm is the perfect temple lost in the jungle: strangler figs and kapok trees twine around the ruins of Ta Prohm. Their roots burst through the thickest walls, but their embrace prevents the walls from collapsing.
Neak Pean is one of the temples that evokes dreams of bygone days of luxury and beauty. It was to the imposing temples of Shiva that men and armies would go, but it was to the small temple of Neak Pean that enthusiastic princesses would deposit their beautiful offerings of wrought gold and fragrant perfumes.
It was built in the second half of the 12th century by King Jayavarman VII, dedicated to Buddhism, following the artistic style of Prasat Bayon.
Pre Rup means "turning the body" and refers to a traditional cremation method in which the outline of the grove is traced in the ashes, first in one direction and then the other. It was built at the hotel.
Day 1 -
Siem Reap
- Transportation 08h - 30km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Accommodation 4-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
Half-day dedicated to the tour by Tuk Tuk (2 people per Tuk Tuk).
Explore Angkor Thom, the ancient capital of the Khmer Empire, including the Bayon, famous for its many towers adorned with sculpted faces bearing the enigmatic smile of Angkor. Continue to the Baphuon, an 11th-century temple-mountain dedicated to Shiva, offering a remarkable view of the ancient royal city. Proceed to Phimeanakas, located within the Royal Palace complex, then visit Baksei Chamkrong. Stroll along the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King, richly decorated with bas-reliefs. The tour continues with Ta Prohm, one of the most iconic temples, overgrown by jungle and embraced by impressive tree roots.
Lunch at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, visit Angkor Wat, a masterpiece of Khmer architecture and a symbol of Cambodia, renowned for its galleries, detailed bas-reliefs and five majestic towers representing Mount Meru.
Dinner at leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 2 -
Siem Reap
- Transportation Car - 08h - 40km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Accommodation 4-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
To get a glimpse of authentic rural life in the serene Cambodian countryside, we travel to the village of Kompheim. Meaning "ladybug" in Khmer, this sleepy community is located 16 km from Siem Reap. The surrounding landscape, composed of lush and fertile rice paddies, lies near Tonlé Sap Lake. The itinerary includes a short walk, during which the guide points out interesting sights. We then stop at a local tree nursery where we can purchase a fruit tree for a host family. Once at the host family's home, we can plant the tree and spend time chatting with them. Depending on the time of year, we can participate in activities such as weaving or planting rice. We then visit another local family for a delicious Khmer lunch. After immersing ourselves in local life and enjoying authentic cuisine, we return to Siem Reap.
Take a private wooden boat trip on Tonlé Sap Lake to discover the floating villages and the traditional life of their inhabitants. Tens of thousands of people live there, on floating houses, and all activities revolve around fishing.
Note: - High water level (August to February)
- Low water level (March to July)
Dinner at leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 3 -
Siem Reap - Departure
- Transportation Car - 12h - 50km
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Half-day cooking class (Non-private)
Food lovers will be in their element with this cooking class that will teach us to cook like a local. We'll be picked up from our hotel and taken to the cooking school where we'll learn to prepare a range of delicious Cambodian dishes. First, we'll familiarize ourselves with classic Cambodian ingredients and staples of the local diet before preparing a series of tasty traditional dishes under the guidance of our enthusiastic instructor.
Day 4
Accommodation
4* Anjali By Syphon
We invite you to enrich your travel experience with us. Ideally located 10 minutes from the bustle of downtown Siem Reap, near the magnificent temples of Angkor Wat, this hidden green oasis is designed with tranquility in mind, in harmony with its surroundings and shaped by local culture. Each of our 29 rooms features a balcony or terrace and access to the swimming pool. When you stay with us, you can always count on a high level of comfort, service, and serenity.
5* Sala Lodge
Sala Lodges offers beautiful wooden bungalows in Siem Reap. The property provides easy access to popular attractions such as the Old Market and the Night Market, both just a 7-minute walk away. It features a saltwater pool, a poolside bar, and free Wi-Fi. Sala Lodges Siem Reap is 8 km from Angkor Wat temple, while Wat Damnak Pagoda is a 5-minute walk away. The Royal Palace, the Post Office, and the Angkor National Museum are all within a 15-minute walk. The accommodations are decorated in a Khmer style, with wooden floors, traditional furnishings, and a private balcony. Fully air-conditioned, they include a comfortable seating area and a modern bathroom. Complimentary toiletries are provided. The rooms also include a minibar and a hairdryer.
The restaurant serves Khmer (local) dishes as well as Western specialties.
5* Sofitel Angkor Phokeetra Golf and Spa Resort
Just ten minutes from the famous temples of Angkor Wat, French colonial elegance unfolds within the perfectly manicured gardens of the Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort. Renowned as one of Cambodia's finest hotels, our Angkor Spa Resort proudly receives numerous prestigious awards each year.
This luxurious five-star hotel offers 238 rooms and suites with a serene design, combining French sophistication and timeless charm. A magnificent swimming pool, much appreciated by our guests, is surrounded by a lush and refined landscape.
We are also the only Angkor golf resort in Cambodia, offering exclusive benefits to Sofitel guests and recognized as the best golf course in Siem Reap.
Life is wonderful in Angkor!
Access
We will be met at Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport and transferred to the hotel for check-in. At the end of your stay, we will transfer you to the airport for your departure flight.
Go to the starting point
We will be met at Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport and transferred to the hotel for check-in. At the end of your stay, we will transfer you to the airport for your departure flight.
Price details
The price includes
- Tours and transfers with licensed French-speaking guide/assistance services.
- Accommodation according to group size in superior single, double, twin or triple rooms.
- Transportation for the visit and transfers in air-conditioned vehicles, unless otherwise stated.
- All entrance fees for the visits mentioned in the program.
- Entrance fees to the sites mentioned in the program (2-day Angkor Pass).
- All applicable taxes and service fees.
- GTS system during temple visits (for groups of 10 or more)
- All meals as indicated in the program (food only)
The price does not include
- The express customs/simplified immigration service option includes the Cambodian visa fee and the optional tour (see additional price).
- The price is extra during the Peak period at the hotel (see price extra).
- Personal expenses such as other meals, drinks, tips, shopping, porterage fees and optional excursions/tours, unless otherwise stated
- All international airfare, airport taxes, visa fees, specific camera/video fees, additional transportation costs to and from pick-up/drop-off locations (such as airports, resorts, ports and accommodations in surrounding cities)
- Any personal accommodation expenses.
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment to bring
Equipment needed:
- Passport and copy of travel documents
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Small backpack for excursions
- Reusable water bottle
- Camera or smartphone
- Charger and external battery
- Sunscreen
- Mosquito repellent
- Sunglasses
- Hat or cap
- Umbrella or lightweight raincoat (depending on the season)
- Personal medications and basic first aid kit
- Cash for personal expenses and tips.
Clothing to bring
Clothing to bring:
- Lightweight and comfortable clothing suitable for hot and humid climates
- Shirts/T-shirts covering the shoulders
- Long trousers or long skirts are recommended for visiting sacred temples (Angkor Wat, Baphuon, etc.)
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Hat or cap
- Sunglasses
- Lightweight or waterproof jacket depending on the season
- Swimsuit (optional)
- Mosquito repellent and sunscreen are recommended.
