Koh Ker and Beng Mealea Day Trip from Siem Reap
Private Full-Day Remote Temples Adventure
Climb the stepped pyramid at Koh Ker and scramble through the jungle-wrapped ruins of Beng Mealea, two remote temples far from the main tour routes.
⭐ Licensed Local Guide · 🤝 10+ Years Experience · 🔒 Private Tour, Your Group Only · 🚐 Hotel Pickup Included · 💵 Book Now, Pay on the Day
Overview
Quick answer: This private full-day trip visits Beng Mealea, a collapsed temple overgrown by jungle, and Koh Ker, a remote former capital with a tall stepped pyramid. Expect about eleven hours with a 6:30 AM start. Koh Ker needs its own US$15 ticket, and Beng Mealea is covered by the Angkor Pass or costs US$10 on its own. Private tours start at $150 per group.
Beng Mealea and Koh Ker are two of the best-known temples beyond the main Angkor park, and they are usually much quieter than Angkor Wat. Beng Mealea lies in ruins, with towers and galleries tumbled and wrapped in tree roots. Koh Ker, farther out, was once a Khmer capital and is known for its tall stepped pyramid.
This is a long day, so it starts early and follows the road in one direction: Beng Mealea first, then on to Koh Ker, with lunch near the site. Your guide, Tivorn, a licensed local guide, explains the history and helps you over the uneven stone. Because the tour is private, you can start later or skip a site if the day feels too long.
⏰ Duration
About 11 hours
🕓 Departure
6:30 AM from your Siem Reap hotel
🔒 Tour Type
Private, your group only
🌐 Language
English
Full Itinerary
⏰ 6:30 AM — Hotel Pickup
Pickup in Siem Reap city in your chosen vehicle: air-conditioned car (Lexus SUV) or minivan. An early start beats the heat and the long drive.
⏰ 8:00 AM — Beng Mealea
About 90 minutes exploring the fallen towers and root-wrapped galleries of this jungle temple.
⏰ 9:45 AM — Drive to Koh Ker
About an hour further on.
⏰ 11:00 AM — Koh Ker
The main temple group, including the stepped pyramid.
⏰ 1:00 PM — Lunch
Lunch near the site.
⏰ 2:00 PM — More Koh Ker Temples
A second group of temples, depending on your energy and the light.
⏰ 3:00 PM — Return to Siem Reap
Drive back, arriving at your hotel about 5:30 PM.
Times are for the air-conditioned car. A minivan is similar. Roads can be slower after heavy rain, so Tivorn will confirm the timing on the day.
Choose Your Vehicle
Every tour is private, and the vehicle is your choice. Tivorn’s main vehicle is an air-conditioned Lexus SUV, and a minivan is available on request. We do not offer a tuk-tuk on this tour because Koh Ker is too far for a comfortable day.
🚙 Air-Conditioned Car (Lexus SUV)
Tivorn’s main vehicle. Best for couples, families and groups of up to 4 guests.
$150 per group
🚐 Air-Conditioned Minivan
Best for larger groups and families traveling together up to 8 people.
$180 per group
Private tour from $150 per group
Your group only. The price shown is for the air-conditioned car (Lexus SUV, up to 4 guests); minivan price on request. Entrance fees are paid on the day: Koh Ker costs US$15 per person, and Beng Mealea is covered by the Angkor Pass or costs US$10 per person without one. Book now and pay on the day, with no deposit.
Included / Not Included
✅ Included
✓ Licensed local guide
✓ Hotel pickup & drop-off in Siem Reap city
✓ Your choice of vehicle: air-conditioned car (Lexus SUV) or minivan
✓ Bottled water
❌ Not Included
✗ Koh Ker ticket (US$15 per person)
✗ Beng Mealea ticket (US$10 per person, or your Angkor Pass)
✗ Lunch (paid on the day)
✗ Tips (optional)
What Travelers Say
Tivorn Angkor Guide is rated 5.0 on Tripadvisor. Read what guests say about their mornings at Angkor Wat, in their own words.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Koh Ker has its own US$15 ticket. Beng Mealea is covered by the Angkor Pass, or costs US$10 per person on its own, so you do not need to buy a pass just for this tour.
About 1.25 hours to Beng Mealea, then about an hour on to Koh Ker, so roughly two hours each way in total. Beng Mealea is on the route, which is why we combine the two.
It is a long day. Because the tour is private, you can start later, skip the second group of Koh Ker temples, or ask Tivorn about splitting the trip over two days.
Beng Mealea and Koh Ker involve uneven stone and some climbing, so a private tour at a slow pace suits them best. Tell Tivorn the ages in your group when you book.
Yes. You travel only with your own group, with your own guide and vehicle, and you set the pace together.
The Lexus SUV, an air-conditioned car, suits most couples, families and groups of up to 4. The minivan suits bigger groups. We do not offer a tuk-tuk on this tour because the distance is too far for a comfortable day. Tell Tivorn your group size and he will recommend the best fit.
The dry months, roughly November to May, are easiest underfoot. In the rainy season, ask Tivorn about road conditions before you book. See our best time to visit guide for the seasons.
Closed shoes, water, sun protection and cash in US dollars for the Koh Ker ticket and lunch. Cover your shoulders and knees at the temples.
Message Tivorn on WhatsApp with your date and number of guests. You can book now and pay on the day, with no deposit, as set out in our Terms.
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Ready for Jungle Temples and a Stepped Pyramid?
Message Tivorn on WhatsApp to check availability for your dates. Book now and pay on the day.