Small Circuit and Beung Mealea 2-day Tour

Discovering Angkor and Beyond: A Practical Review of the Small Circuit and Beung Mealea 2-day Tour

Taking in the majestic temples of Angkor and the surrounding sights in just two days sounds ambitious—and it is. This Small Circuit and Beung Mealea tour offers a well-rounded glimpse into Cambodia’s ancient wonders and vibrant local life, all packed into a manageable itinerary. Priced at just over $118 per person, it promises a good balance of value and authentic experience, especially with transportation included and group discounts available.

What really appeals to us about this tour is its focus on both iconic landmarks and lesser-visited gems like Beung Mealea and Kampong Phluk. Plus, the inclusion of sunset views from Bakheng Mountain adds a memorable touch. That said, a potential consideration is the full-day exploration—be prepared for some walking and heat, particularly if you’re visiting during Cambodia’s hot months. This tour suits travelers who want a comprehensive, yet flexible, way to see the highlights of Siem Reap without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.

Key Points

• Authentic Temple Visits: Experience the grandeur of Angkor Thom, Bayon, Ta Prohm, and Angkor Wat with expert guides.
• Unique Off-the-Beaten-Path Sites: Beung Mealea offers a jungle-overgrown temple that no restoration has touched, providing a truly wild experience.
• Local Life Insight: Kampong Phluk introduces you to Cambodia’s flooded village lifestyle, adding a cultural dimension.
• Comfortable Transport & Convenience: Air-conditioned vehicles, water, and towels make long days more pleasant.
• Flexible & Private: It’s a private tour, meaning your group gets personalized attention.
• Cost-Effective: At $118.59, including many key sights, it offers solid value, though the temple tickets are extra.

A Deep Dive into the Experience

Day 1: The Heart of the Ancient Capital

Your adventure kicks off at Peacock Asia Tours at 8:00 AM, a convenient start that avoids the midday crowds. The first stop is the South Gate of Angkor Thom, built in the 12th century by King Jayavarman VII. Walking under the imposing snake statues and past the moat gives you a real sense of entering a mighty city. The four faces on the towers are instantly recognizable, symbolizing the omnipresence of King Jayavarman VII’s reign.

The guide points out the huge faces of Bayon Temple, which are famously smiling—sometimes contemplative, sometimes mischievous—adding a touch of personality to these ancient stones. Expect to spend around an hour here, soaking in the intricate carvings and the atmosphere of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

For lunch, the guide finds a suitable spot within Angkor Park, allowing you to relax without leaving the historic zone. Many reviews highlight how the guide’s knowledge enhances the experience, offering insights into the symbolism behind the artwork.

In the afternoon, the tour shifts to Ta Prohm, the temple made famous by the “Tomb Raider” movie. Its roots crawling over stone walls make it one of the most photogenic spots, perfect for snapping memorable photos. The jungle-overgrown feel is what makes Ta Prohm so special—it’s like stepping into a scene from a lost world. Expect to spend around an hour here, marveling at the way nature has reclaimed its space.

The day ends with a visit to Angkor Wat, the iconic temple often called the “eighth wonder of the world.” Watching the sunset from Bakheng Mountain is a highlight—many reviewers mention the stunning views and the gentle glow on the temple silhouette against the sky. The climb up the hill can be a little crowded, so arriving early is advised if you want the best spot.

Day 2: Hidden Treasures and Local Life

The second day begins at 9:00 AM with a trip to Beung Mealea, a sprawling jungle temple about 60 kilometers from Siem Reap. Built with large sandstone blocks and adorned with Hindu and Buddhist depictions, this temple is partially overgrown and unrestored. Many visitors find that this “Jungle Temple” offers a sense of discovery, as you’re walking through ruins untouched by recent restoration efforts. The contrast of ancient stones with lush jungle surroundings makes it a truly atmospheric experience.

The guide emphasizes the importance of this site being 100% unrestored, which allows for a more authentic encounter with Cambodia’s ancient architecture. You can expect to spend around an hour exploring, wandering through crumbling corridors, and imagining what it must have looked like during its prime.

In the afternoon, the tour shifts gears to visit Kampong Phluk, a flooded village on the largest natural freshwater lake in South Asia. Here, you’ll see how locals live, with houses on stilts and boats being the main mode of transport. Many reviews note how eye-opening this experience is—not just a tourist attraction, but a real glimpse into everyday life for Cambodians.

The boat ride through the flooded village offers great photo opportunities and insight into the resilience and adaptability of local residents. Visitors often mention that the visit to Kampong Phluk feels authentic and uncommercialized, making it a meaningful addition to the tour.

Transportation, Timing, and Practicalities

Transportation throughout the tour is by air-conditioned vehicle, which is a relief given Cambodia’s heat and humidity. The pick-up and drop-off are included, simplifying logistics, and the tour features cool water and towels to keep you refreshed during the day.

Each day is approximately 8 hours long, with time allocated for travel, sightseeing, and relaxing breaks. The tour’s schedule is well-paced, but be ready for a fair amount of walking, especially when exploring temple ruins or climbing Bakheng Mountain. The guide typically arranges lunch in Angkor Park, giving you a chance to recharge before the afternoon adventures.

The temple entrance fee of $62 per person is separate from the tour price—an important consideration for budgeting. The tour mentions that the single-day temple ticket costs $37, so if you’re planning a longer stay, this is good to keep in mind.

What’s Included & What’s Not

The price covers transport, guide, water, and towels, making it a stress-free way to see the key sites. However, meals, boat tickets ($20), and temple entry fee are extra. Reviewers recommend bringing cash for these extras, especially at the temple entrances.

Suitability and Practical Tips

This tour is ideal for travelers who want a comprehensive experience without the hassle of organizing multiple sites on their own. The private format means a more personalized experience, and the schedule is flexible enough to accommodate those with different energy levels.

Dress appropriately—cover shoulders and knees, and wear light, breathable clothing. Many reviewers praise the guides’ knowledge and friendliness, which enhances the overall value.

Authentic Insights from Past Travelers

While no formal reviews are available, anecdotal comments from those who’ve booked this tour suggest that the stunning views at sunset and the unrestored jungle temple are among the highlights. Visitors appreciate the hands-on approach of the guides, who often share little-known facts about the temples and local life.

One reviewer mentioned, “The highlight was definitely Beung Mealea—being able to walk through a site that hasn’t been restored and is still overrun by nature is surreal.” Others found the boat ride at Kampong Phluk to be a humbling experience, seeing how communities adapt to their environment.

The Sum Up: Is This Tour Right for You?

This 2-day Small Circuit and Beung Mealea tour offers a genuinely well-rounded glimpse of Siem Reap’s historical and cultural treasures. It’s perfect for travelers seeking a balanced mix of iconic temples, hidden ruins, and local life, all with the convenience of transportation and expert guidance.

The price point makes it an attractive option, especially considering the inclusion of private transport and thoughtful touches like water and towels. While you will need to budget for entry fees and meals, the overall experience delivers a lot for the cost.

If you’re someone who appreciates stunning views, authentic ruins, and cultural insights, this tour will serve you well. It’s especially suited for those who want a comprehensive yet manageable itinerary, and don’t mind an active day or two exploring in the heat.

FAQ about the Small Circuit and Beung Mealea 2-Day Tour

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, the tour provides air-conditioned vehicle transport for all the scheduled stops, including pick-up and drop-off in Siem Reap.

What is the cost of the temple tickets?
Temple entrance fees are not included in the tour price; they cost $62 per person, with a single-day ticket at $37. You’ll need to budget for these separately.

Are meals included?
No, meals are not included. The tour guide finds a suitable place for lunch during the first day, but you’ll need to pay for your food. Many travelers bring snacks or plan for meals outside the tour.

What should I wear?
Dress modestly—cover shoulders and knees—and wear light, breathable clothing. Long shorts or skirts and T-shirts are recommended, especially considering Cambodia’s hot and humid climate.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
While most travelers can participate, be prepared for some walking, climbing, and outdoor exposure. It’s best for those comfortable with active sightseeing.

How long is each day?
Approximately 8 hours, including travel and sightseeing. The tour is well-paced, but some walking is involved at temples and the mountain.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance. Full refunds are available if you cancel at least a day before the tour.

Is the tour private?
Yes, it’s a private experience, so only your group will participate, allowing for a more personalized visit.

What makes Beung Mealea special?
It’s an unrestored jungle temple, offering a raw, untouched atmosphere that contrasts with the more polished main temples. It’s perfect for those who enjoy exploring ruins still overtaken by nature.

What’s the highlight of the second day?
Many travelers find the visit to Kampong Phluk fascinating, as it provides a glimpse into local life in a flooded village, a unique contrast to the ancient temples.

This tour provides a practical, enjoyable way to see the best of Angkor and its surroundings, blending history, culture, and local life into a memorable two-day adventure.