Siem Reap City Tour – Explore Siem Reap | Siem Reap private day tour [in a small group of no more than 10 people]
Siem Reap Private City Tour Overview
Discover the hidden gems of Siem Reap on this immersive full-day private tour. Explore the city’s unique culture, history, and natural beauty with an expert local guide. Highlights include:
- Visiting the serene Angkor Botanical Garden and learning about local medicinal plants and spices
- Gaining insight into Cambodia’s tragic history at the Wat Thmei Pagoda memorial
- Exploring the ancient Wat Preah Enkosey Monastery or Wat Damnak Pagoda in the heart of Siem Reap
- Marveling at the 12th-century Wat Athvear Temple and its intricate Apsara carvings
- Experiencing a breathtaking sunset over Tonle Sap from the Phnom Krom Temple viewpoint
This carefully curated itinerary takes you off the beaten path to uncover Siem Reap’s most fascinating attractions. Comfortable AC transportation, hotel pickup and drop-off, and a knowledgeable guide are all included. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with the authentic heart of Siem Reap.
7 Amazing locations to experience Siem Reap like a local by the best Siem Reap City Tour in town.
Explore Siem Reap with a private Siem Reap City Tour itinerary to the best off-the-beaten-track attractions: The Angkor Botanical Garden, Wat Thmei Pagoda, Wat Preah Enkosey Monastery or Wat Damnak, Wat Athvear Temple, the Lotus Farm, ending at the Phnom Krom Temple and at the Phnom Krom viewpoint to experience the sunset on Tonle Sap.
Discover Siem Reap’s unique culture, history, and natural beauty with a Private day tour in Siem Reap City. Enjoy Siem Reap’s beautiful landscape and explore the best attractions in a small group of no more than 8 people with your exclusive Siem Reap City Tour.
- Your Siem Reap City Tour is customized to your interests.
- If your group is 2 or 3 persons, you will enjoy a Siem Reap Private City Tour with a car, personal driver, and tour guide.
- If your group is 4 to 10 persons, you will enjoy a Siem Reap Private City Tour with a modern minivan, personal driver, and tour guide.
Book your Siem Reap private day tour today!
> How to book this Private Siem Reap City Tour adventure? Select the number of guests in your private group. You will discover your Siem Reap city tour price.
This private city tour’s price varies per group, not per person.
Siem Reap Private City Tour – Explore Siem Reap Itinerary – Key Details Information
- Location: Siem Reap city tour.
- Duration: about 9 Hours
- Departure Time: your Hotel lobby: 10:30 AM– 10:45 AM
- Return Time: 7:30 PM (approx.)
- Live Guide: Yes
- Instant Confirmation
- Mobile Voucher Accepted
- Printed Voucher Accepted
- Pick-Up Service: at the Lobby of your Hotel
- There will be a maximum of 12 people on this tour/activity. [If your group is larger than eight people, please contact us directly and we will provide you with a customized quote and the best Siem Reap city tour price for you].
What to Expect
Explore Siem Reap with a private city tour itinerary to the best off-the-beaten-track attractions: Wat Athvear Temple, the Angkor Botanical Garden, Wat Thmei Pagoda, Wat Damnak, ending at the Phnom Krom Temple and at the Phnom Krom viewpoint to experience the sunset on Tonle Sap.
You’ll get to know the history of this unique city and learn more about the culture and traditions of Cambodia. You’ll be able to make the most of your time by visiting attractions that you might otherwise miss.
What You’ll Visit
Angkor Botanical Garden
The Angkor Botanical Garden, formerly known as the Angkor Spice Garden, has been renovated and is now open to the public. The 14-hectare site is both educational and relaxing, with local medicinal plants and spices, flowers, a palm garden, a Khmer inspirational garden, and an Angkor Forest Garden.
There is also an area for turtles, peacocks, and wild chickens at the northern end, in the forest garden area, where the kids can feed the fish, rabbits, and birds.
There are also plenty of selfie opportunities, seating around the garden area, and amenities such as toilets.
The plants are labeled in this manner; there is also much to learn, and many people may find the medicinal garden very interesting.
You can easily spend 90 minutes or more exploring the garden, and there is an on-site restaurant and cafe in the center of the garden.
It is now open to the public from 7.30 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the exception of Mondays.
Wat Thmei Pagoda
The Wat Thmei pagoda, situated on one of the roads leading to Angkor Wat, is worth a stop, even if you aren’t planning on visiting Phnom Penh. This active monastery can help you understand more about Cambodia’s tragic history, as this now-developed area of town was once a site of killing fields during the Khmer Rouge era in Siem Reap.
Along with this haunting memorial, there are a few photo boards with images of some of those who perished. Without a guide, you won’t need much time to visit Wat Thmei other than to reflect, so it’s worth doing some research before you go if you’re not already well-versed in history.
Wat Thmei is open to the public and has a small shop on the premises. The pagoda is about 10 minutes from the center of Siem Reap and is on the way to Angkor Wat, so it can easily be included at the beginning or end of a day’s tour.
Wat Preah Enkosey Monastery
It is in the heart of Siem Reap and can be approached by taking a leisurely stroll along the beautiful river. The ancient temple is not part of the ticketed area and is, therefore, free to visit.
Preah Enkosey is the only temple from the Siem Reap period still standing in modern Siem Reap. It was built in the mid-tenth century by Divakarabhata, a high-ranking Brahmin who married Rajendravarman II’s daughter (r. 944-968).
The temple has two sanctuaries side by side, with the central sanctuary aligned with the east gopura. The site’s symmetry suggests that a third tower was part of the original design, but it was either never finished or completely destroyed (the lack of any foundation stones suggests the former).
The temple is almost entirely built of brick, following 10th-century precedent, with a few sandstone features such as pediments and door jambs.
The main attraction is the pediment on the larger sanctuary, which depicts Indra riding his mount Airavata. Despite its ten centuries in the open, the pediment is in remarkable condition, despite the loss of the Indra image (possibly due to vandalism). A frieze depicting the Churning of the Ocean of Milk is located above the Indra/Airavata pair.
The site also has a collection of sema stones in various styles laying around in various locations. They most likely surrounded a simple wooden columned vihara that predated the one we see today, or perhaps a ritual area.
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Wat Damnak
Wat Damnak Pagoda, located on Wat Bo Road, is the largest pagoda in Siem Reap. It was a royal palace during King Sisowath’s reign (1904-1927) before becoming a Khmer Rouge military depot between 1975 and 1979.
Within its lush grounds, the monastery runs a primary school, two charities, and a sewing academy for young local women.
Wat Damnak is a place to witness the daily lives of its resident monks, who are also happy to show visitors around and educate them on Buddhism. It has a traditional Khmer architectural style, stone sculptures of Buddha, frangipani trees, and a pond with colorful water lilies.
The temple is also well-known for holding the Khmer Studies Centre. This vibrant pink library, which opened in 2010, houses over 11,000 books, periodicals, encyclopedias, directories, maps, guidebooks, and daily national newspapers in English, French, and Khmer.
After exploring the temple halls, you can relax by reading or strolling through the garden courtyard for as long as you like. Wat Damnak is free to enter, but donations are accepted in the donation box. Because this is a holy place, you should dress conservatively and respectfully.
Wat Damnak Pagoda is located on the east bank of the Siem Reap River. In case you want to visit again by yourself, when you are walking from the city center, you need to cross the bridge in front of the Old Market (Phsar Chas), and it will take a short 5-minute walk down Wat Bo Road.
Wat Athvear Temple
Wat Athvear is located on the grounds of a contemporary Buddhist monastery.
The layout of Wat Athvear, with a mandapa connected to the central sanctuary, is typical of temples from the same era, including Thommanon Temple and Banteay Samre Temple. The presence of four ‘libraries’ within the first enclosure, on the other hand, is unique.
It is an old temple from the 12th century with an active Buddhist pagoda and monastery next to it. It is also called Prasat Wat Athvear or Athvea.
The ancient temple’s design and the distinctive style of its devata/Apsara (sacred female images) indicate that it was built during the reign of King Suryavarman II (circa 1115-1150 AD), who also built Angkor Wat.
It’s worth noting that this site, like Angkor Wat, faces west, whereas the majority of ancient Khmer temples face east.
While most visitors will arrive from the east, the ancient site’s ruins begin with a large, raised cruciform terrace located 100 m west of the main enclosure, followed by the remains of a gopura (entrance gate), and finally, the walled enclosure of the sanctuary.
Entering from the west, you pass through an entry gopura and are greeted by four satellite buildings surrounding the central sanctuary. A raised sandstone terrace connects the central sanctuary to the entry gopura, which then connects to a mandapa (hall) and the central shrine. The remaining Apsara bas-reliefs and inscriptions on the internal columns can be found inside the central sanctuary. The interior walls of the mandapa are adorned with six devatas.
It is 5 kilometers south of Siem Reap, towards Phnom Krom and the Tonle Sap. The site is open from 7.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. and requires an Angkor Pass. [But this tour is also made for those who don’t want to use their pass, as in this location you can still visit the modern part of the temple and catch impressive pictures of the surrounding countryside with your local tour guide. It is still an amazing place, even without the Angkor pass!]
Phnom Krom Temple and Phnom Krom viewpoint
The Phnom Krom Temple and its viewpoint give visitors a beautiful and peaceful experience that they will remember long after the tour is over.
Guests can take in the breathtaking view of Tonle Sap from the temple, as the sun sets over the horizon, producing a stunningly lovely panorama.
The tranquil ambiance provides guests an opportunity to escape their normal life and let their problems melt away while they reconnect with nature.
It’s a sight that Khmer locals really love! Of course, you won’t forget the countryside views and Khmer daily life on the way to Phnom Krom. It is an outstanding experience that everyone should have.
Information
Dress Respectfully!
- Exploring Angkor temples, visiting old holy sites, please be respectful. Wear a shirt that covers your shoulders, and you may wear trousers or knee-length pants or skirts.
Live Guide
A local guide who speaks fluent English and has years of experience.
Siem Reap Private City Tour pricing
Group Friendly Prices! Whether you’re a duo or a dozen, we’ve got you covered. Check out our wallet-friendly rates:
| Group Size | Price | Group Size | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 Persons | $98 | 7 Persons | $148 |
| 3 Persons | $108 | 8 Persons | $148 |
| 4 Persons | $118 | 9 Persons | $148 |
| 5 Persons | $118 | 10 Persons | $168 |
| 6 Persons | $118 | 11 Persons | $168 |
| 12 Persons | $168 |
Every Corner, Every Story! It’s more than a tour; it’s an experience etched in memory. Book now and let’s unveil the wonders of Siem Reap together!
What’s Included in the Siem Reap City Tour Price
Ideal for evading crowds.
Transportation by luxury minivan to and from your hotel.
Tour Guide Who Is Fluent In English.
Cold Water and Crisp, Chilled Towels.
Costs assessed by the community at large (aka local taxes).
Mobile ticket.
Siem Reap Private City Tour | Hyper Benefits
Explore the best hidden and off-the-beaten-track attractions of Siem Reap!
Learn about the history, culture, and amazing temple architecture of Siem Reap.
Have an unforgettable experience on your Siem Reap city tour with your guide.
The air-conditioned minivan is always used to drive visitors between the several temples at Angkor so that they don’t have to walk in the scorching heat.
Don’t forget to bring your camera along so you can take some breathtaking pictures of the sites you’ll be visiting with your loved ones.
If you have more than one day, we advise you to check out our Private Angkor Wat 2-Day Tour itinerary! You can enjoy 1 day at the Angkor Temple by buying a 1-day Angor ticket pass, and yet, on the second day, with this Siem Reap full-day city tour you can explore all the most amazing attractions in the surrounding of Siem Reap, in the countryside, and you can absolutely expect to take dozens of memorable pictures and get a real feel of the local life!
Don’t Forget to Bring
➱ Exploring Siem Reap temples, bring sunscreen to keep your skin safe from the sun!
➱ Bring insect repellent — there are annoying bugs everywhere in Cambodia!
➱ Exploring Siem Rap temples and gardens, we all need to wear comfy walking shoes because there are some lovely walks in and around the temples!
Siem Reap Private City Tour – Explore Siem Reap – The meeting point for your tour departure
Free Pick-up and drop-off Service: meet your driver at your Hotel lobby in Siem Reap.
- We can provide FREE hotel pickup service to ALL of Siem Reap’s city hotels. Remember to include in the check-out notes your hotel or accommodation details.
Pickup takes place between 11:00 AM and 11:15 AM
Because a more accurate time cannot be offered, we recommend that our customers arrive at the hotel lobby by 10:50 PM.
Know Before You Go
- When you book, you receive a confirmation in your email with your tour e-ticket.
- Wheelchair access is not available.
- The dress code is relaxed and informal. When visiting old holy sites, please be respectful.
- It is advised to bring swimwear as well as an insect repellant.
- Please dress appropriately for all weather conditions.
- There is a maximum of 12 people per group booking. If your group is over 12 persons, you can start chatting with us to find the proper solution for your private tour.
- Accessible for strollers.
- It is not suggested for travelers who have back difficulties.
- These private group tours are usually inappropriate for newborns or young children. Please be aware there is a lot to walk!
- Travelers should be in good physical condition.
- The rates include any relevant government tax.
- All the rates listed above are net and in US dollars per group.
- The program schedule is subject to change without notice.
- The exact pick-up and drop-off times will be communicated via email.
- Dropping time cannot be guaranteed because it depends on the situation and traffic.
Why private small group tours exploring Siem Reap?
While it’s still big enough to have a great communal atmosphere, it’s still intimate enough that you may explore each spot on your own. Our small semi-private groups are never more than ten people.
Exploring Angkor temples, we continue to use this as the standard upper limit for the size of small groups because it has consistently been highlighted as an important selling element by all of our client’s testimonials. Because of the frequent positive feedback we’ve received from our guests regarding our ability to handle small groups, we’ve decided that this will be the typical maximum number of people in a group.
Siem Reap City Tour – Explore Siem Reap | Siem Reap private day tour. This experience necessitates a minimum number of participants.
Why Local guides?
Follow in the footsteps of our tour guide. These local experts refer to your stunning tour destination as “home.”
- Get ready, relax and learn about local treasures, folklore, personalities, and historical information!
- Prepare to receive and discover what every other traveler misses when they simply search and surf the web.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sanitization of the
Private Siem Reap City Tour – Explore Siem Reap | Siem Reap private day tour
What is the sanitization policy for the Siem Reap Private City Tour?
- Travelers and workers can use hand sanitizer.
- Regular sanitization of transportation vehicles.
What precautions are being taken to preserve the health and safety of the staff during the Siem Reap Private City Tour?
- Checks on the staff’s temperature at regular intervals.
- Staff members experiencing symptoms are eligible for a paid leave of absence.
Get only the Top Rated itineraries and the Top Rated tour experience at the best Value possible
✅ Professionally trained and licensed tour guides, operators, and drivers.
✅ Only carefully curated, tried-and-true adventures, selected trips that have been thoroughly tested.
✅ Daily departures and the ability to accommodate journeys planned at the last minute.
✅ Come together in a more intimate setting, smaller groups with like-minded people who share your perspective on things and getaways with a focus on environmental stewardship and community service.
Siem Reap Private City Tour – Explore Siem Reap | Siem Reap private day tour
Wat Athvear Temple, the Angkor Botanical Garden, Wat Thmei Pagoda, Wat Preah Enkosey Monastery, Wat Damnak, Angkor Eye, Phnom Krom Temple, and the Phnom Krom viewpoint.
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PS: In the interest of full disclosure, this itinerary, “Siem Reap City Tour – Explore Siem Reap” contains a relaxed pace itinerary indication. The tour guides and our team continuously test the itinerary. If you make the purchase, we recommend that you be well aware that the itinerary has always been repeated with the success and satisfaction of our clients, as long as you carefully follow the timelines instructed by your tour guide.
We can continue delivering you free travel guidance and views.
If you found the content valuable and chose to participate in our tour itinerary, then you are amazing, and we are grateful to you for doing so.
PSS: Taking a private tour of Siem Reap, which is located in the middle of the Cambodian countryside, is a wonderful way to learn about the area’s rich history and culture and see the region’s stunning scenery.
People often like to visit well-known and less-known places on private tours in Siem Reap. Our clients love this Siem Reap Private City Tour because they enjoy seeing attractions that are off the beaten track, not just the Old Market, which they can easily visit on their own.
Private city tours can be set up to focus on the sights and activities the traveler is most interested in. Siem Reap Private City Tour allows you to create a custom itinerary for your time in Siem Reap and the surrounding area. Connect with our guide and see what we can customize for you.
Glossary:
- What sites can you see on a private tour of Siem Reap that focuses on Khmer history and culture?
- Wat Athvear Temple
- Guide to Siem Reap Dress Code
- Introduction to Phnom Krom
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Lorenz Herman –
We had a fantastic day exploring Siem Reap on this private tour. The small group size (just the two of us and our guide) allowed us to customize the tour to our interests. The guide was excellent – he provided great commentary at each site and answered all of our questions about Cambodian history and culture. Highlights included the ornate carvings at Wat Athvear Temple, feeding the animals at Angkor Botanical Garden, and watching the sunset over Tonle Sap lake from Phnom Krom. A wonderful way to experience the real Siem Reap!
Leah K. –
This was an amazing private tour of Siem Reap! Our guide was very knowledgeable about the history and culture of the area. Highlights for me were seeing the beautiful Angkor Botanical Garden, the sunset views from Phnom Krom Temple, and learning about the tragic history of Cambodia at Wat Thmei Pagoda. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone looking to see the hidden gems of Siem Reap away from the tourist crowds.
Philip Eyre –
My Siem Reap Tours provided an amazing experience in Siem Reap. The tour was well-planned, and our guide had a wealth of information to share about the significance and history of each stop. The tour’s pace was perfect, and the transportation was pleasant. If you’re in Cambodia, you really must go on this tour!