Angkor Tour Review: Banteay Srei, Kulen Mountain, Waterfall

Are you currently dreaming of Cambodia and also its majestic temples? Then, a 2-day Angkor tour that takes you to Banteay Srei, Kulen Mountain, and also a refreshing waterfall might sound like the perfect getaway. However, is it actually worth it? So, I took this tour and I’m going to walk you through basically everything, the amazing moments and also the things I wish I knew beforehand.

What to Expect from the 2-Day Angkor Tour

Usually, these two-day tours cover some pretty noteworthy sites. Angkor Wat is frequently the main event, especially during sunrise. Banteay Srei, that’s called the “Citadel of Women,” is also on the list, which is actually famous for its really detailed carvings made out of this pinkish sandstone. Then, Kulen Mountain will show up too, with its sacred river, reclining Buddha, and let’s not forget that super refreshing waterfall.

These kinds of tours typically attempt to fit quite a bit inside those two days. This means a schedule that could be, in some respects, a little packed. You will be getting up seriously early to catch that sunrise at Angkor Wat, and, also, there is travel between temples and the mountain, so basically be prepared for a pretty quick pace.

Banteay Srei: A Jewel of Khmer Art

Visiting Banteay Srei was an absolute treat. Constructed out of red sandstone, the colors were almost unbelievably vibrant, and those intricate carvings, they might be some of the best preserved around. Dedicated to Shiva, you’re going to discover elaborate depictions from Hindu mythology that basically tells an enchanting tale from a time long gone.

This place is usually smaller than Angkor Wat, yet it is the details that really capture your interest. So, plan on spending enough time here, to appreciate all that complex artwork. Early morning, it usually has fewer people, which, actually, makes it even better for taking photos and soaking everything in.

Kulen Mountain: Nature and Spirituality

Kulen Mountain is frequently considered a sacred spot for Cambodians. It isn’t merely a mountain; this place is, actually, a park with that River of a Thousand Lingas. You can discover carvings right in the riverbed itself. The huge reclining Buddha at Preah Ang Thom is genuinely worth a visit, plus the view there, is in some respects, beautiful.

Now, for some folks, that waterfall at Kulen Mountain can be a highlight. This is a well known place where people go swimming and unwind. So, if you decide to go for a swim, the water usually feels remarkable, specifically right after you are done temple hopping.

However, keep in mind, to actually get up there, there is typically an additional cost, and the path can be very bumpy. The drive up Kulen Mountain basically has a single road with alternate directions at different times, like your daily commute, it gets packed!

Is the Waterfall Worth the Hype?

Oh, the waterfall at Kulen Mountain, is it worth visiting? So, for anyone looking for a refreshing break, it is, actually, very welcome. The water can feel great right after walking around in that heat all day. There is a location to change your clothes and some food stalls nearby.

Yet, is that you ought to picture a grand, cascading waterfall, you might have to manage those expectations a little bit. The waterfall is fairly moderate, plus throughout peak season, it could get quite crowded. Nevertheless, it still can be an amazing location to unwind and just take it easy for a short time.

Crowd Control and Best Times to Visit

Angkor Wat is usually incredibly busy, mostly during sunrise. Getting there very early will literally help you to grab a superb spot. In the event that you really don’t like crowds, then seeing the sunrise in some other, much less known temple could be just a little more enjoyable.

Banteay Srei and Kulen Mountain will attract fewer individuals than Angkor Wat. So, visiting them in the morning, will in most cases allow you to enjoy these locations with less tourists around.

What to Wear and Bring

So, when going to temples in the Angkor area, it is necessary to basically dress respectfully. That usually means covering your shoulders and knees. Light, breathable clothes are generally a good option, considering the hot environment.

Comfy walking shoes, that, are basically a must, seeing as you are going to be doing a bunch of walking. Do not even forget sunscreen, a hat, plus plenty of water, because that sun will beat down on you. Insect repellent can also be basically useful, particularly when visiting Kulen Mountain.

Choosing the Right Tour Operator

The tour guide is something that could seriously affect your whole tour. Check around for tour companies who are going to get pretty positive reviews. A remarkable guide cannot just share historical details but basically bring those temples alive, with interesting stories plus facts.

Find out what exactly is included in the tour price. Several tours have extras like meal plans or admission fees, in other words, make sure what’s in and what is out.

A Packed Itinerary: Is it Worth It?

A two-day tour attempting to fit in Angkor Wat, Banteay Srei, as well as Kulen Mountain and the waterfall will undoubtedly be quick paced. You will be spending a whole lot of time traveling between places. So, is it worth the effort? In case you might be limited in time and really want to view the most crucial features, it really could be an amazing option.

On the flip side, it does not give you a whole lot of time to delve much deeper into any one location. In the event that you might prefer to check out the temples and locations without rushing, thinking of investing extra time around the Angkor area would likely be really helpful.

Food and Drink: Staying Energized

During your tour, grabbing food might not always be simple, mostly while on the road. Therefore, it’s wise to take some snacks together with you. A number of tours will literally take you to neighborhood eateries where you can savor typical Cambodian meals, which can be rather an aspect of this entire experience.

Stay hydrated! It’s essential to sip on water all through that day. A few tours basically offer water, even so double-check and furthermore bring your own.

Budgeting for Your Tour

The price of this tour could seriously change based on which operator you select. Examine what is contained in that cost – admission fees, food, transportation, everything else. In case the entry fees are not included, you need to budget around $37 for an Angkor Pass, permitting admittance to the Angkor archaeological park. It is generally useful to basically have some additional cash around for any of those smaller expenses such as souvenirs and tips.

Photographing the Temples

The temples and landscape offer truly lots of possibilities for fantastic pictures. Therefore, bringing an effective camera (if you enjoy photography) is probably something to bear in mind. Capturing that dawn at Angkor Wat, calls for basically understanding what your camera will do in low-light, after that capturing all those fine details at Banteay Srei will likely be something to consider. Do not even forget more battery power and memory!

What I Wish I Knew Beforehand

• Sunrise Vantage Point: Instead of jostling with the crowd at Angkor Wat for sunrise, try Phnom Bakheng, however arrive early as capacity is strictly managed.
• Kulen Mountain Road: The road to Kulen Mountain operates on a one-way system for the morning and afternoon; check the schedule to avoid long waits.
• Banteay Srei’s Details: Carry a small flashlight to see the deeper carvings within Banteay Srei if it’s an overcast day.
• Stay Hydrated: The heat is intense; bring more water than you think you need. A hydration pack is a very good option for comfort!
• Dress Code Particulars: While temples require shoulder and knee coverings, Banteay Srei is especially strict; consider a lightweight scarf.