Admire the carvings in the red sandstone temple of Banteay Srey, built in honor of the god Shiva

Tour the jungle-clad temple of Beng Mealea, thought to have provided a blueprint for Angkor Wat

Learn how sugar is produced from the sugar palms

Discover two of the most unique temples of the Angkor complex on a full-day tour of Bantaey Srey and Beng Mealea, and learn more about the ancient Khmer kingdom and rulers.

Following a hotel pick-up in Siem Reap at approximately 08:00, drive to Banteay Srey near the hill of Phnom Dei. Located about 16 miles (25 kilometers) from the main Angkor complex, Banteay Srey once belonged to the medieval capitals of Yasodharapura and Angkor Thom, and is considered a jewel of Khmer art. Admire the carvings in the temple’s red sandstone walls, and see ornate pediments that depict Khmer myths and legends.

En route, you will pass local villages where, time permitting, you can stop to learn about everyday life and how sugar is produced from the sugar palms.

After lunch at a local restaurant, continue your tour at Beng Mealea, situated 24 miles (40 kilometers) east of the main Angkor complex. Built as a Hindu temple in the early 12th century, Beng Mealea actually preceded Angkor Wat and is thought to have provided the prototype for the later capital. Shrouded in a tangle of fig tree roots and jungle, it’s a quintessential Angkor experience, but with fewer bas reliefs than Angkor Wat.