3-Day Siem Reap Tour with Kulen Elephant Forest and Apsara Dinner

3 Days Round trip from Siem Reap International Airport - SAI Easy pace

View all 9 photos

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Visit Wat Thmey and its memorial stupa honoring over 8,000 victims of the Pol Pot regime
02 Pray at Preah Chek Temple, a revered spiritual site with two Naga deity statues
03 Interact with retired elephants at Kulen Elephant Forest in a no-riding sanctuary
04 Unwind with a traditional Khmer massage after your day of exploration
05 Enjoy Cambodian cuisine with a captivating Apsara Cultural Dance performance

Discover a well-rounded introduction to Siem Reap with this package, blending history, nature, and culture. Day 1 begins with airport pickup and a half-day city tour featuring the somber Wat Thmey killing fields memorial, the spiritual Preah Chek Temple, and other local landmarks. Day 2 highlights a visit to the Kulen Elephant Forest sanctuary, where you can feed and bathe retired elephants in an ethical, no-riding environment, followed by a traditional Khmer massage and an Apsara cultural dance dinner. Day 3 is free at leisure before your airport transfer.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 3 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Siem Reap, Phnom Kulen

Languages English, French

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival in Siem Reap and Half-Day City Tour

Welcome to Siem Reap - Cambodia!
Upon arrival at SAI - Siem Reap International Airport, meet our local representative/driver and transfer to your hotel.
Airport to Siem Reap city center: approximately 45 km, about 1 hour and 15 minutes by road.
Enjoy scenic views along the way.
Siem Reap is one of Cambodia’s most popular tourist destinations, known for its temples, religious sites, and daytime and nighttime entertainment.
Check in at the hotel and freshen up.
Lunch at your own account.
Half-day city tour to discover the best-kept secrets of Siem Reap.
Pick up from the hotel and visit Wat Thmey Pagoda, one of the killing fields where more than 8,000 people were murdered and buried during the Pol Pot regime (1975 to 1979).
See the memorial stupa containing bones and skulls collected from different graves, honoring the victims.
Visit Preah Chek Temple, a significant spiritual site with two revered Naga deity statues, where locals pray for good fortune and blessings.
Continue to Ya Tep Shrine, enjoy a view of the Royal Residence, and visit Wat Preah Phromrath.
Dinner at a local restaurant.
Overnight at a hotel in Siem Reap.

Day 02

Kulen Elephant Forest, Khmer Massage and Apsara Dinner

After breakfast at the hotel, depart at 8:00 am for Kulen Elephant Forest to interact with elephants in a responsible environment, including feeding and bathing them, while learning about their care and conservation.
Visit the Kulen Elephant Forest, a haven where retired elephants interact freely and receive the greatest care and attention. There are no tricks and no riding, and the elephants roam and socialize unburdened within 530 acres of lush forest.
Enjoy lunch served in a nice open-air bungalow house. Relax there until pick-up back to your hotel, where you can refresh and unwind by the pool until your evening pick-up for dinner.
Unwind at a soothing spa and experience a traditional Khmer massage to relieve tension and rejuvenate your body.
Dinner with Apsara: enjoy a traditional buffet featuring Cambodian cuisine, accompanied by a captivating Apsara Cultural Dance performance showcasing Cambodia's rich cultural heritage.
Overnight at a hotel in Siem Reap.

Day 03

Free Time in Siem Reap Until Departure

Breakfast at the hotel
Free time at leisure
Explore Siem Reap at your own pace until your transfer to the airport for your onward journey to your next destination

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Siem Reap International Airport - SAI 2 cities · 3 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

2 nights' hotel accommodation in Siem Reap in a twin/triple room with daily breakfast at the hotel
Meals as specified in the itinerary (B = Breakfast | L = Lunch | D = Dinner)
Services of a driver and private air-conditioned vehicle during all tours and transfers, except as specified
English-speaking tour guide during all sightseeing tours
Entrance fees to all sightseeing tours stated in the program
1 Kulen Elephant Experience Pass
1 dinner with Apsara Cultural Dance Show
Mineral water and cold towel throughout the program
Cambodia souvenir from ZeroWings International Travel

What's Not Included

International and domestic flight tickets
Tipping for guides, drivers, hotel staff, restaurant staff, boat riders, etc.
Cambodia visa invitation letter, visa, and stamping fee (if required)
Surcharge for peak season, Khmer New Year holidays, and hotel compulsory dinner during festive holidays for Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve (surcharge will be confirmed upon booking)
Travel insurance (we highly recommend that you purchase adequate insurance)

What to bring

Comfortable walking shoes and rubber slippers - you'll be on your feet a lot, especially on Day 2.
Lightweight clothing - long pants or skirts and covered shoulders for temple visits (dress code requirement)
Rain jacket or umbrella - for sudden downpours, especially if traveling in the wet season (May-October)
Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses - the heat and sun are intense, with temperatures often reaching 35°C
Insect repellent - mosquitoes are common around the temples and in the evenings
Cash in USD - Cambodia widely uses US dollars, and small bills are helpful
Small backpack - for carrying your essentials while exploring the temples hands-free

Know before you go

Dress code - Lightweight, breathable clothing is recommended due to the heat. In some areas, you will also need to remove your shoes before entering temple sanctuaries. Bring extra clothes if you want to play with and bathe the elephants.
Dietary needs - The tour includes meals. If you have dietary restrictions such as vegetarian, vegan, halal, or allergies, notify your tour operator in advance and we will be glad to arrange this for you.
ID/Visa - Most nationalities require a visa to enter Cambodia. You can apply for an e-Visa online before travel or get a visa on arrival at Siem Reap Airport. Bring a passport-sized photo and cash in USD. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date. Keep your passport with you at all times.
Walking distance - Be prepared for significant walking, especially on Day 2. Angkor Wat alone is massive, and Ta Prohm involves uneven ground and loose stones. Comfortable, sturdy walking shoes are essential. Some temple steps are steep. If mobility is a concern, private transport and rest stops can be arranged.
Weather contingency - Cambodia has two seasons: dry (November-April) and wet, or Green Season (May-October). Bring a lightweight rain jacket or umbrella regardless of the season. Early morning starts help beat the midday heat, when temperatures often reach 35°C/95°F. Stay hydrated and carry sunscreen. In case of extreme weather, your guide will adjust the itinerary as needed.

Logistics