3-Day Siem Reap Heritage Tour with Phnom Kulen and Apsara Show

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

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Tour Siem Reap highlights, including Wat Thmey Pagoda and key local shrines
02 Explore sacred Phnom Kulen National Park, with lunch in the mountains
03 Visit Preah Ang Thom to see Cambodia's largest Reclining Buddha
04 Discover Kbal Spean's "River of a Thousand Lingas" and its Hindu carvings

Discover Cambodia's cultural heartland on this well-balanced 3-day tour in Siem Reap. On arrival, enjoy a half-day city tour featuring Wat Thmey's Killing Fields memorial, Preah Chek Temple, Ya Tep Shrine, and Wat Preah Phromrath, revealing the city's poignant history and living spiritual traditions. Continue to sacred Phnom Kulen National Park, home to Cambodia's largest Reclining Buddha at Preah Ang Thom and the famous "River of a Thousand Lingas" at Kbal Spean. Round off the experience with a traditional Khmer massage, an Apsara cultural dance show over dinner, and free time before your departure.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 3 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Moderate

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.
Arrival at SAI - Siem Reap International Airport: meet our local representative/driver and transfer to your hotel.
Airport to Siem Reap city centre: approximately 45 km, about 1 hour and 15 minutes by road (scenic drive).
Siem Reap: one of Cambodia’s most popular tourist destinations, known for temples, religious sites, and lively day and night entertainment.
Check in to the hotel and freshen up.
Lunch at your own account.
Half-day city tour to discover some of Siem Reap’s best-known secrets.
Pick-up from the hotel and visit Wat Thmey Pagoda (Killing Fields): where more than 8,000 people were murdered and buried during the Pol Pot regime (1975 to 1979); bones and skulls are kept in a memorial stupa to honour the victims.
Visit Preah Chek Temple: a significant spiritual site with two revered Naga deity statues; locals come to 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 stay at a hotel in Siem Reap.

Day 02

Phnom Kulen National Park, Khmer Massage and Apsara Show

After breakfast at the hotel, visit Phnom Kulen National Park on Kulen Mountain (about 50 km from Siem Reap). Phnom Kulen is considered a sacred site by many Cambodians, and many Buddhists and Hindus make a pilgrimage to the mountain.
Lunch at a local restaurant on the mountain. Enjoy Khmer dishes and fresh coconut juice.
Visit Preah Ang Thom, where the Buddhist pagoda is home to the largest Reclining Buddha statue in Cambodia. The temple was built in the 16th century and is a sacred place for worshipping the God of the Mountain. There are also two large Cham Pa trees near the temple.
At the Kbal Spean River, see the "River of a Thousand Lingas" and ornate carvings of lingams - the phallic symbol of Shiva. You will also see motifs of animals and other Hindu gods such as Shiva, Vishnu, Brahma, Laksmi, Hanuman, and Rama.
After the tour, return to your hotel to refresh. Relax with a soothing spa experience and enjoy a traditional Khmer massage to relieve tension and rejuvenate your body.
Dinner is served while you watch the Apsara Cultural Dance Show and discover Cambodia's cultural heritage through traditional music, dazzling dances, and enchanting tales. After the show, return to the hotel.
Overnight stay at a hotel in Siem Reap.

Day 03

Free Time in Siem Reap Until Departure

Breakfast at the hotel.
Free at leisure. The rest of the day is yours to 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-day Phnom Kulen National Park 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 rider, etc.
Cambodia visa invitation letter, visa, and stamping fee (if required)
Surcharge for peak season, Cambodia's public holidays, 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 at Phnom Kulen Mountain.
Lightweight clothing - long pants or skirts and covered shoulders for temple visits (dress code requirement).
Rain jacket or umbrella - for sudden downpours, especially if travelling in the wet season (May to 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 - Temples are sacred sites. Both men and women must cover their shoulders and knees (no sleeveless tops, shorts, or skirts above the knee). Lightweight, breathable clothing is recommended due to the heat. In some areas, shoes must be removed before entering temple sanctuaries. Bring an extra set of clothes if you want to play at the waterfall. (The waterfall is seasonal.)
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 to April) and wet or Green Season (May to October). Bring a lightweight rain jacket or umbrella regardless. 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.

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