Cambodia forum

Ko Ker and Beng Melea

EvanR

newbie
Posts: 4

Could Ko Ker and Beng Melea be visited comfortably in one day or am I being to optimistic. Thanks

Evan

#1 Posted: 26/8/2011 - 00:05
KirstyB

tuk tuk driver
Posts: 117
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Since the road from Beng Mealea to Koh Ker has been upgraded theoretically, yes it's possible. Koh Ker is around 130 km from Siem Reap which I believe is now taking around 2 hours by car; with Beng Mealea on the way at around the 70 km mark. So by doing the maths of the travelling time and adding on a few hours for the temples you can see it will be a long and tiring day. But feasible.

I don't know how much time you have but when I went I over-nighted near Koh Ker and I would definitely recommend this in order to not sell yourself short on your time at the temples (Koh Ker is spread over quite a large site). The guesthouse was basic but clean and there was a simple restaurant close by that had cold cans of beer. What more do you need? Spread over 2 days it was much more relaxing.

#2 Posted: 26/8/2011 - 05:39
rvdevan

newbie
Posts: 3

Hi Kirsty,
Greetings!
We are in Siem Reap at the moment and wish to visit Beng Melea and Koh Ker , among others. The travel agents and guides suggest the only way is by car.
Since you are talking about staying over night, I would like to ask what mode of transport did you use?
Cheers!
RV

#3 Posted: 14/1/2012 - 03:51
chocgirl

backpacker
Posts: 18

RV, car is definitely recommended! You could go in tuktuk, but it's already two hours to Beng Melea & for such lengthy trip a car is just much more comfortable.

#4 Posted: 15/1/2012 - 17:49
KirstyB

tuk tuk driver
Posts: 117
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Hi RV
Yes, a car gives the most flexibility as you can use it to get between the temples too. We hired a taxi for the trip - I can't remember how much exactly but I think it was $50 which I negotiated directly with the taxi driver rather than going via a travel agent. That covered his costs for a 2 day trip including his overnight accommodation.

#5 Posted: 16/1/2012 - 10:58
rvdevan

newbie
Posts: 3

Thanks a lot for your responses.
We managed to see both in about 10 hours. Started early and went to Koh Ker with a short Break fast stop on the way. It took under 3 hrs to reach Koh Ker. We spent 3 hrs there in all and made our for Beng Mealea , spent about 2 hours there.
We checked and discussed and negotiated with 3 different taxi drivers. but somewhow could not get them to come below USD 80. Maybe this is the peak period?
Thanks again all.

#6 Posted: 16/1/2012 - 23:30
ilovecambod-
ia

longtail driver
Posts: 5

You should be happy with that price. At $80US I think you drove a hard bargain and found the rock bottom price. Prices are pretty much set for tourists in Siem Reap. I like to leave a 'little meat on the bone' in my deals. The huge smiles are worth it!

#7 Posted: 17/1/2012 - 06:47
ilovecambod-
ia

longtail driver
Posts: 5

You should be happy with that price. At $80US I think you drove a hard bargain and found the rock bottom price. Prices are pretty much set for tourists in Siem Reap. I like to leave a 'little meat on the bone' in my deals. The huge smiles are worth it!

#8 Posted: 17/1/2012 - 06:47
rvdevan

newbie
Posts: 3

The driver was extremely happy and offered us a free ride to psar leu the next day. I can tell u that he was all smiles.

#9 Posted: 17/1/2012 - 06:59
Archmichael

adventurer
Posts: 379
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Given the distance from Siem Reap, by car is the best way. The two sites can definitely be seen in one day. We went out to Koh Ker first (Jan. '11), then stopped at Bang Malea on the way back. When we go back next November, we're going to do it the other way round, in hopes of dodging large crowds at Bang Malea. Also, I would recommend, no matter what time of day you're there, to enter Bang Malea from the west entrance. (Main entry is from the south.) There is a foot path off the road/highway where you can be dropped off and walk back in. Not that far, and a much quieter, beautiful way to come upon the place.

#10 Posted: 26/1/2012 - 21:48