Uncover the Jungle Temples in the North
3 Days (2 Nights) from Siem Reap
This exciting soft adventure takes us through remote regions to historic sites and hidden temples in areas untouched by mass tourism.
We travel from Siem Reap by 4WD along unpaved country roads to the mountain temple of Preah Vihear on the boarder to Thailand and the lost city of Koh Ker.
During a homestay with a Khmer family we learn more about life in one of the country’s most pristine regions.
Overview
- Day 1 Drive to the mountain temple of Preah Vihear via the former Khmer Rouge stronghold of Anlong Veng
- Day 2 Sunrise at Preah Vihear; journey to the lost city of Koh Ker; homestay with a Khmer family
- Day 3 Explore Koh Ker and drive back to Siem Reap
Day 1: Early in the morning we leave Siem Reap for Anlong Veng. The small town is notorious as former Khmer Rouge stronghold, and we visit the former house of Ta Mok, a senior leader of the Khmer Rouge, and the gravesite of Brother No 1, Pol Pot. We then head west along quiet roads to Preah Vihear. We drive up the steep road to the top of the mountain, where we have time to explore this spectacularly situated monument in detail, starting from the stairway and continuing onwards to the central sanctuary. The views from the cliff are astounding, and we enjoy a beautiful sunset before we descend and check into our guest house.
Day 2: We rise early to enjoy a scenic sunrise over Preah Vihear before we continue to Koh Ker after breakfast. From a village near Koh Ker we explore the beautiful countryside and get a true taste of rural life on a short bicycle tour before we meet our homestay family. We experience real Khmer hospitality as we enjoy a delicious Khmer dinner and learn more about life in this secluded region.
Day 3: We say goodbye to our host family and head in the direction of Koh Ker where we explore by bicycle the former capital of the Khmer empire built in the 10th century. Sitting on roughly 35 square kilometres of land, Koh Kehr is made up of a large number of buildings of different sizes. We visit Prasat Krahom (Red Temple), Prasat Thom, a 40m high seven-storey pyramid affording a beautiful view over the surrounding forest and Prasat Leung and Prasat Thneng which enclose giant linga or fertility symbols. In the early afternoon we depart to Siem Reap, where we arrive towards the evening.
The above tours are therefore sample itineraries.
Tourist hub of Cambodia
As gateway to the temples of Angkor, Siem Reap is clearly the tourist hub of Cambodia. Accordingly, the town offers a vast array of accommodation options, ranging from boutique guest houses to some of the best hotels in the region.
The picturesque town centre hosts many speciality restaurants, lively bars, designer boutiques and a bustling night market.
Apart from temple visits, there are plenty activities that warrant a longer stay than just a couple of days, ranging from photography courses to cycling adventures to excursions to nearby bird sanctuaries or a homestay in a floating village on the nearby Tonle Sap Lake.
In this Category
Homestay with a Khmer Family
To spend a day with a Cambodian family is an interesting opportunity to get to know the real Cambodia.
Beach Breaks in Cambodia
Sihanoukville Beach Break or Escape to laid-back Kep, the former sea resort of Cambodia’s elite.
Cruise Cambodia
Discover the lifestyle of the Khmer in floating villages and visit places of interest that are not easily accessible overland.
Other Categories
Bird Watching Cambodia
With its wetlands and nature reserves, Cambodia provides a natural habitat for a wide variety of endangered bird species.
Southern Adventure
Discover the natural beauty of some of Cambodia’s most remote areas first hand.
Hiking and Biking in Angkor
Discover Siem Reap, the temples of Angkor and the surrounding countryside actively and immerse yourself into Khmer culture.