Ancient Temple Discovery at Koh Ker

At 8am your driver and guide will pick you up from your pre-arranged meeting point, and make the trip to the atmospheric, beautiful Koh Ker Temple.

The history of Cambodia is packed with spats between dynasties, political intrigue and personal dramas that have shaped the country, and thanks to your local guide, you’ll learn exactly why these crumbling ruins stand where they are today as you learn the history behind the stones.

For example, in the 10th century, when Jayavarman IV (928-942) fell out with his family, he stormed off to the northwest and established the rival capital of Koh Ker, the very place you will be exploring on your first day.

You also will visit the Hindu temple in Koh Ker, Prasat Krahom, also known as the ‘Red Temple’ thanks to the dust-red piles of stone that form the old walkways and sun-dappled towers.

The temple was famous in its day for the stunning carved lions it boasted. Unfortunately, these have fallen victim to the centuries that have worn the temple down, but there is still plenty to see.

Wandering through the ancient passages and crumbling arches takes you back to another age, and it is a singularly magical experience to explore where they lead, walking in the footsteps of an ancient civilisation.

You will then stroll to the small village behind Koh Ker temple; about 1km from Thom Temple; and meet locals in Srayong Commune, Kulen District.

Here, there are two families that offer accommodation to tourists at Koh Ker Jungle Lodge. This is a chance to immerse yourself in the local community in this part of Cambodia, and experience what it is like to really live here, as a local, not as a tourist.

Accommodation

Koh Ker Jungle Lodge

Facilities: Two private rooms, each with balcony, one at the rear overlooking a small ruined temple and one in front overlooking the main road in the village.

5 additional double beds and one single bed that can be moved around to suit the main open area. We also have any number of mattresses and a camp bed that can be set up. Each bed is prepared with a mosquito net, 2 white sheets, a pillow, a blanket, a towel and a bottle of water.

Explore Beng Mealea Then Cruise on Tonle Sap

After breakfast, travel to the lost temple of Beng Mealea, a titanic temples, a slumbering giant lost for centuries in the forests of Cambodia, and feel as if you are one of those first explorers stumbling across this architectural, historical gem.

It is the most accessible of Angkor’s lost temples, a mirror image of Angkor Wat, but utterly overwhelmed and overrun by the voracious appetite and steady progress of nature.

Constructed by Suryavarman II (1113-1150), the man behind Angkor Wat, the forest has run riot here and it is hard to get a sense of the monument’s shape amid the daunting ruins.

Here, it is easy to enjoy an Indiana Jones experience, clambering about the vast ruin, getting lost in mysterious chambers and on staircases that climb with the jungle canopy.

For those who want a more gentle adventure, there is also a sturdy wooden walkway running right into the heart of the temple. You should also take the opportunity to visit the nearby Angkor-era quarry, from where stone was cut to build these massive monuments.

We then drive for around 90 minutes to the mighty, yet beautiful Tonle Sap (Kampong Kleang) – the largest body of fresh water in all of Southeast Asia. Here, you will enjoy a sunset river cruise with an ice cold beer in hand, as you float gently across the glassy water.

After a full day exploring, we drive back to Siem Reap and check in your accommodation.