2-Day Cambodian Backroads Tour Including Preah Vihear and Koh Ker
Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia
Trip Type: Multi-day Tours
Duration: 2 days
Preah Vihear province has an abundance of cultural heritage including impressive legacies from the Angkorian era in the form of the mountain temple of Preah Vihear; and the 10th-century capital of Koh Ker. Within easy reach of Siem Reap, the creation of a 2 day exploration of this region, with the imminent opening of this impressive temple complex on the Cambodian – Thai border was almost a given. A must-try for those searching for history and getting up and close with the rural part of Cambodia.
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Preah Vihear province has an abundance of cultural heritage including impressive legacies from the Angkorian era in the form of the mountain temple of Preah Vihear; and the 10th-century capital of Koh Ker. Within easy reach of Siem Reap, the creation of a 2 day exploration of this region, with the imminent opening of this impressive temple complex on the Cambodian – Thai border was almost a given. A must-try for those searching for history and getting up and close with the rural part of Cambodia.Day 1 Siem Reap – Preah Vihear
In the early morning, we leave from Siem Reap and head north to Beng Mealea and Koh Ker, a scenic 3 hour journey through lesser-developed parts of Cambodia. On the way, a stop at the Beng Mealea Temple will be made. This 12th century Angkor temple ruin will reveal a hidden gem in the middle of the jungle, devoid of obtrusive signs of restorations.
Following our short exploration of this temple, Koh Ker awaits us already as we drive along the Kulen National Park. Koh Ker was once the capital of Cambodia and remains of its impressive empire remains still very much visible. It was built by Jayavarman IV who had feuded with family and as a result, constructed this unusual temple. En route, we pass through some remote villages and a beautiful forest populated by deer.
After a picnic lunch in the shade, we drive for another 70 kilometers (paved and soil road) to our goal for the day – Preah Vihear. The temple of Preah Vihear is situated on the edge of a plateau that dominates a vast plain. The temple is composed of a series of sanctuaries linked by a system of staircases over an 800-meter-long axis and it dates back to the 9th century. This site is particularly well preserved, mainly due to its remote location, and it has been awarded UNESCO World Heritage status.
Dinner by your own account
Overnight is included at a hotel near the Preah Vihear.
Day 2 Preah Vihear – Siem Reap
After breakfast in the hotel, we drive by 4WD car up the hill to bear witness of the beauty of the temple of Preah Vihear, located on the sacred mountain top of the Dong Rek Mountain ranges, extending for over 700 meters on the top of the Dangrek Mountains. The Thailand border is a mere stone’s throw away. Lunch is not included on this day.
After this visit, which one will not regret, we drive back to Siem Reap and either transfer to your booked hotel in Siem Reap or airport for the evening departure flight to your next destination.
In the early morning, we leave from Siem Reap and head north to Beng Mealea and Koh Ker, a scenic 3 hour journey through lesser-developed parts of Cambodia. On the way, a stop at the Beng Mealea Temple will be made. This 12th century Angkor temple ruin will reveal a hidden gem in the middle of the jungle, devoid of obtrusive signs of restorations.
Following our short exploration of this temple, Koh Ker awaits us already as we drive along the Kulen National Park. Koh Ker was once the capital of Cambodia and remains of its impressive empire remains still very much visible. It was built by Jayavarman IV who had feuded with family and as a result, constructed this unusual temple. En route, we pass through some remote villages and a beautiful forest populated by deer.
After a picnic lunch in the shade, we drive for another 70 kilometers (paved and soil road) to our goal for the day – Preah Vihear. The temple of Preah Vihear is situated on the edge of a plateau that dominates a vast plain. The temple is composed of a series of sanctuaries linked by a system of staircases over an 800-meter-long axis and it dates back to the 9th century. This site is particularly well preserved, mainly due to its remote location, and it has been awarded UNESCO World Heritage status.
Dinner by your own account
Overnight is included at a hotel near the Preah Vihear.
Day 2 Preah Vihear – Siem Reap
After breakfast in the hotel, we drive by 4WD car up the hill to bear witness of the beauty of the temple of Preah Vihear, located on the sacred mountain top of the Dong Rek Mountain ranges, extending for over 700 meters on the top of the Dangrek Mountains. The Thailand border is a mere stone’s throw away. Lunch is not included on this day.
After this visit, which one will not regret, we drive back to Siem Reap and either transfer to your booked hotel in Siem Reap or airport for the evening departure flight to your next destination.
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