Secret Temples of Cambodia

Kulen Mountain & Banteay Srei

Today you start your secret temple tour by travelling to Kulen mountain, home to the underwater carvings of the thousand lingers. At the summit, you will see a large reclining Buddha, known as ‘Preah Ang Thom’, before taking a break for lunch by the nearby waterfall. From here you then get to discover the stunning Banteay Srey temple, which displays the most elaborate and decorative wall carvings on any of the other temples you will see.

Overnight in Kratie (Meals: _/_/_)

Siem Reap to Banteay Chhmar | Drive: 3 hours

Leaving Siem Reap for the night you travel west to the incredible jungle temple of Banteay Chhmar, this incredible jungle temple is now under the jurisdiction of UNESCO, and is famous for its signature faces of Jayavarman VII. The temple was dedicated to four royal servants, who gave their lives defending the prince in the battle. Banteay Chhmar is often overlooked due to its remoteness, and you will often be the only visitor. As well as the sunsets behind the temple you will enjoy drinks and dinner while listening to Traditional Khmer music. All before settling into your comfortable and traditional homestay.

Overnight in Banteay Chhmar Homestay (Meals: B/L/D)

Banteay Chhmar to Siem Reap | Drive: 3 hours

For the early risers you have an opportunity to see the temple and its magnificent carvings in a different light with a sunrise walk through Banteay Chhmar. After breakfast you will take a leisurely stroll through the village, checking out the market and the local pagoda, before setting off for a traditional ox-cart ride to the silk factory. On your returning journey enjoy a picnic lunch at Banteay Torp, the ‘Fortress of the Army’ temple, before returning to Siem Reap.

Overnight in Siem Reap (Meals: B/L/_)

Siem Reap to Saem | Drive: 4 hours

Leaving Siem Reap again for a night you venture north to discover the two temples of Beng Mealea and Koh Ker. Both of these temples are a little more remote, with Beng Mealea in particular, showing the visitor the true power of nature, as the jungle has almost retaken the temple. Koh Ker itself is unlike any other temple in Cambodia and is more Mayan than Khmer with its 7 tiers.

Overnight in Saem (Meals: B/_/_)

Saem to Kampong Thom | Drive: 3 hours

After an early breakfast you travel the short distance to the bottom of Preah Vihear temple, which sits on top of a 700-metre-high cliff. From here you can take a 4×4 to the top, or for the more energetic walk the many steps, and be greeted with glorious panoramic views. While the climb may leave you a little out of breath, the view from the top is magnificent, and will take what is left of your breath away! The temple is often described to be Cambodia’s soul and after-spending time exploring the temple you will see it for yourself. After soaking everything in you then descend the mountain before travelling to Kampong Thom; discovering the enigmatic temple of Preah Khan along the way.

Overnight in Kampong Thom (Meals: B/_/_)

Kampong Thom to Siem Reap | Drive: 3 1/2 hours

Today you will visit the pre-angkorian temple complex of Sambor Prei Kuk temple. This is a wonderful introduction to the main temples that you will see in Siem Reap due to it being mainly built from sandstone. You will visit Prasat Sambor, Prasat Tao and Prasat Yeai Poeun before enjoying a picnic lunch in the community centre. You will then travel the short distance back to Siem Reap.

Overnight in Siem Reap (Meals: B/L/_)

Angkor Temples

The perfect end to any temple tour is, of course, the temples in the Angkor Archaeological Park. On this magnificent day tour, you will take in all the main sights, such as Ta Phrom, Bayon and Angkor Wat itself, which is in a league of its own and often compared to sites, such as Machu Picchu (Peru) and Petra (Jordan). You will have a truly breath-taking day!

(Meals: B/_/_)