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THE REMOTE KINGDOMS OF ANGKOR

CAMBODIA

TRAVEL DOSSIER

A 4 day / 3 night extension out of Siem Reap to explore the remote and more mysterious temples of Angkor, as well as a glamping experience at Phnom Kulen - the sacred mountain birthplace of the Angkor Empire.

/ Summary

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THE REMOTE KINGDOMS OF ANGKOR 4 day / 3 night travel program PRIVATE TOUR

This overland program is the ideal extension to a Siem Reap stay for those that wish to explore deep into remote parts of Cambodia and it’s ancient history, as well as to experience a deluxe tented camp in a remote location. Whilst several of these temples lay partly in ruin due to neglect and the looting of antiquities over many decades, to experience the sheer magnitude and significance of such sites is truly exhilarating. Due to the distance of Preah Vihear and Koh Ker, these temples have also avoided the onslaught of tourism and therefore can be explored in relative solitude.

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Koh Ker’s Prasat Thom

Koh Ker

This morning we have an early start as we depart in our luxury 4x4 vehicle for our long drive (around 3 hours with stops) to the stunning Koh Ker group of temples, a former capital of Angkor for a brief period of time between 928 and 944 - a settlement that still baffles scholars.

Koh Ker was lost to the jungle for many years and only recently opened up to a few hardy adventurers. Koh Ker (also known as Chok Gargyar - 'Island of Glory') is located in barren hill country some 85 kilometres (53 miles) northeast of Angkor, in the province of Preah Vihear.

It was home to Jayavarman IV, the maternal uncle of the two previous kings and a great feudal landholder, who ascended the throne in 928. In only a few years, he'd built many colossal sanctuaries dedicated to Shiva, ruling over large numbers of people and in considerable splendour for twenty years until succeeded by his son Harshavarman I. The capital was moved back to Angkor in 944.

The monuments of Koh Ker are arranged into three main groups. The first group is headed by the chief monument and state temple – the Pyramid of Prasat Thom surrounded by the artificial baray, Beng Rahal and the ruins of the walled capital.

The second group is a row of towers to the east of the Rahal, and a third group, are several towers along a road running south from the southern end of the baray. The whole region occupies an area of about 5 x 7 kilometre. We enjoy exploring this mysterious area in-depth with our Travel Expert and enjoy a picnic lunch in the shade to cool off.

Mid-afternoon, we the continue by road North (2 hours with stops) through the Kulen Prum Tep National Park until we arrive at the Preah Vihear Boutique hotel where we check-in and relax for the rest of the day.

Dinner will be held at the hotel.

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Preah Vihear from the air

Early this morning we head to the stunning mountain-top temple of Preah Vihear which was officially made a UNESCO Word Heritage Site in 2008. Situated on the edge of a plateau that dominates the plain of Cambodia, the Temple of Preah Vihear is dedicated to Shiva. The temple is composed of a series of sanctuaries linked by a system of pavements and staircases over an 800 metre long axis and dates back to the first half of the 11th century AD. Nevertheless, its complex history can be traced to the 9th century.

This site is particularly well preserved, mainly due to its remote location. The site is exceptional for the quality of its architecture, which is adapted to the natural environment and the religious function of the temple, as well as for the exceptional quality of its carved stone ornamentation.

Very interesting history not withstanding, the epic climb to the top and the stunning views are likely the main highlight for most. As always we recommend an early start due to the rising heat and to ensure the temple can be explored in a more intimate way.

We then continue by road west to the town of Anlong Veng – the last stronghold of the Khmer Rouge. Not far from here up the Mountain towards the Thailand border is the final hideout and subsequent grave of Pol Pot. In Anlong Veng we stop for a local lunch (basic) before continuing to visit the former House of Ta Mok, otherwise known as Brother No. 4, or the “Butcher”.

After a stop here to learn some of more of the recent brutal history of Cambodia, we continue South back towards Siem Reap, and to our accommodation for tonight - the delightful Bong Thom Homestay in the countryside near Banteay Srey Temple.

Whilst “homestay” is in the name, we are sure you will enjoy what is effectively a 3* Guest house in delightful Khmer traditional style.

Dinner is held at the homestay.

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Phnom Kulen Sri Damrei

Phnom Kulen Waterfalls

After breakfast, we double back on ourselves a little on yesterday’s route as we continue to the nearby world-famous temple of Banteay Srei; (Citadel of Women) - an enchanting temple, which is one of the jewels in this remarkable city.

Built of red sandstone in the tenth century and dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, the carved male and female figures in the niches are beyond exquisite - executed and preserved stunningly in both style and proportion.

This is the most Indian of all the temples in Angkor and in the words of H.W. Ponder, is a fairy palace in the heart of an immense and mysterious forest.

We then continue to the sacred Phnom Kulen Mountain (ascending to Phnom Kulen is only allowed in the morning), where in 802, Jayavaraman the Second was crowned King, giving birth to the Khmer Empire.

After navigating the steep climb in our 4x4, we continue to enjoy several sites on top of the mountain including a stunning viewpoint, hundreds of Lingas carved into the bed of the Siem Reap River, an active pagoda and a picnic lunch at the beautiful waterfalls where we may also wish to cool off with a refreshing swim.

For the more adventurous, there is the possibility to jump on the back of a motorbike (at own risk, please check your travel insurance) with a local guide and explore very off-the-beaten-track locations and secret sacred sites such as the religious Bat Cave, ruined temples, mysterious carvings, and the stunning and mysterious huge animal carvings of Sra Damrei which includes an ancient larger-than-life-size stone elephant.

We then continue on to our pristine riverside campsite where we are welcomed by a luxury clamping safari set-up which includes full deluxe amenities.

Here we relax after a hot shower and enjoy the evening. A deluxe bbq dinner is prepared with free flow beer/wine (with Champagne option) until we decide to turn in for the night under the stars.

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Breakfast at the campsite then we descend from Phnom Kulen by a different road to Svay Leu that affords wonderful views on the way down. We then turn off the road and head directly towards the bottom of another part of Phnom Kulen.

We are really off the beaten track now on a meandering difficult and sometimes steep dirt track which even our 4x4 may struggle with occasionally, but the effort will be worth it.

Arrive at Peung Kom Nuo and explore the stunning pristine rock carvings said to date back to the 11th century - a site completely unknown to tourists and not even well known to the local archaeological experts.

After exploring these incredible rock carvings we head back to the main road and continue to Beng Mealea. After lunch (basic) at a local restaurant, we then explore Beng Mealea itself.

The “Lotus Pond” Hindu Temple from the early 11th Century was built by Suryavarman II . If there is one temple to explore resplendent with jungle engulfing it, it is Beng Mealea. Clambering over large sandstone blocks to reach the inner sanctuary and eerie worship corridor is an exploration to remember.

Architecturally, Beng Mealea is noted for its innovative, in its time, construction of hallways. Garudas, hold up an outer platform, finer in detail than those to be found in the elements of the Elephant Terrace at Angkor Thom whilst lintels with intricate carvings lay amongst the fallen wall and roofs. Your Travel Expert will have insights as where to meander away from any crowds. We then drive along the ancient Angkorian Road now known as Route 66.

In terms of the driving itself, this final leg is the most enjoyable as we meander along an ancient dirt road passing through remote villages surrounded by pristine countryside and views of the foothills of the Sacred Phnom Kulen Mountain. We make several impromptu stops as we journey along. We then arrive at little known Banteay Ampil to explore this deserted and forgotten temple in the forest of which there is little documented history and and then journey over an ancient Angkorian Bridge (Spean Preah Toeus).

Continuing on through route 66 back we drive back towards Siem Reap in the late afternoon (a stop of choice at another temple can be added into the day) and ending the journey at your hotel.

PROGRAM CONCLUDES

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Koh Ker temple from the air

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Overlooking the escarpment at Preah Vihear

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THE REMOTE KINGDOMS OF ANGKOR

CAMBODIA

TRAVEL DOSSIER

Travel Designer Insights

Due to the distance of these temples away from Siem Reap the days can be long on the road, however, the reward far outweighs the inconvenience to enjoy stunning remote Cambodia in relative solitude. It should be noted that whilst the overnight tented camp experience at Phnom Kulen is very comfortable it will still only appeal to those that accept the basics of sleeping in an outdoor environment. The lack of higher end accommodation may deter some but these options still remain the best available and are compensated with time spent at these rich historical sites.

Highly recommended for the adventure if you don’t mind the long drives!

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