DAY 1: Siem Reap - Sisophon - Banteay Chhmar
We head northwest of Siem Reap, stopping for a break in the town of
Sisophon, also known as Svay or Mango to Khmers. We continue north to the
atmospheric temple of Banteay Top, with a memorable location in the middle
of the rice fields. We then carry on to the huge complex of Banteay Chhmar,
meaning narrow fortress, which was an important city in the Khmer Empire
during the reign of King Jayavarman VII. Our team set up camp while we
explore this vast temple, including its famous bas-reliefs with elaborate
Lokesvaras with 32 arms.
DAY 2: Banteay Chhmar - Anlong Veng - Preah Vihear
We enjoy early morning at the temple, perhaps taking in a sunrise. After
breakfast we head west through the provincial capital of Samroang and the former
Khmer Rouge stronghold of Anlong Veng towards the mountaintop temple of
Preah Vihear. We drive slowly and carefully up the steep road to the summit. Then we
explore this majestic sight when all the other tourists have departed back
to Thailand. Set on the cliffs of the Dangrek range, this is undoubtedly
the most dramatic location of any of the ancient Khmer temples. The views
are endless and we take in the sunset over the Cambodian plains below.
We camp overnight at the foot of the mountain.
DAY 3: Preah Vihear - Tbeng Meanchey
We rise early to take in a stunning sunset at the mountain summit before breakfast. We journey
down the mountain before heading south to the
provincial capital of Preah Vihear, Tbeng Meanchey. We visit a local silk
project for the disabled and disadvantaged called Joom Noon and spend the
night in a local hotel.
DAY 4: Tbeng Meanchey - Koh Ker
After breakfast, we head west to Koh Ker, a 10th century capital abandoned
in the remote north of Cambodia for more than a thousand years. Our team
set up camp for us, while we enjoy a visit to the pyramid temple of Prasat
Thom and take in sunset. Our overnight camp is right outside the walls of
the temple.
DAY 5: Koh Ker - Preah Khan
We rise early to see sunrise at the temple and then depart towards the
village of Ta Seng where we have lunch and arrange
some extra provisions for the night. We spend the afternoon exploring the
most important temples at Preah Khan, including the Bayon-style four faces
of Prasat Preah Stung and the central temple which was one of the biggest
enclosures built during the Angkor period. It is thought this may have
been a very important provincial city during the Khmer Empire. We camp
overnight within the temple area.
DAY 6: Preah Kahn - Prasat Damrei - Siem Reap or Phnom Penh
We visit one or two of the smaller temples in the Preah Khan area,
including Prasat Damrei or elephant temple, with its elegant carved
elephants. Only two remain, as others are now housed in the Musee Guimet
in Paris and the National Museum in Phnom Penh. We then return to
civilization National Highway 6 which connects Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.
Guests have the choice of turning northwest towards Siem Reap or southeast
towards Kompong Thom and Phnom Penh.