The Koh Ker Camping

You will be picked up from the hotel in Siem Reap by our guide and driver at 8.00 am and driven to Koh Ker. En route, we will stop to visit Peoung Kamnou on the foot of Kulen Mountain, it is the ancient carving of Hindu gods (Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva) on the original stone from the 9th century. Then continue to drive to Koh Ker, and on arrival get to one of the local houses. Pu Cheourn and his family will receive you with some drinks, local fruits, and lunch. He will also share with you the story of his life during the civil war from 1979 to 1999.

We will visit the Koh Ker temples after driving there. Koh Ker was the Khmer Empire’s capital for a short time between 928 and 944 A.D and was built in the 10th century. The Koh Ker temple has a unique style unlike any other temple in Cambodia, resembling the old pyramids of Egypt. The temple and its surroundings, partly covered by the forest and home to only birds, offer an amazing experience. We will go back to Pu Cheourn’s house for a shower, then head to our campsite near one of the ancient hidden temples, where we will have a candlelit picnic dinner and sleep in a tent.

Have early breakfast at the site, and we drive to Preah Vihear Mountain, stop at the checkpoint, and ride the 4WD up to the top of the Mountain to visit Preah Vihear Temple located at the Thailand border. Preah Vihear was built in the early 11th century. It dominates the plain from its prominent position in the Dangrek Mountains at an altitude of over 700m. The temple is located near the Thai border and was previously occupied by the Thais. It has recently been awarded UNESCO World Heritage status. Explore this historic temple and take in the sweeping views from the summit over Thailand and Cambodia.

Drive down the hill to return to the checkpoint and proceed to Anlong Veng, lunch at the local restaurant. Stop to visit Ta Mok’s house, on a peaceful lakeside site, Ta Mok’s house is a spartan structure with a bunker in the basement, five simple wall murals downstairs (one of Angkor Wat, four of Prasat Preah Vihear), and three more murals upstairs, including an idyllic wildlife scene. The floor tiles are the only furnishings that remain. A permanent collection of photos related to the Khmer Rouge from the 1960s to 1990s, called ‘100 Photos for Memory and Education, is now part of the Anlong Veng Peace Centre’s effort to heal society. Drive to Siem Reap, we arrive in Siem Reap at about 6 pm – drop off – end of services!