• Phnom Kulen National Park - 8:00 AM – Hotel Pickup

Begin the day by meeting a personal guide and driver to depart from Siem Reap to Phnom Kulen. Once known as Mahendraparvata during the Khmer Empire, Phnom Kulen gained attention in 2013 as a ‘lost city’ discovered through aerial LIDAR technology. This modern archaeological breakthrough unveiled several new sites and a larger urban settlement than previously known. Embark on these newly accessible adventures via motorcycle, the traditional mode of transport in rural Cambodia.

• Preah Ang Thom Pagoda - 9:30 AM–10:30 AM – Discover Preah Ang Thom

Embark on a journey from Siem Reap to Phnom Kulen, the sacred mountain that marked the beginning of the Khmer Empire. It was here in 802 AD that Jayavarman II declared independence from Java, paving the way for the Angkor-era’s magnificence. Known as Mahendraparvata, this mountain plateau was an early Khmer Empire capital. At Preah Ang Thom, switch to a local motorcycle taxi to explore remote jungle sites on the sacred mountain. Begin at the ‘bat cave,’ a complex of Hindu and Buddhist shrines beneath the rockface, then ascend to a viewpoint offering panoramic views of Siem Reap Province’s lowlands.

• Phnom Kulen National Park - 10:30 AM–11:45 AM – Sras Damrei

Proceed to the remarkable stone guardian animals of Sras Damrei, featuring a life-size stone elephant. Continue to the brick temple of Damrei Krab and the early pyramid temple of Rom Cheng, believed to be where the devaraja (god-king) ceremony occurred, with Jayavarman II proclaiming himself the earthly incarnation of Shiva.

• Phnom Kulen National Park - 11:45 AM–12:30 PM – Poeng Tbal

Explore the stunning rock formations of Poeng Tbal, which include numerous sacred carvings. These sites date back to the 9th century and the reign of Jayavarman II, predating the capital’s move to Angkor by nearly a century.

• Phnom Kulen National Park - 12:30 PM–4:30 PM – Phnom Kulen National Park

Return to Preah Ang Thom village for a local lunch, then visit the impressive riverbed rock carvings featuring countless Linga’s and depictions of Shiva and Vishnu. A classic waterfall downstream offers a refreshing spot to cool off after exploring, and nearby is the small, jungle-covered temple Prasat Krau Romeas. Wat Pre Ang Thom is a pilgrimage site for Khmers during religious festivals, with a large reclining Buddha carved into a sandstone boulder providing spectacular views over the lush jungle. Finally, switch back to a car to descend from the plateau and return to Siem Reap town.

• Admission fee to Archaeological Park temples ($25.00 per person)
• Meals as specified (1 lunch included)
• Private air-conditioned transportation
• 02 bottles of mineral water per person during sightseeing and transfers
• Sightseeing as per itinerary with entrance fees included
• Professional Licensed English Speaking guide

• Personal, travel and health insurance
• Drinks during meals

Today, meet the personal guide and driver and set off from Siem Reap to Phnom Kulen. Once known as Mahendraparvata during the Khmer Empire, Phnom Kulen gained attention in 2013 as a ‘lost city’ uncovered using aerial LIDAR technology. This represents the pinnacle of 21st-century archaeology, revealing several new sites and a larger urban settlement than previously understood. Discover some of these newly accessible adventures by motorcycle, the traditional mode of transport in rural Cambodia.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.