4x4 Adventure in Cambodia

We leave the city of Siem Reap again in our vintage jeep and make our way into the beautiful countryside, where we drive through the villages along the red dirt roads. It will be a nice and peaceful ride that is mostly flat. Along the way, we stop at the fish market, where you can observe the traditional fish trade of the Khmer that takes place daily. After the cycling, we take a small break for a cool refreshment before we move on to the next part of the journey. We continue our trip with a visit to one of the most impressive floating villages in Cambodia, Kampong Kleang. Upon arrival in the village, we board a boat and set off to explore the floating village. At lunchtime, we take you to a stilt house in the village, where you will enjoy a typical Khmer lunch with very friendly locals. Afterwards, we drive to the floating village of the Vietnamese. This village is different from the rest of Kampong Kleang. The Vietnamese village does not consist of stilt houses. The houses there are built on floating objects that keep them above water on the Tonle Sap. Your host family will provide you with a local meal and you will have the opportunity to see more of this extraordinary stilted village. Overnight in a traditional stilt house.

Experience how the village comes to life in the morning. After a good breakfast, we leave the village and drive into the Cambodian 'Outback' to the mysterious temple of Beng Melea from the 12th century. Beng Melea is overgrown with trees, vines, and moss, offering a truly impressive glimpse into the majesty of the ancient temple complexes. After lunch, you will drive to Koh Ker. It is a stunning and unique pyramid-shaped temple dating back to 931 AD. Upon entering, one might almost feel like one is approaching a Central American Maya site like Chichen Itza. Koh Ker also has a unique political history; it was founded by Jayavarman IV as the 'new' capital outside the Angkor area. Its significance, however, was short-lived; after the king's death, power was returned to the Angkor area around 944 AD. The tiring climb up wooden steps to the top of the pyramid is quickly forgotten when you see the breathtaking view from the summit.

After a hearty breakfast, you climb back into the jeeps and drive to another adventure. Phnom Koulen is one of the most scenic and historically significant places in the region. Phnom Koulen is considered a sacred mountain in Cambodia, especially of religious significance for Hindus and Buddhists who pilgrimage to this mountain. Your visit ends with one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Cambodia. At the foot of the waterfall, there is a large pool where we can take a refreshing dip. After sunset, a drive through the Cambodian night offers another unique experience. This evening, you will experience true Cambodian hospitality as you stay overnight with a local family. They welcome you into their home and invite you to a traditional barbecue dinner in their backyard.

Your guide will prepare you breakfast. We leave the lodge and continue. When the roads become too narrow, even jeeps may become too tight, the only option left is to walk the last short distance. The hike allows you an even closer connection. As you round the last corner, a majestic, albeit somewhat surreal sight awaits you. Deep in the trees lies Srah Damrei; large sandstone sculptures of an elephant, a lion, and several other smaller statues are ensnared in the dense underbrush, frozen in time. These beautifully sculpted pieces have been dated to the 8th or 9th century. We continue on our way and visit a beautifully carved reclining Buddha that rests above the Preah Ang Thom temple, before we see the 1000 Lingas, where a series of Hindu lingas have been carved into the riverbed. In the late afternoon, you will discover the Banteay Srei temple, known as the 'Lady Temple'. The special charm of this temple lies in its compact size, remarkable condition, and the excellence of its decorative carvings. This evening, you will stay in a beautiful forest cabin with a swimming pool.

You begin early with a jeep ride from the lodge that takes you directly to the magnificent temple of Angkor Wat, where you will experience the sunrise over the ruins. After that, enjoy a magical walk through the temple in the soft morning light and cooler temperatures. After a short drive with the van, a delicious breakfast awaits you to recharge your energy. After breakfast, you ride along the hidden paths of the Angkor complex through the jungle, visiting some of the best-kept secrets of the park as well as the iconic temples of Bayon, Ta Prohm, and the Elephant Terrace. As the temperature rises, you will be treated to lunch overlooking the Sra Srang lake before returning to your hotel.