Stay : Going beyond Angkor Wat
Cambodia 's tourist star is a must-see. Angkor Wat is a magical site, but lovers of old stones may want to go further into the jungle in search of other temples less known, and especially deserted because difficult to access and far from the tourist trails. A good car will be essential.
Summary of the stay
Best time to go
7 days
€€€ - Luxury
Detail of the stay : Going beyond Angkor Wat - 7 days
Day 1: Magic Angkor
Steps: Angkor
Spend this first day exploring the main sites of Angkor Wat, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There is like magic in these grandiose ruins drowned in the forest. In principle, three days may be enough to visit the main recommended sites, but access conditions are difficult, so allow one or two days of rest.
ANGKOR WAT
Day 2: Playing extra time
Steps: Phnom Penh, Angkor, Siem Reap
Extend your stay in Angkor with an excursion a little further north, about a hundred kilometres from Siem Reap, to reach the temple of Koh Ker. This city was the capital of Cambodia in the 10th century and has preserved sumptuous ruins lost in the middle of the jungle. Most of the decorative statues are on display at the National Museum of Cambodia in Phnom Penh. At the end of the day, reach Prehear Vihear city, another 100 km to the north.
Day 3: A day on the track
Visit the temple of Preah Vihear, also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its state of conservation is exceptional and the Cambodian plain, which you dominate from these old stones, is simply breathtaking. Stay in Prehear Vihear city, which is not very interesting, but you have no other choice.
TEMPLE DE PREAH VIHEAR
Day 4: Towards the Thai border
Steps: Sisophon, Bantey Chmar
From Prehear Vihear city, take the northern track along the Thai border to the temple of Bantey Chmar, 60 km north of Sisophon. A hidden temple, far from all the beaten track, that you will have the impression to discover as if you were an archaeologist. An ecotourism agency has trained a few host families, and we strongly recommend that you spend the night there to fill yourself with the magic of the site.
Day 5: Cape Town in the South
After a stop at Sisophon, join Siem Reap and then take the Tonlé Sap route to Phnom Penh. Late afternoon in the capital where you can rest a few hours before you start early the next morning.
Day 6: A temple older than Angkor
Steps: Kompong Thom, Angkor
Join Sambor Prei Kuk via Kompong Thom. This temple is the only one in Cambodia that predates the Angkor complex. Built in the 7th century, it has suffered a lot from the bad weather but has kept some beautiful carved animals. Many buildings are scattered in the forest, suitable for a walk in the woods. Return in the evening to Phnom Penh.
Day 7: Last day in Phnom Penh
Steps: Phnom Penh
You still have to visit the National Museum to learn more about Cambodian temples. To take your mind off it and rest your legs, take a short walk along the banks of the Mekong River, along the Sisowath Pier and eat in a relaxed atmosphere at the night market. Takeoff and return flight in the evening.
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