The Lost Temples - Secret Sambor Prei Kuk and Bakan (Preah Khan) Temple Tours

The Lost Temples - Secret Sambor Prei Kuk and Bakan (Preah Khan) Temple Tours

With Angkor Wat being visited by more than one million tourists annually, overcrowding has become a significant issue. What should be a meaningful, spiritual experience has been replaced with long queues, obstructed photos, and traffic jams. A sense of authenticity has been lost.

Fortunately, this once magical experience can still be found by venturing off-the-beaten-path to the depths of Cambodia's countryside.

Join us on an overnight, private tour of Sambor Prei Kuk and Preah Khan of Kompong Svay is a once in a lifetime opportunity to experience Cambodian ruins before the modern-day crowds. Assume the role of the 20th century of French explorers, traversing the dense jungle to discover the most magnificent ruins.

Guests will have a chance to intimately visit two of the most historically and architecturally significant complexes in Cambodia's ancient history, with the later eclipsing that of Angkor in size, without crowds or distractions.

Itinerary

Day 1: Getting Out of the City - Experiencing life in Kompong Thom & Sambor Prei Kuk Temple

Stop At: Stoung, Cambodia
Visit Stoung, a small, off-the-beaten path city in Komopng Thom province. Here you will meet a local, Chea, who will give you a tour of the only market and the downtown area. Expect to be the only tourist in the town and see how locals really live. Afterwards, visit his home in a lcaol wood home for lunch with extended family.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Sambor Prei Kuk, Road 219 Cambodia
Visit the ruins of Sambor Prei Kuk, a pre-Angkorian temple, established by king Isanavarman in the 7th century. Sambor Prei Kuk was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site but has not been repaired. Due to its off-the-beaten path location it is rarely visited by tourists, giving you a much more authentic experience.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Kampong Thom, Kampong Thom, Kampong Thom Province
Overnight in Kompong Thom city. You will go out with your tour guide for a brief tour and dinner and the stay at a guesthouse or alternative accommodation as requested.
Duration: 12 hours

Meals included:
• Lunch
Accommodation included: Overnight at a guesthouse with private room, air-conditioner and hot water. Boutique hotel available for additional fee.

Day 2: Rediscovering the Lost Temple Preah Khan of Kompong Svay - the Largest Religious Complex in Cambodia

Stop At: Preah Khan, Angkor Wat, Siem Reap Cambodia
Discover Preah Khan of Kompong Svay, also known as Bakan Temple. It stands as the largest single religious complex ever built during the Angkorian Era, with its 5km enclosure dwarfing that of Angkor Wat. Built in the 11th century, it was a headquarter home to famous Kings including Suryavarman I and II and even Jayavarman VII. It was heavily bombed during the Civil War and Khmer Rouge and is still surrounded by craters. This jungle temple is rarely visited, giving you a 19th century explorer type feel that few tourists will ever experience.
Duration: 2 hours

No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.