This afternoon we head deep into the countryside around Siem Reap, well away from the tourist trail. 

Passing through rice fields and bucolic villages along the way, we stop to learn about the daily working life of the rural communities. Then, our first temple visit is Preah Monti, part of the Roluos group of temples that was originally the first capital of Angkor “Hariharalaya”. We explore this eerily deserted Temple, before continuing to the mysterious and forgotten temple of Totung Tgnai. Hidden deep in a bamboo forest, and with almost no documented literature, we explore this unusual ruined “Stonehenge” site and discuss theories as to its origin. 

We then continue to the nearby ancient reservoir for a snack and a rest on a stilted platform over the attractive lily pads, perhaps sampling some of the locally produced rice wine to aid our rest and recuperation in the afternoon heat. An attractive walk through the fields leads us to the hidden, and surprisingly tall, temple site of Trapeang Phong. 

Trapeang Phong itself is a Prasat, a Khmer temple tower, on a low natural mound. During the rainy season, it becomes an island in the marshlands of the Tonle Sap during which it is only accessible by row boat. This is a delightful site to sense the wonder of these hidden temples, where visitors are few and far between. 

We then continue through the backroads and head to Phnom Krom to enjoy the sunset and surrounding views of the countryside and the Tonle Sap lake. 

For the active there are opportunities to cycle either part or the whole way for this program and to finish at the bottom of Phnom Krom. Depending on the time of the year and the heat in the afternoon, it may be worthwhile to cycle one or two segments with your Travel Expert and journey by car for the remainder. 

There is also the opportunity for a private meditation session as the sun fades west of the vast Tonle Sap basin, before we return by vehicle to our hotel in Siem Reap.

PROGRAM CONCLUDES