General information
| Destination | Category |
|---|
| Siem Reap, Cambodia | Sightseeing Tours |
Program details
Relive the adventures of the explorers of yesteryear with this intriguing full day tour deep into the jungle to visit the ruins of the ancient city of Koh Ker and the temple of Beng Melea. Both are in a largely untouched state, with the trees almost threatening to once again envelop with their roots these monuments.
The thickness of the rainforest around both Koh Ker and Beng Melea means they are far more remote and less visited than the other Angkorian ruins. Along the way from Siem Reap observe how a landscape of bucolic villages where a traditional way of life still dominates gives way to a beautiful forest populated by deer.
For centuries Koh Ker had been abandoned to (and hidden by) the jungle until the late 19th century, when French explorers discovered the remains. The immense complex covers a huge area most of which is still out of bounds to visitors. Some 100 structures dating back to the 10th century have been found. The main attraction is the Prasat Thom, a magnificent seven-tiered temple reminiscent of the Mayan pyramids. Also visually impacting are the Prasat Pram towers, which have been almost engulfed by trees.
Enjoy a picnic lunch in the complex before heading to Beng Melea, which is so overgrown with roots and littered with stones and masonry that it appears it was clawed back from the jungle only yesterday. Wander this sprawling temple, built at the same time as Angkor Wat, and feel just like one of those French archaeologists who happened upon it two centuries.
Meeting/pick-up point: Collection from the hotels in Siem Reap city at 7am.
Start/opening time: 7am.
End/closing time: 5pm.
Languages: English.
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