On the first day of this tour, we’ll drive out to Kampong Thom province to visit one of the earliest Khmer temples known as Sambor Prei Kuk. It was built in the 7th century by King Isanavarman I and it’s located on the eastern side of the Tonle Sap lake. There were more than 150 temples built on this site and it was dedicated to Gambhireshvara, a reincarnation of the Hindu god, Shiva. In more modern times, t he area was heavily bombed by the United States and you can still see the craters left by the bombs. Local guerrilla fighters also heavily mined the area which was only demined in 2008.

On the way back to Siem Reap, we will take you to see the great lake called the Tonle Sap. You’ll leave Siem Reap town around 8 o’clock in the morning and start the drive out to Kampong Khleang which is a floating village situated on the Tonle Sap Lake. It’s more remote and less touristy than the other floating villages and visitors are often in awe of the tall houses sitting on top of the tall stilts which are clearly visible in the dry season. During the wet season, all these houses are floating on top of the lake. Kampong Khleang is the largest village and community on the lake with a population around 10 times bigger than the other floating villages on the lake.