Embark on an enriching journey where you'll get to know everything about this must-visit attraction with its ins and outs, its incredible history, insights, and fun facts. The more you explore, the more you'll discover why this place is so important to the locals and its cultural relevance. It's worth setting your alarm and leave early. Situated atop a 52 meter high cliff in the Dongrek Mountains forming the natural border between Cambodia and Thailand is Preah Vihear temple, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site on July 7th, 2008. Subject to controversial ownership issues over time this temple officially belongs to Cambodia. Its location is 150km north of Siem Reap and it will take approximately 3 hours to get there. You will drive through picturesque countryside which becomes less and less populated the further north you go. This temple is a unique architectural complex of series of sanctuaries linked by a system of pavements and staircases on 800 meter long axis. It is an outstanding masterpiece of Khmer architecture and well preserved mainly due to its remote location.

Let a local host show you around and experience this cultural attraction from a local perspective. We drive to Beng Mealea, a jungled temple with peaceful and green environment. Then, we visit The archaeological site of Koh Ker, UNESCO on September 17, 2023, a sacred urban ensemble of numerous temples and sanctuaries including sculptures, inscriptions, wall paintings, and archaeological remains. Constructed over a twenty-three-year period, it was one of two rival Khmer Empire capitals – the other being Angkor – and was the sole capital from 928 to 944 CE. Established by King Jayavarman IV, his sacred city was believed to be laid out on the basis of ancient Indian religious concepts of the universe. The new city demonstrated unconventional city planning, artistic expression and construction technology, especially the use of very large monolithic stone blocks. Back to Siem Reap.

We explore the stunning Royal Palace complex. We enter the Throne Hall where the royal receptions are held and the Cambodian king's coronation took place. We then pass the Napoleon III Pavilion made from iron, a gift from the French emperor in the 19th century. We continue to the Silver Pagoda, named after the 5000 silver tiles covering the floor, each weighing 1kg. Inside are some of the country's most cherished treasures, including a life-size gold Buddha studded with 9584 diamonds, the largest weighing 25 carats.

We leave for Wat Phnom Temple founded by Daun Penh (Grandma Penh), a wealthy widow who in 1372, retrieved from a river a log with five Buddha statues in it and ordered to elevate a piece of her property on which to build a temple to house the statues. Later on, Grandma Penh and the villagers converted to build a temple on the top of the mountain and brought the four Buddha statues to the temple. After that we go to visit Independence Monument. Back to hotel and drop off.