As you probably know, we are in love with Siem Reap and Angkor Wat. Don’t pay any attention to the bloggers that complain about the number of tourists and how Siem Reap has changed.
It’s all nonsense. Siem Reap is one of the nicest little towns in the world. The hotels are splendid, the food delicious, and the locals the warmest most elegant people in the region.
That’s why we spent two months in Siem Reap and went to Koh Ker, among other places. The trip was a dream come true. Trust us and go now before the whining tourists invade the place!
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Book Your Stay in Siem Reap
The first time we visited Siem Reap was 24 years ago. We’ve been back countless times and seen the city change. Today, the best places to stay in Siem Reap are luxurious hotels in unbeatable locations and with excellent prices.
Our first recommendation goes to Templation. We spent 4 incredible nights in the middle of the forest. Our extra comfy room faced a massive garden. We loved the pool and ate prime food at the onsite restaurant.
When we want to stay closer to the city we book a room at the FCC Angkor. The historic building used to be the governor’s house. Today, it has a lovely garden, a pool, and superb service.
Organize Your Transport
Hire a Car with a Driver
We went to Koh Ker with our friend Borey and his wife. We’ve known him forever and we wanted to travel together. He has a tuk tuk he uses to take us to Ankor Wat and around the city.
He recently bought a van to go to the airport and to take groups to other temples. Koh Ker is 75 miles (110 km) from Seam Reap and the ride takes just above 2 hours.
You need at least 3 hours to visit the entire complex. However, it makes sense to stop in Beng Melea on your way. We strongly recommend spending one night next to the temples in Phumi Môréal.
Rent a Car or a Motorbike
We always meet fellow travelers who drive themselves around Cambodia and rave about it. You can rent a car or a motorbike in Siem Reap and go to Koh Ker in approximately 2.5 hours.
The road is in good condition, but it can be scorching hot in the summer. Don’t forget to mention that you are going to Koh Ker to your rental company.
Once again we don’t recommend coming back on the same day. In particular if you are driving. You’ll be exhausted so it could be dangerous. Take it easy, spend a night, and enjoy Koh Ker to the max.
Join an Organized Tour
If you don’t feel like going alone, you can take an organized excursion to Koh Ker. You go by private van with an expert driver to the temples.
After visiting Koh Ker, you come back on the same day. You’ll be exhausted but happy. We recommend this tour. This one includes Preah Vihear too.
Going on an organized tour makes sense if it’s only one or two people going. If not, talk to fellow travelers and organize your own private tour with Borey. Ask him to stop for the night!
Visit Beng Mealea on Your Way
Beng Mealea is an incredible historic temple halfway between Koh Ker and Siem Reap. It’s one of our favorites! We love it because of its massive trees and crumbling walls.
Walking about Beng Mealea is an unforgettable experience. Your mind travels back in time as your eyes intake the beauty of the temples and your lungs the air from the lush forest.
Your Angkor Wat ticket can be used for Beng Mealea. You can also buy a one-time ticket for 5$. We left early from Siem Reap and spent two hours admiring Beng Mealea.
Spend the Night in Koh Ker
We wanted to enjoy our time together after driving from Siem Reap so we booked a night at the I am Koh Ker hotel in Phumi Moreal. The tiny little town is super authentic!
The four of us had some beer, chilled by the pool, had dinner, and enjoyed unforgettable views over the rice fields. We slept like babies and felt fully energized the next day.
Granted, staying in Koh Ker is not mandatory, but believe us, it was fantastic. We got to experience the real Cambodia. The other hotel in Phumi Moreal you can book online is Temples Garden Hotel & Restaurant.
Visit Koh Ker in the Morning
Circular Route
We believe it’s much better to visit the temples early in the morning. Since most tourists go on a day trip from Siem Reap, they arrive at the temples early afternoon.
We left our hotel early and after a 10 minute drive we were in Koh Ker with almost no one around. Besides, the temperature was lovely and we were able to climb the pyramid without melting away.
Koh Ker is not included in the Ankor Wat ticket. You need to pay 10$ at the entrance. All you need is to follow the signs and complete the circular circuit around the temples.
The Main Temple
To us, Cambodian temples are the best in the world. Not only because of the temples themselves but also because the incredible jungle that surrounds them. Koh Ker is as grand as it gets!
We are talking about 180 structures within a 30 square mile (80 sq km). However, you can’t visit most, but only a dozen. The highlight of Koh Ker is Prasat Thom. It looks like a pyramid.
We couldn’t believe how beautiful the views from the top are. Thus, don’t rush and climb the stairs. Once on top, look for the 1000 year old carvings and inscriptions that decorate the stones.
Tips for Visiting the Temples
We’ve been to Cambodia in all seasons and we always find it hot. The weather goes from hot to super-hot all year round. Thus, wear proper clothes and sunscreen.
Don’t wear flip-flops. You need proper shoes to climb the temple and walk about. We always walk with an umbrella to protect us from the sun and rain.
There are plenty of places that sell water. We try to recycle our bottles as much as possible but also to buy things from the local vendors. Bug repellant is mandatory.
Visit Other Places on Your Way Back
If you have time, we strongly recommend visiting other incredible places on your way back to Siem Reap. Stop in Svay Leu, a cute little town some 40 miles (60 km) from Koh Ker.
Visit the town and head to the small temples around. Our favorites are Prasat Tadong and Peung Kom Nuo. Besides, you will most likely be the only tourist in sight.
If you have the energy, go up Mount Kulen. It’s a sacred mountain with epic views over rice fields, forests and beyond.
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