Experience the magnificent Koh Ker Temple and the giant Pyramid of Prasat Thom at times when void of crowds. With a bird guide and driver, it’s an early departure from Siem Reap driving north to Koh Ker for morning birding. Koh Ker is special for anyone who would like to experience peaceful yet beautiful temples, partly overgrown by the forest. Few tourists visit this temple complex and former Angkorian capital as it’s a bit further from the main Angkor Archeological Park – but visitors are rewarded by a much quieter experience without the crowds. The complex is scattered in an area of dry Dipterocarp forest providing an excellent habitat for wildlife, especially birdlife, with the chance of seeing an average of 60 species of birds including White-rumped Pygmy-falcon, Collared Falconet, Rufous-winged Buzzard, Indochinese Bushlark, eight species of woodpeckers and many more.
After exploring Koh Ker we visit Beng Mealea temple, overgrown by vegetation becoming one of the most atmospheric and memorable sites in Cambodia, although becoming more popular now it is quiet in the afternoons and a great place for birding. We spend approximately an hour at Beng Mealea before returning to our hotel is Siem Reap around 5pm.
