About this experience
Embark on an exciting journey on motorbikes through the jungle with a driver. Discover the secrets of the abandoned 9th-century city. Visit a cave with bats, selected temples, and a forest hermitage. Meet a recluse and receive a prediction. See the altar-river of all Khmer emperors and a Buddhist sanctuary from the 16th century. Also, bathe in a sacred waterfall and taste exquisite coffee in a Khmer shop.
More about the program
Phnom Kulen Plateau: where the Khmer Empire originated
The plateau served as a stage for ancient rituals and the formation of the Khmer empire's authoritative vertical. What forces were interested in creating a powerful state in Southeast Asia? What triggered the country's unification? How did the religious foundation unite the scattered details of the state apparatus? We will discuss these and other topics during the journey.
Mahendraparvata: haven for historians and archaeologists
The city of the 9th century was discovered in the jungles of Cambodia by the famous archaeologist Philippe Stern, back in the 1930s. However, it took almost 90 years before his find was recognized by other researchers and the entire scientific community. The city's status was officially confirmed only after the archaeological mission's research in 2015.
Today, ancient Mahendraparvata is visited by almost no tourists—only archaeologists and historians come here. This means you will have a magical opportunity to see it like the first explorers! I will introduce you to several archaeological sites and tell you what has been discovered about the spiritual capital of the empire.
A rich journey there and back
In addition to the main goal, our program includes many other interesting events.
🚗 On the way from the hotel by car, you will see the Cambodian countryside—charming villages producing palm sugar. Wooden stilt houses, white zebu cows in rice fields, smiling Khmers will be the backdrop of your adventure.
🏍 Switching to a motorbike, you will cross a mountain pass and streams in the jungle, pass through cashew nut orchards, enjoy the views, and listen to the forest. Hold on tight—enjoyable adrenaline will be abundant!
🙏 We will visit a Brahmanical school monastery (if you want individual contact with a monk, inform me in the correspondence).
🦇 Visit a cave with bats.
🏞 I will tell you about the legendary river of 1000 lingams and its water properties. We will visit an herbal shop where, among other things, you will see the size of sandals worn by Buddha.
☕ After all the discoveries, we will wash off the road dust in a sacred 25-meter waterfall and taste incredible coffee. The hostess does not reveal the secret of preparation but does not refuse an extra portion.
Organizational details
How the tour goes
- I will meet you at the hotel, and we will drive to the plateau by car, where we will switch to motorbikes for the main journey.
- The drive time by car will be approximately 1.5 hours one way.
- During the 3.5-hour motorcycle tour, there will be transfers of 15-25 minutes each.
Other trip details
- Preparing for the trip: clothing covering knees and shoulders (preferably a shirt and pants); closed-toe shoes; swimwear
- A request for a ritual or conversation with the monks in the forest hermitage is discussed in advance, as a translator is required.
Additional expenses
- Transfer to Phnom Kulen Plateau (price discussed in correspondence with the guide). The transfer cost depends on the number of people on the tour.
- Transfer from the drop-off point to Mahendraparvata—$25 per person, these funds go entirely to the motorcycle driver. He plays an important and responsible role in the jungle leg of the route.
- Tickets to Phnom Kulen Plateau—$20 per person
