Depart Siem Reap at 8:00-8:30 AM, riding through rice paddies and traditional Cambodian villages (~65 km, ~1.5 hours). Arrive at Beng Mealea, a sprawling, jungle-entwined temple predating Angkor Wat. Explore its crumbling galleries and vine-covered towers for an "Indiana Jones" experience, with time for photos amid the ruins.

Enjoy a Khmer lunch (for example, amok or lok lak) at a local eatery near Beng Mealea before continuing north to Koh Ker (~55 km, ~1-1.5 hours), the former Khmer capital. Visit Prasat Thom, a striking seven-tiered pyramid rising above the forest canopy, and climb for panoramic sunset views.

Check in at a locally run resort in Koh Ker, offering simple but comfortable rooms with private bathrooms and air conditioning. It is a welcoming retreat to enjoy the serenity of the temple region.

Start at 8:30 AM with a scenic ride through rural Cambodia along red-earth roads, passing remote villages and local markets for photos and authentic encounters. Stop at the Angkor Centre for Conservation of Biodiversity for lunch and continue to Kbal Spean waterfall.

By early afternoon, join a guided tour of the conservation center (~1.5 hours) to learn about rescue and breeding programs for endangered species such as pileated gibbons, the white-shouldered ibis, and Cambodia’s “Royal Turtle.” Continue to the Kulen foothills, arriving at a forest lodge by late afternoon for relaxation and dinner.

Stay overnight in an eco-friendly lodge with air conditioning, lake and mountain views, and a tranquil setting near the Butterfly Center.

Depart at 8:00 AM for Phnom Kulen, the sacred mountain where the Khmer Empire began. Visit highlights such as Kbal Spean, the “River of a Thousand Lingas,” Preah Ang Thom pagoda with its 8-meter reclining Buddha carved from sandstone, and Phnom Kulen Waterfalls for a refreshing swim (bring swimwear and towels). Lunch can be a picnic or enjoyed in a nearby commune.

In the afternoon, descend through Angkor Archaeological Park (~50 km), riding past the ancient walls and gates of Angkor Thom. Stop at the Apopo Visitor Center to learn about HeroRATs, giant African pouched rats trained to detect landmines. Return to Siem Reap by late afternoon (~4–5 PM).

End the journey with a farewell dinner at the hotel, a chance to relax and share experiences from the three days together.