Depart Siem Reap at 8:00 to 8:30 AM, riding through rice paddies and traditional Cambodian villages before visiting an out of the ordinary mangrove forest in the middle of nowhere. After a relaxed 1.5 hours and about 65 km in total, we arrive at Beng Mealea, a sprawling jungle entwined temple that predates Angkor Wat. We take ample time to explore its crumbling galleries for an “Indiana Jones” experience.

Enjoy an authentic Khmer lunch, for example amok or lok lak, at a local eatery before continuing up to Phnom Kulen, about 25 km away. We arrive in the early afternoon, set up our tents at a peaceful campsite near the mountain, and enjoy a quiet evening surrounded by nature and a river.

We start at 8:30 AM with an exhilarating, scenic descent. Our morning begins on a concrete, twisty road down the hill towards Svay Leu, offering beautiful views. Once we reach the foothills, we transition onto the classic red-earth roads of rural Cambodia, perfect for slow cruising and authentic encounters with locals and local markets.

Our main morning activity is a stop at Kbal Spean. We take the time to enjoy a quiet visit to the "River of a Thousand Lingas" and the small waterfall, ensuring we have plenty of time for photos and relaxation before lunch at a local eatery.

In the early afternoon, we'll check the availability for a guided tour at the Angkor Centre for Conservation of Biodiversity (ACCB) (starting around 1:30 PM). If we can join a group, we will learn about the rescue and breeding programs for endangered species. (If the ACCB tour is unavailable, we will shift our cultural visit to the APOPO Center on Day 3 instead.)

Finally, we continue our slow ride to the area near Banteay Srei. We settle in for the night at a friendly homestay, ready to enjoy the tranquil village setting and a home-cooked dinner.

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.