This morning at 8.00am, depart your hotel to Phnom Kulen, regarded as the birthplace of the Khmer empire and approximately 50 kilometres from Siem Reap. The drive to the base of Phnom Kulen will take around one hour and will take you through pretty countryside. At the summit of Phnom Kulen mountain (a further half hour drive) is a 16th century Buddhist monastery (Phra Ang Tho), and it was here that King Jayavaraman II declared independence from Java in 802AD.

A short climb up a stone staircase leads you to a 17-metre reclining Buddha with views across the countryside. Around the base of the temple, monks and worshipers burn incense and leave offerings of fruit. We then explore nearby winding jungle paths, and see traditional Khmer healers plying their trade and selling Buddhist icons.

Next we take a short drive to the ‘River of 1000 Lingas’. We take time to walk into the water and view hundreds of lingas carved into the sandstone river-bed. It is said that King Jayavaraman II bathed in these waters and believed that the waters were holy. We then follow the river down to where it spills into a two tier waterfall and stop for lunch and a swim. Early afternoon, set out on the return journey to Siem Reap town and arrive back at your hotel mid-afternoon. This tour is ideal for people who enjoy the natural environment and want to add variety to their temple touring. It is particularly suitable for people with children, as there is a lot to see and do.