Bakong in Depth
Full Day with Lunch 9 am to 6:30 pm
Full Day with Lunch 9 am to 6:30 pm
Off the beaten path
Countryside sunset and rural life
Traditional monk blessing
abandoned temples
Picnic treats
Home-hosted lunch
and an organic farm experience
Detailed Itinerary:
Begin the day with a morning transfer to Bakong - a traditional village offering an authentic immersion into rural Cambodian life, with farming activities and off‑the‑beaten‑path temple visits.
First, you’ll be warmly welcomed by a host family who has lived in the area for generations. Hear their story of simple living and farming traditions. Their home, surrounded by greenery and serenity, invites you to wander through organic gardens and learn about the vegetables and crops used in Cambodian cuisine. You’ll also be introduced to soil preparation and organic farming techniques. During the visit, enjoy picking fresh vegetables and herbs to be used in today’s lunch preparation.
Next, walk through the farm to an abandoned temple near the host’s home. The temple is part of the royal complex, dating back to the 9th century. Along the way, enjoy the walk and conversation.
Returning to the house, we’ll begin preparing lunch. The host will introduce Khmer paste, explain the variety of vegetables used in soups, and share traditional cooking techniques. You can either watch the demonstration or roll up your sleeves to join in the cooking.
Enjoy lunch and relax on a hammock or reclining chair.
In the afternoon, you will continue to visit the Bakong Temple - a sandstone pyramid and a masterpiece of Pre-Angkorian craftsmanship. Its tiered design symbolizes Mount Meru, the mythical center of the universe in Hindu cosmology. Surrounded by moats and lush greenery, Bakong offers a serene escape steeped in spiritual history.
After your temple visit, take part in a traditional water blessing by a Buddhist monk. As the monk gently sprinkles holy water and chants rhythmic Pali scriptures, the ritual is believed to cleanse misfortune and invite positive energy. A red cotton thread will be tied around your wrist—a sacred token of protection and spiritual strength.
Feeling refreshed, you’ll journey through the countryside on an ox‑cart ride to Totoeng Thngai Temple—meaning “Broad Sunshine.” Known as Siem Reap’s Stonehenge, its trilithic sandstone doorframes resemble megaliths, combining mystery, unique architecture, and symbolic meaning beneath bamboo canopies.
Afterward, enjoy a picnic snack near Trapeang Phong Temple under the shade of palm trees, experiencing the way local farmers rest during visits to their rice fields. Together with the host family, you’ll freshly cook Lot Cha—one of Cambodia’s most beloved street foods, a quick stir‑fried noodle dish with chewy rice pin noodles, soy and fish sauce, garlic, bean sprouts, and a fried egg topped with chili sauce.
Conclude the day with a sunset over the rice fields. And, meet the buffalo along the way. Bid farewell to your hosts and return to Siem Reap with a good memories from Cambodian countryside.
Includes: Pick up/drop off by a tuk tuk, mineral water, home-hosted lunch, guide service, and host.
Exclude: Tip for guide and host, Angkor Pass for Bakong Temple Visit