Day 1 · Siem Reap
JT16 Walk with the elephants
In the foothills of beautiful Kulen Mountains lies the Bos Thom Community Forest, 1100 acres of pristine, protected forest inhabited by the 14 elephants of Angkor. For 22 years, these elephants were used as tourist attractions, giving rides to visitors in the temples of the world heritage site. Today, thankfully, they roam free in their natural habitat and are a living testimony of a changing world. The name of it: Kulen Elephant Project
The journey to the Kulen Elephant Forest is almost as spectacular as seeing the majestic elephants themselves. Travelling in one of our restored vintage jeeps makes this trip more adventurous, allowing you to travel on small dirt roads through the forest, giving you a truly unique view of nature at its best.
In the morning, you will have a magical experience of helping feed the elephants their breakfast, and watch them get ready for their day before heading into the forest together. Experiencing the elephants’ mornings is a fantastic way to gain a better understanding of how to care for these majestic creatures. At noon, you will retire to base camp and enjoy a delicious traditional meal at the same time as our large residents, before bidding them adieu and heading out for your afternoon activity.
Climb aboard our rugged jeep, and let your knowledgeable guide unveil the authentic soul of rural Cambodia! We'll venture deep into the countryside, navigating challenging roads unsuitable for regular vehicles, giving you an unparalleled experience amidst swaying palm trees and endless rice fields.
Our journey includes a delightful stop in Preah Dak, a charming village renowned nationwide for its specialty cupcakes. These treats are so exquisite, people travel from across the country just to taste them – a definite must-try! Beyond the culinary delights, Preah Dak is a hub for traditional handicrafts. We'll show you firsthand how intricate rattan baskets are skillfully woven by local artisans.
You'll return to your hotel by late afternoon, enriched not only by the incredible experience of seeing elephants up close but also with a profound understanding of daily life in the Cambodian countryside.
Included meals
Included today