Day 6: ANCIENT RIVERBED CARVINGS, BANTEAY SREI AND GOLDEN SILK FARM
This morning journey north for about an hour to Kbal Spean, the original ‘River of a Thousand Lingas’. Kbal Spean is an intricately carved riverbed deep in the foothills of the Cambodian jungle. You will experience a short jungle trek in the Angkor area for about an hour, it is a gradual uphill but scenic climb to reach the river carvings. The path winds its way through knotted vines and big boulder formations and occasionally offers big views over the surrounding jungle. And there is a small waterfall below the carved riverbed, perfect for cooling off after the hot climb.
After, head south to Banteay Srei, a petite pink temple is the jewel in the crown of Angkor-era sculpture. The elaborate carvings here are the finest found in Cambodia and the name translates as ‘Fortress of the Women’.
Final stop is the Golden Silk Pheach Preservation Center, one of the rare remaining fully integrated silk producers in the world.
They strive to restore and safeguard intricate Khmer traditional methods and techniques of silk making. At the center, you will be given a guided in-house tour to learn about the process of silk harvesting and various traditional weaving techniques. Mulberry bushes are also grown on site where silk worms are cultivated. At the end of the tour, you can visit their boutique shop to view some of the most intricate and unique fabrics produced in the country. From here, it’s about an hour’s drive back to your hotel in town.
Overnight Shinta Mani Shack (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)