The remains of the Roluos Group, 12 kilometres southeast of Siem Reap date back to the 9th century AD and are all that remains of the former capital of King Indravarman I. The group comprises of three distinctively-different temple complexes – named Bakong. Lolei and Preah Ko – and were the first to be constructed. Using durable material, such as bricks and carved plaster, the outlines of what once was expected to be adorned with precious material and wood, are now confirmed as the earliest definition of the Khmer civilisation. The three temples belonging to this important group have similarities of architecture, decoration materials and construction methods which combine to reveal the beginning of the Classic Period of Khmer Art. Nowadays, the area is home to a Buddhist monastery with its saffron-clad residents taking great pride in living nearby such an integral part of Khmer history.

On the way back to Siem Reap, time to stop and watch over almost endless fields of green with small little villages dotted along the horizon mark the end of an unforgettable day. Before you know it, your Siem Reap overnight address is in sight where your private guide and driver for the day thank you and your travel companions for joining them on a journey through their home country.