At the Kulen Elephant Forest

The next morning, we had to get up quite early again.

After a very good breakfast, we headed to the meeting point for today’s excursion – the Kulen Elephant Forest.

Our guide Kia drove us to the elephant park in his car , where we were first given a detailed briefing on how to behave around the elephants.

We were also given further information about the impressive project, which not only aims to rescue elephants but also to provide jobs for the local population and supports numerous other social projects. Then we prepared food for the elephants.

A short time later, we stood face to face with the gentle giants. We were allowed to feed them and were amazed by the precision and delicacy with which they took food from our hands. It was fascinating.

Afterwards, we went for a walk with the elephants. I had never been so close to such a large animal. Yet I didn’t feel afraid at all.

After a long walk, we reached a water hole where the elephants drank, played with one another, splashed each other – and repeatedly made us laugh.

Eventually, we were also served a wonderful lunch and had the opportunity to buy souvenirs, which directly supported the project once again.

After the meal, we returned to Siem Reap. This day was the best of the entire trip. I will never forget these majestic animals.

We spent the afternoon at and inside the pool again, partly napping, partly reading, and enjoying the cool water. It was an incredibly hot day again.

In the evening, we treated ourselves to wonderful street food at the night market and went to bed early – we had to get up very early the next day.