Active Immersion of Cambodia’s Culture
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Phnom Penh – Kratie – Mondulkiri – Rattanakiri – Preah Vihear – Siem Reap

16 Days 15 Nights

Duration
16 Days & 15 Nights
Group Size
Max 20 people
Travel Styles
Classic, Active, Local Encounters
Minimum age
Travellers need to be at least 12 years old
Transport
Car
Best time to go
From October to March

Selling Points

  • Deep understanding of Cambodian culture through a complete overview of the country
  • An itinerary focused on nature and local encounters
  • Visit the most important UNESCO Heritage Sites in Cambodia
  • Camping, cycling, and hiking adventures for an active discovery
KratieMondulkiriRattanakiriPreah VihearKampong ThomSiem ReapPhnom Penh
Day 1

Arrival in Phnom Penh

Welcome to Phnom Penh – the capital of Cambodia, located in the center of the country at the confluence of the Tonle Sap and the Mekong rivers; this strategic place was chosen after the decline of Angkor as a capital.
Upon arrival at Phnom Penh International airport, you will meet your driver and local guide and travel to your hotel for check-in.

Day 2

Phnom Penh

After your breakfast, meet your local tour guide and tuk-tuk driver to discover Phnom Penh, the capital city of Cambodia. Your journey through the bustling capital will begin with a visit to the National Museum, the largest in the country that showcases the world’s most significant collections of Khmer sculptures, ceramics, and ethnography.

The next stop is at the Royal Palace, which strikingly dominates the city’s skyline. Previously, the complex of 4 main areas functioned as the Royal Residence of the King of Cambodia. Then, continue to the Phnom Penh Central Market for some shopping time at your leisure. After the tour, head back to your hotel and enjoy time at your leisure.

Day 3

Phnom Penh

Meet your cycling guide at the hotel and travel by vehicle to a unique cycling starting point. You will take the ferry across the Mekong river and begin pedaling from the pier, moving through local villages. After a short break, you will take the second ferry to reach a peaceful island. Continue your tour by crossing the bridge to reach Koh Dach, known as “Silk island” for its silk production. A Cambodian meal will be served at a local restaurant for a lunch break. After this relaxing moment, continue cycling around the farmlands, meet the local people working in the fields, and visit a weaving house to learn about the production of silk and the traditional way of making silk products.

Day 4

Kratie

Begin your journey towards the East of Cambodia. This drive will lead you through the suburbs of Phnom Penh and the lush countryside of rice fields. Upon arrival in Kratie, continue to visit the Irrawaddy dolphins. Relax, take your time to observe their playful behavior, and enjoy the beautiful surroundings before heading to Koh Trong Island. In this activity, you will immerse into the local life of this beautiful island, have dinner with a local family and spend a night in their traditional wooden stilt house.

Day 5

Mondulkiri

In the morning, enjoy a local breakfast style in your homestay before discovering this island with your local guide. Created by the inhabitants of Koh Trong, a 9-kilometer track circles the island, enabling you to discover a varied panel of what the charming island has on offer.
Next, be ready to depart Koh Trong and towards Sen Monorom. you will travel to your hotel for check-in.

Day 6

Mondulkiri

Meet your local guide and drive to one of the Bunong people’s villages. Start the hike after your cultural introduction, heading up a small hill sporting a nice view of your surroundings before diving headlong into the forest.
Around noon, stop to rest in a quiet place in the forest, and the Bunong villagers will cook a delicious lunch, employing a fascinating, traditional way of cooking. After lunch, and a brief repose surrounded by the chirping of birds and rustling of leaves, continue hiking until you return to the Bunong village. Finally, head back to your hotel in your private vehicle.

Day 7

Rattanakiri

In the morning, begin your visit to The Elephant Valley Project for a half-day tour. You will spend the morning with the elephants, shadowing families of elephants in the jungle, observing and listening to the local guide, who will explain how the elephants live, their history and background, and their behavior. At noon, travel back to Sen Monorom. Continue your trip toward Banlung; Along the way, the drive will take you through the lush, scenic countryside and the chance to admire the sunset on top of Banlung. Start strolling from the bottom of the hill, then explore the beautiful Pagoda of Wat Rahtanharanm and its reclining Buddha. Continue up the mountain to enjoy a moment to relax with drinks in a traditional hut to watch the stunning sunset with panoramic views of the city before heading to Bunlung for check-in.

Day 8

Rattanakiri

Hiking in Virachey’s Community Forest.
Travel for 1 hour north in the direction of Kachin village. On arrival, you will board a motorized boat, which will take you upstream on the mighty Susan river to reach the starting point of your hiking trail. The trail varied with some uphill parts with interesting views before ending at a stunning 40-meter-high waterfall.
Next, continue your hike along a small stream heading back to the starting point. Say farewell to the local ranger and take the boat back downstream while enjoying the views of the Sanger River in the afternoon light.

Day 9

Preah Vihear

In the morning, visit the capital of a multi-ethnic province and the central market of Banlung. Take a stroll around and soak up the Rattanakiri reality. Next, you will leave the money from Ratanakiri and travel toward Preah Vihear. This region is home to many temples, earning the nickname “Mother of the Mountain Temples.”

Day 10

Preah Vihear - Siem Reap

In the morning, visit the World Heritage Site Preah Vihear temple. Later, travel to Koh Ker complex, previously the capital of the Khmer royalty, under the reign of Jayavarman IV, before being moved to Siem Reap. Only a few travelers visit here, so fully enjoy the quietness of this amazing place. Then, continue the travel to Siem Reap.

Day 11

Siem Reap

Begin your day early and head to the starting point for your day’s excellent adventure and capture the sunrise at Angkor Wat. Then visit the magnificent South Gate of Angkor Thom, the significant capital of the Khmer Empire. Next, cycle towards the center of Angkor Thom’s complex to reach the mystical Bayon Temple, once the state temple of the Khmer capital. After soaking in Bayon, continue to explore the ancient capital at your own pace, admiring the elephant terrace and other jungle-bound temples, before making your journey to Ta Phrom, also called the “Tomb Raider temple.” Proceed on, and arrive at Srah Srang, the ancient reservoir of Angkor, to enjoy the stunning view and rest before enjoying a delicious local lunch. In the afternoon, continue cycling to Prasat Kravan.

Day 12

Siem Reap

Early morning travel from Siem Reaps to Phnom Kulen, the largest forested area in the Siem Reap province. After passing through the National Park checkpoint located at the foot of Kulen Mountain, begin your trekking tour and a diverse mix of trails, starting with a jungle trail through the forest. After a long day of trekking, arrive at the campsite near the river and settle for the night.

Day 13

Siem Reap

Phnom Kulen Waterfall – Siem Reap
Wake up in the early morning to enjoy the fresh and tranquil atmosphere of Kulen Mountain. After a local breakfast, start your second day of trekking and embark on a single trail.
You will reach the central area of Kulen Mountain, where you will first visit the golden Reclining Buddha situated at Preah Ang Thom and stop at the Phnom Kulen Waterfall. Arriving at the foot of the mountain, travel back to Siem Reap in your private vehicle and enjoy the afternoon at leisure.

Day 14

Siem Reap - Kampong Thom

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel this morning, we set off to visit a floating village of Tonle Sap Lake. Here you will enjoy a delicious picnic while enjoying the exceptional scenery and atmosphere. After lunch, continue your trip to Kompong Thom province. You will stop at Kompong Kdei, where you will admire this natural and ancient bridge from Angkorian times. Upon arrival at your hotel, check in and relax at your leisure.

Day 15

Kampong Thom - Phnom Penh

After breakfast, in the morning, be ready for checkout and continue your trip to Phnom Penh city. Along the journey from Kompong Thom, you will visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Sambor Prei Kuk. After the visit, travel to Phnom Penh with a short break at Skun (spider village). Upon arrival at your hotel, check in and relax at your leisure.

Day 16

Phnom Penh Departure

After checking out, you will meet your driver and guide and travel to Phnom Penh international airport for your onward flight.

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