Cambodia Adventure

This morning, explore the Angkor Thom site by tuk-tuk, entering through the South Gate, the best-preserved entrance, after crossing the “naga” bridge. You will discover, in turn: the Bayon, a temple mountain built at the geometric center of Angkor Thom, famous for its towers with faces representing the bodhisattva and its intricate bas-reliefs depicting the political, economic, social, and religious history of the Khmer Empire. Continue to the Terrace of the Elephants, also known as the Royal Terrace, from where the king and his court would watch games, processions, and grand royal ceremonies held on the Grand Plaza. Next is the Terrace of the Leper King, named after a statue found on the terrace, which was called the “Leper King” in memory of King Yasovarman I, who first built Angkor and died of leprosy.

In the afternoon, visit the Angkor Wat Temple, the most famous and majestic temple in the Angkor complex, known for its iconic towers and being the symbol of Cambodia. This colossal funerary temple made of sandstone and laterite, dedicated to Vishnu, is the most flamboyant example of Khmer architecture, reaching the pinnacle of grandeur and sophistication, covering an area of over 80 hectares.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight in Siemreap.

After breakfast at the hotel, embark on a morning excursion to the Banteay Srei Temple, known as “The Citadel of Women.” Despite its small size, this temple, built of pink sandstone in the late 10th century, is a masterpiece of Angkorian architecture and sculpture. Famous for its devatas (celestial maidens), Banteay Srei also features a magnificent representation of Vishnu Narasimha.

Continue to Banteay Samre, a temple contemporary with Angkor Wat but less visited by tourists and well-restored. Along the way back, make a stop to witness the production of palm sugar in a village. In the afternoon, after passing through the Victory Gate of Angkor Thom, visit the twin temples of Thommanon and Chau Say Tevoda (early 12th century), followed by the Ta Keo Temple, a 10th-century Shivaite temple left unfinished. Conclude the enchanting visit at the Ta Prohm Temple, known for its captivating overgrowth and appearance, left largely unrestored, offering a glimpse of how the entire Angkor complex was discovered in the 19th century, engulfed by vegetation. Return to Siem Reap.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight in Siemreap.

Start your day with a bicycle ride through rural life, crossing rice fields and villages along the ancient royal road to reach the lost temple of Chao Srei Vibol and its pagoda. Continue towards the Roluos temples, known as the “Roluos Group,” which date back to the pre-Angkorian era and are about fifteen kilometers east of Siem Reap. Begin your journey with a stop at Lolei to observe the meticulous restoration work that has been ongoing for several years. Then, visit the charming Preah Ko and conclude with the majestic Bakong Temple, set in a particularly peaceful and enchanting environment. The sunset here is magical. Return to Siem Reap.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight in Siemreap.

Dedicate your day to an excursion on Tonle Sap Lake, connected to the Mekong River by a 100-kilometer-long channel. Embark on a boat journey across the lake, meeting fishermen and exploring the stilted village of Kampong Khleang. Visit a village that produces smoked fish. Then, visit a crocodile farm. Continue the visit to the Krabi Real village, where you’ll have lunch with a local family. Explore the crocodile farm in the village and then visit the national silk production center in Pourk. Return to Siem Reap.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight in Siemreap.

Continue your visit to the Beng Mealea Temple, located 42 km northeast of Siem Reap and 6.5 km southeast of Phnom Kulen. Beng Mealea, which means “lotus pond,” is a Buddhist temple. It is one of the most mysterious temples in the ancient city of Angkor. Isolated and serene, this archaeological site exudes a calm and magical atmosphere. Beng Mealea Temple was built between 1112 and 1152 during the reign of King Suryavarman II. Originally dedicated to the primary deity Vishnu, this temple was initially built for Hindu worship. Since the filming of Jean-Jacques Annaud’s movie “Two Brothers,” Beng Mealea has become one of the most famous sites in Angkor. During that time, these ancient monuments served as the backdrop for the film.

Depart for Koh Ker, a temple constructed by King Jayavaraman IV (AD 928-942). Koh Ker is a 35-meter-high temple designed in the shape of a seven-tiered stupa. The temple is oriented westward, facing the rival city of Angkor. Continue to the Preah Vihear Temple, located on the Dorng Rek mountain at the border between Cambodia and Thailand.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight in Preah Vihear.

Breakfast at the hotel. Depart for Ratanakiri Province on a long journey, approximately 6 hours by road. Make a stop at the beginning of the Mekong River between Laos and Cambodia (Sopheak Mit). Continue the visit and make another stop in Stung Treng Province to explore a Cambodian-Laotian-style pagoda.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight in Ratanakiri.

Depart for Voeune Sai village on the left bank of the Tonle Sesame River (there is a small restaurant on-site), offering a beautiful view of the Chinese village on the opposite side of the river. This place is almost a Chinese enclave in Cambodian territory; most of the villagers, who have been there for generations, do not speak Khmer. Take a boat trip on the Tonle Sesame River to visit Koh Peak village, known for its funeral totems. Upstream from the Ses San River, several Tampon villages practice funeral statuary; visit Ka Chuan village, which is home to magnificent funeral totems (depending on the season and water level, the village will be reached by boat or jeep via the track). Most of the inhabitants in this region are of Chinese or Laotian origin and speak Laotian among themselves. Return to Banlung, and visit Yak Laom Lake, a beautiful perfectly round body of water surrounded by a forest, ideal for a late afternoon swim. The site holds sacred significance for the locals, and mysterious creatures were said to inhabit these crystalline waters. Continue the visit to La Chanh Waterfall.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight in Ratanakiri.

Breakfast at the hotel. Depart for Kratie Province, about 220 km and 4 hours by road. Upon arrival, take a boat ride on the Mekong to discover the freshwater Irrawaddy dolphins. Cross the Mekong to Koh Trong for your overnight stay. Tonight, you will have dinner with a local family. Overnight at a homestay in Koh Trong.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight in Kratie.

Breakfast at the hotel. Before heading to Phnom Penh, go on a bike ride to explore Koh Trong village and experience local life and rice fields. Continue to Phnom Penh, and along the way, visit a rubber factory and rubber plantation. In Kampong Cham, visit the male and female hills to understand the competition between women and men. Arrive in Phnom Penh in the late afternoon and check in at the hotel. Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight in Phnom Penh.

After breakfast, explore the capital city: Visit the Royal Palace, the residence of the king and queen, which houses the Silver Pagoda with its floor paved with 5,000 silver tiles, each weighing one kilogram. Visit the National Museum, an elegant building constructed in 1917 by a French architect in Khmer style, housing masterpieces of Khmer art. Officially inaugurated in 1918, it was named in 1920 the “Albert Sarraut Museum,” in honor of the Governor-General of Indochina under whose authority it was placed. Then, visit Wat Phnom, which means “Hill Pagoda,” dedicated to the sea goddess.

In the afternoon, visit the Tuol Sleng Museum, a former high school converted into a detention center. The site was known as Security Prison 21 and is now recognized as the country’s largest detention and torture center. Take a walk along the Mekong while enjoying coconut juice. Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Pickup by our driver and depart for the Cardamom Mountains, specifically to the village of Chi Phat. The Chi Phat Community Based Ecotourism (CBET) organization welcomes you.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight in Chi Phat.

This morning, we embarked on motorbike taxis through the forest to reach the starting point of our hike. Our steps take us through the lush jungle as well as wide clearings. In these good observation spots, we might come across a deer or wild boar. With a bit of luck, we may encounter gibbons, or at least hear them from a distance. Lunch by a river. The terrain rises somewhat, sometimes slippery, but we are not in the Himalayas during the monsoon! We arrive in Damnak Kos in the mid-afternoon. Continue the visit to the waterfall and Veal Ta Park. Dinner and overnight stay with a local family in Chi Phat.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight in Chi Phat.

Breakfast, depart for Kampot Province, approximately 185 km away. Visit Bokor Mountain, which used to be a beautiful park for the French during the colonial period, where they enjoyed their holidays. At the end of the day, take a collective boat trip to watch the sunset. Overnight in Kampot.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight in Kampot.

Continue the visit to the Kampot pepper plantation, which has been famous since the French colonial period. Explore the salt marshes where salt is produced for consumption throughout the country. Transfer to Phnom Penh for your return flight.