Temples & Trekking in Ratanakiri
In the Heart of Wild Cambodge: Ratanakiri Jungle, Forgotten Temples and Mekong Waters
Duration
14 days
Ideal seasons
Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov, Dec
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
rustique
Travelers
Solo, With friends, Couple
The spirit of travel
Leaves crackle under your feet as local guides trace an invisible path through the primary forest of Ratanakiri. Three days of camping in the heart of Virachey National Park lead you to crystalline waterfalls and villages of ethnic minorities, far from any civilization. Morning coffee, served in a bamboo cup carved on site, accompanies the awakening of tropical birds and the first light filtering through the canopy.
From this wild northeast, the descent towards the Mekong reveals another face of Cambodge: the tumultuous waters of Steung Treng where kayaks glide between giant aerial roots, then the lost temples of Preah Khan Kampong Svay, swallowed by the jungle for centuries. The pink sandstone towers of Banteay Srei and the endless galleries of Angkor Wat complete this immersion in Khmer art, from forgotten sanctuaries to universal wonders. Between two sites, the floating village of Kampong Kleang reveals daily life on the waters of Tonlé Sap.
This journey unites the heritage of the Khmer empire and Cambodian nature in its most raw form, where the Tampuan and Kreung ethnicities perpetuate their ancient traditions. A journey that leaves the imprint of Ratanakiri's red earth under your fingernails and the memory of temples sleeping in your mind.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Welcome to Phnom Penh
Welcome by our driver upon your arrival at Phnom Penh International Airport (KTI).
Transfer and check-in at the hotel.
The rest of the day is free.
Rooms available from 2:00 PM. If we arrive a bit early and our room is not yet ready, we can drop off our luggage at reception before going for a walk around town or resting by the pool.
Phnom Penh, vibrant capital
Let us first visit the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda, true gems of Khmer architecture built in the mid-19th century.
The dress code for the Royal Palace is quite strict: shoulders and knees must be covered.
We then visit the National Museum and discover one of the most important collections of Khmer art: 14,000 sculptures and ethnographic objects, mostly from the temples of Angkor. This jewel of Khmer architecture was built between 1917 and 1920, and features a magnificent interior courtyard, a truly lush garden surrounded by the museum's unique pieces.
Visit of the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21), a former high school in Phnom Penh that the Khmer Rouge transformed into an interrogation, torture and death center. It is the largest detention and torture center under the Pol Pot regime that will reveal to us a very painful chapter in Cambodia's history.
Today converted into a museum, the former S21 Prison reminds every visitor of the atrocities committed in Cambodia during the terrible years of communist dictatorship. No fewer than 17,000 people were inmates of the Tuol Sleng prison, and only 7 survived and can today recount the abuses they suffered. A visit to S21 can be a disturbing and poignant experience that some may not be able to endure. However, it is one of the keys to understanding the hell and madness in which Cambodia locked itself during these years of terror.
Depending on the time remaining we can visit the central market and/or the Russian market
On the way to the far northeast
In the morning, departure by road with your driver to Ratanakiri, one of the most natural and remote provinces of Cambodge where many minorities live. Upon arrival in Banlung, the provincial capital, check-in at your hotel and rest.
Day without English-speaking guide
Day without an English-speaking guide
Forest trekking
Car transfer to the Sesan River. You board a boat to reach a small village of a local minority, where your trekking in Virachey National Park begins with your guide. You follow a trail to a small wooden shelter where you will have your lunch break.
You then resume hiking for about an hour until you reach the Lalai River, which you will cross on foot (approximately 30m). Continue trekking until you reach a small waterfall perfect for swimming. There, you will set up camp for the night. Dinner will give you the opportunity to taste the local minority cuisine. If you still have the energy and courage, there is the possibility of taking a short night hike.
A fairly accessible day of hiking with approximately 6.5 km of walking and 100 m of elevation gain.
Long pants
Closed-toe shoes
Cap or other hat
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Small first aid kit
Mosquito repellent
Towel
Flashlight
2nd day of trek
River rafting descent
After breakfast, a return hike of approximately 4-5 hours towards an indigenous village where you will also have lunch.
From there, you will take a small boat back to the starting point. Expected arrival in Banlung around 4-5 PM.
On the banks of the Mekong near the Laotian border
In the morning, after checking out of the hotel, we depart with our driver. We first stop at the volcanic lake of Yeak Loam, in the midst of thick jungle.
This magnificent lake with its blue waters is said to have resulted from a meteorite impact. It is a sacred place for local ethnicities. The water's transparency offers perfect visibility (swimming is possible)
Then, transfer by road to Steung Treng, a quiet small town located on a sandy bank overlooking the Mekong, at the confluence with the Sé Kong River. Check-in at the hotel.
At the resort, board a boat to discover the Mekong and its trees with gigantic aerial roots. You may have the chance to spot its many water birds such as the lapwing, river tern, great stone-curlew or the Mekong wagtail, a species discovered in 2001. Then paddle the Mekong in your kayak (if you wish) to return to the hotel, a unique and delightful experience guaranteed!
Day without English-speaking guide.
We stay at the Mekong Bird Resort, a charming small family establishment in the heart of nature and by the water.
Embark on a boat trip of around 1 hour to discover the Mekong and its trees with gigantic aerial roots. You may want to bring earplugs if you can as the boat engine is quite noisy. You may be lucky enough to spot its many water birds such as the lapwing, river tern, great stone-curlew or even the Mekong wagtail, a species discovered in 2001.
Day without English-speaking guide
Preah Khan Kampong Svay, the other end of the empire
Transfer to Siem Reap province.
Located in Kampong Thom province, the Preah Khan Kompong Svay site constitutes a vast Khmer archaeological complex still well preserved, in the heart of a dense forest conducive to immersion off the beaten path.
The visit allows you to explore its enclosures, towers and remains overgrown with vegetation, testimony to its historical and spiritual importance. It is conducted with the local guides from BeTreed, who provide authentic insights into the site while sharing their knowledge of the territory, the surrounding nature and ecotourism initiatives.
Day spent with an English-speaking guide.
Once you arrive at your destination, we will settle you at the hotel; the rest of the day is free for you to enjoy as you wish.
Koh Ker & Beng Mealea
The Majestic Temples of Angkor
The river with 1000 lingas and the pink sandstone citadel
Free day in Siem Reap
Kampong Kleang Floating Village & Return to Phnom Penh
Thank you and have a great trip back!
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- International transport
- Passport & Visa Fees
- Repatriation Insurance
- Travel insurance
- Extra beverages / alcohols
- Meals not mentioned
- Phone calls
- Any excursion not mentioned in the programme
Included
- Transfers to and from the airport
- City Transports (tuk tuk or car)
- Land transfers indicated in the program
- Accommodation (3-star hotels and camp)
- Hotel breakfasts
- Repas mentionnés
- English-speaking guide for activities
- Entrance fees for activities
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- More than 60 days before departure: 40% of the total price (deposit retained)
- Between 60 and 30 days before departure: 50% of the total price
- Less than 30 days before departure: 100% of the total price
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below concerns travellers entering Cambodia for a tourist stay. Entry requirements may change, and we recommend that you verify the information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter Cambodia, your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months after your date of entry into the country and must contain at least two blank pages for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn or altered pages).
Tourist visa
Entry requirements for Cambodia depend on your nationality. A visa may be required. You should verify the specific conditions with the embassy or consulate of Cambodia in your country of residence, as well as with the authorities of your own country.
The following options are generally available for obtaining a visa:
an electronic visa (e-Visa), which can be requested online before departure through the official Cambodian government portal, valid for 30 days from your date of entry;
a visa on arrival, available at major entry points (international airports in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, as well as certain land border crossings), also valid for 30 days;
a visa obtained from the Cambodian embassy or consulate in your country of residence before departure.
An extension of an additional 30 days can generally be requested on site with the Cambodian Immigration Department.
The authorities may also request:
an outbound travel ticket (return flight or onward journey),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay.
Arrival form
Travellers may be asked to complete an arrival form provided by the Cambodian authorities, either online before departure or upon arrival depending on the entry point. This form collects information such as:
passport details,
flight or transport details,
the address of your first accommodation in Cambodia.
It is advisable to keep a digital confirmation or printed copy of any document submitted online, which may be requested when passing through immigration.
Health and vaccinations
No vaccinations are officially required to enter Cambodia. However, certain vaccinations are recommended by health authorities:
hepatitis A and hepatitis B,
typhoid,
rabies (in case of prolonged stay or travel to rural areas),
update of routine vaccinations (diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis, measles).
Antimalarial preventive treatment may be advised depending on the regions you plan to visit and the length of your stay. It is recommended that you consult a doctor or international vaccination centre before departure.
Travel with children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay, as well as an individual visa.
Depending on your country of residence, a parental authorization for exit from the territory may be required when a minor travels without one of their parents.
Other nationalities
Entry requirements may vary depending on your nationality. You should verify the specific conditions with the embassy or consulate of Cambodia in your country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended that you have travel assistance and medical expense coverage abroad.
Your local agency encourages you to familiarize yourself with the specific policy developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To purchase insurance, find out about coverage and rates, please follow the link below.
Choose the plan that best suits you:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the policy detailing all coverage and claim procedures is available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of this, but only the participant is responsible for complying with the claim declaration procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
A tourist visa is required. You can obtain it online (e-visa, approximately 36 USD) before departure or upon arrival at the airport (Visa on Arrival, approximately 30 USD). Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. The conditions for length of stay and visa extension vary depending on your nationality: we recommend that you check with the consular authorities of your destination for the specific rules that apply to you before booking.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a quality tailor-made trip, budget between 120 and 200 euros per day per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transportation and activities. International flights (700-1000 euros return) are additional. Cambodia offers excellent value for money, often combined with Vietnam or Thailand.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We adapt each itinerary to match your travel profile. For families, we prioritize relaxed pacing, family-friendly accommodations, engaging and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust every detail together until it's perfect. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) guarantee which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — South Phnom Penh
Travel Advisor and Cambodia Enthusiast, based in Phnom Penh
The most beautiful journeys are those that resemble the people living them. My role is simply to open the right doors of Cambodia for them.
— Cyrille
