Jungle & temple
From the primary jungle of Ratanakiri to the thousand-year-old temples of Angkor, an immersive journey through authentic Cambodge
Duration
15 days
Ideal seasons
Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov, Dec
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
classique
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends
The spirit of travel
At dawn, the sounds of the primary forest in Ratanakiri wake you up in your camp on the riverbank. The elephants of the Sen Monorom sanctuary welcome you into their natural refuge, while Irrawaddy dolphins emerge from the brown waters of the Mekong near Kratié.
This journey crosses the remote provinces of Mondulkiri and Ratanakiri, territory of the Bunong and Kreung ethnic minorities who preserve their ancestral traditions. The Bousra waterfalls cascade down their three stages with a deafening roar, the volcanic lake of Yeak Loam reveals its waters of supernatural blue, and trekking trails wind through still pristine jungle. At Sambor Prei Kuk, the brick towers of the 7th century emerge from lush vegetation, witnesses to the pre-Angkorian empire of Chenla.
The adventure culminates at the temples of Angkor, where the bas-reliefs of pink sandstone tell the epic of the Khmer kings who dominated Southeast Asia for six centuries. Between wild jungle and thousand-year-old heritage, this circuit reveals a Cambodge where nature and history blend in a striking balance.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Welcome to Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh Airport → Phnom Penh
Welcome by your driver upon arrival at Phnom Penh airport.
Transfer and check-in at your hotel.
Rest. Rooms available from 2:00 PM. You can drop off your luggage at reception before going for a walk around the city.
Day without an English-speaking guide
Phnom Penh, vibrant capital
Let's discover the famous Wat Phnom which gave its name to the capital. The "temple of the hill" is the highest point in Phnom Penh.
We then visit the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda, true jewels of Khmer architecture built in the middle of the 19th century.
The dress code at 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, most of which come from the temples of Angkor. This jewel of Khmer architecture was built between 1917 and 1920, and features a magnificent inner courtyard, a truly lush garden surrounded by the museum's unique pieces.
Day trip by tuk-tuk
Visit to 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 recalls to each visitor the atrocities committed in Cambodia during the terrible years of communist dictatorship. No fewer than 17,000 people were inmates of Tuol Sleng prison, and only 7 survived and can today recount the abuse they suffered. A visit to S21 can be a disturbing and poignant experience that some may not be able to bear. However, it is one of the keys to understanding the hell and madness in which Cambodia locked itself during these years of terror.
Day spent with an English-speaking guide.
Kampong Cham and Kratié
In the morning, transfer to Kampong Cham, along the way, let's be bold to fully enjoy a "gastronomic" stop in the city of Skun, famous for its fried spiders and insects
The hills of Phnom Pros and Phnom Srei are located in Kampong Cham. Separated by about a kilometer from each other, these two hilltops offer a magnificent view over the countryside and the Mekong. We can visit modern temples on these hills and enjoy the location to relax pleasantly. Two historically significant places not to be missed.
We then head to Kampi. We board the Mekong to search for Irrawaddy dolphins, one of the rare freshwater dolphin species, which is endangered.
Return to the city of Kratie, where we check in.
Day without English-speaking guide
On the way to Mondulkiri
In the morning, departure by road with your driver to the province of Mondulkiri, one of the most natural and remote provinces of Cambodge where many minorities live. Upon arrival in Sen Monorom, the provincial capital, check-in at your hotel and rest. The rest of the day is free.
In the afternoon, we head towards the Bousra waterfalls, the largest and most beautiful in Cambodge. Cascading over 3 levels, they offer a magnificent spectacle and a natural pool where you can swim.
Day without English-speaking guide
The Elephant Sanctuary
Spend an exceptional morning in one of Cambodia's most biodiverse forests and observe some of our resident retired elephants! This is a totally unique experience, allowing you to spend time in nature and watch former working elephants return to the forest and rediscover their natural behaviors.
During your guided hike, you will discover the history of the elephants and their welfare, as well as the traditions and culture of the local indigenous Bunong people. Your morning hike will end at our forest base camp, set on the side of a valley overlooking the Keo Seima wildlife sanctuary. Enjoy a delicious buffet lunch prepared by our local Bunong team, rest in a hammock and experience total immersion in nature.
After lunch, head back into the forest for the afternoon to explore the community forest on a hike. Walk through lush jungle, admire ancient trees, discover rivers and waterfalls and, if you're lucky, perhaps spot other wildlife!
Day with local sanctuary guide-companion
In Ratanakiri around Banlung
Transfer to Banlung, the provincial capital of Ratanakiri.
Stop at the volcanic lake of Yeak Loam, in the middle of thick jungle. This magnificent lake with its blue waters is said to have originated from a meteorite impact. It is a sacred place for local ethnic groups. The water's transparency offers perfect visibility (swimming possible)
And finally, one last stop to admire superb waterfalls cascading over seven levels before returning to the hotel. Swimming possible if you wish.
Day without 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 hike 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 walking for about an hour until you reach the Lalai River, which you will cross on foot (approximately 30m). Continue trekking to a small waterfall suitable for swimming. There, you will set up camp for the night. Dinner will allow you to taste the cuisine of the local minority. If you still have energy and courage, there is the possibility of taking a short night hike.
Note: fairly accessible hiking day with approximately 6.5 km of walking and 100 m of elevation gain. Day with an English-speaking local guide.
2nd day of trek
After breakfast prepared by your guides and a good coffee in a bamboo cup, resumption of your hike through the still pristine primary forest of Virachey National Park. Allow approximately 5 to 6 hours of walking with a lunch break on the banks of a small stream. It is by bamboo raft that you reach the site of your second night in the forest; you set up camp on the banks of the Ohnangkry River where the weak current allows
Day with an English-speaking local guide during the trek
Whitewater rafting
After breakfast, a return hike of approximately 4-5 hours heading towards an indigenous village where you will also have lunch. From there, you will take a small boat to return to the starting point.
Expected arrival in Banlung around 4-5 pm.
Day with an English-speaking local guide during the trek
On the banks of the Mekong near the Laotian border
In the morning, transfer to Steung Treng.
From the resort's pier, we depart for a boat ride of approximately 1 hour to discover the Mekong and its trees with gigantic aerial roots. You may want to bring earplugs if you can, as the engine is quite loud. You may have the chance to spot its many water birds such as the lapwing, river tern, stone-curlew or the Mekong wagtail, a species discovered in 2001.
Possibility of returning by kayak; inform the resort and they will attach kayaks to the boat with ropes
We settle at Mekong Bird Resort, a small charming family establishment in the heart of nature and by the water.
Sambor Prei Kuk, "the temple of the lush forest"
We're back on the road today heading to Kampong Thom province. We'll discover the remarkable pre-Angkorian temples of Sambor Prei Kuk. This archaeological site has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list since July 2017 and owes this distinction to its status as a former capital during the period preceding the rise of the Khmer empire, which would later establish itself at Angkor a few centuries later.
Sambor Prei Kuk → Kampong Thom
We settle in Steung Sen the capital of Kampong Thom province crossed by a river of the same name. Here, with a touch of irony, the inhabitants like to remind that they too have their Seine.
Day without English-speaking guide - Local guide at Sambor Prei kuk
Day without English-speaking guide
Arrival in Siem Reap
Road transfer to Siem Reap via a detour to visit two sites that are well worth it:
Discover Koh Ker, capital of Cambodia for a short period in the 10th century. You will visit notably the Prasat Thom, a temple-mountain standing 30 m high.
Visit the temple Beng Mealea consumed by the roots of strangler ficus trees. It served as a set for the film (Two Brothers) shot in 2004 by Jean-Jacques Annaud.
Once you arrive at your destination, we check in at the hotel; the rest of the day is free.
Day without English-speaking guide
The Majestic Temples of Angkor
Day visit by tuk-tuk to the wonderful temples of Angkor located around and within the Angkor Thom enclosure. We discover in particular Angkor Wat, symbol of the pinnacle of the Khmer Empire during the Angkorian era.
Within the Angkor Thom enclosure, discover Bayon and its many towers with gigantic faces, Baphuon and its gigantic 40m reclining Buddha statue, Phimeanakas, the Terrace of the Elephants and its great diversity of sculptures as well as the Terrace of the Leper King.
Let's conclude with Ta Prohm famous for its immense trees with tentacular aerial roots. We can end this day with a sunset either at Srah Srang, or from the heights of Pre Rup or Phnom Bakheng if you are ready to brave the crowds (warning: Phnom Bakheng is off-limits to children under 12 years old and authorities limit access to 300 people at sunset, creating a queue)
Due to an already busy schedule, we intentionally skip a few secondary temples of the small circuit such as Banteay Kdei, Thommanon, Chau Say Tevoda or Ta Keo. If you wish to visit these sites, do not hesitate to inform your guide at the beginning of the day so he can best arrange the schedule.
Possibility to do the visits in reverse order to avoid crowds. You just need to indicate this to your guide at the beginning of the day.
Temples are sacred places, avoid short clothing, you must cover your shoulders and wear long pants or a long skirt.
In order to preserve these fragile monuments, it is forbidden to touch the sculptures or to sit on temple elements.
In Cambodian culture, it is offensive to be rowdy inside a sacred place, calm and respect are the watchwords.
It is not recommended to buy items or sweets from child vendors, this only encourages begging and truancy, prefer a donation to an association if it is close to your heart.
If you wish to photograph the monks (called Bonzes), you must obtain their permission beforehand. Furthermore, you must not touch them, they have the right to touch you but not the other way around.
Day spent with an English-speaking guide.
The River of 1000 Lingas and the Pink Sandstone Citadel
After approximately 45 minutes of driving, we begin the day with a visit to the Angkor Centre for Biodiversity Protection. We will be able to see the efforts made by local and international teams to protect threatened local species: turtles and other reptiles, rare birds and mammals. Children and animal lovers will be delighted by this discovery and awareness-raising visit.
We then begin the short hiking trek needed to reach the Kbal Spean site, nicknamed "the temple under water". Temple ruins dating from the 9th century border a river whose bed is scattered with sculpted lingas. A small waterfall near the sacred site will allow us to cool off and even take a swim (bring a small towel).
Very accessible hike of approximately 1.5 km (or 3 km round trip) with a small elevation gain over the last 700 meters. Wear hiking shoes or sneakers as the trail is quite rocky.
After lunch, continue with a visit to Banteay Srey, a temple with human proportions compared to the gigantic Angkor Wat or Bayon. This pink sandstone temple nicknamed "The Citadel of Women" is known for the refinement of the bas-reliefs and sculptures that adorn its walls and columns. Your discovery continues with a visit to Banteay Samre temple. Day accompanied by an English-speaking guide After lunch, continue with a visit to Banteay Srey, a temple with human proportions compared to the gigantic Angkor Wat or Bayon. This pink sandstone temple nicknamed "The Citadel of Women" is known for the refinement of the bas-reliefs and sculptures that adorn its walls and columns. Your discovery continues with a visit to Banteay Samre temple. Day accompanied by an English-speaking guide
Your discovery continues with a visit to Banteay Samre temple.
Day accompanied by an English-speaking guide
Day spent with an English-speaking guide.
Kampong Kleang Floating Village & Phnom Santuk Sacred Mountain
In the morning, transfer by road to Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodge.
We first head towards Kampong Thom, halfway between Siem Reap and Phnom Penh.
Along the way, we make a detour towards the village of Kampong Kleang located on Tonlé Sap lake, approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes by car from Siem Reap. We board a private boat to discover and visit this floating village that lives mainly from fishing.
We then set off to visit Phnom Santuk mountain, the sacred mountain that brings together pagodas and large reclining Buddhas; the oldest ones were sculpted into the rock over time and other more recent ones are simply made of cement. You must climb more than 800 steps in the middle of the forest to reach the summit of this popular pilgrimage site in the region. We will probably be accompanied by bands of monkeys.
On the way after getting back on the road, be bold to make the most of a brief "gastronomic" stop in the town of Skun, famous for its spiders and grilled insects.
Upon our arrival in Phnom Penh, our driver drops us at the hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is free.
Day without English-speaking guide
Thank you and safe travels!
Phnom Penh → Phnom Penh Airport
Free time before our transfer to Phnom Penh International Airport.
Day without English-speaking guide
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 drinks / alcohols
- Meals not mentioned
- Phone calls
- Any excursion not mentioned in the programme
Included
- Airport transfers
- City transport (tuk tuk or car)
- Hotels & Accommodations
- Hotel breakfasts
- Meals mentioned
- English-speaking guide for activities
- Entry 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.
— Alexandre
