This circuit crosses Cambodia from west to east and from north to south. Departing from Siem Reap, you make a half loop towards Phnom Penh while passing through the countryside of Kampong Cham, Kratié and Steung Treng among others.
You will thus set off to discover the country, its heritage (notably the site of Angkor), its inhabitants and the different ways of life depending on the region.
At the end of the journey, you can relax with a seaside stay on the superb beaches of the island of Koh...
Welcome by your driver upon your arrival at the airport. Transfer and installation at your hotel. Rest of the day free.
Rooms available from 2 p.m. If you arrive a little early and your room isn't ready yet, you can drop off your bags at reception before going for a walk in town or relaxing by the pool.
Day without guide
Day visit in a tuktuk of the marvelous temples of Angkor located around and inside the Angkor Thom .
You will notably discover Angkor Wat, symbol of the apogee of the Khmer Empire under the Angkorian era. Inside Angkor Thom, discover Bayon and its many towers with gigantic faces, Baphuon and its gigantic 40m reclining Buddha statue, Phimeanakas, the Terrasse des Elephants and its wide variety of sculptures, but also the Terrasse du Roi Leper.
Continue by Ta Prohm famous for its huge trees with sprawling aerial roots and conclude with a sunset from the heights of Phnom Bakheng.
Possibility of making the visits in the opposite direction to avoid the crowds. Just let your guide know at the start of the day.
Temples are sacred places, avoid short clothes, cover your shoulders and wear pants or a long skirt.
In order to preserve these fragile monuments, it is forbidden to touch the sculptures or to sit on elements of the temple.
In Cambodian culture, it is offensive to heckle inside a sacred place, calm and respect are key words.
It is not recommended to buy items or sweets from child sellers, this only encourages begging and the practice of skipping school, prefer a donation to an association if it is important to you.
If you wish to photograph the monks (called Bonzes), you must obtain their permission beforehand. In addition, you must not touch them, they have the right to touch you but not the opposite.
English-speaking guide included on this day
Near Kbal Spean, continue with a visit to the Angkor Center for the Protection of Biodiversity. You will be able to see the efforts made by local and international teams to protect local endangered species: snakes, turtles and other reptiles, birds and exotic mammals. Children and animal lovers will be delighted by this visit of discovery and awareness.
We then begin the short hike necessary to reach the site of Kbal Spean nicknamed "the underwater temple". Ruins of temples dating from the 9th century border a river whose bed is strewn with carved lingas. A small waterfall near the protected sacred site will allow us to cool off or even swim there (bring a small towel).
Very accessible hike of around 1.5 km (or 3 km round trip) with a small elevation gain over the last 700 meters. Bring walking shoes/sneakers as the path is quite rocky.
After lunch, let's continue with a visit to Banteay Srey, a temple on a human scale compared to the gigantic ones Angkor Wat or Bayon. This pink sandstone temple nicknamed “The Citadel of Women” is known for the refinement of the bas-reliefs and sculptures which adorn its walls and columns. If we have any strength left, we can conclude the day with a visit to the Banteay Samre temple or return directly to the hotel.
English-speaking guide included on this day
In the afternoon, we return to the archaeological site of Angkor, this time towards the Roluos group, a small Khmer city sheltering the beginnings of the Angkorian era. Seat of the first capital of the Hariharalaya empire, Roluos marks the beginning of classical Khmer civilization. The buildings are mainly constructed of brick, laterite, or sandstone. Bakong which we reserve for the end of the day because the site offers a nice elevated viewpoint for the sunset, Lolei, and Preah Ko are the three main temples of the place. All dedicated to the cult of Hinduism, the last two however today protect Buddhist pagodas.
English-speaking guide included on this day
Transfer to Preah Vihear or more exactly the city of Sra'em not far from the temples.
Upon arrival at the hotel, installation and rest/free time.
Discover Koh Ker, capital of Cambodia for a short time in the 10th century. You visit in particular the Prasat Thom, temple-mountain 30 m high.
Once arrived at destination, we check in at the hotel; The rest of the day is free.
In the afternoon, visit the temple of Preah Vihear. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008, this remarkable masterpiece of Khmer architecture is located on the Thai border.
English-speaking guide included on this day
Transfer by road to Steung Treng, a quiet little town located near the Laotian border on a sandy bank overlooking the Mekong, at the confluence with the Sé Kong River. Installation at your accommodation.
Along the way, take a small detour to the natural border between Cambodia and Laos to admire the mighty Sopheakmit Falls.
Embark on a boat trip of about 1 hour to discover the Mekong and its trees with gigantic aerial roots. Maybe bring earplugs if you can because the engine is quite noisy. You may be lucky enough to see its many water birds such as the lapwing, the river tern, the great stone curlew or the Mekong wagtail, a species discovered in 2001.
English-speaking guide included on this day
Transfer with guide to Banlung, provincial capital of Ratanakiri. Check-in at the hotel.
Stop at the volcanic lake of Yeak Loam, in the middle of the thick jungle. This magnificent lake with bluish waters would come from the fall of a meteorite. It is a sacred place for the local ethnic groups. The transparency of the water offers perfect visibility (possibility of swimming)
Continue ladies with a visit to the blue zircon mines, widespread in the region and often associated with rubber plantations. This semi-precious stone has properties of brilliance and scintillation very similar to diamonds.
And finally, a last break to admire superb waterfalls over seven floors before returning to the hotel. Swimming possible if you wish.
English-speaking guide included on this day
Departure with your driver by road towards Kratie, a city-province on the banks of the great Mekong with a peaceful reputation and magnificent rural landscapes.
Upon arrival, you take a small boat to reach the river island of Koh Trong.
A homestay lunch awaits you.
After lunch, explore the small island by bike, a veritable compendium of rural landscapes.
We discover a traditional Khmer village where we can observe the daily life of the villagers and visit the pretty pagoda and the floating village before leaving the island and returning to town.
English-speaking guide included on this day
Equipped with a life jacket, a cap and a bottle of water, go kayaking to conquer the river, at your own pace, alone (following a guide of course!) or in tandem.
Meeting at the reception of your guesthouse at 7am for your breakfast and meeting with your kayak guide who will give you instructions and safety details.
This morning excursion will have you paddling mostly with the current between the small sandy islets that litter the Greater Mekong and a river forest. Your efforts will be interspersed with several snack & swimming breaks, culminating in a stop to observe the rare dolphins of the Irrawady from your kayak.
Return to the guesthouse around 12:30 p.m.
After lunch, we take the road for a short drive to Chhlong where you can rest at the hotel.
Dinner at the hotel is included.
English-speaking guide included on this day
After breakfast, transfer by road to Kampong Cham.
Visit the Hanchey Pagoda, at the top of the mountain of the same name. This atypical place not only hosts the temple but also a multitude of other sculptures, including fruits and vegetables.
In addition, you will have a magnificent unobstructed view of the Mekong and the surrounding countryside.
Phnom Bros and Phnom Srei hills are located in Kampong Cham. Each separated by a kilometer, the two highest points offer a magnificent view of the countryside and the Mekong. You can visit modern temples on these hills and enjoy the place for pleasant relaxation. Two places steeped in history not to be missed.
Activity possible from the end of January to the end of May: In the afternoon, take a bike to admire a very original bamboo bridge. Connecting Kampong Cham and the island of Koh Paeng, it is rebuilt every year in January and destroyed at the end of May due to higher water levels during the rainy season.
After these few visits, we hit the road again towards the capital Phnom Penh.
English-speaking guide included on this day
Take a drive to a vibrant, thriving capital. Starting from Independence Monument, you will stroll along Riverside, along the Chaktomuk River to Wat phnom. This mound-like hill is home to a pagoda and is known as Wat Phnom Daun Penh, the Pagoda of Grandmother Penh's Hill. It is here that Madame Penh is said to have built a sanctuary in 1373 to protect four very rare bronze statues of the Buddha. The name of the Cambodian capital was subsequently inspired by it.
Then set off to discover the National Museum which houses one of the largest collections of Khmer art in the world made up of more than 14,000 pieces, around 2000 of which are on display to the public. You will end this visit not far from here, at the Royal Palace of Cambodia, the extraordinary home of King Norodom Sihamoni.
The Royal Palace is a sacred place, avoid short clothes, cover your shoulders and wear pants or a long skirt.
Visit of the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21), the largest detention and torture center under the Pol Pot regime and the Khmer Rouge which will reveal a very painful chapter to you of the history of Cambodia.
Visit Phnom Penh's Central Market and/or Russian Market if there's enough time after the previous visits (markets close rather early)
English-speaking guide included on this day
Transfer by road (without a guide) to Kep, a charming seaside town renowned for its crab market and its national park, ideal for a nice walk.
Once arrived at destination, we check in at the hotel; The rest of the day is free.
Suggestions for your free time in Kep: there are many restaurants at the crab market, you can also do the short hike of 2-3 hours in Kep National Park (departing from the Veranda Natural resort)
Day without guide
The Kampot region is internationally recognized for its exceptional pepper. It is therefore impossible to go to Kampot without taking a trip to one of the many pepper plantations in the region!
In the morning, we take the direction of Secret Lake which offers a magnificent panorama with a view of the mountains.
Then we visit the family pepper production farm, La Ferme de Sothy with a French-speaking guide of the plantation who will explain the origin and why of the reputation of this pepper. You will learn more about cultivation methods and how to cook this famous pepper.
Along the way, near Kep, exploring the caves of Phnom Kampong Trach will have some lovely surprises in store for you. Considered natural temples by local Buddhists, they hide numerous statues and altars. As the highlight of this “speleological” excursion, a beautiful representation of a reclining Buddha awaits you in an open-air clearing created by the collapse of the rock.
Conclude the day with a visit to the Trapeang Sangkae community which will show you the mangroves and inform you about the efforts made to preserve and reconstitute these real natural barriers.
No guide is included on this day
Embark on a full-day eco-tour around the islands of Kep Bay.
Aboard the Nāga, a traditional Khmer fishing boat, we will guide you through the Kep archipelago, following the waves and currents, away from any other tourist circuit.
Equipped with masks and snorkels, discover the bottoms and reefs of the Kep archipelago where many species of colorful fish, sea urchins, starfish and corals evolve.
Relax in the warm, swimmable waters of Serpents' Island Bay for a fish and seafood barbecue on the boat. Then visit a traditional fishing village where you can soak up the atmosphere and watch the preparation of nets, crab cages and bait while drinking an iced coffee. Finally, set off to explore a charming little lost and atypical islet.
You may have the rare chance to observe Irrawaddy dolphins… Keep an eye out!
The boat tour starts around 9am with a return around 4pm.
Vegetarian menu on request
Transfer by road to enjoy a day in the peaceful town of Kampot and its many cafes, bars and restaurants.
Check-in at the hotel for one night and free program.
Transfer by car to the pier of Sihanoukville, a southern seaside town with beautiful sandy beaches and gateway to the paradise islands of Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem.
Boat transfer to Koh Rong from Sihanoukville pier. Our team on site will be waiting for you at the pier to give you your boat tickets.
The boat staff will take half of your ticket. Save the other half for the return!
Day without guide
Free program at your convenience.
Return trip by boat to Sihanoukville.
Upon arrival in Sihanoukville, a driver will meet you at the pier for a final transfer by road to Phnom Penh.
Once arrived at destination, we check in at the hotel; The rest of the day is free.
Day without guide
Free program before your evening transfer to Phnom Penh International Airport (included; we will organize the transfer according to your flight schedule).
Note: you must leave your room before noon. If your flight is in the evening, you can leave your suitcases at the hotel reception for a last walk around town.
Day without guide