This 3-week program allows us to explore the authentic countryside of Kampong Thom, Kratié on the banks of the Mekong River, the must-see temples of Angkor, and Battambang by bike before embarking on an adventure stay at the foot of the Cardamom Mountains in the wild province of Koh Kong, followed by a few days of relaxation on the beaches of Koh Rong Island.
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.
No guide is included on this day
Let's start with the national museum and explore one of the most important collections of Khmer art: 14,000 sculptures and ethnographic objects, mostly from the temples of Angkor.
Then, we visit the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda, real gems of Khmer architecture built in the middle of the 19th century.
The dress code for the Royal Palace is quite strict: shoulders and knees must be covered. Wearing a mask is mandatory.
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
In the morning, transfer to Kampong Cham, on the way, be bold to take full advantage of a "gastronomic" stop in the town of Skun, famous for its spiders and his grilled insects.
Phnom Pros and Phnom Srei hills are located in Kampong Cham. Each separated by a kilometer away, the two highest points offer a magnificent view of the countryside and the Mekong. You can visit modern temples on these hills and take advantage of the place to relax pleasantly. Two places steeped in history not to be missed.
We hit the road towards Kratie, a provincial town on the banks of the mighty Mekong known for its peaceful reputation and stunning rural landscapes. Upon arrival, we can take the opportunity to explore the town and stroll along the promenade by the Mekong.
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.
Then return to Kratié and explore the island of Koh Trong, on the Mekong, by bike. Discover the traditional Khmer village, observe the daily life of the villagers and visit the beautiful pagoda and the floating village.
English-speaking guide included on this day
Transfer by road to Kampong Thom.
Still on the way, on the edge of Kampong Thom, discover the formidable pre-Angkorian temples of Sambor Prei Kuk. This archaeological site has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since July 2017.
Next, we depart by car to visit Phnom Santuk Mountain, the sacred mountain adorned with pagodas and large reclining Buddhas; some of the oldest Buddhas were carved into the rock over time, while others, more recent, are simply made of cement. It takes climbing over 800 steps through the forest to reach the summit of this popular pilgrimage site in the region. You'll likely be accompanied by troops of monkeys. From the top, one can enjoy the view of the vast plains and the surrounding countryside.
Once arrived at destination, we check in at the hotel; The rest of the day is free.
English-speaking guide included on this day
Breakfast: Breakfast at Soriyabi
Dinner: Dinner at the hotel
Accommodation: Sambor Village Hotel / chambres Deluxe
In the morning, transfer to Siem Reap.
60 km from Siem Reap, stop in the village of Kampong Kdei to admire the superb bridge Preah Tos. Bordered by sculptures of Nagas, this 100 m long and 1000 year old building is still used by pedestrians and 2-wheelers.
Once arrived at destination, we check in at the hotel; The rest of the day is free.
English-speaking guide included on this day
Day of bike tour visiting the marvelous temples of d'Angkor located around and inside the l'enceinte d'Angkor Thom enclosure.
We notably discover Angkor Wat, symbol of the peak of the Khmer Empire during the Angkorian era. Within the Angkor Thom enclosure, explore Bayon with its numerous towers featuring gigantic faces, Baphuon with its gigantic reclining Buddha statue of 40 meters, Phimeanakas, Terrasse des Elephants with its great variety of sculptures, and also the Terrace of the Leper King.
Conclude with Ta Prohm, famous for its immense trees with sprawling aerial roots, or, if you're ready to brave the crowd, with a sunset from the heights of Phnom Bakheng (note: access to Phnom Bakheng is restricted to children under 12, and authorities limit access to 300 people at sunset, creating a queue).
Due to an already packed schedule, we intentionally skip some secondary temples of the small circuit such as Banteay Kdei, Thommanon, Chau Say Tevoda, or Ta Keo. If you wish to visit these sites, please inform your guide at the beginning of the day so that they can best manage the schedule.
You have the option to reverse the order of visits to avoid crowds. Just let your guide know at the beginning of the day.
Temples are sacred places; avoid wearing short clothing. Shoulders must be covered, and it's best to wear long pants or a long skirt.
To preserve these fragile monuments, it is forbidden to touch the sculptures or sit on parts of the temple.
In Cambodian culture, it's considered offensive to be noisy inside a sacred place. Quietness and respect are crucial.
It's not recommended to buy items or sweets from child vendors as it only encourages begging and truancy. Consider donating to a charity if you wish to help.
If you want to photograph monks (called Bonzes), you must obtain their permission beforehand. Additionally, it's important not to touch them; while they have the right to touch you, the reverse is not true.
English-speaking guide included on this day
Next, we begin the short hike necessary to reach the site of Kbal Spean, also known as "the temple under the water." Ruins of temples dating back to the 9th century line a riverbed adorned with carved lingas. A small waterfall near the protected sacred site will allow us to refresh ourselves and even swim (bring a small towel).
This hike is very accessible, approximately 1.5 km (or 3 km round trip), with a slight uphill climb over the last 700 meters. It's advisable to wear walking shoes/sneakers as the trail is quite rocky.
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.
Continue with the visit of Banteay Srey temple, smaller than the gigantic Angkor Wat or Bayon. This pink sandstone temple nicknamed "The Citadel of Women" is known for the refinement of bas-reliefs and sculptures that adorn its walls and columns.
Then, discover the Banteay Samre temple.
English-speaking guide included on this day
While visiting Satcha, we'll immerse ourselves in the world of traditional Khmer craftsmanship. This Cambodian craft center serves as an incubator for local artisans, blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design to showcase Cambodian talents to both local and international visitors and to pass on these skills for the long term while making a sustainable social, economic, and environmental impact. Moving from one workshop to another, we'll have the opportunity to admire skills such as stone or wood carving, lacquerware, and silk work.
Next, we visit the organization APOPO and its famous mine-detecting rats, whose powerful sense of smell allows them to detect landmines more efficiently and with less risk than a metal detector. We'll learn more about the mission of this association and the development of their activity for medical purposes.
In the afternoon, we return one last time to the archaeological site of Angkor, this time heading towards the Roluos Group, a small Khmer city housing the beginnings of the Angkorian era. As the seat of the first capital of the Hariharalaya Empire, Roluos marks the beginning of classical Khmer civilization. The structures are mainly built of brick, laterite, or sandstone. Bakong, Lolei, and Preah Ko are the three main temples of the area, all originally dedicated to Hindu worship, although the latter two are now house Buddhist pagodas.
We reserve the visit to Bakong for late afternoon as the temple-mountain offers an ideal vantage point for sunset viewing.
English-speaking guide included on this day
In the morning, transfer to Battambang.
Along the way, discover Wat Slaket and Ek Phnom pagoda, on 11th century Brahminical sandstone temple now in ruins. It was ransacked by the Khmer Rouge under Pol Pot, and looted by the Vietnamese upon liberation. A place steeped in history.
Take advantage of your visit to linger over the huge statue of the seated Buddha which sits enthroned near these ruins.
To the south of Battambang, a visit to the Banon temple erected at the top of a hill offers you, after climbing the 358 steps, a lovely panorama of the Cambodian countryside. Passing through the traditional villages along the road, you can watch the family making rice cakes and chat with the locals about their daily lives.
Also take the opportunity to stop in the vineyards of Battambang. Something to admire the greenhouse work of Cambodian winegrowers. And to taste if you wish wine, grape juice, ginger, and why not cognac!
Discover the temple of Phnom Sampov, “the hill-ship”. You stay there until sunset to watch the flight of the bats and their incredible choreography in the sky
No guide is included on this day
Battambang! Getting around by bike is a great way to meet local communities, your day will be devoted to a great guided bike ride through the Cambodian countryside and its green rice fields.
This authentic immersion in a rural universe will give you a good insight into the traditional way of life. You will visit a Buddhist temple with a dark history, observe the daily work of the villagers and discover some artisanal productions of the region (bamboo cake, rice wine, banana chips, fish paste, rice paper…) as well as a crocodile farm.
After a well-deserved lunch break based on local dishes, you will get back on the bike for the afternoon.
Get ready for other great surprises including a superb traditional wooden house which is the pride of an entire village. You'll learn all about this colonial institution and stock up on souvenirs.
You will then continue your route and pass over the suspension bridge of Kampong Pil Pagoda, then reach the very famous bamboo train of the Battambang region.
After this experience in the middle of nature, you will end your day by passing in front of the sublime residence of the former governor of Battambang in office during the French Protectorate (1863-1953)
Bike tour with 1 local English-speaking Khmer guide
No guide is included on this day
In the morning, departure by road with our driver to Osoam in the neighboring province of Pursat.
Once arrived in Osoam, we begin our trek in the wild sanctuary of Phnom Samkos. There are several different hikes known to local guides, depending on our fitness level and what we hope to observe. With a bit of luck, we may see Malayan bears, gibbons, elephants, jungle birds such as hornbills, as well as picturesque mountains, rivers, and waterfalls.
There is an opportunity for budding naturalists to encounter local wildlife on a approximately 2-hour night walk.
2-day trek with 1 night camping in the forest.
Pants, long shoes, and socks are recommended for jungle hikes, along with your swimsuit if you wish to swim.
Water bottles, meals, and hammocks are included.
English-speaking trekking guide included on this day
After breakfast, departure by road to the province of Koh Kong, in the west of the country. The region is still very wild and undeveloped. Ideal for getting off the beaten track! The price to pay is precisely a rather long and tiring road because in rather bad condition.
After returning from the trek, departure by road to the province of Koh Kong. The region is still very wild and undeveloped. Ideal for getting off the beaten track!
English-speaking trekking guide included on this day
After breakfast, set off on a day trip combining hiking and kayaking.
On the program, 9km of course (50% walking, 50% kayaking) in the middle of the primary forest of Koh Kong, at the foot of the Cardamom chain.
With very little elevation, the hike is accessible to all. With a bit of luck, you might spot long-tailed macaques, kingfishers, toucans and water dragons. The lucky ones will observe passing gibbons or the otter family that lives in the area.
Back at the camp, you can extend your exploration by kayak, try your hand at zip-lining or continue walking on the small path near the camp.
No guide is included on this day
Around 9:30 a.m., the resort team takes you back by boat to the point of origin where your driver is waiting for you.
Then, transfer by road to Sihanoukville, a southern seaside town with beautiful sandy beaches and gateway to the paradise islands of Koh Rong Samloem. Once you arrive at the pier, if you have time, take the opportunity to have a quick lunch (and light as the sea can be rough!)
Around 2.30pm departure by boat to the paradise island of Koh Rong Samloem.
No guide is included on this day
Breakfast: Breakfast in Cardamom Camping tented camp
Dinner: Dinner at Beach house
Accommodation: Beach House / Beach View
Leisure days at your convenience
Breakfast: Breakfast at Beach house
Lunch: Luinch at Beach house
Dinner: Dinner at Beach house
Accommodation: Beach House / Beach View
Return trip by boat to Sihanoukville.
Transfer by car without guide to Kep, charming seaside city famous for its crab market, pepper plantations and salt fields.
Along the way, near Kep, exploring the caves of Phnom Kampong Trach has some nice surprises in store for you. Considered as natural temples by local Buddhists, they hide many statues and altars. As the high point of this "caving" excursion, a beautiful representation of a reclining Buddha awaits you in an open-air clearing created by the collapse of the rock.
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!
We therefore visit the family production site, Sothy's Pepper Farm with a guide to the plantation who will explain the origin and why of the fame of this spice. You will learn more about cultivation methods and how to cook this famous pepper.
Once arrived at destination, we check in at the hotel; The rest of the day is free.
Free program in kep
Suggestions: Take the opportunity to have lunch at the Crab Market, lounge on the small beach, or go on the short 2-3 hour hike in Kep National Park (starting from Veranda Natural Resort).
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 is private and starts around 9am with a return around 4pm.
Vegetarian menu on request
No guide is included on this day
After checking out of the rooms and enjoying a free lunch, we hit the road towards Phnom Penh for one last night in the capital.
Once arrived at destination, we check in at the hotel; The rest of the day is free.
No guide is included on this day
Free program before your transfer to Phnom Penh International Airport.
Note: you must leave your room before noon; depending on the time of your flight you can leave your suitcases at the reception or at the agency to stroll around town.