A circuit during which the Cambodian nature will set the stage for beautiful encounters and emotionally rich adventures. A 3-day trek in the jungle of Ratanakiri in the extreme northeast will be followed by short boat and kayak excursions on the Mekong, allowing you to discover the raw Cambodian nature. Beyond the must-see temples of Angkor, you will also visit some very beautiful hidden gems of the Khmer heritage.
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
In the morning, transfer with your driver to Ratanakiri, one of the most natural and remote provinces of Cambodia where many minorities live. On your arrival at Banlung, the provincial capital, check-in and rest.
No guide is included on this day
In the morning, transfer to the Sesan river. You embark on a boat to reach the small village of a local minority where your hike in the Virachey National Park begins, with a French speaking guide. After walking for about 2 hours through the forest, you will take a lunch break on the riverside, river that you will cross by swimming (about 30 minutes). Resuming of the trek (for another 3.5 hours) to a small waterfall where you can bathe. You will camp there for the night. The dinner will be a chance to the local minority<s traditional food (bamboo cooking). For those with energy (and courage!) left, possibility to go on a short night hike.
Long pants
Closed-toe shoes
Cap or other hat
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Small first aid kit
Insect repellent
Towel
Flashlight
No guide is included on this day
After breakfast prepared by your guides and a good coffee in a bamboo cup, you resume your trek through the untouched primary forest of Virachey National Park. Expect around 5 to 6 hours of walking with a lunch break by a small stream. You'll reach your second night's campsite by bamboo raft, setting up camp by the Ohnangkry River where the gentle current allows for swimming and/or a quick shower.
A day of trekking with no major difficulty
After breakfast, a return trek of about 4-5 hours towards an indigenous village where you'll also have lunch. From there, you'll take a small boat back to the starting point. Expected arrival in Banlung around 4-5 pm.
In the morning, after checking out of our hotel, we depart with our driver. We first stop at the volcanic lake of Yeak Loam, amidst thick jungle. This beautiful lake with its blue waters is said to have formed from a meteorite impact. It is a sacred place for local ethnic groups. The water's transparency offers perfect visibility (swimming possible).
Then, transfer by road to Steung Treng, a small tranquil town situated on a sandy riverbank overlooking the Mekong, at the confluence with the Sekong River. Check-in at the hotel.
At the resort, embark on a boat to explore the Mekong and its trees with gigantic aerial roots. You may have the chance to spot its numerous water birds such as the lapwing, river tern, great stone-curlew, or the Mekong wagtail, a species discovered in 2001.
Then, paddle along the Mekong in your kayak (if you wish) to return to the hotel, a unique and delightful experience guaranteed!
Transfer to Preah Vihear. Upon arrival at the hotel, check-in and rest/free time.
En route, make a small detour to the natural border between Cambodia and Laos to admire the powerful Sopheakmit Waterfalls.
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.
Transfer without guide to Siem Reap, essential step of your stay in Cambodia. This city-province is known for the extraordinary Angkor temples and the huge Tonle Sap lake. On your arrival, check-in, rest and 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.
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
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.
Once arrived at destination, we check in at the hotel; The rest of the day is free.
English-speaking guide included on this day
In the late morning or after lunch (free time), transfer by road to Phnom Penh.
On the way, dare to fully enjoy a "gastronomic" stop in the town of Skun, famous for its grilled spiders and insects.
Once arrived at destination, we check in at the hotel; The rest of the day is free.
No guide is included on this day
First, let's 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. Wearing a mask is mandatory.
Let's continue 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 proceed to 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.
At the end of the day, we can 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
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.