The Great Loop of Cambodia
A journey from west to east through forgotten temples, floating villages and elephant forests
Duration
21 days
From
€2,355/pers.
Ideal seasons
Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov, Dec
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
Charm & Character
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends
The spirit of travel
On the ochre banks of the Mekong, Irrawaddy dolphins point their snouts toward the surface while the chanting of monks resonates from the Wat Phnom pagoda. This great Cambodian loop draws an arc over 14 days between vibrant Phnom Penh and the Bousra waterfalls, between the golden rice fields of Kampong Cham and the primary jungle of Mondulkiri where retired elephants roam.
The circuit reveals Kratié and its sleepy colonial houses, the floating villages of Tonlé Sap where dwellings dance to the rhythm of flooding. In Siem Reap, Angkor Wat emerges from the morning mist while in Battambang, the last bamboo trains slip between rice fields. In Mondulkiri, territory of the Bunong people, mahouts guide their pachyderms toward water sources under the benevolent eye of forest spirits.
Between ancient Khmer heritage and preserved rural traditions, this journey crosses fifteen centuries of Cambodian history, from the foundations of Isanapura to the poignant testimonies of the Khmer Rouge period. A complete immersion in the deep soul of the kingdom of temples.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Welcome to Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh Airport → Phnom Penh
Welcome from 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 leave our luggage at the reception before going for a walk around the city or resting by the pool.
Day without English-speaking guide
Phnom Penh, vibrant capital
Day tour by tuk-tuk
Let's discover the famous Wat Phnom which gave its name to the capital. The "pagoda of the hill" is the highest point in Phnom Penh.
We then visit the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda, true gems of Khmer architecture built in the mid-19th century.
The Royal Palace dress code 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 veritable lush garden surrounded by the museum's unique pieces.
Visit to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21), a former Phnom Penh high school that the Khmer Rouge transformed into an interrogation, torture, and killing center. It is the largest detention and torture center under the Pol Pot regime that will reveal 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 Tuol Sleng prison, and only 7 survived and can today recount the abuse they suffered. The 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 into which Cambodia locked itself during these years of terror.
Depending on the remaining time we can visit the central market and/or the Russian market
Day with an English-speaking guide.
Kampong Cham and Kratié on the Mekong River
In the morning, we head towards Kampong Cham.
Along the way, let's be adventurous and make the most of a "gastronomic" stop in the town of Skun, famous for its fried spiders and insects.
In Kampong Cham, we leave the city to visit the village of Steung Trong and explore the beautiful rice fields and other plantations (peanuts, jicama or yam beans) in this very fertile area by the river.
A little further on, a different landscape awaits in the district of Krouch Chhmar. We meet the villagers on a short 30-minute walk through tobacco fields (only possible if your stay period allows). A discovery of authentic rural Cambodge.
We then continue our journey to Kratie, a peaceful city-province on the banks of the great Mekong with magnificent rural landscapes.
Upon our arrival in Kratié, we take a small boat to reach the river island of Koh Trong on which our host is located who will have prepared the meal for us
Day spent with an English-speaking guide.
The Irrawady dolphins
Let's continue with a short transfer to Kampi, a few nautical miles north of Kratié. We'll board the Mekong to search for Irrawaddy dolphins, one of the rare freshwater dolphin species, endangered.
Optional: if you're sporty by nature, you can observe the dolphins by kayak (please contact us)
After returning to dry land, we visit nearby Phnom Sambok hill, which houses a picturesque pagoda and a religious community where monks live separately from nuns. We then return to Kratié.
Once back in Koh Trong, let's explore the island on the Mekong by bike. Let's discover the traditional Khmer village, the daily life of the villagers and visit the beautiful pagoda and the floating village.
Day spent with an English-speaking guide.
Departure to Mondulkiri
After breakfast and checking out of our room, we return by boat to Kratié.
We head towards Sen Monorom. Upon arrival, we first visit the Coffee Plantation Resort for an initial stop. We recommend having lunch there; their small restaurant on the water is in a pleasant setting
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.
Once we return to the Sen Monorom area, we settle into the hotel; the rest of the day is free. If you still have energy, you can explore the town and its surroundings, or take a short walk from the ecolodge to admire the landscape.
Day spent with an English-speaking guide.
Elephant Trekking
Spend a full day in one of Cambodia's most biodiverse forests and observe some of our resident retired elephants! Experience something unique by immersing yourself in nature and watching former working elephants return to the forest and rediscover their natural behaviors.
During your guided hike, you will discover the story of the elephants and their welfare, as well as the traditions and culture of the local indigenous people, the Bunong. Your morning hike will end at our forest base camp, situated on a valley slope, with views over the Keo Seima wildlife sanctuary.
Enjoy a delicious buffet lunch prepared by our local Bunong team, relax in a hammock and fully immerse yourself in this nature experience. After lunch, set off on another forest hike to discover another group of elephants living within The Elephant Valley Project.
Return to the resort to rest and departure with our driver in the evening to go dining in town (included).
Day with a guide from Elephant Valley Project.
A charming stopover at the Laotian border
Road transfer to Steung Treng, a quiet small town located near the Laotian border on a sandy shore overlooking the Mekong, at the confluence with the Sé Kong river. Check-in at your accommodation.
We settle 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 approximately 1 hour to discover the Mekong and its trees with giant aerial roots. You might want to consider bringing earplugs if you can, as the boat motor is quite loud. You may be lucky enough to spot its many water birds such as the lapwing, river tern, stone curlew or the Mekong wagtail, a species discovered in 2001.
Day spent with an English-speaking guide.
From Steung Treng to Koh Ker
The Sopheakmit waterfall, also called Preah Nimith or Lbak Khoun, is the largest waterfall in Cambodge. It features a 26-meter water drop over limestone rocks, on the Mekong River at the border between Cambodge and Laos.
Discover Koh Ker, capital of Cambodge during a brief period in the 10th century. You visit notably the Prasat Thom, a temple-mountain standing 30 m high and Prasat Pram, known for its brick towers and elegant sculptures. You will also visit the Linga temple on the same site, a fascinating sanctuary dedicated to the Hindu deity Shiva, famous for its impressive sculptures and stone lingas that symbolize fertility.
Day spent with an English-speaking guide.
Arrival in Siem Reap, via the remote temples of Beng Mealea
Visit the Beng Mealea temple devoured by the roots of strangler ficus trees. It served as a backdrop for the film "Two Brothers" filmed in 2004 by Jean-Jacques Annaud.
Once you arrive at your destination, we will check you in at the hotel; the rest of the day is free for you to do as you wish.
Day with an English-speaking guide.
The Majestic Temples of Angkor
Full-day visit by tuk-tuk of the wonderful temples of Angkor located around and within the grounds of Angkor Thom. We discover in particular Angkor Wat, symbol of the pinnacle of the Khmer Empire during the Angkorian era.
Within the grounds of Angkor Thom, discover Bayon and its numerous towers with gigantic faces, Baphuon and its gigantic statue of a reclining Buddha of 40m, Phimeanakas, the Terrace of 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 massive 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 (note: Phnom Bakheng is off-limits to children under 12 years old and authorities limit access to 300 people at sunset, thus creating a queue)
Due to an already packed schedule, we deliberately 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 mention it to your guide at the beginning of the day.
The 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 misbehave inside a sacred place, calmness and respect are key words.
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 you care about this.
If you wish to photograph the monks (called Bonzes), you must obtain their permission beforehand. Moreover, you must not touch them, they have the right to touch you but not the other way around.
Day 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 by visiting 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, birds and rare mammals. Children and animal lovers will be delighted by this discovery and awareness visit.
We then begin a short hike to reach the site of Kbal Spean, nicknamed the "underwater temple", 49 km north of Angkor. Temple ruins dating from the 9th century border a river whose bed is scattered with carved lingas. A nourishing source for Angkor, the waters of Kbal Spean once irrigated the rice fields of the ancient city. In its bed, the Khmers carved Shivas and stone squares to bless the waters before they reached the Royal City. The site was discovered in 1968 by ethnologist Jean Boulbet, and you can wander along its lush banks following in his footsteps. A small waterfall near the sacred protected 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.
Plan for hiking shoes/sneakers as the trail is quite rocky.
After lunch, let's continue with a visit to Banteay Srey, a temple of human scale 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.
If we have energy left, we can end the day with a visit to Banteay Samre temple or return directly to the hotel.
Day spent with an English-speaking guide.
The floating village of Mechrey and arrival in Battambang
Today we visit the floating village of Mechrey by private boat. Located 25 km from Siem Reap, it is one of the least touristy floating villages. Ideal for getting an insight into the local way of life on the water, you can see all floating structures there: Homes, schools, restaurants and even... a pagoda!
Duration of 1h30 to 2 hours
We resume our journey and on the outskirts of Battambang, we discover Wat Slaket pagoda and Ek Phnom, an eleventh-century sandstone Brahmanical temple now in ruins. It was desecrated by the Khmer Rouge under Pol Pot and plundered by the Vietnamese at liberation. A place steeped in history. Let us take advantage of our passage to linger over the immense seated Buddha statue that stands near these ruins.
Once we arrive at our destination, we settle into the hotel before heading out for the final visits of the day.
South of Battambang, visiting the Banon temple erected at the top of a hill offers you, after climbing 358 steps, a lovely panorama of the Cambodian countryside. Passing through the traditional villages lining the road, we can witness the family-made production of rice cakes and converse with locals about their daily lives.
We finally head off to discover the Phnom Sampov temple, "the ship-hill" where we stay until sunset to observe the flight of bats and their incredible choreography towards the sky.
Day spent with an English-speaking guide.
Battambang, city of post-colonial architecture
We start our day discovering Battambang with a trip on the famous bamboo train. Being early in the morning, this activity is ideal for starting the day. The fresh air will pleasantly tickle our faces as our eyes admire the rice fields painted in the landscape.
Next stop is the ruins of Ek Phnom temple destroyed by the Khmer Rouge and looted at liberation by the Vietnamese. We will also be able to visit a pagoda and a massive Buddha statue there.
The driver will then take us to discover first the rice cracker manufacturing workshop, the one used to cook spring rolls and spring rolls. Then a few meters further we will see the makers of sticky rice, this dish, enclosed in a bamboo stick, which is hugely popular in Cambodge. We will then visit, across the way, the pagoda of Wat Samrong Knong which houses killing fields, an area witnessing the atrocities of the Khmer Rouge regime.
The second to last stage of this tour will take place in a banana chip making workshop. Here we will help the cooks cut these fruits to help them, in exchange we will be able to taste this delicious snack.
We will finally head to a larger workshop this time, the one for prahok production. This condiment, a fish sauce, is highly sought after in Cambodge despite its off-putting smell.
Day spent with an English-speaking guide.
On the Way to Kampong Chhnang on the Shores of Tonlé Sap Lake
After breakfast, we head with our driver to Kampong Chhnang and more precisely to the Smiling Gecko NGO which is based in the surrounding area.
Halfway there, we make a stop in the provincial capital of Pursat to stretch our legs and possibly have lunch. Stone cutters, marble workers and cabinet makers are not lacking in this region if you wish to stop for a moment to observe them.
At Kampong Chhnang, we board a small boat to visit the floating village of Phum Kandal where we can observe the life of the inhabitants and admire the wooden houses painted in bright colors, with their small terraces equipped with hammocks and bamboo electrical poles.
Phum Kandal is a village composed mainly of Vietnamese people.
Boat tour of approximately 1 hour
Once we arrive at our destination, we settle in at the resort; the rest of the day is free.
We also say goodbye to our guide who accompanied us here from Siem Reap
Day with an English-speaking guide.
A pre-beach stop in Kep
Free morning at the Smiling Gecko NGO resort, which offers the opportunity to discover the many activities they have developed on their 150 hectares of land to provide professional training to disadvantaged families and offer education to over a hundred children: training in catering and hospitality professions, woodworking and cabinet-making workshops, fish farming (tilapia breeding) and various crop cultivation.
Your driver will be nearby. Do not hesitate to coordinate with each other if you wish to explore the surroundings.
Road transfer to Kep, a charming seaside town renowned for its crab market and national park conducive to a beautiful walk. Check-in at the hotel and free time for you to rest.
Suggestions for your free time in Kep: there are many restaurants at the crab market, you can also go on a short hike of 2-3 hours in Kep National Park (starting from Veranda Natural Resort)
Day without English-speaking guide
Kampong Trach Caves and Kampot Pepper
Morning visit by tuk-tuk.
This morning, near Kep, exploring the caves of Phnom Kampong Trach holds some lovely surprises for us. Considered as natural temples by local Buddhists, they conceal numerous statues and altars. As the highlight of this "speleological" excursion, a beautiful representation of a reclining Buddha awaits us in an open-air clearing born from the collapse of the rock.
The Kampot region is internationally recognized for its exceptional pepper. It is therefore impossible to visit Kampot without taking a tour of one of the many pepper plantations in the region!
We visit the family pepper production farm, Sothy's Farm with a plantation guide who will explain the origin and the reason for the fame of this spice. We will learn more about the cultivation methods and how to cook this famous pepper.
After lunch (included at the plantation), we return to the hotel.
Free afternoon.
Day without an English-speaking guide
Extension to Koh Rong
Road transfer to the Sihanoukville pier, a southern coastal town with beautiful fine sandy beaches and gateway to the paradisiacal islands of Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem.
Boat transfer to Koh Rong from Sihanoukville pier. Our team on the ground will wait for you at the pier to hand over your boat tickets.
Once you arrive at your destination, we settle into the hotel; the rest of the day is free.
Day without English-speaking guide
Day without English-speaking guide
Return to Phnom Penh
After breakfast and checking out of our room, we return by boat to Sihanoukville.
Upon our arrival in Sihanoukville, a driver will be waiting for us at the pier for a final transfer to Phnom Penh via the country's only highway.
Once you arrive at your destination, we will settle you in at the hotel; the rest of the day is free for you to enjoy as you wish.
Day without an English-speaking guide
Welcome back and see you next time!
Phnom Penh → Phnom Penh Airport
Free time before our transfer to Phnom Penh international airport.
We will need to check out of our room before noon. If our flight is in the evening, we can leave our luggage at the hotel reception for a last stroll around the city.
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 (upon arrival at Phnom Penh, Siem Reap airport or border: 30 USD per person)
- Repatriation insurance
- Travel Insurance
- Extra drinks / alcohols
- Meals not included
- Phone calls
- Tips
- Any excursion not mentioned in the program
Included
- Transfers to and from the airport
- City transport (tuk tuk or car)
- Ground transfers as indicated in the itinerary
- Accommodations
- Hotel breakfasts
- Meals mentioned
- English-speaking guide for activities when indicated
- Entry fees for the activities mentioned in the program
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 travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland and Canada traveling to Cambodia for a tourist stay. As entry rules may change, we recommend that you verify this information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter Cambodia, your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months after the date of entry into the country and contain at least two blank pages for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn or altered pages).
Tourist visa
Unlike some destinations, Cambodia does not grant visa exemptions to nationals of the European Economic Area, Switzerland and Canada for tourist stays. A visa is therefore mandatory before or upon entry into the country.
Several options are available to obtain it:
the electronic visa (e-Visa), to be requested online before departure on the official Cambodian government portal (evisa.gov.kh), at a cost of 36 USD (30 USD for the visa + 6 USD processing fee), valid for 30 days from the date of entry;
the visa on arrival (Visa on Arrival), available at the main entry points (international airports of Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, as well as certain land border crossings), at a cost of 30 USD to be paid in cash, also valid for 30 days;
the 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 from the Cambodian Immigration Department.
The authorities may also request:
an exit ticket from the country (return or onward flight),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay.
e-Arrival declaration (mandatory)
All travelers must complete the e-Arrival declaration before arriving in Cambodia: it is free, is done on the official website arrival.gov.kh and must be completed within 7 days before arrival. It replaces the paper forms distributed on flights. It does not replace the visa: these are two separate procedures. Some airlines refuse to check in travelers who do not have confirmation of their e-Arrival.
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 vaccines
No vaccination is 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 in rural areas),
update of routine vaccinations (diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis, measles).
A preventive antimalarial treatment may be advised depending on the regions visited and the length of stay. It is recommended to consult a doctor or an international vaccination center before departure.
Travel with children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay, as well as an individual visa.
In some European countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an authorization to leave the country may be required according to the regulations of the country of residence.
Other nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Travelers concerned should inquire at the Cambodian embassy or consulate in their 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
