Trekking in Koh Kong & Beach Holiday
From the Cardamom Mountains to the beaches of Koh Rong, between primary forest and turquoise waters.
Duration
14 days
From
€1,220/pers.
Ideal seasons
Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov, Dec
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
classique
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends
The spirit of travel
The trails wind through the primary forest of Koh Kong, where gibbon cries echo beneath the Cardamom canopy. In this remote province of Cambodge, the calm waters of Tatai reflect forgotten waterfalls while kayaks glide between giant roots.
The circuit first unveils Phnom Penh and its golden palaces, then ventures into wild massifs for a nine-kilometer trek deep into the mountains. At Chambok, farming families welcome hikers before the ascent to Kirirom Falls. Further south, Kampot reveals its black pepper plantations where fragrant clusters dry, while the caves of Phnom Kampong Trach shelter stone Buddhas in their limestone cavities.
This region bears witness to the heritage of the Khmers, a people of builders and navigators who shaped these lands between river and mountain. A journey that leads from intact forests to the shores of Koh Rong, where white sand meets the China Sea.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Welcome to Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh Airport → Phnom Penh
Welcome by our driver upon arrival at the airport.
Transfer and check-in at our hotel. The rest of the day is free.
Rooms available from 2:00 PM. If you arrive a little early and your room is not yet ready, you can leave your luggage at reception before going for a walk in the city or resting by the pool. Day without English-speaking accompanying guide
Day without English-speaking guide
Phnom Penh, vibrant capital
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 jewels 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.
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 truly lush garden surrounded by the museum's unique pieces.
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.
Now converted into a museum, the former S21 Prison reminds each visitor of the atrocities committed in Cambodia during the terrible years of communist dictatorship. No fewer than 17,000 people were prisoners of Tuol Sleng prison, and only 7 survived and can today recount the suffering they endured. 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.
Take advantage of the day to visit one or more iconic markets in the city:
- The Central Market, known as Phsar Thmei, is a vast art deco dome-shaped building, teeming with life and colors. It's a lively place where you can find a wide variety of products, ranging from clothing to fresh food products, as well as handcrafted souvenirs.
- The Russian Market, or Phsar Toul Tom Poung, is a popular and vibrant market renowned for its varied offerings of clothing, accessories and local products. It's also an excellent place to discover authentic Cambodian food products and souvenirs at affordable prices.
- The O'Russei market, also known as Phsar O'Russei, is a lively shopping center where you can find mainly wholesale products, clothing and various items. This market, less touristy than others, offers an authentic experience of daily life in Phnom Penh and is ideal for finding unique bargains at interesting prices.
Note: The markets close early. Expect to see stalls closing from 4:30 PM.
Day trip by tuk-tuk
Day spent with an English-speaking guide.
On the way to Koh Kong via Tatai Waterfall
After breakfast, we depart by road towards Koh Kong province, in the west of the country. The region is still very wild and underdeveloped. Ideal for getting off the beaten path! Along the way, we make a small detour to the Tatai waterfalls. By car, we must take a rather rough track for about 2km but the beautiful cascade and the possibility of swimming are well worth this sacrifice of comfort!
Koh Kong → Cardamom Tented Camp
We then continue on our way. Once we arrive safely, you board a small boat to reach the Cardomom Tented Camp located about ten kilometers from the boarding point.
Free time and rest after your check-in.
Day without English-speaking accompanying guide
Trek and kayaking in the primary forest
After breakfast, set off on a full-day excursion combining hiking and kayaking. On the agenda, 9km of trail (50% hiking, 50% kayaking) through the primary forest of Koh Kong, at the foot of the Cardamom Mountains. With very little elevation gain, the hike is accessible to all. With a bit of luck, you may spot long-tailed macaques, kingfishers, toucans and water dragons. The luckiest will observe passing gibbons or the family of otters that lives in the area.
Back at camp, you can extend your exploration by kayak, try your hand at zip-lining or continue hiking on the small trail near camp. Day without English-speaking guide
Day without English-speaking guide
Stop in the Chambok Community
Cardamom Tented Camp → Koh Kong
Around 9:30 AM, the resort team takes us back by boat to the starting point where our driver is waiting for us.
We take the road to the rural community of Chambok located on the outskirts of Kirirom National Park.
Once we arrive at our destination, we settle in with a local family; the rest of the day is free except for meals which we will take at the community restaurant. It takes 10-15 minutes to walk there from the homestay, or you can ask our driver to take you there.
Day without English-speaking guide
Kirirom National Park
After breakfast, we meet our English-speaking local guide who will give us a brief overview of the history and activities of this small rural community.
We then begin the trek inside Kirirom National Park towards the waterfall. Swimming and rest at the waterfall, then descent to the community center for lunch. Plan for about an hour of hiking with positive elevation gain throughout. Total duration: approximately 3 hours.
We then head towards Kampot.
Once we arrive at our destination, we settle into the hotel; the rest of the day is free.
Day without English-speaking guide
Kampot Pepper
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-run pepper production farm, Sothy's Farm with a plantation guide who will explain the origin and reason for the fame of this spice. You will learn more about cultivation methods and how to cook this famous pepper. Lunch will be served at the plantation.
Sothy'S Pepper Farm → Kampong Trach
In the afternoon, near Kep, exploring the caves of Phnom Kampong Trach holds some pleasant 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 created by the collapse of the rock.
Return to Kampot and the rest of the day is free.
Day without English-speaking guide-accompanier
Relaxation Day in the Kep Archipelago
After breakfast, we take the road to the nearby town of Kep where we board for a full-day eco-tour around the islands of Kep Bay.
Aboard the Nāga, a traditional Khmer fishing boat, we will sail through the Kep archipelago, at the mercy of the waves and currents, away from any other tourist circuit.
Armed with masks and snorkels, let's discover the seabeds and reefs of the Kep archipelago where many species of colorful fish, sea urchins, starfish and corals thrive.
Let's relax in the warm waters ideal for swimming in Snake Island Bay for a barbecue of fish and seafood on the boat. We then visit a traditional fishing village where we can soak in the atmosphere and observe the preparation of nets, crab traps and bait while having an iced coffee. Finally, we set off to explore a charming little lost and atypical islet. We may have the rare chance to spot Irrawaddy dolphins in this spot… Keep your eyes open!
The boat tour is private and starts around 9am with a return around 4pm.
Vegetarian menu on request.
Closed from June to September.
Day without an English-speaking guide
Extension to Koh Rong
Meeting with your tuk tuk at 9:45 AM for a transfer to Kampot railway station. You take the train heading to Sihanoukville
Upon your arrival, a tuk-tuk will be waiting for you to take you to the pier.
The boats do not all depart from the same pier. It is important that you quickly inform us of the name of your hotel on the island so that we can give the tuk-tuk driver directions.
Boat transfer to Koh Rong from Sihanoukville pier. Our team on site will wait for you at the pier to provide your boat tickets.
The boat staff will take half of your ticket. Keep the other half carefully for your return! When you return to Sihanouk, your driver will pick you up at the Buva Sea office. Vehicles cannot access the pier exit directly
Day without English-speaking guide
Return to Phnom Penh
After breakfast and checking out of our room, we return by boat to Sihanoukville.
The boat departure is scheduled for.....
Sihanoukville Port → Phnom Penh
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.
The driver will wait for you at the Buva Sea office, a few dozen meters away. Vehicles cannot always access the boat landing directly.
Please note: this itinerary is only possible with a return flight at least in the early afternoon (i.e. from 4:30 PM onwards). If the flight is in the morning, we will need to arrange a final night in the capital.
Day without an English-speaking guide
Have a good flight and safe travels back!
Phnom Penh → Phnom Penh Airport
Free program before our transfer to Phnom Penh International Airport.
We will need to vacate our room before noon. If our flight is in the evening, we can leave our luggage at the hotel reception for one last trip around the city.
Optional: if the flight is after 4:30 PM-5:00 PM, it is possible to save one last night in the capital by going directly to Phnom Penh International Airport from Sihanoukville.
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
- Tips
- Travel insurance/cancellation/repatriation
- Visa fees
- Extra drinks / alcohols
- Hotel Expenses
- Meals not mentioned
- Phone calls
- Any excursion not mentioned in the itinerary
- Late room checkout (standard check-out to be completed before noon)
- Some hotel supplements for special occasions (e.g. Christmas meals, Chinese New Year/Khmer New Year/etc.)
Included
- Transfers to and from the airport
- Transports to activities and program stages
- Land transfers indicated in the program
- Hotels and accommodations
- Hotel breakfasts
- Repas mentionnés
- English-speaking guide for activities when indicated
- 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
