Cambodia Adventure Tour for Family in 19 Days

Welcome to Cambodia!
Upon arrival at the Siem Reap International Airport take the visa fast track service with visas included.
Be welcomed with a signage while exiting the terminal and be greeted by the adventure guide for transfer to the hotel.
Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure and rest well for the upcoming days of Adventure!
Tonight, leave the hotel at 6pm to go to dinner at Phare Circus restaurant before enjoying the 8-9pm show. Phare Ponleu Selpak (PPS), which means “the brightness of art,” is a cultural organisation in Cambodia, that offers young people a way out of poverty by training them to become professional artists and performers. PPS teaches circus skills, theater performance, music and a range of visual arts. It combines local traditions with new creative and innovative genres. This Cambodian non-profit association steers underprivileged children and youth towards a better quality of life through cultural, artistic, educational and social skills.  Take part in this extraordinary human adventure and witness for one evening the astonishing skills of these young artists. 
Overnight in Siem Reap.

Today is a fantastic day!  After breakfast, meet the guide and begin cycling out of Siem Reap town.  Pass through villages and hear the hellos of the children.  Stop along the way at Banteay Samre, a very nice Angkorian temple steeped in history and then cycle on and visit the Golden Silk Farm, a local NGO which helps to revive the ancient Khmer know-how in silk activities and provide job opportunities to more than 100 local staff. The farm area, mulberry trees and weaving ateliers can be seen as part of the guided tour. Golden Silk products are ecologically produced from the yellow silkworm which is unique to Cambodia. Some of the silk products are months, or even years, in the making and each one is unique. This is one for the connoisseurs of high quality craftwork. 
Continue cycling to the Angkor Butterfly Center (Banteay Srei Butterfly Centre (BBC)), where it is possible to experience butterflies feeding and flying very close at hand and to witness the complete life cycle of many species. The exhibit consists of a netted tropical garden with thousands of free-flying butterflies, all of which are native species to Cambodia.  Revenue generated by tourist admissions provides support for local poverty alleviation and conservation projects.
Afterwards, cycle or choose to be transferred to the authentic Khmer homestay.  Enjoy meeting the locals and eating and sleeping like the locals do for a great and unique experience.
Overnight at homestay.

After breakfast, cycle or choose to be transferred about 7km early in the morning before the crowds get to the “gem” of the Angkor area, the pretty temple of Banteay Srei. The so-called “Citadel of the Women” remains the best preserved temple in Cambodia. It displays some of the finest examples of classical Khmer art as this small temple is noted for its truly remarkable fine bas-reliefs. Banteay Srei is unique in that it is constructed using pink sandstone, which is seen nowhere else in Angkor.
Afterwards, transfer a short way and begin trekking to Kbal Spean, to see the waterfalls with the famous 1000 Lingas which are ancient Khmer sculptures in the form of male genitalia in  “Honor of the Gods”.
Overnight in tents in a fantastic small village at Kbal Spean.

After breakfast, start to trek from the mountain range and see the views of the mountain, green fields, farms, and the villagers along the way.  On the way from the mountain range to the main road, the back-up truck will deliver the supplies and gear.
Trek to get closer to the mountain range, there is a small river where the villagers collect water to drink as they go to the farms. Have lunch before starting to trek to the other side of Kbal Spean.
After lunch we will trek to reach the top of the mountain, on the way see flowers and the big stones and perfect for photography.
Keep moving into the deep jungle and arrive at a small river called Ou Thom. Take a short rest at the relaxing river before continuing the trek.  
Watch out and observe for birds on this 14 km trek through the jungle before arriving at a rugged and remote area for the night’s rest.
There will be no electricity or running water on this real camping experience. The porters will carry all the supplies and gear and setup nice tents and bedding. There will also be a fire prepared for a BBQ dinner this evening. Sit around the fire and have a nice meal and drinks. 
Fall asleep under the stars in the natural surroundings.

After breakfast, go on an awesome trek to the Kulen Mountain Waterfalls.
Pass many mountains, pepper farms to the foothills of the mountain.  Be surrounded by the beautiful nature of flowers and green fields on foot. The trek begins with wider exposure with lesser trees for shade but will soon be cooler while approaching the mountain range. Try to climb up the slopes and the stones for beautiful views. Pass many national parks and another mountain called Phnom Ta Mav.  On the way, lookout for birds that are often hidden among the trees.
Today’s trek is a more challenging one with climbs up slopes. Halfway, pass the iconic slope and the big stone called Perng Bak. Arrive at the village named Por Pel and be transferred by moto to the Kulen Mountain Waterfalls  (Please note: It is also possible to trek to the waterfalls). Swim in the famous Kulen waterfalls and then trek a short distance to the Big Buddha for a visit. Then, trek another 2 km to the overnight campground by the river. The tents are placed on raised platforms and there are proper toilets, showers, and electricity.
Tonight, have an excellent meal by the campfire under the stars.  Relax and enjoy the sounds of the river before having a good night’s rest.

Awake to the cool morning. After breakfast, go on a great day of cycling across the top of Kulen Mountain.  There are 26 km of forests and plains across the plateau.  Along the way, stop and visit the big elephant sculpture, Elephant Pond and the Bat Cave.  Descend the mountain to Svay Leu and then cycle the last 10km to the Beng Mealea homestay.
Have a nice local meal and a basic shower.  This is the last day of staying in the wild.  Enjoy it before going back to hotel stays in Siem Reap!
What a great day!

Optional trekking instead of cycling
After breakfast, be transferred for about 12km by moto and start the trek from a village call Phum Tmey to Wat Pres Kral for lunch. After lunch, move on to the jungle where there are alternative trekking and cycling routes. Cross creeks and brooks and trek to see the big elephant sculpture, Elephant Pond and the Bat Cave. On the way, pass a cashew nut farm and rice fields. Take a rest stop before starting to go downhill (Please note: There is a 90% steep slope for 4km.  This can be very slippery after rain.) The trek will take around an hour before arriving to the transport. Be transferred to Beng Mealea homestay.
Ovenight at Beng Mealea

This morning, take a short cycle to Beng Mealea temple and visit before the crowds. Then, cycle 55 km on laterite dirt roads for a true Cambodian countryside experience to Siem Reap.  
(Please note: Transport by air-conditioned van is available anytime if tired from the ride or running late for the next programme.)
Head to Happy Ranch just outside of Siem Reap for a western style horse ranch experience. Get acquainted with the horse of pure Cambodian breed, a descendant of the Mongolian wild horses. Enjoy the 3 hour trail ride off-the-beaten-track through the rice fields and local villages to the rarely visited temple of Wat Atvea. Explore the peaceful temple ruins of the Angkor-era for a truly authentic experience.
Afterwards, transfer to the hotel to relax. 
Spend the evening and night free and easy and tuck-into dinner along Pub Street.
Overnight in Siem Reap.

Sleep-in today and recover from the past days adventures. 
This afternoon be picked up and taken for an afternoon 3 hour 4WD ATV adventure
(Please note: This may be a join-in  tour.)
An unforgettable experience riding a quad bike specially designed for off-road terrain through the beautiful countryside of Siem Reap Province. The guided tour will pass local villages, for a learning experience about the way of life in rural Cambodia. Have the chance to meet and chat with the wonderful and friendly locals. The highlight of the tour is watching sunset in the rice fields.
Afterwards, head to Raffles Grand Angkor and have a nice set dinner while watching the famous Apsara Dance and Cultural show.
Overnight in Siem Reap.

Set out to explore Angkor Wat via bicycle this morning, pedaling through dense jungles of the magnificent temples of Angkor.
Begin with a visit to Ta Prohm temple (famous for the setting of one of the Tomb Raider films), built in the mid-12th to early 13th centuries in dedication to Jayavarman VII’s mother. Ta Prohm is unique in that it has been left largely as it was found: overgrown by jungle, trees and vines, with many parts of the temple crumbling to the ground. This makes Ta Prohm one of the most picturesque and memorable of the Angkor temples.
From Ta Prohm, dive back into the jungle and pedal through hidden passages to the ruins of Ta Nei (Grandfather Nei) and Preah Khan (dedicated to Jayavarman VII’s father) before heading to Angkor Thom. This was the last capital of the Great Khmer Empire under the reign of Jayavarman VII. An eight metre high wall draws a perfect square around the ancient city. Enter through the ancient city’s East Gate. On each side of the entrance path a row of fifty-four gods and demons hold the sacred Naga snake of Hindu lore.
From the walls of Angkor Thom, head inward for Bayon Temple which is situated in the exact center of the city. This 12th century masterpiece is a study in grandeur and is well-known for its fifty-four towers with enigmatic faces representing the fifty-four provinces of the Great Khmer Empire. The Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King are also must-visits as they are both known for their intricate bas-reliefs.
Southward now, through Angkor Thom to the famous Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world. It was originally constructed as a Hindu temple for God Vishnu before it was gradually transformed into a Buddhist temple toward the end of the 12th century.  Built during the reign of King Suryavarman II, Angkor Wat is constructed following the model of the temple mountain, Mount Meru which is known to be the home of the Hindu Gods. Inside the temple, the walls are covered with stone carvings and bas-reliefs depicting Hindu mythology and the wars Suryavarman II fought during his reign. Angkor Wat is well known for the more than 2,000 Apsara dancers decorating the temple. Construction is thought to have taken around thirty years of intensive labour. Today, Angkor Wat is figured on Cambodia's national flag as the temple symbolises the soul of the Khmer people.
One of the first Western visitors to the temple was António da Madalena, a Portuguese monk who visited in 1586 and said that it “is of such extraordinary construction that it is not possible to describe it with a pen, particularly since it is like no other building in the world. It has towers and decoration and all the refinements which the human genius can conceive of.”
Dinner tonight is enjoyed free and easy.
Overnight in Siem Reap.

This morning, after breakfast, be picked-up at the hotel and go on a five hour kayaking adventure on the Tonle Sap, Asia’s largest freshwater lake.
Kayak to the small floating village of Maichrey located beside a small hilltop pagoda to the edge of the open lake where the water recedes. Paddle between the floating houses and out towards the open lake where we'll stop for refreshments on the verandah of a floating house or onboard our support motorboat.
An afternoon trip available all year round and suitable for families with children in double kayaks with life jackets and support motorboat.
If time permits, on the way back, visit the Rolous Group of temples, a very nice set of temples rich in Angkorian history. There is an option to cycle to and from depending on physique and energy levels. Please advise the guide a day or two in advance for the necessary arrangements.
Spend dinner at leisure along the Pub Street area.
Overnight in Siem Reap.
 

After breakfast this morning, be transferred by tuk tuk to ‘Angkor Zipline’, formerly called Flight of the Gibbons. This is an eco-adventure tour at the Angkor Archaeological Park offering 10 zip lines at different heights, suspended sky bridges and the chance to abseil from a tree. This is an excursion for those with a sense of adventure who want to soar over the jungle canopy like a gibbon!
Be transferred to the zipline site before receiving a safety briefing and being outfitted. After the adventure begins, start with the easiest zip lines before proceeding to the highest and most exhilarating. The highest zip lines are at 50 metres above the canopy and the longest 350 metres. From the last zip line the final adventure is to abseil down before going on a soft trek through the forest back to the starting point.
After lunch at the zipline, choose from a number of temples to visit that the guide will introduce.
Overnight in Siem Reap
 

After breakfast,transfer to the airport to take the flight to Phnom Penh.
Phnom Penh is the vibrant bustling capital of Cambodia. Situated at the confluence of three rivers, the mighty Mekong, the Bassac and the great Tonle Sap, what was once considered the 'Gem' of Indochina. The capital city still maintains considerable charm with plenty to see. It exudes a sort of provincial charm and tranquillity with French colonial mansions and tree-lined boulevards amidst monumental Angkorian architecture. Phnom Penh is a veritable oasis compared to the modernity of other Asian capitals. A mixture of Asian exotica, the famous Cambodian hospitality awaits the visitors to the capital of the Kingdom of Cambodia.
On arrival into Phnom Penh you will be met by your guide and escorted to your hotel for check in. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Overnight in Phnom Penh.

This morning you will be greeted by a driver who will take you on a tour to the most remarkable sights of Phnom Penh in a cyclo, an original Phnom Penh means of transportation and a fun way to explore this lively city. First, head to Wat Phnom, a small hilltop temple that marks the founding place of the city. Then continue along the riverfront to the Royal Palace. This palace dates back to 1866 and houses the Silver Pagoda, named for the over 5000 heavy silver tiles that cover its floors. Its original name is Wat Prakeo, meaning Temple of the Emerald Buddha. In this temple you will view a collection of Buddhas in gold, silver, crystal, and bronze.
Continue to Bloom café, an incredible cake art gallery and a not-for-profit training organisation that empowers and skills young disadvantaged Cambodian women, providing them with a profession. Here you will try some of their incredible creations and cupcakes before being dropped back by your hotel. 
The remainder of the day is at leisure with some optional afternoon experiences.

Optional: Cambodian Living Arts – (evening)
This evening get inspired by Cambodian arts as you watch a traditional performance by Cambodian Living Arts (CLA). A rotating program is offering consisting of 3 unique performances: Children of Bassac (Classical and Folk Dance), Mak Therng and Passage of Life (Music and Theatre). Oct-Mar shows daily except Sun, Apr-Sep on Fri/Sat only.
All the shows last one hour and are held in the atmospheric gardens of the National Museum. After many years of gaining recognition for preserving many Cambodian art forms the CLA are today striving towards providing the artists the tools required to make their skills sustainable and also so they can make a competitive income from their work.
Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Early this morning, travel by private vehicle to Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Centre, located an hour’s drive from Phnom Penh, Phnom Tamao is the world’s largest sanctuary for sun bears and has educated hundreds of thousands of Cambodians about the threats facing their wild bear populations.
On arrival meet the staff at Free The Bears, located within Phnom Tamao. Free The Bears is a registered charity that was set up by an Australian woman, Mary Hutton, to protect, preserve and enrich the lives of bears throughout the world. The 100+ bears that you will see at Phnom Tamao may have faced death or a torturous life in order to provide medicinal benefits or exotic food to the Asian market. Twenty one forested enclosures have been built over 7 hectares to house a mixture of Sun bears and Asiatic black bears of different ages and personalities.
After visiting the various different bear houses take part in a fun activity of preparing enrichment toys. There will also be time to visit some of the other endangered and threatened species kept at Phnom Tamao. Lunch will be taken at a simple local picnic hut ‘Khmer style’. In the afternoon it is time to hide the food in the bear’s forest enclosures and watch them enjoy the fruits of your labour.
Leaving Phnom Tamao, drive a short distance to visit Tonle Bati Temple, where you will see an Angkor-era temple that remains largely intact and pretty gardens that enhance the atmosphere. Whilst very small in size, the temple is one of the best preserved and picturesque ones you can visit in Cambodia.
On the way back to Phnom Penh stop to try some local seasonal fruits before arriving at approximately 6pm at your hotel.
Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Transfer by road to Sihanoukville.
You have time to relax by the beautiful beaches or stroll by the white sands.
Or there are many other activities to participate in such as swimming, diving, kayaking, boating, windsurfing ...
Enjoy your exciting beach holiday!
Overnight in Sihanoukville.

Breakfast at your hotel.
You have time to relax by the beautiful beaches or stroll by the white sands.
Or there are many other activities to participate in such as swimming, diving, kayaking, boating, windsurfing ...
Enjoy your exciting beach holiday!
Overnight in Sihanoukville.

After breakfast, you will be met and transferred to the pier for your boat to the hotel on Koh Rong.
You have time to relax by the beautiful beaches or stroll by the white sands.
Or there are many other activities to participate in such as swimming, diving, kayaking, boating, windsurfing ...
Enjoy your exciting beach holiday!
Overnight on Koh Rong Island.

Breakfast at your hotel.
You have time to relax by the beautiful beaches or stroll by the white sands.
Or there are many other activities to participate in such as swimming, diving, kayaking, boating, windsurfing ...
Enjoy your exciting beach holiday!
Overnight on Koh Rong Island.

Breakfast at hotel. Free at leisure until the afternoon transfer back to Phnom Penh with a driver only.