Incredible Cambodia Adventure in 9 Days

Welcome to Cambodia!
Upon arrival at the Siem Reap International Airport be pampered with a fast track visa service including the visa fee.
Watch out for a signboard and personnels on standby while exiting the the aircraft. Once outside, clear customs then meet the adventure guide and be transferred to the hotel.
Enjoy the rest of the day recovering from the flight and have a great meal to prepare for the next several days of Adventure!
Overnight in Siem Reap.

Set out to explore Angkor complex via bicycle this morning, pedalling through dense jungles of the magnificent temples of Angkor.
Begin with a visit to Ta Prohm Temple (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 meter high wall draws a perfect square around the city ruin. Enter through the ancient 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 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 of god Vishnu gradually transforming 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 symbolizing Mount Meru, the home of the 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 labor. Today, Angkor Wat is figured on Cambodia's national flag as the temple symbolizes 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.”
Tonight, enjoy an evening show and go see Phare Ponleu Selpak (PPS), which means “the brightness of art.” Phare is a cultural organisation in Cambodia, that offers young people a way out of poverty by training them to become professional artists and performers. Take part to this extraordinary human adventure and witness for one evening the astonishing skills of these young artists.  
Overnight in Siem Reap.

After an early breakfast, meet the guide and begin a lovely cycle to the famous Beng Mealea Temple.  It’s about a 55 km ride on the backroads to see the real Cambodia.  There is an option to be transferred by air-conditioned vehicle anytime.
After visiting the temple take a 45 minutes transfer by vehicle to Koh Ker, and see the fabulous ruins.
Under the reign of the kings Jayavarman IV and Harshavarman II, Koh Ker was briefly the capital of the whole empire and more than ten thousand people lived here during that time (928 – 944 AD).  With over 70 temples as well as the highest pyramid style temple in Cambodia, the main Koh Ker temple is as stunning as the ancient Mayan ruins in Mexico. 
Enjoy trekking to various temples and learn about the history from the knowledgeable guide.  This amazing archaeological site in a remote area is on its way to being classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Afterwards, take a two hour transfer to the small town of Sra Aem and check into a great hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight in Sra Aem.

Today is a fantastic day!  After an early breakfast, meet the guide and take a 30-minute transfer to the base of Dangrek Mountain range.
At the base of the mountain, climb into a 4WD vehicle and then ascend the steep mountain to the top.  Take a couple of hours to explore this incredible temple complex.
Prasat Preah Vihear has the most spectacular setting of all the temples built during the six-centuries-long Khmer Empire during the reigns of the Khmer Kings Suryavarman I (1006–1050) and Suryavarman II (1113–1150) and was built to better worship the Hindu god Shiva. At the peak, be rewarded with fabulous views over Cambodia’s and Thailand’s fertile plains. The impressive ruins reach skyward to nearly 525 metres, perched on the edge of cliffs with amazing views over the seemingly endless Cambodian jungle to the south. The temple is not yet restored but has spectacular carvings and lintels which are almost as splendid as those at Banteay Srei.   The spectacular location paired with a unique temple design is the reason UNESCO listed Preah Vihear as a World Heritage site.
Upon descent, it is time for the next chapter of today’s adventure:  Hop onto a 4WD US Army-Style Jeep and drive 100km west ward along the Dangrek Mountain Range that separates Cambodia from Thailand.  Have the option to drive the 4WD or to let the jeep guide drive along a remote and untouched road. This will take about 2-3 hours before arriving at Kampong SreLao, a small community right on the Mekong River across from Laos.  Here, hop onto the mountain bikes (Trek X-caliber 7 series) for a 24 km ride. Traverse along the Mekong in this very beautiful area. Arrive at the Sokhapheamit Waterfalls to take a break and stand in awe of this spectacular series of rapids.
Afterwards, go on a nice 9km ride to the hotel by the river. Although attached with basic facilities, the new property is a comfortable stay.
Note: You have the option to stop cycling at any time and get into the air-conditioned vehicle.  Don’t worry.  You also have the option to skip cycling and go by US Army Jeep all the way to hotel.
Meet the kayaking guide in the late afternoon and take a 1km test paddle across the river to Laos, Don Khone Island (Please note: There are no need for a visa for this). 
Alternatively, ride across the river by motor boat. Enjoy a nice authentic Laos dinner and then kayak or boat back for the evening. Be accompanied by the kayaking and adventure guide for dinner for a full full briefing on what to expect tomorrow.
Get a good night’s rest for the next day of adventure!
Overnight in Preah Rumkel

This morning, it’s time to pair up and get outfitted for the kayaks.  Spend some time near the lodge to get use to the gear.
Start the paddle southwards towards Stung Treng, about 65 km downstream.  Pass lovely scenery and paddle through the forest submerged in water.  With some luck, spot an occasional Irrawaddy dolphin.  See the fishermen with their nets and paddle pass longtail boats with the locals smiling and waving hello.
Cruise past eddies and whirlpools with the gentle sounds of the paddles. Depending on the season, there may be strong or weak currents.
The paddle today is about 20-30 km.  When tired, be transferred by boat to the camping / homestay site at any time. The support boat will be nearby at all times and will be carrying the camping gear, bedding, food, water and other supplies.
Take pictures along the way and enjoy the day before arriving at today’s stopping point, an authentic Khmer Homestay at a locals house.  They will have electricity and a basic toilet and shower.
There is an option to sleep in a tent instead with comfortable bedding tonight just advise the guides on preferences.
Enjoy the night full of stars and the serene sounds of the Mekong River while tucking-in to a BBQ dinner by the campfire.
Overnight camping or homestay on the Mekong.

Wake up to a beautiful breakfast in the great outdoors and prepare to kayak again. 
Enjoy kayaking for another 20-30 km and pass by the remote lives of the fishermen and villages dotted along the river.  Sand islands, sunken forests, and raw nature continue.
Depending on the current and physical capabilities, either arrive in Stung Treng or be transferred by boat, then van (approx. 4 hours) on the side of the river back to Siem Reap and check back into the hotel.
Tonight, have a nice hot shower, relax and have dinner at or near the hotel.
Overnight in Siem Reap

Today after breakfast, spend the morning on a ziplining course inside the Angkor park on Angkor Zipline (formerly Flight of the Gibbon).  Glide from tree to tree from these raised platforms nestled in the jungles of Angkor.
Be transferred back to the hotel for some rest before embarking on a great tour. An unforgettable experience riding an ATV quad bike, designed for off-road terrain through the beautiful countryside of Siem Reap Province. The guided tour will pass local villages for a glimpse into the way of life in rural Cambodia. Have a chance to meet and chat with the wonderful and friendly people. Be rewarded with a magnificent sunset over cascading rice fields.
Return to the hotel to freshen up before heading for a farewell dinner at Raffles Grand Angkor. Be entertained by the great Apsara Dance and Cultural Show while indulging in a fantastic set dinner.
Overnight in Siem Reap

Wake up early and be transferred to the Siem Reap airport for the flight to Phnom Penh. On arrival, embark on a very interesting half day architecture tour of the city this afternoon after having lunch at the famous FCC, or Foreign Corresspondent’s Club) right next to the Royal Palace.
This afternoon, depart on a Khmer Architecture walking and car tour for a fascinating discovery of Cambodian architecture from both the colonial times and the late 1950s and 1960s both a culturally and politically vibrant time.
During that era, an en vogue ‘New Khmer Architecture’ was emerging  that uniquely integrated international trends with traditional style and materials.
Check into the hotel and relax before having a fantastic, high-end meal at the French restaurant, VANS.
Overnight in Phnom Penh

After breakfast, meet the guide and take a short transfer to the riverfront.  Embark on a ½ day morning walking tour.
First, head to the Royal Palace. This palace dates back to 1866 and houses the Silver Pagoda, which got its name for having over 5000 silver tiles covering the floor. Its original name was Wat Prakeo, meaning Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Be mesmerised by the collection of Buddhas in gold, silver, crystal, and bronze in this temple.
The next stop is the National Museum, built in traditional Khmer style. It houses the world's foremost collection of ancient Khmer artistic, archaeological, and religious artifacts from the 4th to the 13th centuries. Over 5,000 pieces are on display and constitute to the repository of the Kingdom's cultural wealth. In addition, the roof space is home to a large bat colony! 
End this morning’s journey at the Bopha Titanic Restaurant by the banks of the river for lunch.
After lunch, transfer to the airport for departure.
What a great trip!