Cambodia Adventure Tour Packages in 26 Days

Arrive Phnom Penh around noon – visa processing - meet with guide transfer to the hotel. Afternoon half day city tour, visit National Museum of Khmer Arts, Silver Pagoda on the same ground of Royal Palace, River Front Park and renowned Wat Phnom Hill. Overnight Phnom Penh.

After early breakfast this morning, we drive to Kompong Cham, one of Cambodia’s largest towns, located on the banks of the mighty Mekong River to explore the French Colonial houses in the city. On the way visit the unique Angkorian temple of Wat Nokor, an 11th century Mahayana Buddhist shrine built from sandstone and literate. After lunch cross the Mekong River by the Japanese-built bridge and drive to Chup, a rubber plantation in the region established by the French tire maker Michelin. Continue to Kratie on a laterite road. Stop at Chhlong, a small village on the Mekong river's bank with both Khmer and colonial architecture. Visit the unique and beautiful wooden house supported by 100 columns (19th C).  Upon arrival check in at hotel. Overnight in Kratie.
 

In the morning visit the old colonial town of Kratie and visit  Phnom Sambok where you could see a good view of the rice field up to Vietnam border with a fresh air and Kampi, which boast the major sights in this region. A view over the surrounding area from the temple is impressive. After a local lunch, we visit the rare freshwater dolphins of Cambodia at Kampi, about 15km north of Kratie before continue to Steung Treng by road. Upon arrival check in at the hotel. Overnight in Steung Treng.

In the morning city tour around this outpost town. There is not many thing to see Stungtreng apart from the countryside and few temples before driving to Banlung,  capital of Ratanakiri, nicknamed the “Red City” because of the omnipresent laterite. Transfer to Terres Rouges Lodge (superb house built of precious wood, located by a lake, in the middle of a wonderful garden), In the afternoon, departure for a small trip through rubber plantations towards the nearby waterfalls; we end up with a detour to Yaklaom lake, a beautiful and perfectly-round stretch of water, surrounded by forest, for a late afternoon swim. Overnight at Rattanakiri.

Direction northwest today, we cross bamboo forests before reaching the village of Voeune Saï located on the left bank of the Sé San river ; the view on the Chinese village on the other side of the river is quite pretty. Besides, this place is nearly a Chinese enclave in Cambodian territory, most villagers, who are there the thirties, don't even speak Khmer. Upstream of the Se San are a certain number of Tampoun villages that practice funeral statuary ; if it is possible, we will rent a boat to go to the village of Ka Choan that has superb totems, if not we will reach it by jeep. Overnight at Rattanakiri.

We’re going full North today, heading towards Laos and the village of Taveng. We first cross Veyrum Plang, a round lava field in the forest; a few steps away there is a small waterfall (in the rainy season only) surrounded by tigers caves. Later on, we stop at some nice Kroeung villages located in the forest on both sides of the road.
The more North we go, the more beautiful the forest. In some Kroeung villages, depending on the season, we might discover some quite impressive bachelor houses built on very high stilts.  Let’s notice that, when they have achieved their goal and when the young man has become head of a family, these houses are destroyed before being raised again by younger men the following season. Depending on the time and the state of the dirt road, we will choose a location for a picnic before exploring the nearby villages. Overnight at Rattanakiri. 

Woken up early by the songs of the rooster, pig and buffalo… we cross the river to get back to our car and drive back to Banlung where we try (fruitlessly?) to look human again before leaving for the Three-Districts area. The dirt track leading to the Three-District mining area is one of the worst of the country: 35 km of 30 to 70cm-deep ruts concealing stumps and other branches destroying bodies under the car, lower backs and fuel tanks. The vehicles that dare to take this “back-to-Hell” road are, most of the time, old Russian jeeps close to their own end, their tires are often covered with chains and their overall appearance is often far from the initial design of their creator… At least they usually make it in one day, that’s the main thing! Through huge rubber trees forests planted by the French in 1961 and then the Tampoun jungle, you reach the Three-Districts mining area, kind of tropical slum or favella populated by 3000 people lost in the middle of the Cambodian forest. This “Zircon Rush” has transformed this place into a massive Swiss cheese drilled with hundreds of 60cm-wide 12m-deep wells. The miners go down without any safety equipment in these wells (whose sides have not even been propped up!) using candles for lighting. Accidents occur sometimes. Two kilometers away, there is the seven-tiered waterfall, called that way because the river is interrupted by seven rocky floors, creating waterfalls where you shower and swim with pleasure. Overnight at Terres Rouges.
 

Early morning drive to Sen Monorom, Capital of Mondulkiri, located at a high elevation, supporting unique flora and fauna among its hills. Upon arrival, check in hotel. Overnight in Mondulkiri.

In the morning drive to the minority group of Phnong at Putang Village. From the village take an elephant ride through the forest to enjoy the unique scenery of this remote, windswept province and taking a rest at the waterfall before returning back to the province. Afternoon, exploring the small town of Sen Monorom, a charming little community set amid rolling hills, with visit to a waterfall that doubles up as the local swimming pool and ending the day at Phnom Doh Kromom (Maiden breast hills) to view the nice view of Mondulkiri town and watch the sunset from the top of the hill. Overnight in Mondulkiri.
 

Drive 37km to the east to Bou Sraa Waterfall with stop to visit minority villages along the way. Bou Sraa Waterfall is most impressive in Cambodia. There is an unusual double drop, plunging 15m then 30m into the jungle below. Afternoon, continuing to visit the Busra weaving village before returning back to town by stop en-route to see the nice scenery of Sea Forest (Samoth Chheu) and ending the day at Phnom Doh Kromom (Maiden breast hills) to view the nice view of Mondulkiri town and watch the sunset from the top of the hill. Overnight in Mondulkiri.

After early breakfast this morning, we drive to Kompong Thom, on the way brief tour at Kompong Cham to visit Phnom Pros (Man Hill) & Phnom Srei (Woman Hill), each with its own temple before continuing to Kg. Thom province by stop en-route at Skun district where the spiders are available to see or taste and could get a good photo with it before continuing to visit the 11th century Wat Kohear Nokor temple to meet local monks and villagers. Overnight in Kompong Thom.

Today, you head to Sambor Prei Kuk, one of the most important pre-Angkorian sites in the country as well as Cambodia’s newest UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sambor Prei Kuk was built in the Chenla period between the 6th and 7th centuries and there are over 100 well preserved temples scattered in the forest. The three main sites are linked by small and shady tracks. Enjoy a beautiful walk through the jungle with breathtaking views. Your visit supports a community-based tourism project.
The villages around the temple complex still practice the ancient art of craft making, using materials such as bamboo and rattan. Stop at one village to observe the local production. The community runs the Isanborei Craft Hut next to the temples and sells their products there as part of a community-based tourism project. You will have the chance to visit and contribute to the sustainability of the people’s livelihood as the local community will prepare a simple but very tasty lunch for you near the temple.
Continue towards Siem Reap. On arrival, check in to the hotel and enjoy the remainder of the afternoon at leisure.
Overnight in Siem Reap.
 

This morning after breakfast, get your first close glimpse of Angkor today at the early temples of the Roluos Group. Roluos is the site of an ancient center of Khmer civilization known as Hariharalaya. It was the first town built by the Angkorian kings in the 8th and 9th century and consists of three main temples: Bakong, Lolei and Preah Ko. The surrounding countryside with its paddy fields and sugar palm trees is very typical for Cambodia – enjoy the natural beauty on an ox cart ride, a fun way to get in touch with rural Cambodia and its friendly people. In the contemporary Roluos Pagoda in the vicinity of the monuments, Buddhist monks will celebrate a private blessing ceremony for you, wishing you health and a safe journey – a very special experience!
After a break for some rest at midday return to explore the temples of the Small Circuit. The most illustrious of these is Ta Prohm, built in the mid 12th to early 13th centuries. Ta Prohm is unique in that it has been left largely overgrown by jungle trees and vines, with many parts of the temple crumbling to the ground. This makes the ‘Tomb Raider Temple’ one of the most picturesque and memorable of the Angkor temples. Your visit to Ta Prohm will also include Banteay Kdei, a Buddhist monastery from the late 12th Century, and Srah Srang, also known as the “pool of ablutions”.
As an alternative to Ta Prohm and Banteay Kdei you may wish to visit Preah Khan, a larger temple built by the same king in honour of his father (Ta Prohm was built for his mother). Less well known and therefore less frequently visited, Preah Khan is more grand in scale and yet provides a more intimate—more “Tomb Raider” if you will—experience because of fewer visitors and it’s many collapsing and crumbling corridors. Note: Speak to your guide on the day of your visit. Depending on the season you may wish to visit a different temple to avoid the crowds as Ta Prohm is very crowded during peak months.
You will be right in time to catch the beautiful evening light from Pre Rup, a pyramidal temple surrounded by a sea of rice fields.
Overnight in Siem Reap.

Get up early for one of the highlights of your tour through Cambodia: a visit to Angkor Wat at sunrise. Watching the first sunbeams glow over the largest religious edifice in the world will not leave you untouched.
Enjoy breakfast at Angkor Café just across from Angkor Wat before you visit the temple in depth. Built during the reign of King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century, Angkor Wat was constructed following the model of the temple mountain symbolizing the Mount Meru, home of the gods. Built as the divine residence of Vishnu, the spirit of the King was also to reside here after his death. 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. Moreover, 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. Angkor Wat is featured on Cambodia's national flag as the temple symbolizes the soul of the Khmer people.
In the afternoon, visit to the ancient city of Angkor Thom, the last capital of the Great Khmer Empire under the reign of Jayavarman VII. This city is surrounded by an 8m-high wall, drawing a perfect square. You will enter the city from the ancient South Gate, an impressive stone gate carved with three-headed elephants and capped by four giant faces of the Buddha.
From here, continue to Bayon Temple in the exact center of the city. This 12th century masterpiece is a study in grandeur. The exterior gallery walls have extensive, superb bas-reliefs, particularly the East and South Galleries. 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.
Overnight in Siem Reap.

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the remote Beng Mealea, a temple tucked away deep in the Cambodian jungle. During the one hour drive, you will get a glimpse of the beautiful Cambodian countryside. Along the way, your English speaking guide will explain a bit of the history of the region and point out sights along the way. Upon arrival, explore the ruins of Beng Mealea. This formerly “undiscovered” temple has become increasingly popular so the earlier you arrive, the less crowds you will experience.  As this temple is thought to have been a model for Angkor Wat and its collapsed state is a wonder to explore, it’s all the more so if you have it to yourself! After your adventurous exploration, enjoy a delicious packed lunch at a local house close to the temple site. (Note: due to the increasing popularity of Beng Mealea it is best to arrive by 7:30am, just as the temple opens)
From here, travel to the “gem” of the Angkor area, the pretty temple of Banteay Srei. The so-called “Citadel of the Women” displays some of the finest examples of classical Khmer art as this small temple is noted for its truly remarkable fine bas-reliefs, depicting Hindu god Shiva. Banteay Srei is unique in that it is constructed of pink sandstone, which is seen nowhere else in Angkor.
On the way back, you will have the possibility to stop at local communities along the way and your guide will help you to interact with the local population to learn about the way of life here. Seize the opportunity to see how rice paper is produced and to taste palm wine and palm sugar, which are a popular local produce.
Overnight in Siem Reap.

Morning visit War Museum and Les Artisans d’Angkor - Chantiers Ecole where visitors can observe students learning traditional carving and finishing techniques and visit Siem Reap Market. Afternoon tour to floating village and boat trip on Tonle Sap Great Lake and view sunset at Phnom Krom. Dinner with Khmer Traditional Dance Show. Overnight Siem Reap.
 

Morning full day tour to Holy mountain of Phnom Kulen visit Liga carving, a legacy of the God-kings who ruled Cambodia in the ninth century, One of the eight water sources, Sleeping Buddha, and the Waterfall of Phnom Kulen. Overnight Siem Reap.

After breakfast at hotel, drive to the northwest to Banteay Mean Chey province – Sisophon (105km/2.45hrs) and continuing to visit Banteay Chhmar temple (60km/1.13hrs), one of the capitals of Jayavarman II. It was rebuilt by Jayavarman VII and dedicated to his sons and four generals who were killed in battle repelling a Cham invasion in 1177. The sandstone structure, built in the 11th century and dedicated to the deity Avalokiteshvara, suffered significant damage during repeated Thai invasions, although many of its huge bas-reliefs, which are said to be comparable of those of the Bayon and Angkor Wat, still remain. Proceeding to Banteay Torp temple and having pinic lunch on site before returning back to Sisophon and Battambang province (120km/2.15hrs). Arrive in Battambang and check in at hotel.  Overnight in Battambang.

After breakfast at local restaurant, the same morning, we visit the Provincial Museum and drive along the picturesque Sangker River to visit Wat Ek Phnom (11th century - Suryavaman I). Then, proceeding to visit Phnom Sampeau and killing field/cave. Afternoon, we visit Phnom Banon, with its five sandstone towers on the top of a hill and enjoy a magnificent view of the surrounding plains. Return to Battambang for a walk through the town to discover its beautiful Colonial architecture and along the Sangke River. Overnight in Battambang.

Morning, drive back to Phnom Penh. On the  way stopover in Ou Dong for visit the various temples and the three large stupas where the ashes of three former kings are preserved. Next visit the Vihara of 18Cubit Buddha, Enjoy the beautiful view of the surrounding plains and rice-fields from the hilltop temple. Continue driving to Phnom Praset, visit the Pre-Angkorian temple (8thC) and the pagoda to view the reclining Buddha. Then drive back to Phnom Penh. On arrival check in hotel. Overnight in Phnom Penh. 

The day starts with a transfer Phnom Dat Chivit located in Kirirom National Park where walking guide and ranger will brief you on the tour. After water fill and get ready, immediately begin the hiking 2 hours to visit Phnom Dat Chivit. The walking is interesting to discover through the pine forest followed by the sound of the birds and we stop to search for them. To the top of the hill, it has the best view to see all the other part of the mountain range. A peaceful breathtaking and also the kingdom of the 2 eagles, they normally chasing around. Dinner and overnight at Chambok home-stay.

Early morning walk to the water fall. As we walk along the path for ox card, the birds are singing. We are able to see some birds also as they are conserved by the community. Then there is a bit climbing with some rock. We have one stop before reaching to the 40 meter high water fall. Enjoy swimming and relaxing before returning back to home-stay for breakfast. Then we visit the community with the local guide to learn about rural life at its most authentic. Transfer to Sihanouk Ville. Afternoon, free to enjoy swimming and relaxing at the beach. Overnight in Sihanouk Ville.

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer for 30 minutes to board the boat to visit the mangrove forest. The mangrove forests along the fresh water river are reserved by the community. It is as important as the their living because it protects the fish and their eggs. After 1 hour boat drive, we reach to the sea where the water becomes salty and it's the end of the mangrove forest. We swim and relax at the peaceful beach with less visited than the beach in Sihanouk Ville. Then we walk through the jungle on the tropical island for 45 minutes to the village where we have lunch with the local family. After lunch, we relax on the boat to patiently observe the dolphin. Transfer back to Sihanouk Ville for overnight.  
 

Breakfast at the hotel. Free day to wander around the port town and the market on your own to enjoy swimming and relaxing at the beach. Overnight in Sihanouk Ville.
 

Breakfast at the hotel. Free day to wander around the port town and the market on your own to enjoy swimming and relaxing at the beach. Overnight in Sihanouk Ville.
 

Transfer to Phnom Penh airport to take the departure flight