Unseen Tours in Cambodia

Hiking trails in the Ream National Park are probably one of the most popular routes for hiking in Cambodia. It’s no surprise really, as the park is full of mangroves, freshwater marshes, estuaries, and forests, as well as beaches, coral reefs and islands! Even the wildlife here is just as stunning as the surroundings. With 210 square kilometers of pure nature at its best, you can imagine why the hiking trails here are a favorite. Although full of many trails, the particular hike that we are talking about is the 7km (2-hour) walk through the hills of the park. Why? Because you get to see the best of nature and the coast that the park has to offer, while also combining the tour with a boat trip to the islands! 

Animal lovers are in for a treat because a variety of endangered and rare wildlife call Cambodia home. Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Centre, about 30km from Phnom Penh, is run by Wildlife Alliance. The organisation works tirelessly across the country to rescue animals from the clutches of the illegal wildlife trade. The centre houses rescued animals, including sun bears, pangolins and a range of monkeys, who are rehabilitated before being released back into the wild, where possible.
Alternatively, head into Mondulkiri’s jungle and get up close and personal with retired elephants or those who are taking a rest from hard labour. The Elephant Valley Project offers reprieve to overworked elephants who can revitalise at their sprawling sanctuary in the heart of the jungle. Don’t expect to ride one of the beautiful beasts as this is an activity EVP strongly advocates against. Do, however, expect to see elephants roaming in their natural habitat, bathing in streams and rolling about in clay mud. An incredible experience.

This is one of our favorite DIY trails for hiking in Cambodia, perfect for a sunny day when you’re feeling some light adventure. Nestled in the center of the Kep peninsula is the luscious and dense forest that is Kep National Park, and with dense forest comes great biking and hiking trails! With quirky yellow signs pointing the way, you’ll find yourself winding through the thick forest, passing charming wats and breathtaking viewpoints along the way. The highlight of the hike is the ‘Stairway to Heaven’ trail that forks off this route. Leading uphill to a towering pagoda, a nunnery, and the worthwhile Sunset Rock Viewpoint. There’s nothing like an amazing vantage point high above the clouds!

We love exploring a place this way! From weaving busy streets to gliding through local villages, or doing some serious off-road biking through rice paddies and jungle tracks, you can discover areas that you wouldn’t have ventured to and cover a lot of ground quickly.
The trails in Cambodia can be quite challenging, but trust me when I say, that when you break through the trees to reveal a breathtaking waterfall where you can sit and have your lunch, any effort you exert will be more than worth it! If you opt to explore the cities instead, places like Siem Reap and Phnom Penh are ideal to explore using two wheels.

For a truly crazy day with a ton of adventure, try your hand at riding a dirt-bike! Again, riding is a completely different way to experience a country, plus you get the challenge and thrill of the activity itself! Cambodia offers a huge amount of biking packages, where cool and experienced guides take you out for a couple of hours to a couple of days for an adventure that will last you a lifetime!
Whether a beginner or experienced rider, it’s easy to learn and you’ll ride on a variety of terrain from fine sand and grass to dirt climbs and jungle bush. Let’s just say you’ll come away from this adventure a must better rider, and most likely with a big grin on your face!

If you love to explore a country differently but don’t want the physical exertion of mountain biking or hiking, quad biking is a perfect alternative; you get your hit of adventure with zero effort! Full of excitement and discovery, you can spend a few hours or the whole day kicking up some dust with some serious off-roading.
Depending on what package you opt for, you can ride through beautiful countryside and rice paddies or villages and temples.
You can even choose between a variety of adventure types from a relaxing 1-hour sunset tour to a more hardcore 8 hour day package. Whatever your ideal activity, you can be sure to get a unique insight into Cambodia and for some, your adrenaline pumping! 

Cambodia is home to the Cardamom Mountains, Southeast Asia’s largest remaining rainforest. While the last few decades have seen the jungle pillaged by illegal loggers and poachers, huge efforts are now underway to preserve the endangered and rare wildlife that calls the forest home.
For the adventurous traveller who wants to explore this rugged terrain, several treks take place in the Cardamoms. These vary in length, difficulty and location, depending on what you’re after. It bodes well to remember this is the jungle, a real tropical jungle. There are no hospitals nearby, there are scary insects, snakes and spiders, and you will get eaten by mosquitoes so go prepared.
If camping in a hammock doesn’t sound appealing, then fear not because in December 2017, Cardamom Tented Camp opened, making it possible to visit the Cardamoms in style. The adventure eco-camp has nine safari-style tents, complete with a king-sized bed and hot rain shower, and guests can shadow the Wildlife Alliance rangers as they patrol the jungle for hunters and loggers.

Situated about 50km north of Siem Reap, Phnom Kulen National Park is one of the most revered destinations in Cambodia, as it features Kulen Mountain. Once referred to as the Mount Mahendraparvata – the Kulen Mountain is a cultural and historical resort that marked the origin of Khmer empire in the 9thcentury when King Jayavarman II announced independence from Java and declared himself as the ‘Chakravartin,’ meaning the universal king. Stretching for more than 13km down to the Angkor Plain, the Phnom Kulen is home to a slew of temple ruins and several centuries-old consecrated carvings as well as sculptures. Further, since most of the areas in Phnom Kulen are still untouched, this allows visitors to immerse in the cool, spellbinding attractions that nature itself offers by way of jungle-covered verdant surroundings, rivers and dazzling waterfalls. Phnom Kulen National Park. Another attraction worth seeing in Phnom Kulen is Chup Preah – a plain with refreshing streams that meander into the mountain valley. This is truly a serene spot with a big 16th century Buddhist image, in addition to a tree about 15 meters high alongside it. Equally interesting are Preah Ang Thom–a Buddhist temple that enshrines an enormous 2.5 meters high and 7-metre long statue of a reclining Buddha and the Terrace of Sdach Kamlung – with a small wrecked brick temple at its centre. Studies reveal that this spot was covered by lava for hundreds of years. Aside these, there are two impressive waterfalls that form the focal point of Phnom Kulen.
 

An excursion off the beaten track which will make you discover a truly authentic Cambodia with a good guide who will make you appreciate these corners of countryside, a comfortable minibus driven by a careful and friendly driver. Banteay Chhmar is the biggest temple of Cambodia, it is really worth the detour, the inhabitants of the village which borders the temple are farmers, they will put at your disposal a private room within their farms. Attention in the countryside we go to bed early but so we wake up very early, before daybreak you will be woken up by the sounds of daily farm work. This real immersion will then lead you to an even deeper Cambodia, where you will discover a very well preserved and still active church built by French settlers at the beginning of the last century.

Program of this 2 days trip:

Day 1 :
7am : Departure by private car to the province of Banteay Menchaey to discover forgotten and unknown temples in a preserved environment.
Upon your arrival, welcome by a member of the community and settle in at the homestay, hosted by a local inhabitant.
Guided tour of the Bantaey Chhmar temple, a 13th century gem.
Local lunch at the community center.
In the afternoon, tour the village in a Koyon (local tractor) until sunset.
Private dinner in the timeless setting of Banteay Chhmar temple with traditional music nearby.
Overnight : homestay.

Day 2 :
The next morning, after breakfast, accompanied by a guide, bike tour to 2 other mysterious nearby temples.
Lunch near the baray (large body of water from the Angkorian period).
Departure to visit the Soieries du Mékong workshops , a social enterprise specialized in silk weaving (except weekends and public holidays).
Return to Siem Reap in the afternoon by private car.

You'll fly like an eagle over Angkor's rainforests in this unbelievable zipline adventure. Located deep inside the Angkor Enterprise complex, you'll have the option of choosing between a full course of zipline adventures or a custom one. This breathtaking experience will have you flying up to over 15 trees, 21 platforms, numerous single and double ziplines, sky bridges and more. If you're looking for a taste of adventure in Siem Reap that will have you soaring and swooping through the treetops, this is the place to go. Under the guidance of world-class staff who will accompany you to ensure your absolute safety, you'll also learn about the amazing wildlife within the park, and hear of interesting stories about the location. This adventure is an exciting new take on an eco-tour that will have your adrenaline rushing.

A 2-hour drive from the center of Phnom Penh, you will enter the lush, elevated park of Kirirom. Known for its unique high elevation pine forest which forms the headwaters for numerous streams feeding Kampong Speu Town, this national park has some really interesting hiking trails. Whether by bike or on foot, you can explore the winding trails of the park that lead you through pine forests until you break through to cascading waterfalls and cliffs with amazing views of the Cardamom Mountains. Kirirom Mountain is actually known to the locals as the “mountain of Joy” as the King of Cambodia named it appropriately to how the area makes people feel. Sounds cool right? So if you want to be filled with joy, plus maybe being able to spot a pileated gibbon or two along the way, this national park is calling for you.

One of the largest protected areas in Cambodia, Virachey National Park is another doozy for hiking and trekking till your heart's content! Stretching 3325 sq km to Vietnam in the east, Laos in the north and the Stung Treng Province in the west, the park has never been fully explored; this makes a great hiking environment as the area offers everything from undiscovered trails to easy walking routes. Named an Asean Heritage Park in 2003, this national park is home to so many rare mammals, so keep your eyes peeled for elephants, gibbons, clouded leopards, tigers, and sun bears to name a few!

It’s surprising how many places you can go kayaking in Cambodia, all you have to do is decide what’s the most exciting tour for you.
Fancy kayaking down the Mekong or Tonle Sap River combined with some cycling or a jungle trek? Or do you want a scenic paddle in a flooded forest or to challenge yourself with some ocean kayaking?
Whatever you prefer, there is sure to be a trip that suits you best. Personally, ocean kayaking is a favorite! Not only is it usually combined with a remote island stay in a rustic beach bungalow and some snorkeling, but there is nothing else that beats that feeling of being alone out on the water.