14 days off the beaten track in Cambodia

Siem Reap

Day 1: Welcome to Dreamy Cambodia!

Welcome to Cambodia.

We will pick you up at the airport and take you to your hotel, where you will be offered a welcome drink and met by one of our representatives, who will give you a briefing about Cambodia and the fantastic trip that awaits you.

In the afternoon, your tour leader will show you the center of the bustling river town of Siem Reap.

Have a stroll through the market, get a “fish massage” or have a quick overview of the city - whatever you prefer.

We will also take you to a pagoda where you can learn more about Buddhism and receive a blessing from one of the resident monks.

Siem Reap - Angkor Wat

Day 2: Explore Amazing Angkor by Tuk-Tuk

After breakfast, you will be picked up by your guide in a tuk-tuk to explore one of the largest and most beautiful temple complexes in the world, Angkor Wat.

First, you will visit the stunning Angkor Wat temple itself and explore the wonderful site in all of its majesty.

After a short refreshment break you will take the short drive to Angkor Thom, which contains, among others, the spectacular 12th century Bayon Temple. The 54 four-headed Buddha statues are one of the most impressive sights of the temple complex and provide exceptional photo opportunities.

Later that day, visit the Ta Phrom temple.

This iconic temple remains partly overgrown with trees and gigantic roots that have ‘nestled’ themselves on and in the stone blocks, making a truly striking visual image.

After a long and rewarding day, you’ll return to your hotel to relax.

Beng Melea - Koh Ker - Preah Vihear

Day 3: See Secluded Beng Melea

Say goodbye to Siem Reap and drive to Beng Melea, the mysterious 12th century temple in the middle of the jungle.

This temple is heavily overgrown with vegetation, trees, lianas, and mosses.

After lunch you will visit Koh Kor, the capital city from 928 to 944 AD, northeast of Angkor.

The temple is very secluded and is often overlooked because of its location.

Continue our way to Preah Vihear. Along the road there will be ample opportunity to take pictures of the exceptional scenery.

In Preah Vihear, you will check into the resort and enjoy the facilities.

Preah Vihear - Stung Treng

Day 4: See the Stunning Prea Vihear Temple and Visit the Sopheakmit Waterfalls

After breakfast, visit the Preah Vihear temple.

A local pickup truck will bring you up the steep hillside and a local guide will show you around.

Then you will drive on a new road along the border of Laos. Some parts are tarmac roads but many parts are still dirt roads.

It is, however, much improved allowing a much quicker journey than before. Have lunch on the banks of the Mekong River and also visit Sopheakmit waterfalls.

One of the most naturally picturesque in Cambodia, this hidden gem is surrounded by islands and endless waterways. Its water, often a dazzling jade in color, crashes over the numerous rocks and it's particularly vigorous during the rainy season.

After this wonderful experience you will be taken to the accommodating riverside town of Stung Treng, where you will find your hotel.

Stung Treng - Banlung

Day 5: Kayak Down the Mekong from Stung Treng

Today, you will enjoy a relaxing early morning boat ride, ending up on a small sandy island in the middle of the Mekong. Here some umbrellas and tables will be set up in order for you to enjoy a very special breakfast.

The area is home to some wonderful birds which you can watch going about their daily business as you enjoy your food.

After breakfast you can kayak down the Mekong, taking in the unique sights and sounds of one of the world's greatest rivers.

In the afternoon, continue your trip to Banlung, your rest stop for the night.

Banlung

Day 6: Admire the Beautiful Ratinikiri Jungle Near Banlung

Head to the Kalai Village, home to the Kreng tribe, in the beautiful Ratinikiri jungle near Banlung.

To reach the starting point of the trek you will pass several tribe farms and paddy fields before you enter into the green jungle.

Upon your entry, the jungle is relatively open, giving you the chance to watch out for flying dragons on tree trunks.

After a fascinating morning trek you will have lunch by a small stream, where you can relax and recharge your battery peacefully.

If you are still feeling energetic, there is a small hill nearby you can climb, offering beautiful scenic views.

In the afternoon you can do more trekking through the natural beauty of the dense mountain jungle, finally arriving at your campsite for the night.

Banlung

Day 7: Enjoy a Full Day of Trekking in the Lush Jungle

You will begin your day in the heart of nature, slowly swinging in your hammock as you awaken.

A simple but filling breakfast will be supplied in order to fuel you for the day’s activities.

After breakfast you can pack up your hammock and begin your trek back through the jungle and along hills.

We will cook lunch along the way in the jungle, allowing you more time to wander around freely and try and spot some of the native birds and animals or lizards of the area. If you are lucky enough you may even get a glimpse of some of the noisy and playful macaques, but be careful to watch out for snakes!

After a brisk afternoon’s hike you will arrive in Kalai around 4 p.m., and the pickup will transfer you back to town after having a stunning experience that will live long in your memory.

Mondulkiri

Day 8: See the Largest Waterfall in Cambodia

In the morning you will drive south towards Sen Monorom.

On the way you will stop at the largest waterfall in Cambodia.

The Bou Sra Waterfall is a magnificent sight, tumbling through a gorge set in the jungle near the Bunong town of Bou Sra. This three level waterfall has a top level of 12m and a stunning lower tier with a massive 20m drop providing a beautiful sight and a roaring sound.

Continue your journey to Mondulkiri. The province is full of natural beauty, with thickly forested mountains, powerful waterfalls, and lush green rolling hills of the western side.

Sen Monorom is the provincial capital and the only town the province has to speak of. 

Mondulkiri

Day 9: Go on an Elephant Trek Through the Forest in Mondulkiri

After getting up, breakfast will be served, allowing you a little time to observe everyday life for the Bunoung people.

Afterwards, another day of trekking begins, through the jungle on the way to the Elephant Community Development Program (ECDP).

Today’s trekking time will be around three hours, passing through small villages and across a mountain pass before getting the opportunity to see how the beautiful Asian elephant slive in their natural environment.

An elephant trek through the forest in Mondulkiri is a great experience and a unique way of exploring the area’s forests and jungles.

The highlight of your tour will be swimming at the small waterfall of Leng Truk. Here you will also be able to get up close with the beautiful elephants as you help the mahouts wash the elephants in the river.

Kratie

Day 10: Travel to Cheerful Kratie

Traveling from Sen Monorom to Kratie you will see more beautiful countryside as you descend into the plains of the Mekong River.

Your day’s travel will end at the charming, cheerful little town of Kratie, nestled on the banks of the Mekong.

Life moves slowly in Kratie, but this is part of its charm. It is best known for being one of the few remaining homes of the Mekong Irrawaddy dolphins who frequent the river off the village of Kampi.

Catching a glimpse of these amazing, critically endangered creatures will be an everlasting memory. Relax at one of Kratie’s simple but charming restaurants in the evening.

Kratie

Day 11: Visit the Mekong Turtle Conservation Center and See River Dolphins

You will make your first stop at Phnom Sambok, a small mountain with two peaks and a lush forest filled with birds and some monkeys.

After a traditional lunch you will visit the 100 pillars pagoda and learn about its fascinating history as a place of pilgrimage for the residents of Kratie.

Next stop will be the Mekong Turtle Conservation Center, where you'll to see one of the most endangered species, the Mekong soft shell turtle.

The project looks after the baby turtles until they become large enough to protect themselves from big fish and snakes.

The highlight of your day will be visiting one of the many deep pools where the rare river dolphins gather to feed.

Get on a local boat and cruise into the mighty Mekong for a chance to spot these gentle mammals.

Phnom Penh

Day 12: Make Your Way to Charming Phnom Penh

You are leaving early today because it’s a long ride to Phnom Penh, the vibrant and bustling capital of Cambodia.

Situated at the confluence of three rivers, the mighty Mekong, the Bassac, and the great Tonle Sap, which was once considered the 'Gem' of Indochina.

The capital city still retains considerable charm with plenty to see. It exudes a sort of provincial charm and tranquility 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 visitors in the capital.

In the evening you can visit Cambodian Living Arts to see a traditional dance show or take a sunset cruise on the Mekong (optional).

Phnom Penh

Day 13: Visit Wat Phnom and the Genocide Museum of Tuol Sleng

In the morning, a traditional Khmer Cyclo will take you to the Royal Palace, where you can admire the spectacular ancient Khmer architecture.

Afterwards you will visit Wat Phnom, where the name Phnom Penh derives from.

This pagoda stands on a 35-meter high hill surrounded by trees where monkeys play in the shade.

Afterwards you will ride a tuk-tuk to the Genocide Museum of Tuol Sleng, before continuing to Choeung Ek, better known as the Killing Fields, where thousands of people were tortured and buried in mass graves. While disturbing, these sites offer you an insight into the country’s troubled past, enabling you to understand more about how far the wonderful people of this country have come.

On the way back, visit the huge Russian Market, where you can shop for souvenirs until your heart is content.

Phnom Penh

Day 14: Farewell, Cambodia!

The final journey of your trip to Cambodia will be a private transfer to the airport in Phnom Penh to catch your flight.

We hope that you have enjoyed this wonderful trip across this truly beautiful country, and that you are leaving with happy memories lasting for a lifetime.

Cambodia has still so much more to offer, and we would be delighted to welcome you back anytime to show you more of this fantastic country and its charming people.