Cambodia Great Adventure Loop

Welcome to Phnom Penh, the capital city of Cambodia!
Met and greeted at the airport and take a short transfer to hotel for check in (Check in time is 14.00).

Located at the confluence of the Mekong and the Tonle Sap rivers, Phnom Penh is the capital and largest city of Cambodia. Once known as the “Pearl of Asia”, it was considered one of the loveliest French-built cities in Indochina. The city is noted for its beautiful and historical architecture and attractions. Wide tree-lined boulevards and old colonial buildings makes an attractive backdrop to busy cafes, and the river "corniche" is full of life where Asian and Western traditions meet in a fascinating way.

Remainder of the day is to relax or free to roam around the lovely parts of the city.

Summary of inclusions

Private airport transfer

Hotel in phnom penh

After breakfast, we start the tour today with our visit to the National Museum that has a great collection of Khmer art with over 5000 objects are on display.
Following is the Royal Palace that contains the Royal Residence, the Throne Hall, the Silver Pagoda which is more like a repository for cultural treasures such as 90 kg golden Buddha encrusted with 2086 diamonds and has its floor paved by silver tiles.
End the morning with visit to the Wat Phnom Temple, one of the most important pagodas in Phnom Penh, built in 1373 on an artificial hill by the wealthy widow Penh from whom the city got its name.
This afternoon we will visit to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum also called the S-21 Prison, converted from a secondary school,  that used by Khmer during the bloody rule from 1975 to its fall in 1979. There was an estimate of 20,000 people were imprisoned, tortured, coerced to confess what so called “revolutionary reaction crimes” before being taken to be executed at the extermination camp – the “Killing Fields” of Choeng Ek, located 15 km south of Phnom Penh which we will visit after the Toul Sleng.
This excursion may prove distressing however, it is an important piece of this country’s historical and cultural puzzle and it allows you to dig below the surface and understand Cambodia better.

Remainder of the day is free at leisure.  

Summary of inclusions

Private vehicle

Sightseeing phnom penh

Breakfast

Hotel in phnom penh

This morning, depart Phnom Penh by ferry through the Four Rivers region. You then take a bicycle ride along the quiet East Bank of the Mekong River, crossing by ferry again to the Silk Islands and cycling across the islands to visit floating village, pagoda, local school and silk-weaving village.
After that, take vehicle transfer to Kompong Cham, a riverside town on the Mekong with stop to visit the twin mountain temples of Phnom Bros - Phnom Srei with their names mean ‘Men’s Hill’ and ‘Women’s Hill’ in the Khmer language.
Check in hotel and free at your leisure to explore the town on your own pace.

Lies on the bank of the mighty Mekong River, Kampong Cham is the capital of the same name province and is named after the large number of ethnic Cham people who reside in the area. The city carries a laid back atmosphere and quaint charm with plenty of colonial French architecture and has a genuine "wild west" feel to it. The people of Kampong Cham are, like all Cambodians, very friendly and open to engaging with tourists. It is great to take a stroll around sightseeing vestiges of the old time, visiting a hustle local market and perhaps take a sit in a relaxed bar sipping café au lait and watching the current of life moving by.

Summary of inclusions

Private vehicle

country cycling

kampong cham explore

Breakfast

Hotel in kampong cham

Take a stroll around the town for sightseeing and enjoy the views of the Mekong River. You then drive across the Mekong River to Chup, Cambodia’s largest rubber plantation. Have a brief visit and learn something about locals and works here.
Continue northwards on the road to Kratie.

Being a lively riverside town, Kratie has an expansive riverfront and some of the best Mekong sunsets in Cambodia. There is a rich legacy of French-era architecture here. It is also the place in the country to see the rare fresh water Irrawaddy dolphins, which live in the Mekong River.

This afternoon, from Kratie, you will cross the river for a visit to the island of Koh Trong. Take a local horse cart or pedal yourself around the island on a bicycle. Join with local for at farming activities, taste local fruits and visit a floating village on the southern tip of the island. Enjoy the remainder of your day free in one of drink stall on the riverbank for spectacular sunset over the Mekong.
Back to the hotel and remainder of the day is at your leisure.

Summary of inclusions

Private vehicle

contry village explore

Breakfast

Hotel in kratie

After breakfast, take a drive northwards along the banks of the Mekong through scenic country to Kampi village, one of the best places to view the rare Irrawaddy Dolphins along the Mekong. Boarding a local boat and enjoy the show of Irrawaddy Dolphins in their natural habitat. Keep your eyes open for a chance to spot one of these elusive animals.

Continue by road to Banlung. Though the road condition is not great but in return, you have a great adventure view along the way. Get arrival in Banlung in the late afternoon. Check in hotel and have your time at leisure to relax and wander around.

Banlung is the capital of the Ratanakiri province, the far most northern province of Cambodia bordering with Vietnam and Laos. This part of the country is dominated by the color of light-brown volcanic soil that is a good condition for plantation agriculture such as rubber, cashews, and oil palms. The town itself is a relatively lively commercial center with ethnic minorities from surrounding villages often come to the town market to sell their goods.

Summary of inclusions

Private vehicle

Mekong dolphin safari

Sightseeing en route

Breakfast

Hotel in ban lung

Drive north towards the border area with Laos to the village of Taveng. Cross the volcanic lava field of Veyrum Plang and traveling further north through more spectacular forest. Stop to visit some villages of Kroeung, one of hill tribe groups native to the Ratanakiri area. In some Kroeung villages, depending on the season, you may discover some quite impressive bachelor houses built on very high stilts. When a young man has become head of a family, these houses are destroyed before being raised again by younger men in the following season. Depending on the time and the state of the dirt road, a picnic spot will be chosen for lunch time before exploring the nearby villages.

This afternoon, visit the volcanic lake of Yeak Loam, a superb place encircled with pristine rainforest. Swim in the refreshing, clean water, take a walk around the lake or relax on the shore and enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings.
Back to Banlung and evening is at your leisure.

Summary of inclusions

Private vehicle

hill tribe villages explore

Breakfast & picnic lunch

Hotel in ban lung

After breakfast, travel on a bumpy road to discover the surrounding of Banlung. You will first take a visit to the impressive waterfall of Teuk Cha On. Continue northwest, crossing bamboo forests to the village of Voeune Sai, a Chinese village located on the left bank of the Se San River.
After visiting the village, a short boat trip takes you upstream to visit a number of Tampoun villages. This hilltribe maintains a way of life and traditions that are untouched by the modern world, including the making of funeral statuary. Stop at the village of Ka Choan, home to some of the most superb and striking totems.
Return by boat and road to our accommodation. Evening is at your leisure.

Summary of inclusions

Private vehicle

nature & waterfalls

hill tribe villages visit

Breakfast & picnic lunch

Hotel in ban lung

This morning, you will take a visit to the Banlung market- which is filled with local produce and handicrafts then take overland-transfer to Stung Treng, the provincial capital of the same name province.
This is a friendly, quiet country town situated on the confluence of the Sekong River and the Mekong River. It actually sits on the banks of the Sekong River, with the mighty Mekong coming into the picture on the northeastern outskirts of the town.
Upon checking in hotel, free at your leisure to wander around and explore the town with its charms and laid back atmosphere. Overnight at a scenic nature lodge with view over the river.

Summary of inclusions

Private vehicle

Sightseeing en route

Breakfast

Hotel in stung treng

After breakfast, take a transfer northwards along the Mekong to the village of O Sway near the Lao border. Here you will begin a full-day kayaking trip down the river through remote flooded forests of Cambodia's amazing Ramsar Wetlands. You will have chance to see many type of birds that live in these forests.
Enjoy great view of the land and water as well as the adventure feeling as you paddle along the mighty river. Picnic lunch is served en route.
Return to the accommodation in the evening.

Summary of inclusions

Private vehicle transfer

mekong river canoeing

Breakfast & lunch

Hotel in stung treng

After breakfast, depart Stung Treng and travel along stunning mountains rural landscapes towards Cambodian – Thai border to the town of Sra’aem in Preah Vihear Province. Along the way, we will of course make several stop for visits to local villages and taking photos of natural beauty spots.
Check in hotel upon arrival and remainder of the day is free at your leisure to explore the lovely town at your own pace.
Lies at the bottom of the Dangrek mountain range in the remote area of the Kingdom, Sra’aem is quite a little town but important gateway to explore the famous Preah Vihear temple nearby.

Summary of inclusions

Private vehicle

Sightseeing en route

Breakfast

Hotel in sra'aem

Get up early and a drive on spectacularly steep mountain road will take you to the Preah Vihear Temple at sunrise.

Located at the most stunning location of any Khmer site, the temple is perched on the top of Poy Tadi, a steep cliff in the Dangrek Mountain range which is the natural border between Cambodia and Thailand, dividing the Khorat Plateau from the lowland Cambodian plain below. From here you will be rewarded with fabulous views over Cambodia’s and Thailand’s fertile plains. The Temple was mainly dedicated to the supreme god “Shiva” and took over 300 years to complete the construction by a few famous Khmer kings from Yasovarman of the 10th century to Suryavarman II of the 12th century so it bears elements of several architectural styles. The spectacular location paired with a unique temple design is the reason UNESCO enlisted Preah Vihear as a World Heritage Site.
Enjoy an unforgettable sunrise and spend time to explore this imposing temple then descend and embark on our drive along Cambodia – Thailand border to Anlong Veng, the place used to be the last lair of the Khmer Rouge in the 1990s before it was totally broken off and dismissed.
Continue our drive along fascinating country landscapes toward Siam Reap with some stops for photos of the landscapes. Before arriving in Siam Reap, we will spend time to explore the Banteay Srei, the Jade of Angkor, constructed in the late 10th century and is a masterpiece of religious architecture and carving with its no space left undecorated with unique and wonderful bas-relief on pink sandstone.  

Check in hotel upon arrival and remainder of the day is at your leisure.

Summary of inclusions

Private vehicle

preah vihear sunrise tour

Sightseeing en route

Breakfast

Hotel in siam reap

Breakfast is at the hotel. 
This morning we will spend time to explore the Angkor Thom, the last and most enduring capital city of the Khmer Empire with visits to the South Gate of Angkor Thom, the Bayon Temple that consists of 54 towers featured with multitude of Buddha’s serene and mysterious smiling faces, the Royal Enclosure, the Phimeanakas, the Elephants Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King.
Following is the jungle covered temple of Ta Prohm, the famous sights known in the movie ‘Tomb Raider’ by Angelina Jolie, with enormous fig trees and gigantic creepers embracing over stone foundations of the temple’s structure giving the impression of man's creation being reclaimed by the powerful forces and make it one of the most picturesque and memorable of the Angkor temples

In the afternoon we will enjoy our discovery of Angkor Wat, the largest religious monuments in the World, symbol of the Great Khmer Empire, with its five impressive towers representing the 5 holy peaks of the Mount Meru, the home of the Hindu gods. It 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.
During sunset time, Angkor Wat is less visited, and it is a magical time to see the Apsaras shine in the most beautiful light.  
Evening is at your leisure. 

Summary of inclusions

Private vehicle

discover the angkor

Breakfast

Hotel in siam reap

Breakfast is at the hotel and this morning we will explore the Preah Khan temple complex, built by King Jayavarman VII to honor his father, right on the site of his victory over the invaders. The name of the temple means ‘Holy Sword’ derived from the meaning of the original ‘the Holy City of Victory’. This huge temple complex was served as a Buddhist monastery and school, engaging over 1000 monks.
Continue to Neak Pean, a small island temple located in the middle of the last Baray, representing Anavatapta, a mythical lake in the Himalayas whose waters are thought to cure all illness.

In the afternoon we will visit the Roluos Group once the seat of Hariharalaya, first capital of Khmer Empire dating back from mid of 9th century. Temples here were built with different material from bricks, laterite to sandstone. Spend time to explore some prominent temples within the group such as Bakong – the stepped pyramid temple mountain with wonderful carvings on the false doors and lintels, Lolei – once an island temple with exquisite carvings and inscriptions representing the Mount Meru surrounded by the world ocean in Hindu mythology, Preah Ko – the Sacred Bull temple that built to honor the King’s ancestor.

Back to the hotel and remainder of the day is at your leisure.

Summary of inclusions

Private vehicle

angkor temples explore

Breakfast

Hotel in siam reap

Leave the hotel early and take a half an hour transfer to the port at Mechrey where we embark on traditional wooden boat for a cruise to the Biosphere Reserve of Prek Toal, across the flooded forest and the great lake. On the way, your guide will explain you about the unique hydrological system, ecosystem of the lake and its flora and fauna.
Picnic breakfast will be served for you on the boat.
Discover the natural splendor of the country as well as the centuries-old lifestyle of the inhabitants of the Lake. Enjoy bird watching at the Bird Sanctuary, the largest ornithological reserve of South East Asia under the guidance of a local ranger. Discover the incredible variety of water birds, including endangered species such as storks, pelicans and ibises.
Your guide’s knowledge of the birds and the flooded forest will give you the best opportunity to see and understand this complex natural ecosystem. 
Later, climb on a tree top platform to view bird colonies with telescope and binoculars.

(Please note that in the low water season from February to end of March, a visit to the tree top platform is not accessible, you will spend more time to enjoy the bird feeding along the main stream inside the Bird sanctuary)

Back to the village for a local lunch.
Following, visit the environmental education class and the water hyacinth handicraft workshop. Then, take a little boat rowing around to discover how the local community has adapted to their floating and ever changing environment: visit a family who live on a floating house to observe the local customs and talk with the host about the differences they face living on the water and visit some typical farms, floating school, floating gardens - a good opportunity to see the unique way of life.
Return to Siem Reap in the late afternoon and remainder of the day is at your leisure.

Summary of inclusions

Private vehicle

Boat

Prek Toal nature reserve explore

Breakfast & lunch

Hotel in siam reap

Breakfast is at the hotel.
Free at your leisure to explore the town and enjoy last minute sightseeing, shopping at your own pace. Check out time is 12.00.
Transfer to the airport for flight to onward destination.
Safe travel and see you again!

Summary of inclusions

Private aiport transfer

Breakfast