18D17N South-Eastern Cambodia

We begin our day with a visit to the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda, the most revered shrine in Cambodia. Next, we head to the National Museum, which focuses solely on Khmer art and sculpture. While many of the exhibits date from the Angkor period (9th to 15th centuries), some pieces are as old as the 4th century. Afterward, we explore the historic Wat Phnom Temple, which tells the story behind Phnom Penh's name. The day continues with a visit to the Tuol Sleng Prison Museum ("S21"), offering a profound look into the tragic era of Khmer Rouge rule. Enjoy some free time at Central Market.

Today is dedicated to exploring Phnom Penh in depth. We’ll begin with a visit to the Royal University of Fine Arts, where Cambodian students learn traditional artistic skills. A highlight of this visit is the Dance Academy, where young students practice the elegant movements of Cambodia’s national dances.

Next, we journey into the Cambodian countryside along the Mekong River. Board a private local boat to Koh Dach, also known as Silk Island. The village here, typical of rural Cambodia, features homes raised on stilts. Watch as locals weave silk on traditional hand looms and dye it in vivid colors. Observe how raw silk is spun into thread using homemade spinning wheels crafted from bicycle parts. You can try your hand at weaving silk into unique Ikat patterns or simply explore the village and meet its residents.

Return to Phnom Penh by boat and enjoy a sunset cruise on the Mekong River. Admire the cityscape from the water as the setting sun casts a beautiful glow over the skyline. Lunch will be served at a local homestay on the island.

Begin your journey to Kampong Cham with a visit to Wat Nokor, an 11th-century temple steeped in legend. Kampong Cham is renowned for its expansive rubber plantations, which once formed the backbone of Cambodia's rubber industry. Although many plantations are no longer commercially active, locals still harvest rubber for various purposes. Some of the largest plantations, like Chup Rubber Plantation, continue to operate and can be explored, often attracting French tourists interested in Cambodia’s colonial history. Chup is situated about 15 km east of Kampong Cham. Additionally, visit Wat Han Chey, a hilltop pagoda that was a significant center of worship during the Chenla period. Today, it offers some of the most spectacular views of the Mekong River in Cambodia.

Travel by air-conditioned vehicle to Kratie, a charming town nestled by the riverside. Your exploration begins with a visit to Phnom Sambok, the Sor Sor 100 Pagoda, and the endangered Irrawaddy Dolphins. Enjoy a private local boat ride to witness a breathtaking sunset over the Mekong River. Following this, head to Koh Trong Island, a tranquil and scenic spot known for its community-based ecotourism, which was established in 2008. Koh Trong offers a serene escape from urban life, where despite some shyness, you'll be greeted warmly by locals, including many friendly children. Don't miss tasting the island's renowned pomelos, which are famous for their rich flavor and are among the most expensive in Cambodia. The island, located just across from Kratie Town in Stung Treng Province, features picturesque sandy beaches ideal for relaxation and picnicking, especially during the dry season. In the evening, you'll stay with a local family, providing a unique chance to immerse yourself in Cambodian rural life, connect with the community, and enjoy traditional meals.

Explore Koh Trong Island by bicycle, taking a scenic 9-kilometer (6-mile) loop around the island. This route offers a wonderful opportunity to discover traditional villages, fruit orchards, and rice paddies while witnessing the everyday life and customs of the local communities.

Lunch is on your own. Afterward, proceed to Mondulkiri, a province bordered by Kratié to the west, Stung Treng to the northwest, Ratanakiri to the north, and Vietnam to the east and south. Despite being the largest province by land area, Mondulkiri is the least populated in Cambodia. Dinner is not included. Enjoy an overnight stay in Mondulkiri.

A car and local guide will pick you up for an exciting day of trekking in Mondulkiri's forest, accompanied by elephants. This unique experience offers a fresh perspective on the area's lush landscapes and jungles. You'll trek to O Te Waterfall, where you can swim alongside the elephants and help wash them. Unfortunately, there will be no opportunity for elephant back riding. Lunch will be enjoyed in the forest by the river with your team. You'll return to Sen Monorom in the late afternoon. Dinner is not included. Overnight stay in Mondulkiri.

Depart by air-conditioned vehicle for Ratanakiri. Begin with a visit to Wat Phnom Soui for panoramic views of the plateau and Banlung. Next, explore Cha Oug Waterfalls, located in a protected area managed by the provincial government with support from the UN. The highlight of the visit is Yeak Laom Lake, a volcanic crater lake believed to have formed around 700,000 years ago. Surrounded by forest and measuring approximately 800 meters in diameter and over 50 meters deep, it offers a picturesque setting for a swim. Enjoy a stroll along the lake and visit the modest visitor center, which displays various tools from local tribes. Meals are not included. Overnight stay in Ratanakiri.

We head to Voeune Say, a key village situated along the Se San River. The journey through this rugged region can be challenging, but it offers a unique experience. Upon arrival, you’ll notice that this area sees few tourists, making our visit quite distinct. After a brief exploration of the village, we’ll board a traditional wooden longboat for a scenic ride on the Se San River. This adventure provides an opportunity to interact with the Brou minority people, who, despite their poverty, have a vibrant and fascinating culture. A lunch box will be provided on-site. Dinner is not included. Overnight stay in Ratanakiri.

We proceed by air-conditioned vehicle to Stung Treng. Here, we’ll embark on a kayaking adventure down to O’Svay, where our paddling tour will begin in the Ramsar Wetlands area. This region extends south along the Mekong River from the Laos border to Stung Treng and is accessible only by boat. It serves as a sanctuary for critically endangered species, including mammals, birds, and fish, and features a distinctive flooded riverine forest that offers fantastic opportunities for photography.

Travel to Preah Vihear in a private air-conditioned vehicle with your guide. Upon arrival, you will visit the Preah Vihear Temple via a 4x4 vehicle. This sacred site, perched on the Dângrêk Mountains plateau in Preah Vihear Province, Cambodia, is one of the country’s most esteemed temples. Although some surrounding areas remain under Thai control, the temple itself is Cambodian. It offers breathtaking panoramic views and boasts the most impressive location of all the temples constructed during the six-century Khmer Empire.

We travel to Siem Reap by motorbike, making a stop at Kampong Kleang Village along the way. Located on the northern edge of the lake, about 55 km east of Siem Reap town, Kampong Kleang is more secluded and less frequented by tourists compared to Kampong Pluk. During the dry season, visitors are often amazed by the stilted houses, which rise up to 10 meters above the ground. In contrast, during the wet season, the water level can reach one or two meters beneath the buildings. Kampong Kleang is a permanent settlement within the lake's floodplain, primarily dependent on fishing and surrounded by flooded forests. With nearly ten times the population of Kampong Pluk, it is the largest community on the lake.

At 8:00 am, you'll be picked up from your hotel to begin your day's exploration. Your first stop will be the South Gate of Angkor Thom, renowned for its grand statues illustrating the churning of the ocean of milk. Next, you'll visit the Bayon Temple, famous for its 54 towers adorned with over 200 serene faces of Avalokitesvara. You'll also see Baphuon, a temple that resembles an artificial mountain and has recently reopened after extensive restoration.

From there, you'll have the option to explore the Royal Enclosure, the Terrace of the Elephants, and the Terrace of the Leper King. The tour will then proceed to Ta Prohm, a temple from the late 12th to early 13th centuries, which gained fame as the filming location for the movie Tomb Raider.

Lunch will be a traditional Khmer feast at a local restaurant.

After lunch, continue to the awe-inspiring Angkor Wat Temple, the largest religious monument in the world and the most venerated site in Angkor Park. The temple's walls are adorned with stunning carvings and bas-reliefs. Your guide will share stories about these intricate details and allow you plenty of time to explore both the inner and outer areas of the temple. After the tour, you'll be returned to your hotel.

Breakfat at hotel, today free and easy on your own leisure!

Our driver will pick you up and take you to Siem Reap Airport for your flight to Sihanoukville, which lasts about an hour. Upon reaching Sihanoukville, you'll be greeted and transported to the boat pier. From there, you'll board a public speedboat for a 45-minute journey to Koh Rong Island.

Today is free time at the beautiful beach at Koh Rong

Today is free time at the beautiful beach at Koh Rong

Head back to Sihanouk Ville. Our driver will pick you up and take you to Phnom Penh, a journey of approximately 240 km that takes around 4-5 hours. You will then be transferred to the airport without a guide.