Adventure through Cambodia

Get ready for an active adventure like no other in this full day cycling tour through the ancient Angkor ruins. Start the day at Cambodia’s most famous attraction, Angkor Wat and take in the five monolithic, lotus-topped towers as the sun’s rays dance across its ancient facade. Next, cycle to the South Gate of Angkor and Bayon Temple to admire an array of huge stone faces smiling down upon it’s visitors. Continue cycling on through the forest to French Dam, a holy reservoir, and then Ta Nei Temple, a gloriously untouched temple few other travellers venture to.

Around noon, delight in a delicious and authentic lunch at a local restaurant nearby Sra Srang, the former Royal Pond. Continue cycling on to Ta Prohm, a magical ancient temple that is held together by the sprawling giant roots of a banyan tree. Admire how ancient architecture and nature bind as one in this gloriously atmospheric ruin.

Embrace the magical beauty of Phnom Kulen Waterfall and National Park in this wonderful full-day tour. Leave the hustle and bustle of Siem Reap and journey through the Cambodian countryside to the wonderful Phnom Kulen National Park. Make the short trek through lush jungle scenery from the bottom of Phnom Kulen and learn a little about the area which is considered the birthplace of the Khmer empire. The trek is around six kilometres from the bottom to the waterfall peak and is suitable for most fitness levels.

A local guide will explain the deep historical significance of this magical place where King Jayavarman proclaimed independence from Java in 802. Pay a visit to the Buddhist pagoda and see the worshippers from many religions on their spiritual journey that come to pray here. Take some time to admire the fabulous views before exploring the local shops. After a morning of exploration take a dip in the gloriously cool and refreshing waters of the waterfall itself and be sure to take photos to impress friends and family back home.

In the early morning, depart to Ratanakiri approximate an eight hour transfer in total. Delight in some authentic lunch in a local restaurant, before continuing the drive to Ban Lung. Once there relax at your hotel ready for a full day of adventure.

At 8:00am leave the hotel in Banlung by motorbike, tuk tuk, car or 4×4 and head in a northerly direction towards Kachon Village. The journey is approximately sixty minutes. When you get to Kachon, you’ll board a motorized boat, which will take you upstream on the mighty Sesan River. After a fifty minutes journey, you’ll arrive at the edge of the jungle. When the weather is clear the grand mountains of Virachey National Park are visible. Upon arrival at the edge of the jungle, you’ll meet our local Kachochian ranger who will be guiding you during the trek. Through interpretation by your guide, you’ll be able to ask the ranger questions about the culture, traditions and lifestyle of the people living there.

At the beginning of the trek, you’ll be lead across a secondary patch of jungle and then head in a northerly direction. Soon you’ll enter the outskirts of the primary jungle. The trek will be up and down hills with some phenomenal panoramic views along the way. After two hours of hiking you’ll reach a stunningly beautiful waterfall, approximately forty meters high. You’ll get the opportunity to swim in the cool river, refreshing and invigorate your muscles for the rest of the day. After a refreshing swim, have some lunch and build up your energy for the afternoon trek. Once you’ve finished lunch, you’ll loop back on a different trail through more dense jungle and a variety of landscapes.

Bamboo forests alternate with primary jungle, with giant trees dotting the path along the way. There is a good chance of seeing native wildlife such as gibbons, monkeys, deer and wild guar birds, although there are no guarantees due to alternative seasonal and weather conditions. The guide and local ranger will show and explain some of the secrets of jungle survival by utilising the natural resources that surround you. Fill your water bottle with fresh water from the vines of the jungle, learn about plants that are edible and others that are poisonous.

Arriving at the village of the Kachock tribe beside the Sesan River around 3-4 pm, take a small tour of the village and then you enjoy a boat ride back to the Kachon village. From here, you are transferred back to Banlung, arriving at around 5:30-6:30pm.

The trekking distance is approximately 15-21km and the trekking period is 5-6 hrs.

Trip duration:4- 6 hours. Departure: 8:00am/ Estimated Return: 5:00pm.

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Mondolkiri. Upon arrival, visit the spectacular Bousra Waterfall and sea forest. After witnessing the local landmarks of Mindolkiri, check into your resort and spend the rest of the day at your own leisure.

Hike into the beautiful Cambodian jungle and spend a full day observing two different elephant herds, following them as they graze, play and wander through their forest home. Learn about the elephants, local people, forest and conservation.  This is a highly unique experience and the first of its kind in Cambodia. The excursion should take all day and return to your hotel in the early evening.

After breakfast, transfer to Phnom Penh. Once in Phnom Penh spend the first day in this region at your own leisure.

Phnom Penh is a growing and thriving city, nestled at the confluence of three rivers. With a tragic yet fascinating history, its landmarks are well worth a visit.

Set off from your hotel into the country’s capital, starting with a visit to the Royal Palace, a stone’s throw from the Tonle Sap River. Built in 1813 the palace contains several buildings which have been used for the coronation of kings and other ceremonies. Within the grounds is the Silver Pagoda, aptly named because of the 5000 silver tiles weighing 1kg each which cover the entire floor. Head on from here to the National Museum built during 1917-1920 and housed in an elegant terracotta building, in keeping with traditional design. After wandering around the museum, continue to Wat Phnom, the city’s main temple situated on top of a hill along with throngs of worshippers.

After lunch, you will witness the sobering and poignant Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, which documents the atrocities of the Khmer Rouge against the Cambodian people. Finish your afternoon on a lighter note with a visit to the vast Central Market where you can buy just about anything in the abundance of colourful stalls.

In the afternoon, board a charming river boat and prepare to take in the sights of local life along the Mekong River. Watch village women carry out their household chores as children splash happily alongside them. Lookout for diminutive fishing boats and the sight of fishermen hauling in their nets after a long day on the river. Watch as the sun sets, and the sky lights up with vibrant colours making for a perfect backdrop for a spot of sightseeing. Purchase drinks and snacks on board and take in the Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda and Wat Ounalom as daylight grows scarce and the bright lights of the city come alive. This is the perfect way to see the sights of Phnom Penh away from the crowds.

This morning your driver will meet you at hotel and transfer you to Sihanouk Ville, where you will take a speedboat to the resort. The rest of the day at the resort is to spend at your own leisure. Relax on the beach or enjoy one of the resorts amenities.

The next day explore the beautiful places in Koh Rong, with opportunities for swimming and diving throughout the day. This region is the perfect end to your Cambodia adventure.

On your final day, you will be transferred by boat back to Sihanouk Ville pier. From here a driver will take you back to Phonm Penh (approximately seven hours). You will departure from Phonm Penh.