Cambodia Great Adventure Loop

DAY 1: Phnom Penh Arrival

Welcome to Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s capital city! Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel for check-in (Check-in time is 14:00).

Phnom Penh, situated at the confluence of the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers, is the capital and largest city of Cambodia. Once dubbed the “Pearl of Asia,” it was renowned as one of Indochina’s most charming French colonial cities. The city boasts beautiful historical architecture, tree-lined boulevards, and colonial buildings that provide a picturesque setting for lively cafes and vibrant riverfront promenades where Asian and Western influences blend seamlessly.

The remainder of the day is yours to relax or explore the delightful corners of the city at your own pace.

Summary of inclusions

• Private airport transfer
• Hotel in Phnom Penh

DAY 2: Sightseeing Phnom Penh

After breakfast, we will begin the day with a visit to the National Museum, home to an extensive collection of Khmer art with over 5,000 artifacts on display. Next, we will explore the Royal Palace, which includes the Royal Residence, the Throne Hall, and the Silver Pagoda. The Silver Pagoda, renowned for its cultural treasures, features a 90 kg golden Buddha adorned with 2,086 diamonds and a floor covered in silver tiles.

We will conclude the morning with a visit to Wat Phnom Temple, one of Phnom Penh’s most significant pagodas. Built in 1373 on an artificial hill by the wealthy widow Penh, after whom the city is named, this temple holds great historical importance.

In the afternoon, we will head to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, also known as S-21 Prison. Originally a secondary school, it was repurposed by the Khmer Rouge during their brutal regime from 1975 to 1979. Approximately 20,000 people were imprisoned, tortured, and forced to confess to so-called “revolutionary reaction crimes” before being executed at the Choeung Ek Killing Fields, located 15 km south of Phnom Penh, which we will visit afterward. While this visit may be distressing, it provides crucial insights into Cambodia’s dark past and a deeper understanding of its history.

The remainder of the day is yours to relax or explore at your leisure.

Summary of inclusions

• Private vehicle
• Sightseeing Phnom Penh
• Breakfast
• Hotel in Phnom Penh

DAY 3: Phnom Penh – Kampong Cham

This morning, we departed Phnom Penh by ferry and journey through the Four Rivers region. Upon arrival, you’ll enjoy a bicycle ride along the tranquil East Bank of the Mekong River, followed by a ferry crossing to the Silk Islands. Here, you’ll cycle across the islands to visit a floating village, a local pagoda, a school, and a silk-weaving village.

Afterward, transfer by vehicle to Kompong Cham, a charming riverside town along the Mekong River. Along the way, stop to explore the twin mountain temples of Phnom Bros and Phnom Srei, known as ‘Men’s Hill’ and ‘Women’s Hill’ in Khmer.

Upon checking into your hotel, the rest of the day is free for you to explore Kompong Cham at your own pace.

Situated on the banks of the Mekong River, Kampong Cham is the capital of the province of the same name and is named after the large Cham ethnic community residing there. The town exudes a relaxed charm with its colonial French architecture and a unique “wild west” atmosphere. The friendly locals are welcoming, making it a pleasant experience to wander around, visit the bustling market, and perhaps unwind in a cozy café while watching the rhythm of daily life.

Summary of inclusions

• Private vehicle
• Country cycling
• Kampong Cham explore
• Breakfast
• Hotel in Kampong Cham

DAY 4: Kampong Cham – Kratie

Take a leisurely stroll around town to enjoy the sights and views of the Mekong River. Next, drive across the river to Chup, Cambodia’s largest rubber plantation, where you’ll have a brief visit to learn about the local industry and its operations.

Continue your journey northwards to Kratie.

Kratie, a vibrant riverside town, boasts a scenic riverfront and some of the most stunning Mekong sunsets in Cambodia. The town is renowned for its French-era architecture and is also one of the best places in the country to see the rare Irrawaddy dolphins in the Mekong River.

In the afternoon, cross the river to explore Koh Trong Island. You can either take a local horse cart or cycle around the island. Engage in local farming activities, sample fresh local fruits, and visit a floating village on the island’s southern tip. Spend the rest of your day relaxing at a riverside drink stall, where you can enjoy a spectacular sunset over the Mekong.

Return to your hotel, and the remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure.

Summary of inclusions

• Private vehicle
• Country village explore
• Breakfast
• Hotel in Kratie

DAY 5: Kratie – Banlung

After breakfast, drive north along the Mekong River through picturesque countryside to Kampi village, renowned for viewing the rare Irrawaddy dolphins. Board a local boat to observe these elusive creatures in their natural habitat—keep your eyes peeled for a glimpse of these fascinating animals.

Proceed by road to Banlung. Despite the challenging road conditions, the journey offers stunning adventure views. Arrive in Banlung in the late afternoon, check into your hotel, and enjoy some leisure time to relax or explore the area.

Banlung, the capital of Ratanakiri province, is situated in the far north of Cambodia, bordering Vietnam and Laos. The region is characterized by light-brown volcanic soil, ideal for cultivating rubber, cashews, and oil palms. The town is a bustling commercial center, with local ethnic minorities frequently visiting the market to sell their goods.

Summary of inclusions

• Private vehicle
• Mekong dolphin safari
• Sightseeing en route
• Breakfast
• Hotel in Ban Lung

DAY 6: Banlung – the Kroeung territory

Drive north towards the Laos border to Taveng village. Cross the Veyron Plang volcanic lava field and continue through dense forests. Stop to visit Kroeung villages, a local hill tribe group. In some Kroeung villages, you might see impressive bachelor houses on high stilts, which are rebuilt by younger men each season. Depending on the road conditions and time, enjoy a picnic lunch before exploring nearby villages.

In the afternoon, visit the stunning volcanic lake of Yeak Loam, surrounded by pristine rainforest. Swim in the clean, refreshing water, take a walk around the lake, or simply relax on the shore and soak in the natural beauty.

Return to Banlung for the evening, which is free for you to enjoy at your leisure.

Summary of inclusions

• Private vehicle
• Hill tribe villages explore
• Breakfast & picnic lunch
• Hotel in Ban Lung

DAY 7: Banlung – Tampoun totems – Banlung

After breakfast the next day, embark on a bumpy road trip around Banlung. Start with a visit to the impressive Teuk Cha On waterfall. Continue northwest through bamboo forests to the village of Voeune Sai, a Chinese village on the Se San River’s left bank.

From there, take a short boat trip upstream to visit several Tampoun villages. This hill tribe maintains traditional practices and a way of life untouched by modern influences, including the creation of funeral statuary. Stop at Ka Choan village, known for its striking totems.

Return by boat and road to your accommodation. Spend your evening at leisure.

Summary of inclusions

• Private vehicle Nature & waterfalls
• Hill tribe villages visit
• Breakfast & picnic lunch
• Hotel in Banlung 

DAY 8: Banlung – Stung Treng

This morning, visit the Banlung market, bustling with local produce and handicrafts. Then, transfer overland to Stung Treng, the provincial capital of the same name.

Stung Treng is a peaceful, friendly town located at the confluence of the Sekong and Mekong Rivers, with the town situated on the banks of the Sekong River and the Mekong River to the northeast. Upon arrival and check-in at your hotel, enjoy some free time to explore the town’s charms and relaxed atmosphere. Spend the night at a scenic nature lodge with views over the river.

Summary of inclusions

• Private vehicle
• Sightseeing en route
• Breakfast
• Hotel in Stung Treng

DAY 9: Mekong river canoeing

After breakfast, head north along the Mekong River to O Sway village, near the Laos border. Begin a full-day kayaking trip through the remote, flooded forests of Cambodia’s Ramsar Wetlands. This is a great opportunity to see a variety of bird species in their natural habitat. Enjoy stunning views of the landscape and the thrill of paddling along the mighty river. A picnic lunch will be provided during the trip. Return to your accommodation in the evening.

Summary of inclusions

• Private vehicle transfer
• Mekong river canoeing
• Breakfast & lunch
• Hotel in Stung Treng

DAY 10: Stung Treng – Preah Vihear

The following morning, depart Stung Treng and travel through picturesque rural landscapes towards the Cambodian-Thai border, heading to Sra Aem in Preah Vihear Province. Along the way, make stops to visit local villages and capture the natural beauty of the region. Check in at your hotel upon arrival, then enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure, exploring the town at your own pace.

Sra Aem, nestled at the base of the Dangrek Mountain range, is a small but significant gateway to the famous Preah Vihear Temple.

Summary of inclusions

• Private vehicle
• Sightseeing en route
• Breakfast
• Hotel in Sra Aem

DAY 11: Preah Vihear – Siem Reap

Early the next morning, drive along a spectacularly steep mountain road to Preah Vihear Temple, reaching it in time for sunrise. Perched on top of Poy Tadi, a cliff in the Dangrek Mountain range that forms the natural border between Cambodia and Thailand, the temple offers breathtaking views of the fertile plains of both countries. Dedicated to the supreme god Shiva, the temple’s construction spanned over 300 years and features various architectural styles from different Khmer kings, making it a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

After enjoying the sunrise and exploring the temple, descend and continue the drive along the Cambodia – Thailand border to Anlong Veng, the former stronghold of the Khmer Rouge in the 1990s. From there, proceed through the captivating countryside towards Siem Reap, stopping along the way to photograph the landscapes. Before reaching Siem Reap, visit Banteay Srei, the “Jewel of Angkor,” a 10th-century temple renowned for its exquisite carvings on pink sandstone, which are intricately detailed and cover every available surface.

Upon arrival in Siem Reap, check into your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.

Summary of inclusions

• Private vehicle
• Preah Vihear sunrise tour
• Sightseeing en route
• Breakfast
• Hotel in Siem Reap

DAY 12: Discover the Angkor

This morning, we’ll delve into the wonders of Angkor Thom, the final and most enduring capital of the Khmer Empire. Our exploration includes the South Gate of Angkor Thom, the Bayon Temple with its 54 towers adorned with countless serene and enigmatic Buddha faces, the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Terrace of the Elephants, and the Terrace of the Leper King.

Next, we visit Ta Prohm, famously featured in Angelina Jolie’s film “Tomb Raider.” This temple is renowned for its dramatic overgrowth of giant fig trees and sprawling vines, which envelop the stone ruins and create a captivating image of nature reclaiming human architecture.

In the afternoon, we will explore Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world and a symbol of the Khmer Empire. With its five majestic towers representing the five holy peaks of Mount Meru, the abode of Hindu gods, Angkor Wat is also celebrated for its extensive Apsara carvings. The construction of this architectural marvel is believed to have taken around thirty years. Today, Angkor Wat is depicted on Cambodia’s national flag, symbolizing the soul of the Khmer people.

At sunset, Angkor Wat becomes even more enchanting, providing a serene and less crowded opportunity to admire the Apsaras in their most radiant light.

The evening is yours to enjoy at your leisure.

Summary of inclusions

• Private vehicle
• Discover the Angkor
• Breakfast
• Hotel in Siem Reap

DAY 13: Angkor further discovery

After breakfast at the hotel, we will explore the Preah Khan temple complex, built by King Jayavarman VII to honor his father on the site of his victory over the invaders. The temple’s name, meaning ‘Holy Sword,’ reflects its original designation as ‘the Holy City of Victory.’ This extensive complex once served as a Buddhist monastery and school, housing over 1,000 monks.

Next, we will visit Neak Pean, a small island temple situated in the middle of the last Baray. This temple symbolizes Anavatapta, a mythical lake in the Himalayas believed to have healing powers.

In the afternoon, we will head to the Roluos Group, the site of Hariharalaya, the first capital of the Khmer Empire from the mid-9th century. The temples here are constructed from various materials, including bricks, laterite, and sandstone. We will explore notable temples such as Bakong, a stepped pyramid temple with intricate carvings, Lolei, an island temple with detailed carvings and inscriptions representing Mount Meru surrounded by the ocean, and Preah Ko, the Sacred Bull temple built to honor the King’s ancestors.

Return to the hotel, and enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure.

Summary of inclusions

• Private vehicle
• Angkor temples explore
• Breakfast
• Hotel in Siem Reap

DAY 14: Prek Toal Nature Reserve Explore

Depart the hotel early and transfer for half an hour to Mechrey port, where you’ll board a traditional wooden boat for a cruise to the Prek Toal Biosphere Reserve. Journey across the flooded forest and the expansive lake while your guide explains the lake’s unique hydrological system, ecosystem, and its diverse flora and fauna.

Enjoy a picnic breakfast on the boat as you take in the natural beauty of the region and the timeless lifestyle of its lake dwellers. Experience bird watching at the Bird Sanctuary, Southeast Asia’s largest ornithological reserve, under the guidance of a local ranger. You’ll encounter a wide array of water birds, including endangered species such as storks, pelicans, and ibises. Your guide’s expertise will enhance your understanding of this intricate natural ecosystem.

Later, visit a treetop platform to observe bird colonies through telescopes and binoculars.

(Note: During the low water season from February to the end of March, access to the treetop platform may be restricted. Instead, you’ll spend more time enjoying bird feeding along the main stream of the Bird Sanctuary.)

Return to the village for a local lunch, then visit an environmental education center and a water hyacinth handicraft workshop. Take a small boat ride to explore how the local community adapts to their floating and ever-changing environment. Visit a family living in a floating house to learn about their daily life and see typical floating farms, schools, and gardens, providing a glimpse into their unique way of life.

Return to Siem Reap in the late afternoon, and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.

Summary of inclusions

• Private vehicle
• Boat
• Prek Toal nature reserve explore
• Breakfast & lunch
• Hotel in Siem Reap

DAY 15: Siem Reap Departure

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. You have the morning free to explore the town, do some last-minute sightseeing, and shop at your own pace. Please note that check-out time is 12:00 PM.

Afterwards, transfer to the airport for your flight to your next destination. Safe travels, and we look forward to seeing you again!

Summary of inclusions

• Private airport transfer
• Breakfast