Cambodia Beyond Temples
Cambodia - 6 Days
Private Journeys
Journey Details and Highlights
Cambodia Beyond Temples
Day 1: Siem Reap/Phnom Penh – Kratie
Early departure to Kratie, a small former colonial town (pre-night in Siem Reap or Phnom Penh is not included – please book separately). We travel directly to Kampi, one of the deep pools where the rare river dolphins gather to feed. We board a local boat and cruise out into the mighty Mekong for a chance encounter with these gentle creatures. On the way back we stop at the hilltop temple of Phnom Sambok to see the Buddhist monasteries and to enjoy the magnificent views of the surrounding countryside from the hilltop. Back to Kratie.
Overnight in KratieDay 2: Kratie – Mondulkiri (B)
Take a small ferry boat to the Island Koh Trong, situated in the middle of the Mekong River opposite Kratie town. Horse or Ox Cart ride at the island. A 9 km loop around the islands provides opportunities to leisurely explore traditional Khmer villages, fruit orchards and rice fields while observing the daily rituals and routines of the traditional village life. Take the ferry back to Kratie and continue to Mondulkiri. After arriving in the province capital Sen Monorom check in to your hotel.
Overnight in MondulkiriDay 3: Mondulkiri (B/L)
Important Notice: Only possible from Sunday to Friday Ele Lover - (Full Day of Elephant Valley project) 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. Depart 7.30am - return 5.30pm. Expect ca. 5 - 8 km of hiking in one day. The tour includes a delicious buffet style lunch. Return to Sen Monorom overnight. Important note: This is a description of an average day due to the nature of this project and the elephants; some days may vary.
Overnight in MondulkiriDay 4: Mondulkiri – Steung Treng (B)
After breakfast, visit the magnificent waterfall of Bousra, the largest in Mondulkiri, where you have the opportunity to swim. On the way visit a coffee and pepper plantation. Continue to drive overland to Steung Treng, a small Rivera town along the Mighty Mekong River. Arrival in the afternoon, transfer to your hotel.
Overnight in Steung TrengDay 5: Stung Treng – Preah Vihear (B)
In the morning enjoy a half Day Tour: (Cycling and Kayaking along the Sekong River) Start cycling along the Sekong River and visit a “noodle village” to see many families producing rice-noodles in the traditional way by hand. Ride to the Mekong Blue Project about 04 km from the provincial town, an organization run by the Stung Treng Women’s Development Centre. It is a weaving centre and a cafe (though the latter isn’t always open). Scarves and other fabrics are for sale through the centre. Their products really are beautiful, in the most stunning colours — they use all natural, non-toxic dyes from Germany — and a “steal” compared to what you would pay for them elsewhere. Afterwards the kayaking tour across the Sekong River to the other shore site (Hang Khou Ban). Ethnic Lao villagers produce Krolan (Sticky Rice). You will have the opportunity to see the villagers cook one of the most popular travel snacks in its bamboo packaging with local ingredients from Stung Treng: sticky rice, coconut, milk, salt, soybeans. After that by Kayak back to the town. You will enjoy the beautiful sunset view over the river during kayaking. Transfer back to the hotel Biking Distance: 6 km – around 1-1.5hrs – flat terrain, Kayaking: 01 hour (1 or 2 pax per Kayak – as per the participants preference) After lunch (at your own cost), you will embark on an overland journey to Preah Vihear.
Overnight in Preah VihearDay 6: Departure (B)
In the morning drive towards the Cambodian-Thai border and change at the Preah Vihear Visitor Center to 4WD PickUp Trucks to visit the impressive UNESCO World Heritage Preah Vihear Temple. Enjoy the stunning views from the cliff overlooking the green plains on the foot of the temple. Continue overland to the temple complex of Beng Mealea. This temple is still partly covered with vegetation. It consists of perfectly squared-off sandstone building blocks. The outstanding decoration dates from the first half of the 12th century. Afterwards transfer to Siem Reap. End of services. (Overnight in Siem Reap is not included – please book additional nights or program separately)
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Included Services
All described sightseeing as in program above
Transportation in private air-conditioned vehicle
Accommodation in hotels with daily breakfast
English-speaking local guides
Admission fees to indicated sights
Meals mentioned in the itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)
Domestic gov’t tax and service charge
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Excluded Services
International air tickets
Flights & visa fees
Travel Insurance in all kinds
Meals not mentioned in itinerary
Compulsory Meals
Drinks during Meals
Tip, drinks, any personal expenses
Early check-in and late check-out
