Wildlife, Temple & Beach 16 days / 15 nights

16 Days
TYPOLOGIES

Culture Tour

+ 1
DIFFICULTY

MIN. AGE

Tour Overview:

Destinations: PHNOM PENH – KAMPONG CHAM – MONDULKIRI – KRATIE – KAMPONG THOM – SIEM REAP – KOH RONG – PHNOM PENH

Itinerary

Fly into Phnom Penh, the city that retains its traditional Khmer and colonial charm. French villas along tree-lined boulevards remind the visitor that the city was once considered the ‘pearl’ of Southeast Asia. Recent political changes have triggered an economic boom, with new hotels, restaurants, bars and nightclubs springing up across the city. After meeting our representative, we transfer to hotel for check in. Free & Leisure for your own time.

Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Visit to the Royal Palace compound build in 1866 by the Predecessors of King Norodom, is the most conspicuous feature and also one of impressive colorful Khmer-style Palaces. Nearside the Royal Palace is Silver Pagoda (The Emerald Buddha temple), display plenty of Buddha Statues that were decorated and made by diamond, emerald, gold and silver, continuing visit to National Museum, the distinctive red building with a beautiful Khmer architecture was build since 1917 and contains more than 5000 art objects made of sandstone, bronze, silver, copper, wood and others. Travelers will proceed to visit Independence Monument, which was constructed in 1954 after Cambodian took their country back from French colony. We will learn about the dark side of Cambodia – Its more recent turbulent and harrowing history. Initially you visit the Toul Sleng Genocide Museum (also known as S21), ironically a former school, located in a quiet Phnom Penh suburb, this was the infamous Khmer Rouge prison / torture center. We visit Wat Phnom is a Buddhist temple located in center of Phnom Penh City. It was built in 1373, and stands 27 meters above the ground. It is the tallest religious structure in the city. We will stop at Central Market is located in the heart of the Phnom Penh. The Khmer name of the market is Phsar Thmei, which translates to “new market”. The Central Market was built in 1937 during the French colonial period, in Art Deco style, and is painted bright ochre. We enjoy our cyclo ride along the riverside. This laid-back tour gives us a different perspective of the streets and sights of the city. We will enjoy a cruise for view sunset on the Mekong and Tonle Sap River (1 hour). Situated at the “Four Arms” where the Mekong meets the Tonle Sap River before splitting into tow branches, Phnom Penh offers the ideal location to discover the mighty Mekong.

Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Go behind the scenes and learn what it takes to look after more than 100 rescued Sun bears at the Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Centre. Join the bear keepers in preparing food and enrichment toys which keep the bears happy and healthy in their forested sanctuary, as well as taking a look at the other endangered species at the Centre.

Overnight in Phnom Penh.

After breakfast, we leave Phnom Penh and travel northeast to the bustling provincial city of Kampong Cham. En route, there is the chance to pause at Skuon, where it is possible to sample the local delicacy of deep fried tarantula. Arrive in Kampong Cham, we visit the bamboo bridge built across the mighty Mekong River connecting mainland to Koh Pen Island. During dry season (Jan-May), we can visit the bamboo bridge built across the mighty Mekong River connecting mainland to Koh Pen Island. We visit Wat Nokor also called Nokor Bachey Pagoda is an 11th century Mahayana Buddhist shrine made of sandstone and laterite with a large reclining Buddha and numerous alcoves containing Buddha images. We continue to Phnom Pros (Man Hill) and Phnom Srei (Woman Hill).

We drive to Mondulkiri province. Mondulkiri – means “Meeting of the Hills” a suitable name for such a hilly province.

Overnight in Mondulkiri.

Getting to know elephants in a responsible way? Then you are at the right place with the Mondulkiri Project. In Elephant Valley, sick elephants are taken care of and elephants that have always lived in captivity. Spend the morning with one group of amazing elephants in their natural forest habitat. In the afternoon you will then take another trek exploring the community forest. Meander through lush jungle, admire ancient trees, see waterfalls and have the chance to catch glimpses of other wildlife! Overnight in Mondulkiri.

This is the most popular tour visiting the project for a Gibbon and Wildlife watching tour. The tour leaves very early in the morning from Sen Monorom. During the early morning walk with your guide, you will locate one of two residential troops of Yellow-Cheek Gibbon that reside in the forest area. You should also look out for pig-tailed and long-tailed macaques and the silvery lutung, also known as the silvered leaf monkey or silvery langur. For bird watchers, there are opportunities to catch a glimpse of peacock pheasants, green peafowl, Siamese fireback, great hornbill, and Orange-necked partridge, among others. The forest is also home to one of the largest concentrations of woodpecker, including white-bellied, heart-spotted, black and buff, great slaty and pale-capped woodpecker. After lunch at Jahoo Gibbon Camp you will continue your trek along other more isolated trails in the forest, before transferring back to your hotel in Sen Monorom in the late afternoon.

Overnight in Mondulkiri.

We leave behind the wilds of Mondulkiri and drive for the charming Mekong port of Kratie, gateway to an encounter with the rare freshwater dolphins that inhabit the upper reaches of the Mekong in Cambodia. Arrive in Krate, we depart for Kampi, one of the many deep pools where the rare freshwater river dolphins gather to feed. We board a local boat and cruise out into the mighty Mekong for a chance to encounter with gentle creatures. Viewing is almost guarantee, although it is easier to see the dolphins in the shallower waters of the dry season, than in the swollen river of the wet season.

Overnight in Kratie.

We our journey to Siem Reap. On route you will have a chance to stop on the way to take photo and witness the everyday lives of Cambodians as you pass through interesting provincial towns, bucolic villages, and delightful scenery. This is no ‘freeway dash’ as you will often slow down to let cows and water buffalo wander across the road, pass horse drawn carriages, and school kids walking and cycling to/from school.

Arrive in Kampong Thom, we visit Sambor Prei Kuk, which is dotted with hundred Pre-Angkor styled temples. The site, part of the Chenla Kingdom, includes an area of nearly 1000 acres enclosed by double walls, and hundreds temples and towers; its construction predates Angkor Wat by several centuries. The road conditions are very poor, but the spectacular scenery, with a mixture of temples and forest makes the hardship all worthwhile. After seeing this landmark we make our way towards Siem Reap and pass through various Khmer traditional villages. Upon arrival in Siem Reap you will check-in to your hotel after which you are free at leisure for the rest of the evening.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

We’ll escape the heat of the city by driving 48kms North of Siem Reap to visit the holy Kulen Mountains, also referred to as Phnom Kulen (Mountain of the Lychees) by locals. The sandstone from this mountain was the main supplier of construction materials for the Angkor Kingdom. We’ll stop at the sacred site of The River of a Thousand Lingas, which features hundreds of lingas carved in the sandstone bed of the river, which date back to the 9th century. Further downstream, large blocks of stone, also under water, are carved with Apsaras dancers and Vishnu figures. Next on the agenda is a wander around the mountain-top pagoda which is home to relics, statues and a large reclining Buddha. The last mountain stop will be Kulen Waterfall, featuring a natural pool which is the perfect place to cool off on a hot day and a great picnic spot too, so that’s what we’ll do.

We return to Siem Reap in afternoon. On the way back stop at Pradark Village, where you will see the villagers making palm sugar, handicraft for selling to tourist. It’s a nice chance for you to see the local people living at the country side with their struggling for daily life.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

We wake up early in morning to witness sunrise over Angkor Wat. After sunrise, we journey out to the Mother of all temples, Angkor Wat. Believed to be the world's largest religious building, this temple is the perfect fusion of symbolism and symmetry and a source of pride and strength to all Khmers.

We return back to hotel for breakfast.

We head to the ancient city of Angkor Thom, the last capital of the great Khmer empire under the reign of Jayavarman VII, surrounded by an 8-meter-high wall that creates a perfect location.

Continue to Bayon Temple. At the exact centre of Angkor Thom, this is an eccentric expression of the creative genius and inflated ego of Cambodia’s most celebrated king.

Next is Preah Khan built in 1191 according to the tradition on a spot where the king fought a crucial battle against the Cham.

Visit the picturesque Ta Prohm that had nearly disappeared into the jungle and remains overgrown, an oddly haunting and exotic scene. The magnificent roots of a tree, pushing between the huge stone blocks of the temple in a sort of embrace, evoke feelings that you may remember forever.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

05:30am Pick up from your staying hotel in Siem Reap and transport by minivan to the port (around 30-40 minutes). The boat will take you on the 1hr to 1hr 30mins journey to Prek Toal floating village, 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. On arrival at the floating village, you will change boat to go and visit the bird sanctuary, under the guidance of a local ranger. Along the way, 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. You will be proposed to climb on a tree top platform to view bird colonies with telescope and binoculars. Please note that in the low water season (February-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) 12:30pm Back to the floating village to enjoy a typical lunch in the Community Restaurant 14:00pm Visit to the environmental education class and to the water hyacinth handicraft workshop. Then, on board a traditional Khmer paddle boat, you will 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 then continue to visit the crocodile farms, fish farms, floating school, floating gardens: a unique opportunity to see a unique way of life. 14:20pm Return to Siem Reap, back to your staying hotel around 16:00.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Pick up by driver and drive to Siem Reap airport for flight to Sihanouk Ville, which has long been a place of relaxation for Cambodians.

Upon arrival at Sihanouk Ville airport, meet driver and transfer to Sihanouk Ville port to take speedboat to Koh Rong Island.

Arrive in Koh Rong, check in at your hotel.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Transfer to Siem Reap airport (without guide) for departure to Sihanouk Ville. Upon arrival at Sihanouk Ville airport, met our driver (without guide) then drive straight to Sihanouk Ville port to take fast boat to Koh Rong Island “Paradise Island”. Overnight in Koh Rong.

Enjoy a full day of sun or swimming in the warm coastal waters. This is the moment when the dream of going on vacation to an exotic land becomes reality.

Overnight in Koh Rong.

Farewell Island and take express boat back to Sihanouk Ville. Arrive in Sihanouk Ville, we met our driver (without guide) and depart for Phnom Penh, it takes 5 hours to reach the capital. Arrive in Phnom Penh transfer direct to Phnom Penh airport for departure to next destination. Say goodbye to your Cambodian driver. Goodbye Cambodia!!!!

*** To have enough time for transfer, please book departure flight not early then 4pm.

Services

What’s include :

TOUR COST INCLUDES:

Accommodation with daily breakfast in double / twin shared room

Meal: at local restaurant (foods only) as mention in program (B: Breakfast, L: Lunch and D: Dinner)

Airport transfers & Transport by air con. vehicles as per program

Sightseeing and entrance fees as specified

Local English speaking guide as per program

Join Tour – Bear Care Tour with lunch

Join Tour – Elephant Valley Project with lunch

Join Tour – The Jahoo Gibbon Camp with lunch

Join Tour – Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary with lunch

All boat trip as mentioned in program

Complementary local Sim Card

24hours supporting hotline

Flight ticket: Siem Reap – Sihanouk Ville

Join boat: Sihanouk Ville – Koh Rong – Sihanouk Ville

Cold water and towel during tours

TOUR COST NOT INCLUDES:

Cambodia Visa stamp fee: 30$ (Passport valid more then 6 months, enough space for visa stamp (1 free space), 1 passport photo (4X6), cash 30$)

All International air ticket

Other meal, drink, personal expenses, tip, Travel insurance, all bank fees

Other thing not mentioned in included

Hotel

Hotel 3* star

PHNOM PENH
Double Leaf Hotel (3*) – Superior room
http://www.doubleleafhotel.com/

 

MONDULKIRI
Green House Retreat (3*) – Bungalow Garden
https://www.facebook.com/Greenhouse-Retreat-454154281627211/

 

KRATIE
Mekong Dolphin Hotel (3*) – Deluxe City View
www.mekongdolphinhotel.com

 

SIEM REAP
GZ Urban Hotel (3*) – Superior room
https://www.gzurbanhotel.com/

 

KOH RONG
Soksan Beach resort (4*) – Pavilion Garden
http://soksanbeachresort.com/

Hotel 4* star

PHNOM PENH
The 252 Hotel (4*) – Deluxe room
https://www.the-252.com/

 

MONDULKIRI
Mayura Hill Resort (4*) – Superior Villa
www.mayurahillresort.com

 

KRATIE
Mekong Dolphin Hotel (3*) – Deluxe City View
www.mekongdolphinhotel.com

 

SIEM REAP
Asarita Angkor Hotel (4*) – Deluxe room
http://www.asaritaangkor.com/

 

KOH RONG
Longset resort (4*) – Deluxe Sea View
http://longsetresort.com/

    ” Possiamo dire che è stata la luna di miele perfetta. Abbiamo avuto la possibilità di entrare a stretto contatto con la gente locale, di vivere diverse esperienze molto interessanti e di visitare dei posti fantastici. Tutto era organizzato in maniera perfetta grazie anche al validissimo supporto del nostro corrispondente Roberto, che non ci ha mai lasciati soli. Da dietro le quinte ci ha assistito per tutta la durata del nostro magnifico viaggio di nozze, dandoci un valido supporto per qualsiasi cosa. Le guide e i drivers erano sempre puntuali, cordiali, molto disponibili e molto preparati. Difficile dire in una sola frase cosa ci sia piaciuto. In una sola parola: TUTTO. L’organizzazione pre e durante il nostro viaggio è stata ineccepibile. Non possiamo che ringraziare Roberto ed Eurasie per questa meravigliosa esperienza.”

    Erika e Andrea

    Tour Vietnam & Cambogia