14 Days CAMBODIA EXPLORER

After being destroyed by the Khmer Rouge in the 1970s, Cambodia’s capital city is now a thriving epicenter. Sitting on the banks of the Tonle Sap and Mekong rivers with wonderful crumbling colonial architecture, it’s a city spinning into the future. We hit the ground running this morning, exploring the highlights of this truly fascinating city, including the National Museum and the Royal Palace. After lunch, head to the Tuol Sleng Prison Museum where our guide will explain the history of the Khmer Rouge and walk us through the different museum displays. We then continue on to the Choeung Ek Memorial, the site of one of the country’s many killing fields. This sobering visit offers an important insight into Cambodia’s tragic and very recent history. After returning to the hotel to freshen up we will then head out for dinner at a local restaurant.

After breakfast we depart Phnom Penh and travel northeast, pausing at Skuon, affectionately known as 'Spiderville', where it is possible to sample the local delicacy of deep-fried tarantula! We will have lunch beside the Mekong River in the bustling provincial city of Kompong Cham, where we will also visit the interesting Hindu/Buddhist temple of Wat Nokor. After lunch we continue east towards the small junction town of Snuol, our gateway to the wilds of Mondulkiri Province. The first half of the journey from Snuol is flat, passing through patches of lush forest and areas of cultivation and plantations. After Khau Si Ma district, the road begins to snake up through the mountains that give Mondulkiri its name of 'where the mountains meet'. Nearing Sen Monorom, the provincial capital, the scenery changes again, jungle giving way to clusters of pine trees and rolling grasslands. The scenery is unique for Cambodia and dotted with traditional Bunong villages, the main minority group in Mondulkiri.

Today we experience responsible tourism at its best as we spend the day at the Elephant Valley Project which, with the support of the local Bunong villagers, rescues and treats domestic elephants who have suffered injury and abuse. To enjoy a unique 'Walking with the Herd for a day' experience, we will be introduced to the herd of elephants and get to know more about their history, character, behaviour, body language while walking alongside them in their natural environment.

This morning we start the day with a visit to Bousra Waterfall. Mondulkiri's rolling green scenery marks it out as a special destination within Cambodia and the Bousra Waterfall is a hidden gem amongst the greenery. Set in Bousra Eco Park, a beautiful protected forest that is home to diverse wildlife, the waterfall has dramatic upper and lower sections with spectacular views. Take a dip in the fresh cold water or simply enjoy the view! There are also market vendors selling local products, food and drinks. After taking in the scenery and Bousra Waterfall, we will continue on to a local village and coffee plantation where we can learn more about the local industries and communities in this area. After lunch, we drive on to Kratie, a journey that will take around 3 hours.

We set off by bicycle this morning as we explore local villages which dot the banks of the Mekong River. Enjoying the beautiful scenery and meeting friendly villagers, we can learn a little about the islanders lives - and maybe sample some of their famous pomelos, before finishing the morning with lunch at a local house. Later today we will travel out of town to Kampi, where the rare Irrawaddy dolphins gather to feed in the deep Mekong pools in this part of the river. We board a local boat and cruise out into the mighty Mekong for a chance encounter with these gentle creatures. On our way back to Kratie we will stop at the hilltop temple of Phnom Sombok to enjoy sunset over the Mekong.

This morning we travel north towards Stung Treng, where we stop for a short walk around the colourful vegetable market. We then continue towards Preah Vihear, home to the famed ruins. On arrival at the base of this sacred mountain, we change into 4WD vehicles to take a final steep ascent up the mountain to the second enclosure of this incredibly impressive temple. Exploring the temple on foot we continue to the final level, which clings to a cliff face in the Dangrek Mountains, towering hundreds of meters above lowland Cambodia. The view from this temple is simply breathtaking, with the foundation stones stretching to the edge of the cliff as it plunges precipitously away to the plains of Preah Vihear province below. In the late afternoon, we check into our boutique hotel.

After breakfast we head west towards Samrong, deeper into Oudor Meanchey province and our destination, the incredible jungle temple of Banteay Chhmar. We’ll travel through some beautiful stretches of Cambodian countryside to arrive at the main temple, famous for its signature faces of Jayavarman VII, and take the opportunity to explore the site. Amongst other things we see the magnificent carvings of Lokesvara with 32 arms, nicknamed lok sam-pee (Mr 32) by Khmers, as well as the beautiful Hall of Dancers. The outer complex has impressive gates and is protected by a moat and the jungle-clad towers of Yeay Chy and Samnang Tasok. There’ll be plenty of time to soak up the atmosphere of this enchanting place, after which we’ll then enjoy lunch with a local family. This afternoon we drive the scenic route on to Battambang, where we spend the next two nights.

Heading out into the countryside today we learn more about life in one of the local villages. Here we can learn about local industries, such as the methods of making jars, rice paper, and spring rolls, and visit one of the markets where we can try some local delicacies. Stopping at Wat Ek Phnom, a dilapidated 11th Century temple that some say was the example for Angkor Wat, we can then enjoy a well-earned lunch at a family home. In the afternoon, we journey upwards to Phnom Sampeau Mountain to visit the somber killing fields and mountaintop temple which offers spectacular views stretching across miles and miles of rice paddies. Around 5:30pm we will move onto the Bat Caves and perch ourselves at the ready for the spectacular sunset display of hundreds of bats flying away from the cave. After sunset, we return to town for the evening.

This morning we set off on our last leg of the journey as we drive to Siem Reap, a journey which takes around 3 hours. Having settled into our hotel and enjoying some lunch, this afternoon we will begin our exploration of Siem Reap as we really go behind the scenes of this fascinating and growing city. Beyond the typical tourist trail lies a fiery town full of inspiring people, doing unique work with the goal of giving back to Cambodia. This tour gives us an insider’s look into the network of social enterprises and non-profits in Siem Reap that are slowly but surely bringing new light and new skills into the bustling and ever-expanding tourist town. With three core stops along the scenic route we'll have the chance to learn, get hands-on and pick up a few take-home gifts along the tour, all whilst knowing in our own way we are giving back to the community as a responsible traveller. This evening we then enjoy the very special Bambu Stage Temples Decoded, a unique dinner and presentation given by expert Nick Coffill, immersing us in the ancient landscapes and framework of the magnificent Angkor temples.

Waking up early this morning we head to the magnificent Angkor Wat for sunrise after which we can enjoy a morning tour of the temple before the worst of the crowds arrive. Mid-morning we return to the hotel for breakfast and some free time. In the early afternoon we return to the temple complex, this time visiting Angkor Thom, the famous walled city and home to the fascinating Bayon temple with its many magnificent faces smiling out. We also pay a visit to Ta Prohm and Banteay Kdei, two of the more unique temples in the complex. There are several beautiful spots from which to watch the sunset, which we can decide on the day. Discuss with your guide where you would like to be and then relax and enjoy a memorable end to your day at the temples. Return to our hotel we will then have the evening free to explore at leisure.

Setting out once again to the temples, we spend the morning exploring this magical area by bicycle, Following hidden routes and pathways, we will access the lesser-known temples and venture through the jungle and along the ancient wall of Angkor Thom. After a delicious lunch overlooking the royal bathing pool of Sra Srang, we return to our hotel for some free time to explore or relax. This evening we will be treated to a unique performance by the Cambodian Circus, also known as the hugely talented Phare Ponleu Selpak from our VIP seats. Literally translated as ‘’the brightness of the arts’’, this Artistic and Social Center has been running as a non-profit association since 1994, and was founded by a group of young ex-refugees from Battambang Province. Sitting in the centre of the big top tent, we will witness some remarkable acrobatics and visual arts while supporting one of Cambodia’s most inspiring projects.

This morning we drive for about an hour before boarding a boat for a 40-minute ride to one of the lake villages on the vast Tonle Sap Lake. The homes are built on stilts here because this area floods in the rainy season. Venturing through waterways, flooded forests, and out into the lake, we make our way back through the village experiencing how the locals live in this watery environment. Our final afternoon and evening we are then treated to a stunning last supper, as we are taken to the beautiful Kompheim village, located just outside Siem Reap. Here we can enjoy a two hour walk through a traditional village with one of the local guides, who will give us an introduction to the daily lives of the villagers. Finish this with drinks at the beautiful and unique Village House at sunset, where we can relax and enjoy our very own private dining experience. After enjoying our special culinary experience, we will be transferred back to your hotel later this evening.

The tour ends today after breakfast at our hotel. Breakfast