Cambodia In Depth

Phnom Penh, Cambodia's vibrant capital city, offers a captivating blend of history, culture, and architectural marvels. A Phnom Penh city tour allows you to delve into the city's heart, exploring its iconic landmarks, hidden gems, and vibrant local life.

Morning Delights:

• Royal Palace & Silver Pagoda: Be mesmerized by the grandeur of the Royal Palace, the official residence of the Cambodian King. Marvel at the intricate architecture and learn about Cambodian royalty. Next door, explore the Silver Pagoda, adorned with a gleaming silver floor and housing priceless Buddha statues.
• National Museum: Immerse yourself in Cambodian history and art at the National Museum. Explore fascinating exhibits showcasing artifacts from the Angkor era and other periods, providing insights into the rich cultural heritage of Cambodia.

Afternoon Exploration:

• Central Market (Phsar Thmey): Indulge in your senses at the bustling Central Market, a shopper's paradise. Wander through the labyrinthine alleys filled with stalls overflowing with local crafts, souvenirs, clothing, and Cambodian delicacies. Be sure to try your bargaining skills!
• Wat Phnom: Ascend the scenic Phnom Penh Hill, where Wat Phnom, a Buddhist temple with a long history, sits atop. Enjoy panoramic views of the city and experience the tranquillity of the temple grounds.
• 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 two branches, Phnom Penh offers the ideal location to discover the mighty Mekong.

Overnight in Phnom Penh.

After breakfast, depart for Kampong Cham, a vibrant riverside town known for its French colonial architecture and lively markets.

We may choose to stop at Skoun, also known as ‘Spider vile’ due to the deep-fried tarantula that is the local delicacy, are you adventurous enough to try one?

We continue to Koh Pen Bamboo Bridge. In the dry season, you can reach this island on the Mekong River by an unusual bamboo bridge. Unbelievably this elaborate bridge is rebuilt every year in the dry season after it’s been washed away by the wet season rains. Despite being made from bamboo, the bridge is very strong, and can even support the weight of cars and trucks.

Continue to Kratie, a sleepy Mekong port and gateway to an encounter with the rare freshwater Irrawaddy dolphin that inhabit the upper reaches of the Mekong in Cambodia.

Arrive in Krate, take local ferry to small island Koh Trong where we stay with local family for 1 night.

If you like, we get on our bikes and do a tour of about 9 km. around the island heading north. We passed numerous typical Khmer houses on wooden supports. Let's not lose sight of traditional roof decorations. The numbers at the top indicate the year the house was built. The narrow paths here are perfectly designed for cycling, providing shade, and bringing us closer to the daily life of Koh Trong. Although some villagers may seem a little shy, the crowds of children and some older people will always give us their best smiles and give us the warmest welcome to their island with a hello.

Overnight in Kratie.

After local breakfast, farewell our host and take ferry back to Kratie, where we walk through the central Market of Kratie where you will see the local trades and see some of the old colonial building which remain from the French colony. Before we leave Kratie, we might visit local rice whiskey production.

Visit the famous 100 pillars pagoda and learn its fascinating history as a place of pilgrimage for residents of Kratie.

We continue to Kampi, one of the many 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.

Afterwards, we leave behind the sleepy town of Kratie and travel north towards Stung Treng, a province bordering the Mekong and boasting breath-taking natural landscapes, check in at your lodge.

Afternoon, we will start boat tours to explore most beautiful part of the Mekong. Stung Treng, nestled along the mighty Mekong River and surrounded by verdant landscapes, offers an ideal setting for an unforgettable trip. It's a chance to connect with the mighty Mekong River, explore hidden wonders, and experience the thrill of adventure while being mindful of the environment.

Overnight in Stung Treng.

We continue to Preah Vihear, our journey through jungle and local village. This good track literate hills along the northern border of the country. Some beautiful scenery along this route yet unpublished and very wild.

We drive up to the hill (by 4 X 4) to visit an amazing Khmer temple Preah Vihear, which sits at the top of the Dangrek Mountains. Preah Vihear is known as the Temple Mountain, which was built at the beginning of the 10th century as a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva.

Overnight in Preah Vihear

Travel off-the-beaten track to Koh Ker, the former capital of the Khmer Empire between 928 and 944 A.D. Enjoy a simple packed or local lunch near the temple and continue to visit other ancient structures in the peaceful area. The remote archaeological site in northern away from Siem Reap and the ancient site of Angkor. It is a very jungle filled region that is sparsely populated.

Later in the afternoon, we continue to Banteay Srei Village for our local homestay experience. We meet the host family and settle into our temporary home before enjoying a local dinner.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

After waking early in local village, we take a short village walk to learn about local life and agriculture. We will participate in another course on Buddhism with a local Buddhist leader accompanied which will focus on the life of Buddha, history of Buddhism and different Buddhist schools in Southeast Asia.

Depart for Phnom Kulen National Park, considered the holiest mountain in Cambodia. Arrive at Kulen Mountain near the Preah Ang Thom Pagoda. First on the agenda is a wander around the mountain-top pagoda which is home to relics, statues, and a large reclining Buddha.

Meet your Motordup (motorbike) driver who will take you for the next few hours up the mountain. The first stop is at Poeng Tbal, where a riverbed reveals a well-preserved stone with details of Shiva and Vishnu and the rock carvings of Ganesh and sages. A short trip leads to one of Cambodia's most important sites: a small pedestal that sits on top of three step pyramids called Prasat Rong Chen. Head through more paths to a modern temple with colorful statues and a panoramic view. Enjoy a simple picnic lunch in the temple dining room. Continue after a short break to a bat cave that, with the help of torches, you can enter for a few hundred meters and see a modern sanctuary. Both the cave and the temple attract many pilgrims to the area. A short distance away is Srah Damrei (or Elephant Pond). Head back to the starting point with a few more stone carvings to see at Damrei Khrap (Kneeling Elephant). The Motordup adventure ends at Preah Ang Thom.

Two more stops are made before your return, the first is a short visit to see the Thousand Lingas River, hundreds of Lingas carvings can be seen in a section of the river. After visiting the Kulen waterfall, where you can take a refreshing bath. Continue to Siem Reap town and accommodation.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

After breakfast, we begin our Biking tours to Angkor offer a unique and enriching way to explore the sprawling temple complex, allowing you to cover more ground than walking and getting a closer look at the magnificent ruins than possible from a bus. Imagine cycling through the serene countryside, past traditional villages, and rice paddies, before arriving at The West Gate, unlike the more elaborate South Gate (the most used entrance), is less crowded and offers a more peaceful introduction to Angkor Thom. You'll approach the gate along a causeway, potentially lined with local vendors selling souvenirs and refreshments.

Cycle along the wide laterite roads within Angkor Thom, passing by other significant sites like the Terrace of the Elephants or the Phimeanakas temple. Your guide might share interesting facts and stories about these architectural marvels. Reaching Bayon Temple: As you approach Bayon Temple, its towering central tower with hundreds of serene smiling faces comes into view. Prepare to be awestruck by the scale and artistry of this iconic landmark. Park your bikes and delve into the mysteries of Bayon. Climb the stairs to the upper terraces, marvel at the intricate bas-reliefs depicting scenes from Khmer mythology, and of course, capture unforgettable photos of the enigmatic smiling faces. Your guide can provide valuable insights into the history and symbolism of Bayon, enriching your understanding.

Leaving Bayon behind, you'll embark on a scenic cycle through the Angkor complex, potentially encountering other temples and enjoying the lush surroundings. As you arrive at Ta Prohm, prepare to be captivated by the unique sight of this temple engulfed by the jungle. Witness the majestic trees intertwined with the ancient ruins, creating a truly magical atmosphere. Explore Ta Prohm at your own pace, marvelling at the way nature has reclaimed this temple. Imagine the lives and stories entwined within these ancient stones.

The final leg of your cycle journey takes you towards the majestic Angkor Wat, the crown jewel of the Angkor complex. The sight of its towering central spires emerging from the Cambodian landscape is truly awe-inspiring. Prepare to be overwhelmed by the sheer scale and intricate details of Angkor Wat. Explore the vast courtyards, admire the exquisite bas-reliefs, and climb the central tower for breath-taking panoramic views of the Angkor complex.

Enjoy a leisurely cycle back to Siem Reap, reflecting on the incredible temples you've witnessed and the unique experience of exploring Angkor by bike.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

This morning, you'll take a short drive into the countryside outside Siem Reap, where you'll visit a local village to learn about traditional food, and growing methods, and try your hand at making a three-course meal in a Cambodian cooking class. Although not as well-known as Thai or Vietnamese food, Khmer cuisine is arguably equally as good, combining fresh seasonal produce with spices to create unique and flavorful dishes.
After meeting your chef, you'll take a walk through the village to meet a local family and see the different vegetables growing and being cultivated. Learn about farming techniques and pick some produce, before making your way back to the cooking school, where you'll get stuck and learn about the history of Khmer cuisine, surrounded by rice paddies and palm trees. Once you have enjoyed the fruits of your labor, return to the city, where the afternoon is free to relax or explore further.

Depart for the Tonlé Sap. You will enjoy a boat ride on the Tonle Sap Lake. This is the largest permanent fresh-water lake in Southeast Asia and flows into Tonle Sap River, joining the Mekong in Phnom Penh. You will see a fishermen's "floating village" with floating schools, floating police station, etc. It is same as a big village floating on the lake, and the "village" move from place-to-place following water levels and current. You will go to local pagoda, where you should change to clothes you can get wet in as here you will experience the ceremony “SrouchTeok”, which roughly translates into “Water blessing”. A monk will chant in ancient Pali as he splashes water over you, washing away your sins and bad luck so you can start fresh and by being a good person can increase your good luck.

Transfer to Quad Bike office, then our guide will give you a safety driving, instruction how to drive the quad bike, and will make a short training for the beginner to adobe with quad bike before departure. Strikingly beautiful view of the rice fields and villages under the clear blue sky turns gold and yellow at dawn and at dust. The unforgettable and unbeatable view of sunset in the countryside behind the villages is a must.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Transfer to Siem Reap airport (no guide) for flight to Sihanouk Ville, which has long been a place of relaxation for Cambodians. Arrive in Sihanouk Ville airport, meet driver and transfer to Sihanouk Ville port for taking fast boat to Koh Rong Saloem “Paradise Island”. Upon arrival at Koh Rong Island, meet staff from hotel and transfers to hotel for check in.

Overnight in Koh Rong Saloem.

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 Saloem.

Enjoy a full day of sun or swimming in the warm coastal waters and explore the island on your own. 

Overnight in Koh Rong Saloem.

Enjoy a full day of sun or swimming in the warm coastal waters and explore the island on your own. 

Overnight in Koh Rong Saloem.

Enjoy a full day of sun or swimming in the warm coastal waters and explore the island on your own. 

Overnight in Koh Rong Saloem.

Enjoy a full day of sun or swimming in the warm coastal waters and explore the island on your own. 

Overnight in Koh Rong Saloem.

We farewell island and take express boat back to Sihanouk Ville. Upon arrival at Sihanouk Ville port, meet your driver (without guide) and drive back to Phnom Penh. Upon arrival in Phnom Penh, check in at your hotel and free for your own time.

Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Transfer to Phnom Penh airport (without guide) for departure to next destination. It’s time to say goodbye, we thank you for traveling with us and warmly welcome you to come again.