Wild Cambodia
Suggested Itinerary
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Overview
Emerging from a bloody and troubled past, Cambodia has made huge strides in recent years to foster and promote a range of conservation projects to protect its natural heritage. This remarkable journey takes you into the heart of this enduring and bewitching landscape, offering up a rare opportunity to see firsthand the important work being done to protect and conserve its natural bounty.
Beginning in Phnom Penh you’ll visit the fascinating Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Centre, home to ...
Emerging from a bloody and troubled past, Cambodia has made huge strides in recent years to foster and promote a range of conservation projects to protect its natural heritage. This remarkable journey takes you into the heart of this enduring and bewitching landscape, offering up a rare opportunity to see firsthand the important work being done to protect and conserve its natural bounty.
Beginning in Phnom Penh you’ll visit the fascinating Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Centre, home to the world’s largest Sun bear sanctuary, before moving on to experience the wonderful Elephant Valley Project in Sen Monorom. A zip-line adventure through the protected forests of Mondulkiri is then followed by a chance to search for rare Irrawaddy river dolphins and endangered turtles amongst the waters of the mighty Mekong.
Then it is on to Siem Reap, where you will enjoy guided hikes amongst the jungle temples around Angkor Wat. Part of the protected Phnom Kulen National Park, these jungle trails form part of a community-based conservation initiative that sees the temples and wildlife sharing the same lush landscapes. Finally, you’ll head to the shores of the Tonle Sap Lake, to enjoy a magical kayak through the flooded forests and pay a visit to Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater bird colony.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
- Spend time with the elephants and mahouts of Sen Monorom
- Trek along protected jungle trails and kayak through the flooded forests of Siem Reap
- Watch the sunrise over Angkor Wat and lose yourself in the myths and legends of the Angkor temples
- Discover the world’s largest Sun bear sanctuary and help the team with the bears’ daily routines
- Search for rare turtles and river dolphins in the waters of the Mekong
- Visit the emotive Killing Fields of Phnom Penh and learn about conservation efforts across the country
Suggested Itinerary
This is a suggested itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes, or build a trip from scratch.
DAY 1: ARRIVE PHNOM PENH
DAY 1: ARRIVE PHNOM PENH
Arrive into Phnom Penh and transfer to your hotel. After checking in enjoy a tour of the capital's main sites, including the Royal Palace and National Museum.
DAY 2: PHNOM PENH: KILLING FIELDS
DAY 2: PHNOM PENH: KILLING FIELDS
This morning head to the Tuol Sleng Prison Museum where your guide will explain the history of the Khmer Rouge and walk you through the different museum displays. Continue on to the Choeung Ek Memorial, the site of one of the country's many killing fields, where a memorial stupa and shallow pits remind visitors of the thousands killed under the Pol Pot Regime. Return to Phnom Penh for lunch and this afternoon is then free to explore at leisure.
DAY 3: PHNOM PENH: BEAR CARE
DAY 3: PHNOM PENH: BEAR CARE
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Centre, located just outside Phnom Penh, for your Bear Care Tour. This is a fun and fascinating behind-the-scenes tour at the world's biggest Sun bear sanctuary! Find out what it takes to care for over 130 rescued Sun bears and Moon bears at this unique rescue centre, as you help the team with their daily routine to support these beautiful animals.
DAY 4: PHNOM PENH - SEN MONOROM
DAY 4: PHNOM PENH - SEN MONOROM
Your driver and guide will meet you at your hotel and will drive you to Sen Monorom, a drive that should take from 5-6 hours depending on the traffic. After arrival, check into your hotel and spend the afternoon at your leisure.
DAY 5: SEN MONOROM: ELEPHANT VALLEY PROJECT
DAY 5: SEN MONOROM: ELEPHANT VALLEY PROJECT
Spend today at the wonderful Elephant Valley Project where you'll be immersed in the simple yet amazing daily routine of the elephants and their mahouts. These magnificent animals are retired from work and make up the heart of the beautiful elephant sanctuary. You will spend the day observing the elephants in their natural habitat while learning about their lives, personalities and amazing progress and recovery since their arrival at the Elephant Valley Project.
DAY 6: SEN MONOROM - KRATIE
DAY 6: SEN MONOROM - KRATIE
Visit the beautiful Bousra Waterfall, a hidden gem set amongst the protected forests of Mondulkiri. After a wander and a refreshing dip, you will meet the team at Mayura Zipline and get kitted out for your exhilarating zipline experience as you fly through the treetops, starting in the highest sections of forest and finishing with a dramatic zipline across the Bousra Waterfall. You will then say goodbye to the jungle and drive west to Kratie, where on arrival you will board a small boat for a short transfer across to Koh Trong, an island located in the middle of the Mekong River.
DAY 7: KRATIE: IRRAWADDY DOLPHINS & MEKONG TURTLES
DAY 7: KRATIE: IRRAWADDY DOLPHINS & MEKONG TURTLES
Today you will set off in search of the rare Irrawaddy dolphins. Listed as critically endangered in 2004, the Mekong Irrawaddy Dolphin is part of Cambodia's national heritage and symbolizes the magnificence of the Mekong River and its biodiversity. From here you will be taken to The Mekong Turtle Conservation Center (MTCC), founded to increase the wild population of the endangered Cantor's Softshell Turtle (Pelochelys cantorii) in the nearby Mekong River. End the day by climbing Phnom Sam Bok where you can watch the beautiful sunset from the pagoda, enjoying views of the mighty Mekong River.
DAY 8: KRATIE – SIEM REAP
DAY 8: KRATIE – SIEM REAP
Your guide and driver will meet you at your hotel and drive you to Siem Reap. This journey will take about 7 hours depending on the traffic and will take you through countless Cambodian villages and rice fields. Arrive in Siem Reap and check into your hotel.
DAY 9: SIEM REAP: TEMPLES, ARTISTS & SOCIAL ENTERPRISES
DAY 9: SIEM REAP: TEMPLES, ARTISTS & SOCIAL ENTERPRISES
Rise early this morning as you witness the spectacular sight of Angkor Wat at sunrise. Explore the majestic temple while it is still cool, before continuing to Angkor Thom, the famous walled city and see the many temples within its borders, including the fascinating Bayon temple with its many magnificent faces smiling out. Return to your hotel for some downtime and lunch. This afternoon you will be taken to Theam's House Art Studio, where you will meet the inspiring Theam, one of the few Cambodian artistic designers to have been educated abroad, who decided to return to Cambodia where he has spent the last 18 years focusing on the revival of Cambodian art. From here continue on a tour which gives you an insider's look into the network of social enterprises and non-profits in Siem Reap who are slowly but surely bringing new light and new skills into the bustling and ever-expanding tourist town.
DAY 10: SIEM REAP: PHNOM KULEN NATIONAL PARK
DAY 10: SIEM REAP: PHNOM KULEN NATIONAL PARK
Today you will take a guided hike through the protected Cambodian jungle of Phnom Kulen National Park, home to a community-protected area of mainly intact evergreen and boulder forest. Learn more about the impressive conservation initiative taking place in the area, which involves local villagers who maintain the trails. Hike along the cleared trails and admire the wildlife, before taking some time to enjoy the beauty of Kulen Waterfall and some of the mountain's ancient sites.
DAY 11: SIEM REAP: TEMPLES
DAY 11: SIEM REAP: TEMPLES
This morning set off with your guide to Banteay Srei, the intricately carved temple located just 30km beyond Angkor Wat, before visiting the Land Mine Museum, a rather humble look at the land mine problem, past and present, in Cambodia. Enjoy lunch in the temple complex overlooking Sra Srang, followed by a visit to the nearby Banteay Kdei and Ta Prohm, two of the prettiest temples in the complex. Return to your hotel mid-afternoon.
DAY 12: SIEM REAP: FLOODED FOREST & FLOATING VILLAGES
DAY 12: SIEM REAP: FLOODED FOREST & FLOATING VILLAGES
Today you will learn more about life on the mighty Tonle Sap Lake, as you board your boat from Mechrey stilted village and set off on your watery adventure. After lunch, climb into your kayaks and set off through the magical flooded forest and floating villages of Prek Toal. Paddle to your homestay and explore the local village, where you can learn more about employment opportunities that have been created as a result of initiatives to support local handicraft trades. Enjoy dinner with your host family and relax for the evening in your homestay.
DAY 13: SIEM REAP: PREK TOAL
DAY 13: SIEM REAP: PREK TOAL
Rise early to catch the incredible spectacle at the core bird reserve, home to approximately 200 species of bird, making it South East Asia's largest fresh water bird colony. Grab a quick breakfast and coffee, before heading out on a local boat into the bird reserve, observing the birds and wildlife at your leisure. Return to Prek Toal in the late morning and drive back to Siem Reap.
DAY 14: DEPART SIEM REAP
DAY 14: DEPART SIEM REAP
Your driver will meet you at your hotel for your private transfer to the airport, where you will arrive in time for your onward flight.
SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION
Soriyabori Resort (formerly Rajabori Villas), Kratie
Soriyabori Resort (formerly Rajabori Villas) is a great property with a fantastic location out on a secluded section of an island in the middle of the Mekong River. The rooms, which are traditional Khmer wooden houses, are beautifully constructed and finished off with some stunning French Indochine décor. With no cars the island is a peaceful escape from the busy town of Kratie and a great place to base yourself for a night or two where you can relax and take a boat to get a glimpse of the famous fresh water Irrawaddy dolphins.
Mayura Hill Resort, Sen Monorom
The best hotel in Sen Monorom, Mayura Hill Resort is a great option for those exploring more off the beaten track in the beautiful Mondulkiri area. The 10 bungalow rooms are large and well-equipped with a stylish modern feel, and the menu at the restaurant has a great selection of both Khmer and western food and the breakfast is a la carte. With a lovely outdoor swimming pool, and friendly efficient service, this is a great property with a very rural charm that is the perfect base from which to explore this beautiful more remote part of Cambodia.
White Mansion Boutique Hotel, Phnom Penh
Set in the former ''White House'' building of the old US Embassy, the contemporary 4 star White Mansion Boutique Hotel is a stylish property offering 30 spacious rooms and suites with modern design and furnishings. Conveniently located in the heart of the city, facilities include a 25m outdoor swimming pool and access to one of the leading fitness centres in Phnom Penh. There is a lovely open-plan cafe in the hotel forecourt or you are within a short walk of a plethora of local restaurants and cafes.
Mulberry Boutique Hotel, Siem Reap
Nestled in the heart of Siem Reap, enjoy your own oasis tucked away from the main street. The garden is a tropical paradise which leads to the different rooms and suites suited to any kind of visitor. The Wooden House is inspired by a Khmer stilted home and is perfect for honeymooners. The highlight of this property is its Family Suites, with their enormous space and mezzanine-style setting. The outdoor swimming pool provides a welcome refreshing dip after a long day of exploring temples, followed by a treatment at the onsite spa. During the most recent renovation, the open-air restaurant was given a fresh new look, complimented by the peaceful atmosphere of the garden.
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Accommodation listed here is intended as a guide only, to give you a taste of what we can do. Our experts can tailor any aspect of this itinerary and accommodation to suit your budget and tastes.
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This itinerary is aimed to give you an idea of what we can offer. The price shown above is per person, based on two people travelling outside of peak periods. As this itinerary is only a suggestion and can be tailor-made to suit your interests and budget, your final price may differ.
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