Khmer Hidden Charm 21 days

Begin your day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel before embarking on a cultural journey through Phnom Penh. Start by visiting the National Museum, which boasts an impressive collection of over 5000 objects, including Angkorian era statues, lingas, and other fascinating artifacts. Next, explore the Royal Palace, a grand residence where the King of Cambodia and his family reside. This sprawling complex is like a small town of royal dynasties, and is sure to leave you in awe. After that, head to the Silver Pagoda, which is more of a cultural repository than a functioning temple. Here, you'll find a stunning 90 kg golden Buddha encrusted with 2086 diamonds, among other treasures. Finally, make your way to the Wat Phnom Temple, one of the most important pagodas in Phnom Penh. This sacred site was built in 1373 on an artificial hill by the wealthy widow Daun Chi Penh, and is steeped in history and tradition.

Stay overnight: Phnom Penh | Meals: Breakfast | Lunch

After having breakfast at the hotel, we will embark on a drive to the Choeng Ek "Killing Fields" located 15 km south of Phnom Penh. This site witnessed the detention and torture of approximately 17,000 individuals, including men, women, children, and infants (including nine westerners) between 1975 and 1978. We will then proceed to the Independence Monument for a photo opportunity before heading to the Psa Thmey market.

In the afternoon, explore the Tuol Sleng Museum (S-21 prison), which was once a school but was later used as a prison by Pol Pot's security forces. Over 17,000 individuals were held at S-21 before being taken to the Choeng Ek extermination camp for execution. Afterwards, head to the Russian Market (Toul Tumpong Market), known for its affordable clothing, Buddha images, woodcarvings, betel-nut boxes, silk, silver jewelry, and classical music instruments. Finally, take in the stunning sunset views on a cruise along the Tonle Sap and Mekong Rivers in Phnom Penh, where the rivers split into four branches.

Stay overnight: Phnom Penh | Meals: Breakfast | Lunch

Begin your day with a delicious breakfast at your hotel before embarking on an overland transfer to Battambang, covering a distance of 290 km in approximately 4-5 hours. Along the way, make a stop at the Silversmith village and witness the pottery manufactories in Kompong Chhnang. Additionally, visit a bustling fish market to experience the local culture. Upon arrival in Battambang, check-in at your hotel and take a leisurely stroll through the town to admire its stunning colonial architecture.

Stay overnight: Battambang | Meals: Breakfast | Lunch

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, we will embark on a scenic drive along the Sangker River to reach Wat Slaket Pagoda, which serves as the residence of the provincial Buddhist patriarch. Our next stop will be at Wat Ek Phnom, followed by a visit to a market where the famous Cambodian fish paste, Prahoc, is made. In the afternoon, we will drive to Phnom Banon, where we can admire the five sandstone towers atop a hill and take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding plains. We will also have the opportunity to experience the bamboo train village, which promises to be a fun-filled adventure.

Our next stop will be at Phnom Sampeou Mountain, which is steeped in legend and houses Wat Sampeou and a group of caves that were used as 'killing caves' by the Khmer Rouge. These caves contain the skeletal remains of their victims, and we will also explore other natural caves that are equally spectacular. Later in the evening, we will wait at the foot of the mountain to witness the bats flying out from its caves before returning to our hotel.

Stay overnight: Battambang | Meals: Breakfast | Lunch

Begin your day with breakfast at the hotel before embarking on an overland transfer to Siem Reap. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and later in the afternoon, explore the city with a Tuk Tuk ride to visit Les Artisans d'Angkor - Chantiers Ecoles. In the evening, indulge in a delicious dinner at a local restaurant while enjoying an Apsara Dance Show.

Stay overnight: Siem Reap | Meals: Breakfast | Dinner

In the early morning, we will venture to the Angkor Area to witness the sunrise and marvel at the reflection of the stunning Angkor temple in the morning sun. Following this, we will return to the hotel for breakfast before embarking on a full day of exploration.

Our first stop will be the Angkor area, where we will spend the day discovering the ancient ruins. We will begin with a sightseeing tour of the South Gate of Angkor Thom, renowned for its impressive series of colossal human faces carved in stone. We will then visit the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Elephant Terrace, and the Terrace of the Leper King. Our journey will culminate at the magnificent Angkor Wat, the largest and most complete temple in the area, covering an area of approximately 210 hectares. We will take a leisurely stroll around this architectural masterpiece, admiring the many galleries with columns, libraries, pavilions, courtyards, and ponds full of water that reflect the towering temple.

Stay overnight: Siem Reap | Meals: Breakfast | Lunch

We begin our day with breakfast at the hotel before embarking on a journey out of town. Our route takes us along a newly paved road to the stunning Banteay Srei temple, known for its intricate carvings and excellent preservation. Along the way, we make a stop at Preah Dark village before continuing on to the Banteay Samre Temple. This temple is adorned with impressive reliefs depicting scenes from Vishnu and Krishna legends. In the afternoon, we visit the awe-inspiring Ta Prohm temple, which is covered in jungle foliage. The enormous fig trees and creepers that grow around the temple give the impression that nature is reclaiming man's creation. If time permits, we will also explore the surrounding temples.

Stay overnight: Siem Reap | Meals: Breakfast | Lunch

Begin the day with breakfast at the hotel before embarking on a visit to the Roluos Group. These monuments served as the capital of Indravarman I during his reign from 877-89. Preah Ko, erected in the late 9th century, was dedicated by the King to his ancestors in 880. Bakong, the largest and most captivating temple in the Roluos group, boasts an active Buddhist monastery just north of the east entrance. Lolei, built on an islet in the center of a large reservoir (now rice fields) by Yasovarman I, the founder of the first city at Angkor, is also worth exploring. In the afternoon, continue your journey with a visit to the little-explored Beng Mealea temple (XIth c) before heading to Siem Reap.

This sprawling jungle temple, covering over one square kilometer, is largely overrun by vegetation and was constructed in a distinctly Angkor Wat style. It may have even served as a prototype for Angkor Wat itself. Adventurous travelers will relish the opportunity to rediscover this hidden gem.

Stay overnight: Siem Reap | Meals: Breakfast | Lunch

Begin your day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel before embarking on a journey to Chrieve village. Here, you can immerse yourself in the local way of life and gain a deeper understanding of Cambodia's culture. One of the best ways to experience this is by taking an oxcart riding tour, which allows you to interact with the locals and visit their home gardens. You can learn about their ways of life, help with vegetable gardening, take plenty of photos, and enjoy seasonal fruits at a village house. In the afternoon, we will drive 18km towards Tonle Sap, where we will enjoy a private boat ride with a guide on the largest permanent fresh-water lake in South East Asia. We will visit a fishermen's "floating village," which is like a big village floating on the lake. Here, you can see floating schools, a floating police station, and more. The village moves from place to place following water levels and currents

Stay overnight: Siem Reap | Meals: Breakfast | Lunch

Following breakfast, you will have some free time to relax before departing Siem Reap for Stung Treng. During the journey, there will be an opportunity to stop at Sopheakmit waterfall for photographs and a brief break, if time allows. Upon arrival, you will check into your hotel and have the remainder of the day to rest.

Stay overnight: Stueng Treng | Meals: Breakfast | Lunch

After breakfast, embark on a 1.5-hour drive north towards the border with Laos. From there, continue your journey by boat along the Mekong River until you reach a wide rocky river with numerous deep water pools and the awe-inspiring Mekong waterfalls. Take a closer look at the waterfall and visit a small fishing village nearby to learn about the traditional medicines used by the locals to combat malaria, fever, and diarrhea. Next, head to the southern tip of Hang Khone, one of the 4000 well-known islands, where you will find an old French ferry port and train tracks that were used during the Indochina war for material transport.

While on the boat, keep an eye out for the rare Irrawaddy dolphins that inhabit the deep water pools. After lunch and a short rest, embark on a kayaking adventure through the "flooded forest" and "Ramsar wetlands." You may spot trees protruding from the water, whose branches have grown in the direction of the current over the years, as well as small islands scattered here and there. Finally, return to the car by longtail boat and head back to the hotel.

Stay overnight: Stueng Treng | Meals: Breakfast | Lunch

Begin your day with a visit to the old ThalaBarivat site, situated on the opposite side of the river, approximately 4 kilometers away from Stung Treng. Explore the Preah Ko temple, one of the earliest temples of the Khmer empire, constructed in the 7th and 8th centuries by King Jayavarman I.

The temple boasts of six unique towers, each adorned with intricate details. The area also houses other small, ancient temples, such as the Prambuon Lveng Temple, Srei Temple, and the Angkor Kmao Temple, which have been significantly impacted by the passage of time. Afterward, take a break for lunch and some rest. In the afternoon, drive to Ban Lung, the capital of the Ratanakiri province. If time permits, visit the Ban Lung local market to experience the authentic daily life of the Khmer people. Finally, check into your hotel and relax.

Stay overnight: Rattanakiri | Meals: Breakfast | Lunch

Begin your day with a visit to the Voensai District, where you can embark on a traditional wooden boat ride along the river and through the Jungle. Along the way, take in the stunning natural scenery and observe the local people who reside near the river. Afterward, explore the traditional villages of the Lao tribes and ethnic minorities, as well as an authentic cemetery, before returning to Voensai for a lunch break. In the afternoon, continue your adventure by visiting the Chaong Waterfall, the largest and most beautiful waterfall in the Ban Lung area. The journey to the waterfall involves walking along a narrow path, which adds to the excitement of the experience. During the dry season, you can even swim under the waterfall, although the water levels are lower than during the wet season.

Stay overnight: Rattanakiri | Meals: Breakfast | Lunch

Begin your day with a visit to Katieng and Ka Chang, two smaller waterfalls. Katieng, located in the heart of the jungle, stands at 10 meters high, while Kan Chang, which ends in a large swimming pool, is approximately 7 meters high. Next, head to Bai Srok waterfall, boasting an impressive 7 floors. During the rainy season, most of the levels have deep pools suitable for swimming, while only a few are deep enough during the dry season. The journey to Bai Srok waterfall takes approximately 1 to 2 hours via an unpaved road, where you will enjoy a picnic lunch. In the afternoon, visit a traditional Gem Mine and witness the local people's search for precious stones in a narrow, deep shaft. End your day with a visit to Yaklom volcano crater in the late afternoon before returning to your hotel.

Stay overnight: Rattanakiri | Meals: Breakfast | Lunch

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, we will embark on a journey to Sen Monorom town in Mondulkiri. Although this area may be challenging to access, we believe it is a hidden gem worth exploring, as it is less frequented by tourists. Along the way, we will make a stop at the local Pagoda of Koh Nhek, where Buddhist monks will bless us with happiness, prosperity, and safety for our travels in Cambodia. After a long but captivating journey, we will check into our hotel and spend the remainder of the day resting and relaxing.

Stay overnight: Mondulkiri | Meals: Breakfast | Lunch

Following breakfast, you will be transported to the project site, which can be found at https://www.mondulkiriproject.org. Here, you will have the opportunity to acquaint yourself with our magnificent elephants by feeding them and accompanying them on a walk through our safeguarded forest. A delectable Cambodian lunch will be served at our jungle lodge, where you can unwind in hammocks. Later in the day, we will embark on a walk to a waterfall for a refreshing swim and to bathe our elephants. After bidding farewell to these gentle giants, we will return to the Jungle Lodge on foot before being chauffeured back to Sen Monorom.

Stay overnight: Mondulkiri | Meals: Breakfast | Lunch

Begin your day with a delightful breakfast before embarking on a journey to explore the diverse flora and fauna of Mondulkiri. Take a break at the stunning Bousra Waterfalls, which boasts a three-stage cascade that creates a natural swimming pool, perfect for visitors during the summer months. Capture the beauty of the waterfall in pictures, as it stands tall at tens of meters high and is beautifully wide.

There are no marked trails, allowing you to take your time to explore and even take a dip in one of the pools. A picnic lunch will be provided for you at the waterfall. Next, visit the coffee plantation and learn about the popular good. The coffee plantations in the northeast of Cambodia are struggling to meet the increasing international demand for these lucrative beans. You can also enjoy a cup of coffee at the small restaurant in the plantation, where the furniture is made from the wood of the coffee tree.

After a pleasant coffee break, head to the Sen Monorom Waterfall and enjoy the charming sunset in Mondulkiri from the northeast corner of the beautiful temple, Wat Phnom Doh Kromom. On your way back, visit the Samot Cheur (Ocean of Trees), which offers a magnificent view over the emerald green forests. Finally, take the rest of the day to rest and relax.

Stay overnight: Mondulkiri | Meals: Breakfast | Lunch

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, embark on a scenic drive to Kratie through Ou Reang, O Am, Khum Dong, Phum Samrong, Phnum Alung Khe, and Phum Kantour. Upon arrival, hop on a boat in Kampi and keep your eyes peeled for the rare Kampi Mekong dolphins, which are carefully protected from extinction. To cap off your day trip, visit Wat Sor Sor Mouy Roy, also known as the 100 Pillar Pagoda, which was destroyed during the Pol Pot regime in the 1970s and rebuilt in 1997. Finally, take a ferry to the car-free island of Koh Trong and transfer to your hotel.

Stay overnight: Kratie | Meals: Breakfast | Lunch

After having breakfast at the hotel, we will make our way back to Phnom Penh through Chlong village. This serene village is situated on the banks of the Mekong River and boasts a blend of traditional Khmer and Colonial architecture. One of the most remarkable structures in the village is the 100 columns house, a stunning wooden house that dates back to the 19th century and is named after the numerous columns that support it. We will spend another night in Phnom Penh.

Stay overnight: Phnom Penh | Meals: Breakfast | Lunch

Enjoy a complimentary breakfast at the hotel before being transported to the airport for your departure flight.

Meals: Breakfast

Note: 

• Mekong Bird: is the best available one in town 

• Rajabori is the best available one in town 

• Mayura Hill resosrt is the best available in town 

• Terrace Rouge is the best available one in town