Cambodia Active Tour 10 days

Embark on your first adventure by mountain bike, starting with a river crossing on a local boat, followed by a ride through villages on an island in the Mekong River. This island is renowned for its silk weaving, agriculture, and aquaculture. Take time to observe the villagers at work and enjoy a peaceful ride along quiet roads through orchards and rice paddies. In the afternoon, return to Phnom Penh for lunch.

Afterward, your guide will lead you on an exploration of Phnom Penh, where remnants of the country’s turbulent past still linger. The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21) and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek recount the harrowing history of the Khmer Rouge. Once a school, Tuol Sleng was transformed into a torture center by the Khmer Rouge, with over 20,000 people reportedly imprisoned and tortured there. The Killing Fields of Choeung Ek, marked by a stupa containing around 8,000 human skulls, serve as a somber reminder of the atrocities. This site was the execution ground for the victims of Tuol Sleng, and standing in this tranquil setting, it’s almost impossible to fathom that nearly 9,000 bodies have been unearthed here. You might also visit Wat Phnom, the temple that led to the city’s founding in the 15th century, or explore the Royal Palace complex’s Silver Pagoda, the country’s most sacred temple.

This morning, we'll set off early by private vehicle for Kratie, a journey of about 6 hours. Along the way, we'll pass through Skuon, a small town known for its unique delicacy—fried spiders—where you might have the chance to try this unusual snack. Kratie, a charming town situated on the banks of the Mekong River, was once an important trading port between Phnom Penh and Stung Treng. The town’s strategic importance is reflected in the French colonial buildings that still stand, remnants of both the French and Khmer Rouge eras.

From the Kratie waterfront, we'll take a local boat to Koh Trong for an overnight homestay. This 6 km long island is home to approximately 280 families. Depending on the season and the river's water level, you may need to walk along a stretch of beach and then ride a local bike to reach your destination. The island is known for producing pomelos, rice, and other agricultural products, with its pomelos being some of the best in Cambodia.

Your homestay offers a unique glimpse into daily Cambodian life, and tonight you'll enjoy a traditional Khmer dinner. Accommodations are basic and shared, with mattresses, bedding, and mosquito nets provided. With hammocks strung up under the house, this peaceful setting is ideal for relaxation.

The island’s 9 km perimeter loop is perfect for a leisurely bike ride, allowing you to explore traditional Khmer villages, orchards, and rice fields while observing the daily routines of village life.

After breakfast, embark on a guided one-hour walk where you'll have the chance to observe local life and gain insights into the culture of this region of Cambodia. During the Khmer Rouge era, much of the island's forested interior was cleared, but villagers have initiated a tree-planting project at Wat Ty Pram Kbal Koh Trong to restore it. You’ll have the opportunity to contribute to this effort by planting a tree on the pagoda grounds.

Afterward, bid farewell to your island hosts and return to the mainland. There will be some time to stroll along the river boulevard and visit the local market in Kratie before we set off for a 2.5-hour journey to Stung Treng. Along the way, we’ll stop at Wat Phnom Sambok, an 18th-century Buddhist monastery. Perched on a hill, you can climb to the top to enjoy views of the surrounding lush forests. You may also opt for lunch at Kampi Creek, where there’s a chance to spot dolphins, before continuing on to Stung Treng.

Once a part of southern Laos, Stung Treng became part of Cambodia during the French colonial period. Despite the change, many locals here still speak both Khmer and Lao. The town is located along the banks of the Sekong River, which merges with the Mekong River just a few kilometers away.

Today, we’ll start early to fully enjoy a day packed with activities. We'll travel by private vehicle to the village of Voeun Kham, which is about a 2-hour drive. From there, we’ll board a local boat and cruise along the Mekong River to reach the renowned Sopheak Mitt Waterfall. Located on the Cambodia-Laos border, this waterfall is a breathtaking sight as it cascades over limestone cliffs and boulders. We’ll dock the boat at a local family’s home and hike through the jungle to a lunch spot with a view of the falls—a hike that will take around 2 hours.

After lunch, we’ll return to the boat and continue our journey along a stunning stretch of the Mekong River, known for its rich birdlife, heading towards the village of Osvay, which will take about an hour of cruising. On the way, we’ll pass through the Anlong Cheuteal Irrawaddy dolphin pool, where you might be lucky enough to spot freshwater dolphins.

Next, we’ll switch to kayaks and paddle through the magnificent flooded forests to Vuen Sien village, a journey that will take around 2 hours. After a full day immersed in this beautiful natural environment, we’ll return to Stung Treng by vehicle for the night, which is about a 1-hour drive.

This morning, embark on your journey to Siem Reap, traveling by private vehicle through the picturesque Cambodian countryside and passing through small towns along the way, a trip of approximately 4.5 hours. Siem Reap, your destination, is not only the most popular spot in Cambodia but also a favored location in all of Southeast Asia. With its vibrant scene of cafes, bars, restaurants, and food stalls, Siem Reap has something to satisfy every culinary taste. A visit to the old market is highly recommended, even if you’re not shopping for souvenirs; the vibrant colors of the silks, cottons, sarongs, silverware, and statues make for a visually stunning experience. Upon your arrival in Siem Reap, your guide will lead you on an orientation walk to help you get familiar with this lively town.

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, you’ll begin a morning bike ride to explore the temples, starting with the less crowded, yet renowned sites. Your first stop will be Ta Prohm, notable for its jungle overgrowth and partially crumbling structure. Known as the Tomb Raider Temple due to its appearance in the film, it remains one of the most visually striking and memorable temples in the Angkor complex.

Next, you’ll proceed to the ancient city of Angkor Thom, entering through the grand Gate adorned with elephant carvings and four colossal faces. Continue your visit to Bayon Temple, situated at the city’s heart, famous for its enigmatic faces that symbolize the 54 provinces of the Great Khmer Empire. Also worth visiting are the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King, both renowned for their elaborate bas-reliefs.

You’ll break for lunch at a local restaurant where you can savor delicious Cambodian cuisine.

In the afternoon, cycle to Angkor Wat, the crowning jewel of the Angkor complex. Following your tour leader, you’ll be captivated by the temple’s rich history and symbolism. Afterwards, you’ll return to your hotel to relax.

Today, embark on a memorable adventure exploring the Tonle Sap Lake by bike and boat. This unique experience combines outdoor exploration with the chance to delve into Siem Reap's countryside, including a visit to a floating village and a sunset cruise along the river.

Your tour will take you through charming backroads, allowing you to experience the local way of life in Siem Reap. You’ll meet friendly locals and gain insights into their traditions and daily routines. The journey culminates at Tonle Sap Lake, where you’ll witness the floating villages and observe how Cambodian families adapt to life on the water. As the day winds down, enjoy a sunset over the lake with some snacks and refreshing beverages. You’ll return to the city by private vehicle in the late evening.

Since there are no scheduled activities for today, you are free to check out of your accommodation at your convenience. If you have some extra time, consider booking an Angkor zip-line and canopy walk adventure, joining a Khmer cooking class, indulging in high tea at the Raffles Hotel, or simply unwinding by the pool. We would be delighted to arrange additional accommodation for you if needed, subject to availability.