Upon arrival, meet your guide and transfer to your hotel.

Please note standard check-in time is 14:00.

Overnight in Siem Reap

Wake up early and transfer by private vehicle to the West Gate of Angkor Wat from where the sunrise can be best observed. Enter the temple complex. Angkor Wat (early 12th century) is surrounded by a 190 metre wide moat 1.5 kilometres by 1.3 kilometres and is claimed to be the largest religious building in the world. It is certainly one of the wonders of the ancient world. You will be amazed by the sheer size of the temple, which took 30 years to construct & used the labours of upto 300,000 workers. Angkor Wat was built as the earthly representation of the universe with its' central tower symbolising Mt Meru which, Hindus believe, is at the centre of the Universe. 

Return to the West Gate and breakfast can be enjoyed just outside of the Angkor complex at a local restaurant (own cost).

Drive to visit Banteay Kdei built between the 12th and 13th centuries. The ruined condition of the temple in no way detracts from the grandeur of this walled temple. Banteay means fortified monastery and refers to the double wall surrounding it. Continue to Ta Prohm, this beautiful temple, built in 1186 as a Buddhist temple dedicated to the mother of Jayavarman VII, is one of Angkor’s jewels and is overgrown with fig trees, giving a haunting yet exotic atmosphere. The magnificent roots of the trees have merged over the centuries with the temple’s huge stone blocks, creating a ‘forgotten city’ feeling. Pause at Ta Keo, which would have been the finest temples in Angkor had it been completed. A short distance further are the twin temples of Chau Say Tevoda and Thommanon.

Return to town for a rest and relaxation at the hotel in the mid afternoon.

Drive to Angkor Thom, not a temple, but an entire walled city of 9 sq km and served as the ancient royal Capital of the Khmer Empire from approx. 1181. With a probable population of 1 million, it was far bigger and grander than any city in Europe at the time. Your guide will take you to the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King. The centre piece of Jayavarman VII's Capital is the Bayon temple and, as you approach, you will notice the 216 giant, enigmatic, smiling faces looking into every direction. Return to the South gate where you will board a small, private boat out to Prasat Chrung Temple to watch the amazing sunset.

NOTES:

Suggested time: 04:45

Duration: 8 hours

Note: 4pax/boat

Overnight in Siem Reap

Arising early, to embark on a morning travel to the Mekong Town of Kratie, with some interesting visits along the way; a total of 6 hour trip from Siem Reap. Passing through the vast countryside, small villages and local markets we will journey to the beautiful open waters of the mighty Mekong, and embark on a truly Indochine adventure, full of mystique, romance & history. Though Siem Reap will remain the largest city visited, you will encounter the charming city of Kampong Thom, a large agricultural and farming city, approximately 2 hours into the journey where the option to stop and visit a beautifully adorned Pagoda or “Wat”,  with an old & new complex to walk around and see inside.

You will break for breakfast at a local hotspot, Arunras Restaurant, meaning Sunshine, to sample Noodle Soup before continuing onto Kratie. On the way, you will notice how the traditional Wooden Houses change from Siem Reap, with colorfully decorated blinds and winding steps, maintained in perfect condition. The views change, with the onwards journey from rice fields into those of vegetation, such as Cassava potatoes & Sweetcorn.

The next largest town is Kampong Cham, where historically it was known for horse racing, hence the statue you will pass by into the town. A small rest break will be taken, at a local stop where you can purchase fresh fruit, nuts & crisps as well as a local style restroom. Again, driving onwards you will notice the changes in agriculture, the fields lending way to different fruits and a more dense jungle, with rubber plantations scattered throughout, amidst family pig farms and duck ponds!

Next we will take an exclusive look at Cambodias oldest surviving Pagoda, a beautifully preserved wooden structure, most unlike anything seen today. Managing to survive the Khmer Rouge Empire and the elements, it is thought to be over 130 years old. A local family will allow us inside, and for a small gratuity for their kindness we will review the wooden structure, the beautiful colonial style interiors and the Apsara which decorate the entrance.

Here you will glimpse your first real Mekong view, a taste of what to come! Next we will encounter a completely hidden former colonial town, far away from the eyes of the modern world. Your driver will park close by, as you will walk on the banks of the Mekong through a town almost abandoned for the new market and houses located elsewhere in a new town! Glimpsing at what would have been majestically grand buildings still with their colonial wooden shutters in tact, now abandoned or used for a local store, you will see the wooden houses of the former staff & local residents mixed with the French buildings, whose people would have been the landowners and governors of this province. The banks of the Mekong are in sight, behind the facades as we then journey to our final destination, Kratie!

Lunch will be taken overlooking the mighty Mekong, at the Jasmine Boat where you have a selection of both Eastern & Western cuisine. After lunch we will then take the luggage, and board the local ferry boat service across to the magical island of Koh Trong, where your hotel is located!

Almost totally removed from time and modernity, Koh Trong is a haven of peace & times gone by. Without roads, cars or modern facilities the locals live a simple yet full life, within the beauty and serenity of this island. Its long stretching waters, almost peninsula like sit between the Mekong and create a truly ethereal feel. Boarding a Tuk Tuk, the only one of its kind, we will make the exciting journey to Rajabori Villas, a hotel hidden from view nestled into the countryside. Passing by locals, friendly and waving, we will see everyday life from the local shop in a wooden house, to the small school & town hall and past the many Pomelo trees which this island is famous for.

Checking into your hotel, a collection of traditional wooden houses you will then have time for relaxation before your early evening Horse Cart ride around the Village, to see the beautiful sunset.

Overnight in Kratie

Awaking early and refreshed for an early breakfast, this morning you will head out on 40 minute drive to visit the rare Irrawaddy dolphins in the Mekong. Your guide will arrange a private boat, and you will make the short boat ride out to the vast waters where the Dolphins will play and jump. There are thought to be around 60 dolphins located in this area, and your guide will be sure to find you the best spot. A majestically quiet stretch of water, you may also glimpse rare birds and see the locals casting their fishing nets. You will see locals at play, on the football pitch, or selling their wares at the strategically placed market. You will be able to make a stop to view the goods and your guide will assist in the negation of a souvenir purchase!

After disembarking, you will then journey around the small town of Kratie , a former colonial town with almost a seaside feel, with its long French style promenade and colonial buildings. You will walk through the local market and small bar/ pub street area having lunch at leisure, before boarding your boat back to Rajabori Villas, for an evening cycle ride through the rice fields, or dip in the pool.

Overnight in Kratie

Today you will travel onwards to the mountainous region of Mondulkiri, a 4-5 Hour drive from Kratie, to walk with the rescued Elephants, visit the beautiful waterfalls and taste the incredible local Coffee & Fruit during your time in this region. During your journey, you will notice how the landscape changes from the flat plains into the mountainous jungle greenery of Mondulkiri province! A rest stop on route, should you wish to snack or take lunch will be provided, as we aim for your hotel late afternoon. 

As we enter into Mondulkiri, we will stop to view the magnificent of the mountain jungle, the so called called Tree Ocean Look out, up on the hills to review the vast stretch of jungle scenery and the thousands of trees before driving a short distance onwards to visit the Dob Kromom Hilltop Pagoda, Meaning “Grandma and Grandpa mountain” a serene Buddhist Temple, steeped high on the mountain with a beautiful look out point to take in the vista of this extraordinary Cambodian Province.

Afterwards, we continue the small journey, checking into your afternoon & evening at leisure of the hotel swimming pools, bikes or picnic areas.

Overnight in Mondulkiri

This morning, you awake early before breakfast, to travel the short journey to join the Elephant Valley Project, an elephant sanctuary where you can visit the smaller Cambodian Elephant and its large Thai cousins!

You will be briefed on the Elephant Valley conservation work and the handling of its Elephants day to day. Spending a full day with the elephants, you will shadow two families in the jungle as they go about their day to day lives. Learning about the elephants, their habits & traits, while walking alongside them and training with the local mahouts on how to handle their needs and emotions while learning about the ever changing forest and its important conservation for both the Elephants and the locals who live within its regions. You will be part of a small group, embarking upon this journey. While it is a long day it is extremely rewarding to spend it with the rare and precious elephants, in the woodlands and jungle of Cambodia, the first of its kind! After your day, our transport is on hand to return you back to your hotel for evening at rest.

Return to your hotel for dinner at leisure.

Overnight in Mondulkiri

This morning, wake at leisure for breakfast & check out before we embark on a morning of Waterfalls & Coffee Plantations! The predominant red soil of Mondulkiri is excellent for a multitude of crops including rubber, most tropical fruits, black pepper, cassava, cashews, and of course coffee. Coffee farmers in Mondolkiri are primarily made up of the indigenous tribes that have lived in the area since before the well-known Angkor Era of Cambodia’s history. Even now their tribal customs and language have changed little and they remain a primarily agricultural people. They have always planted rice, though other crops such as coffee have been successfully introduced into their agricultural repertoire over the years, largely due to the French colonialism era. We will make a small stop at one such plantation, to view the coffee, fruits & plantation ground and sample the unmistakable nutty, vanilla essence strong coffee grown here!

Following our visit, we will then continue onwards, a 40 minute drive to visit Bousra a vibrantly powerful waterfall located within the nestled mountain plains, see the local lives of the people who live within these mountain stops, and stop to taste the snacks served in the area. Dip your toe in the waters and review the beautiful scenery before saying a final goodbye to Mondulkiri.

Following the visit to the Waterfalls, we will then make the scenic 6 hour journey back to Capital of Phnom Penh, for an evening check in at your hotel, stopping along the way at your request.

Overnight in Phnom Penh

Home to about 1.5 million people, Phnom Penh, has been Cambodia’s capital since French colonisation of the country. Located on the banks of the Tonle Sap and Mekong River, Phnom Penh was once known as the “Pearl of Asia”, one of the loveliest French-built cities in Indochina. Spend a full day exploring this charming city which boasts a rich blend of Khmer and colonial architecture. In the morning, explore Wat Phnom and discover the legend of Lady Penh, the founder of the city, the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, two of the most striking buildings in the capital and considered as some of the finest examples of Khmer architecture. Also visit the National Museum, designed in Khmer style by a French archaeologist and painter in 1917. The museum houses Khmer art and sculptures from different periods of Cambodian history. Enjoy lunch at Friends Restaurant, a leading social enterprise and training restaurant serving up tasty, creative Khmer cuisine. In the afternoon, learn more about the turbulent Khmer Rouge years with visits to Tuol Sleng, a high school turned interrogation prison known as S-21 during the Khmer Rouge era and now a genocide museum; and Cheung Ek, a large memorial commemorating the 17,000 victims who died there under the reign of Khmer Rouge leader, Pol Pot, made famous by the movie “The Killing Fields”. While sombre reminders of the cruelty of the Khmer Rouge regime, these visits will also provide an appreciation of the struggle that Cambodian people have faced and their tremendous courage to move on and rebuild their nation. Return to your hotel.

NOTES:

The Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda are open from 08:00 to 10:30 and 14:00 to 17:00 but are subject to closure at short notice in the event of official ceremonies. If the sites are closed, the guide will make changes to the itinerary on the day.

Women should cover their shoulders and both men and women should cover their knees.

A respectful and humble demeanour is requested when visiting the Toul Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields.

Overnight in Phnom Penh

Free time at leisure, check-out time standard is at 12:00 then you will be transferred to airport for onward flights.

Our services include:

• Accommodation in a shared twin or shared double room
• Meals as mentioned (B= Breakfast, L= Lunch, D= Dinner)
• English or French speaking guide (for other languages and a national guide supplements apply)
• Tours and transfers as mentioned by private air conditioned vehicle
• Entrance fees for mentioned visits

Our services do not include:

• Other meals than mentioned
• Other services than mentioned
• International and domestic Flights
• Laundry, telephone calls and expenditure of a personal nature
• Tips, Travel insurance

Notes:

• We strongly recommend the purchase of travel insurance (covering emergency medical evacuation) for trips to Vietnam.
• Prices are valid 30 days from date of offer. Past this date price and conditions may be readjusted.
• The cost of air tickets is subject to change without prior notice by the airlines.
• Reservations during peak times (Christmas, New Year, Vietnamese Lunar New Year, National Holidays) may be subject to supplementary charges.
• Rooms at hotels are available only from 1400 on arrival day till 1200 on departure date. A supplement will be added if early check-in or late check-out is desired.
• Please note that all the above services & tours have yet to be booked, they are proposed for your information only and we will not make any reservations before we receive your confirmation to do so.

If one or some proposed service(s) is (are) not available at the moment of booking, we will try to find other possibilities/options or other similar service(s) in order to avoid changes to the program.