Excursions in
Cambodia

Back to Cambodia

Excursion

Tribe Trekking & Waterfalls

Begin the day with a visit to Pulung village – home to the Phnong indigenous community. A local guide will explain their culture and way of life and it is usually possible to actually enter a local home to see how people live and cook under their thatched roofs. Some are slightly more modern wood houses which are built straight on to the ground, quite unlike most Cambodian homes which are built on stilts to avoid floods. The Phnong have an intense relationship with the forests and the elephants who live within, an animal they deeply respect. A local Phnong guide will help your interaction with the indigenous people. From Pulung it is time to get some exercise on a walking trail, which would be rated easy to moderate. The distance you cover will be almost 5 miles, through the valley and over some small hills to reach a pretty waterfall, before following the trail back to a main road. From there it is a further 30 minute drive to Bou Sra Waterfall. Bou Sraa is a particularly scenic two-tier waterfall and, indeed, the largest in Cambodia. Cascading some 10m on the first tier and 25m on the second the waterfall is a popular spot for local tourists and the small handful of intrepid westerners who make it this far. Enjoy a simple local lunch on picnic mats with views to the waterfall. The adventurous may want to try a short trek up to the upper level of the waterfall, only possible at certain times of the year. After lunch drive back towards Sen Monorom, stopping at a coffee plantation en route. Enjoy a cup of fresh coffee and walk through the plantation. The final stop of the day is a hilltop known for its view of the 'Sea Forest'. As you stand on the top of the hill and look across the rolling hills it really does appear you are 'all at sea' with the hills appearing like waves! Enjoy sunset from the hill before returning to your hotel.

Excursion

Elephant Valley Project

Elephant Livelihood Initiative Environment's (E.L.I.E) primary goal is to improve the health and welfare of domestic elephants in Mondulkiri Province. The secondary goal is to work with the local population and the problems they face. E.L.I.E now runs a number of projects in Mondulkiri to help achieve these goals, including an elephant research and monitoring program, mobile veterinarian program and an indigenous community based organisation program. Pride of place is the Elephant Valley Project (EVP), an ecotourism project that provides an alternative approach to elephant care, rehabilitation and conservation. EVP is a sanctuary for overworked and abused captive elephants in Mondulkiri province. Under the direction of Jack Highwood, the twelve retired elephants spend their time roaming, grazing, bathing, and socialising in the project's 650 hectares of natural forest. This exceptional amount of land gives the rescued elephants the freedom to live as much like wild elephants as possible. EVP is also dedicated to wild elephant conservation. Over twenty percent of annual revenues are spent on funding specialised law enforcement teams who patrol and protect nearby forests, an effort unprecedented among captive elephant establishments. EVP will pick you up from Sen Monorom and transport you to the project site. You will follow one of the family groups through the forest, observe the elephants' natural behaviours, and learn about their individual stories. You spend the full day with the elephants, shadowing them in the jungle for the morning and afternoon, learning about the elephants, the local mahouts and the forest. If you wish you could spend the afternoon volunteering, for example gardening, farming and on small building projects. If you wish to do this, then we will need plenty of notice. You are able to stay overnight at the Elephant Valley Lodge, but this accommodation is also used by long-term volunteers and is not always available.

Excursion

Oudong Mountain

Depart Battambang for the overland transfer to Phnom Penh, which would take circa 5½ hours, if you chose not to stop en route. Starting early, travel first to Kampong Chhnang, known for its traditional pottery, with many kilns at work in this province. In a village very close to Kampong Chhnang itself, discover the different aspects of pottery making and also learn about the production of traditional rice wine. Continue to Oudong, the former royal capital of Cambodia. The drive takes you through many rural villages and pagodas, and you will see 'Temple Mountain', with its dozens of stupas, from afar. When you arrive at Oudong its time for a traditional Khmer picnic lunch, at the foot of the hill. Post-lunch, climb the stairs to the top of Oudong Mountain to be rewarded by magnificent views over the plains below. Your guide will explain the history of the area and its buildings as well as the deeply religious instincts of the Cambodian people. Before heading off again, there is time to take a look at the spectacular Vipassana Dhura Buddhist Meditation Centre, also in Oudong. Your guide can explain more about the school of Vipassana (""Insight Meditation""). Notable highlights include the impressive jade Buddha, a mummified monk and the brightly painted walls telling the story of the Ramayana - the epic Sanskrit poem that decorates many pagodas seen around the country. From here, it is not far to Phnom Penh where you will reach in the late afternoon.

Excursion

Soksabike Cycling Tour

Today head off on two wheels as you explore Battambang on a half-day cycle tour with Soksabike, a fantastic social enterprise aimed at preserving Khmer traditions through tourism activities. Soksabike offers vocational training to local youths by hiring and training them as tour guides, supports the households and small business owners who help to support the tours with fair payments which in turn allow the families to send their children to school, cover medical bills and much more. Finally, the tours are structured to provide an educative, meaningful experience for our guests. Soksabike believes in learning through guided discovery and providing experiences to increase understanding and appreciation of local customs and culture, which is very much our mindset too. A rewarding experience that we are sure you will fully enjoy during your time in Battambang!   After adjusting the bikes, head out of town and into the countryside. on showing the ‘real’ Cambodia so there will be plenty of chances to stop and see how the local people live. Pass through rural communities and admire the cottage industries producing local items such as rice paper, (sticky rice steamed in bamboo), and (pungent Cambodian fish paste). Interact with the villagers and learn about their lives in rural Cambodia. Between the villages, cycle through Battambang’s lovely countryside. with vibrant rice paddies and orchards growing oranges and other fruits. Tucked amid the bucolic setting is Wat Samraong Knong, a charming Buddhist temple built in 1907 in a fusion of French colonial and Khmer architectural styles. Sadly, the temple functioned as an interrogation facility during the Khmer Rouge era: a memorial for the 10,000 victims has been built on site. After observing the temple continue back to town for a well-deserved refreshment.  

Excursion

Phnom Sampov

This full day excursion initially takes you to the remote Eastern extremities of Cambodia, bordering the northern edge of the Cardamom Mountains. Until 2010 the road out to the Thai border at Pailin was in a dreadful state and virtually impassable for much of the year, but now it can be reached in around an hour and a half. Pailin Province was carved out of Battambang province to become a separate administrative division after the surrender of the Ieng Sary faction of the Khmer Rouge in 1996. It is remote, rarely visited by foreigners and considered to be something of the 'wild west' of Cambodia. In the early 1970's Pailin was a prosperous town generating wealth from the precious gem industry and after the Khmer Rouge took control they used the gem deposits and the timber resources to fund their ongoing offensives. Although the area is still heavily mined the town is once again a peaceful place and open to tourists. There are a number of attractions in the area including stunning Phnom Kiev waterfall, Wat Phnom & Wat Rattanak Sopoan temples and un-touched forests. After lunch in Pailin town, you stop at Phnom Sampov en route back to Battambang. You are aiming to get here for the later afternoon, for reasons which will become apparent later. An important religious site known throughout all Cambodia, Phnom Sampov is a striking limestone mountain. On the top of the hill is a Wat and many stupas along with various shrines and grottos. During the Khmer Rouge period the mountain was used as a place to kill ""enemies"" of the regime and in what are known as the ""killing caves"" there is a memorial to these victims. Also on the mountain are two rusting artillery pieces which were used by the Cambodian government and their Vietnamese allies in the fight against the Khmer Rouge which ended in 1996. Although Phnom Sampov has a tragic past it is also a pleasant place to visit. The panoramic views from the top are truly breathtaking and there are a variety of food and drink stalls at the base of the mountain. Every evening at nightfall thousands of bats make their way out of caves in the hillside to feed before returning at dawn.

Excursion

Bamboo Train

Called "norry" by the locals, the bamboo train is somewhat unique to Battambang. All it is a small motorcycle engine-powered bamboo platform, which rides on the otherwise abandoned railway tracks picking up passengers, cargo, animals and motorcycles along the way. When it meets another bamboo train coming the other way the least laden train can be disassembled and taken off the rails in a minute, allowing the other to pass. It is then reassembled and the journey can continue. The rail tracks are in a pretty poor shape, but the ride is reasonably smooth. A mat will be put down and on you get - it is an unforgettable experience and best done in the early evening when the sun isn't so high. Catch it while you can as plans are afoot to upgrade the line and introduce a more conventional train service! Sitting on the platform, you will travel the five miles from the 'Bamboo Train Station"" to the next station along the tracks, through beautiful landscape and rice paddies (depending on the season of your visit). (Note: As mentioned, the train tracks from Battambang to Phnom Penh are currently being rebuilt and, consequently, the long-term future of the bamboo train ride cannot be guaranteed. Should the service stop we will arrange alternative sightseeing.)

Excursion

Angkor 'Tomb Raider' Experience

Transport by vintage army-style jeep sets the tone for this half-day private guided tour of Angkor Archaeological Park exploring the labyrinthian temple complex of Preah Khan through the eyes of a renowned archaeologist and Angkor expert. Much like its famous counterpart, Ta Prohm (where the Angelina Jolie film was shot), Preah Khan is a royal complex that was left largely as it was discovered —with crumbling walls and collapsed corridors as a result of trees and vines creeping in after the fall of the Angkorian empire. Exploring the hidden corners of this vast and little-visited temple complex with an archaeologist allows one to truly feel as though they are a 'tomb raider' for the day - an experience that won't soon be forgotten!

Excursion

Khmer New Year Celebrations

Travel to Cambodia over the Khmer New Year can offer visitors one of the most memorable cultural immersions, and to celebrate with the locals we have put together a special 3 day experience for your time in Siem Reap. Join in with the revelry and traditions of the festive period and as well as visiting the fabled temples of Angkor, you will enjoy a traditional blessing ceremony, play games with villagers in an underprivileged community and make a charitable donation - all of which are integral parts of this 3 day holiday. The first day of the New Year, Moha Songkran, sees families gather to light candles and incense as they offer thanks for the Buddhas teachings. On this day you will also visit Wat Bo, one of Siem Reap's oldest pagodas to witness the festival preparations and receive a New Year's blessing from a resident monk - an extremely special experience to start the New Year. On the second day, Wanabat, you will visit Krousar Thmey, an organisation assisting underprivileged children, as the day is dedicated to helping the less fortunate. Krousar Thmey provides shelter and education for orphans, street children and victims of trafficking, as well as education for the deaf and blind. The centre assist to reintegrate all those it helps back into society and today you will learn about the centre in more detail and if you wish to get involved you can enjoy a massage by one of the specialist blind masseurs to support the project. On the second day you will also explore Angkor Wat by tuk tuk, which will be buzzing with local families celebrating the New Year. Visit the temples and join in with local games and celebrations, or try out some Khmer martial arts (bokator) on the waterfront at Angkor Wat. The third day sees Buddha statues and elders cleansed with perfumed water. On Tnagi Laeung Saka, the bad deeds are washed away and the soul is cleansed for the year ahead and traditional games are played such as hand-scraf-throwing, tug og war and trot dancing. Today you will have the opportunity to visit local villages and spend time taking part in the celebrations with different families, an extremely special experience and one we know you will treasure forever. Interspersed in the day we have also included a visit to a traditional silk farm and a visit to Wat Damnak, where you can witness the cleansing on the Buddha. Spend time with local monks to learn about other significant events happening and what the rituals truly mean. End your day with visits to some of the most stunning temples; Angkor Thom, Ta Prhom and Bayon. Take in the peaceful atmosphere as the celebrations draw to an end. Khmer New Year will be celebrated on 14th April 2020, and we recommend arriving to Siem Reap on this date or beforehand to enjoy the full celebrations.

Excursion

Angkor Thom Sunset Gondola

After a day explore the temples or countryside of Siem Reap, head to Angkor Thom where you will enjoy a relaxing, atmospheric ride in an Angkor Gondola boat around the moat of the Angkor Thom compound. Watch the sun set behind the ancient temple of Pradat Chroung as you enjoy champagne, canapes and soft drinks - a perfect end to your day in Siem Reap.

Excursion

Preah Vihear Discovery

Start early and head off towards Preah Vihear Province - the road is good and the drive should take about 3-4 hours. On the way stop for a short visit to Trapaeng Prasat Temple which offers an excellent view of the Preah Vihear mountain. Upon arrival at the foot of Preah Vihear it is necessary to transfer into the back of a pick-up truck (operated by the local community) for the climb up the spectacularly steep mountain road. On arrival at Preah Vihear Temple you will be rewarded with fabulous views over Cambodia's and Thailand's fertile plains from the impressive ruins which stretch for 500 meters up. The sanctuary is perched on the edge of the cliffs with amazing views over the seemingly endless Cambodian jungle to the south. The temple is not yet restored but has spectacular carvings and lintels which are almost as splendid as those at Banteay Srei. The temple is known to have been dedicated to the god Shiva and thought to have been constructed in the reign of Suryavarman I (1002-50), with further significant additions by Suryavarman II (1113-50). The spectacular location paired with a unique temple design are the reason UNESCO enlisted Preah Vihear as a World Heritage Site. Enjoy a packed lunch box near the temple before descending the mountain. Stop on the way back to Siem Reap at Anlong Veng. This remote area was the place some of the most notorious and brutal Khmer Rouge leaders hid until capture, death or sometimes assimilation into the ruling government. Your guide will be able to take to you see Ta Mok's House (the so called 'Brother Number 5' of the Khmer Rouge) and his grave where local residents still pay their respects today. Last, but certainly not least, the last home of Pol Pot can be visited. The leader and driver of the genocide of millions of Khmer people was hastily cremated in 1998 in an unbefitting, primitive site close to the border. There is little to see at his former residence but more telling are the stories your guide can explain about life under his regime and how he was able to hide so long in Anlong Veng. Continue on to Siem Reap where you should arrive at your hotel early evening.

Excursion

Happy Ranch Horseriding

Travel away from the tourist areas and in to the heart of the Cambodian countryside on horseback and bicycle. Start with a two hour horseback ride, passing rice fields, local villages, and the remote Wat Atvear at a leisurely pace. This morning, you will be picked up and head to the Happy Ranch outside of Siem Reap, the only western style horse ranch in Cambodia. There you will get acquainted with your horse of pure Cambodian breed, a descendant of the Mongolian wild horses. Enjoy the countryside on horseback! During the 3-hour trail ride you will get to places far outside the tourist area, through the rice fields and local villages to the rarely visited temple of Wat Atvea. Explore the peaceful temple ruins of the Angkorian era, a truly authentic experience. Return to the Happy Ranch on horseback through small, quiet paths and enjoy lunch in a local community.

Excursion

Phnom Kulen: Hidden Temples

Depart this morning for a drive to the fields and friendly local villages outside of Siem Reap and continue to the impressive sandstone plateau; Phnom Kulen. The mountain is considered the birthplace of the Khmer empire and a sacred place for the Khmer who come in droves on the weekends. Whilst at Kulen Mountain you will also have the opportunity to visit the River of a Thousand Lingas – hundreds of the Linga carvings can be seen on a stretch of the river. We can arrange a number of different options for your visit to the mountain, ranging from a very relaxed visit to swim in the waterfalls and enjoy a picnic lunch surrounding by local families, to a much more adventurous trek through the mountain and out to the hidden jungle temple of Beng Mealea.

Excursion

Cookery Class - Siem Reap

Discover the secrets of authentic Khmer cuisine in a half-day cooking class. The course begins with a walk through a popular Siem Reap market with a Khmer chef where you will learn about Cambodian vegetables, herbs, spices and other ingredients and their uses in Khmer Cuisine. Return to the school where you will be shown how to prepare these delicious dishes by the French restaurant owner, Laurent. The hands-on experience is a great way to learn about Khmer cuisine, which is similar to Thai cuisine but less spicy. At the end of your course, indulge in a lunch of your own prepared meals.

Excursion

Tonle Sap Lake & Beng Mealea

Tonlé Sap is the largest freshwater lake in South-East Asia and is designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, covering an area of around 250,000 hectares in the dry season. Due to a unique phenomenon, when the monsoon begins, the swollen waters of the Mekong River force the Tonle Sap River to reverse its flow northwards, feeding the Great Lake and spreading over the surrounding flood plain. During the dry season it is roughly 2,500 km2, swelling to about 4 times it size in during the wet season: 10,000 km2. Our exploration starts at Kampong Phluck, a village a bit further away from Siem Reap than usual - but significantly more interesting as it receives fewer tourists. This stilted village is a little more authentic, made up of fisherman and their families living amongst a flooded mangrove forest. From Kampong Phluck, board a local boat for a cruise on the lake. You see houses on stilts, submerged with the lake extends, and pass floating houses (stopping at one for lunch) and flooded forests. Return back to Siem Reap in the mid-afternoon or alternatively, continue your tour and head to the quiet Beng Mealea, around 40 miles from Siem Reap. This is an in-frequently visited temple complex, completely overgrown. Undiscovered for centuries, Beng Mealea is one of the very few temples that actually provides the opportunity to climb through it. In the afternoon you then head to the Roluos Group, in the deep countryside about 8 miles from Siem Reap. The Roluos is the site of an ancient centre of Khmer civilization known as Hariharalaya and as such the oldest temple complex of this area, dating back to the 8th and 9th century. There are three main temples Bakong, Preah Ko and Lolei which you explore on a 1.5 mile walking tour. The surrounding countryside, made up of paddy fields and sugar palm trees, is typically Cambodian. There is opportunity for a cow cart ride to Roluos Pagoda. Everything looks magnificent in the late afternoon light. In a small contemporary pagoda, Buddhist monks will celebrate a private blessing ceremony for you, wishing you health and a safe journey. After your adventurous exploration it is time to return to your hotel.

Excursion

Phare Circus in Siem Reap

This evening attend a performance of ‘Phare, the Cambodian Circus’. The professional artists of Phare Ponleu Selpak (PPS) will perform either Putho! or Eclipse. Set up in Battambang in 1994 by young returnee Cambodians from the refugee camps who learned about using art as a means of coping with trauma, PPS has played an influential role in promoting and developing Khmer culture over the years after the Khmer Rouge genocide. The hour long show mixes traditional and modern theatre, music, dance, acrobatics, juggling and contortion performed in a story about Cambodian lives and society.

Excursion

Countryside Quad Biking

An unforgettable experience riding an off road terrain quad bike through the beautiful countryside of Siem Reap Province. Visit the Wat Athwea pagoda and the Chres Village or take a tour to one of the less visited temples such as Prasat Pre Monti. Or simple enjoy the countryside and villages and stop to meet the excited children and friendly locals. We can arrange full day quad biking tours, half day tours or shorter 1-2 hour tours which are perfect for those on a tighter schedule. This is a real must for those looking for something a little more adventurous and wanting to get off the beaten path. Please note: You will be following/be driven by a guide throughout and children can join in by riding as a passenger with their parents.

Excursion

Street Food Tour by Vespa

The Cambodian culinary experience can be a fun, exotic and incredibly unique, especially if you know where to go. Riding on the back of an iconic Vespa this tour will take you to where the locals eat, sampling local markets, street food stalls and hard to find restaurants. An abundance of fresh spices and herbs light up the flavours of striking Cambodian dishes for meat lovers as well as vegetarians. This is a very special ride indeed that leads you out of the main tourist areas and into the real Khmer night life. After your pick up at the hotel we meet in the main tourist area to show you briefly what you won’t be experiencing this evening, so that you can later on appreciate what is out there for those with a taste for adventure. From the Pub Street comfort zone and after a refreshing Vespa ride, night has fallen and you will find yourself in the middle of the hustle and bustle of street vendors inviting you to taste a seemingly endless variety of unusual foods and fruits that offer a spectacular diversity of flavours and colours. Not all is for the fainthearted, but then of course you are not. The next stop of the tour is at a typical local grill and drink stand where tasty snacks and drinks are served. When you look around you will see only local customers enjoying the great food that is freshly prepared right in front of your eyes. Into the night you move to yet another part of Siem Reap town with numerous night spots that are frequented by local clientele. Our destination is a special restaurant that is hidden in plain sight between the bars and nightclubs. This restaurant boasts a local menu that stands out in quality and variety. A selection of their best specialities will be served, accompanied by drinks and local music performances. Just when you think that this is the end of the tour you are again in for a refreshing after dinner ride on the way to the desert of the tour. Located in again another part of town you will enter a typical Cambodian style house to be introduced to the magic art of rice wine infusion with special herbs and spices. You will taste these tropical concoctions, which will be complemented by a selection of local sweets. The presentation of a special souvenir marks the end of the tour and your driver will bring you safely to your hotel or, at your choice, drop you off in the city centre of Siem Reap.

Excursion

Banteay Srei and River of 1000 Lingas

This excursion gets you deep in to the Cambodian countryside, visiting local villages and tasting local produce, wandering through jungle and learning about conservation at the Angkor Centre for Biodiversity. At the Landmine Museum you will no doubt ponder the challenges that still exist in Cambodia today. Yet the highlight of your day will un-doubtedly be a visit to the jewel of the Angkor temples - Banteay Srei. Time your visit Banteay Srei to get the best morning light, the earlier the better. The so-called ""Citadel of the Women"" was built between the 11th and 13th century and remains the best preserved ruin in Cambodia - it displays some of the finest examples of classical Khmer art, being noted for its truly remarkable fine bas-reliefs depicting the Hindu god Shiva. Banteay Srei is unique in that it is constructed of pink sandstone which is seen nowhere else in the region. On the way, you will have some opportunity to taste some fruits and local produce, as your guide will help you chat with the local villagers you pass en route. After Banteay Srei, continue north to Kbal Spean, one of the earliest Hindu pilgrimage sites in Cambodia. A moderate 1.5 mile trek up the hill through dense jungle will reward you with excellent views over the plains and the Kulen hills. At the top, there is the ""River of 1000 Lingas"" with stone carvings of Hindu gods, animals and phallic symbols in the river bed. During the raining season, you can take a refreshing bath in the beautiful waterfall, an extremely popular pastime with local families. After the descent, lunch is served at a local restaurant at Kbal Spean. After lunch, you head to the close by 'Angkor Centre for Conservation of Biodiversity', the first of its kind in Cambodia. The stated aims of the centre is to rescue, rehabilitate, breed and reintroduce threatened wildlife, whilst also providing environmental education, promote wildlife conservation and train local villagers in sustainable usage of natural resources. On site you can see various endangered species, reptiles and a beekeeping project. On the way back to Siem Reap, stop at the Landmine Museum which promotes mine awareness and education. Mr. Aki Ra, the museum founder, was a child soldier during the Khmer Rouge times and is today actively working as a 'de-miner'. The museum also serves as a rescue centre for a number of landmine amputee children who Aki Ra took off the Phnom Penh streets or from impoverished rural villages. In the afternoon, transfer back to Siem Reap.

Excursion

Temples of Angkor - Full Day

How do you structure your day at the temples? How much time do you spend at each of the many ruins? Do you head back to Siem Reap for a lunch break and/or siesta? Which temples should you visit, in which order and at what time of day? Should you stick to the main temples or instead visit some outlying, less-visited ruins? These questions should be discussed and resolved with your guide before you even head down the road from Siem Reap. Local knowledge is key and the guides we use know where and when the majority of larger tour buses will be visiting and itineraries are better arranged with this very much in mind. A discussion about your interests and objectives is essential - for example, Angkor provides amazing photographic opportunities so we can also arrange for your itinerary to catch the temples in their best light. Or, if you prefer, you could structure your visit in the chronological order that they were built. Sunrise and sunset can be spectacular; your guide will have suggestions on how you can avoid the busy spots. The pace, structure and content of this day are for you to decide - don't feel compelled by anything other than your preferences. No doubt your guide (and car/driver) will pick you up from Siem Reap airport on the arrival day and this is the ideal opportunity to have this chat. Grab a cup of coffee with your guide at the hotel? Of course, we will discuss your preferences with you before you arrive also. If you have two full days to explore the temples, consider the Temples of Angkor - 2 Days suggested itinerary. If you have just the one-day, then the following itinerary is a starting point. Whilst not the 'standard route', it does cover the principal, central temples: Start your tour at the ancient city of Angkor Thom, the last capital of the Great Khmer Empire under the reign of Jayavarman VII. This city is surrounded by an 8 metre high wall, creating a perfect square. Enter the city through the ancient South Gate, an impressive stone gate carved with Elephants and four giant faces. On each side of the entrance path a row of 54 gods or demons is holding the sacred Naga snake. From here, continue to Bayon Temple, which is in the exact centre of the city. This 12th century masterpiece is a study in grandeur and is well known for its 54 towers with enigmatic faces representing the 54 provinces of the Great Khmer Empire. The Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King are also must-visits, as they are both known for their intricate bas-reliefs. Take a break for lunch at one of the many rustic restaurants, before continuing to Ta Prohm. Ta Prohm is unique in that it has been left largely as it was found: overgrown by jungle trees and vines, with many parts of the temple crumbling to the ground. Now for the highlight: Angkor Wat. Built during the reign of King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century, Angkor Wat is constructed following the model of the temple mountain symbolizing Mount Meru, the home of the gods. Inside the temple, the walls are covered with stone carvings and bas-reliefs depicting Hindu mythology and the wars Suryavarman II fought during his reign. Angkor Wat is well known for the more than 2,000 Apsara dancers decorating the temple. You will be at Angkor Wat for sunset, when it is less visited (most visit during sunrise) and the Apsaras will shimmer in the late afternoon light.

Excursion

Pour Un Sourire D’enfants

A unique experience that offers you the chance to meet with the inspiring locals who are working to break the cycle of poverty and provide a brighter future for the youth in Cambodia at Pour un Sourire d'Enfant (For the Smile of a Child). The day begins with a sobering look at the darker side of Cambodia as you travel into a Phnom Penh neighbourhood to learn about local ways of life. From here head to Stung Meanchey. Although not far from the modern buildings found downtown, this local neighbourhood is one of the city’s poorest. Many of the children living here are orphans, having lost their parents to disease or abandoned due to financial concerns. Until recently, their only way to get by was to scavenge the rubbish dump for food and items to sell. Meet with the volunteers who run Pour un Sourire d’Enfant. Meaning ‘For the Smile of a Child’, this organization is helping to improve the lives of Stung Meanchey’s residents. Learn about the struggles of daily life in poor urban Cambodia and how history has impacted the present. Be inspired by the work being done at the centre through its education, vocational training, and job placement programs for street children. Stop by the souvenir shop and browse the items made by the centre’s students. Then enjoy lunch at Lotus Blanc, where you can support the training of these children by being their guest for a delicious home-cooked meal.

Excursion

Free the Bears & Wildlife Experience

The Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Centre, which is located about an hour's drive from Phnom Penh, cares for more than 100 rescued sun bears. This rewarding day will allow guests to learn the art of caring for bears, and how the centre is helping free more bears from captivity. An early morning (7.30am) start will see guests transferred to the sanctuary, where they will be greeted by staff from Free the Bears - a charitable organization set up by Australian Mary Hutton to protect the world's bears. The bears at Phnom Tamao may have faced death or a torturous life being ""farmed"" for the Asian food or medicine trades. Instead they now live in 21 large enclosures, spread across seven hectares of forested land. After visiting the various bear houses, guests will be able take part in the fun activity of preparing toys. A simple Khmer-style picnic lunch will then be served before guests have the chance place food in the bears' enclosures and watch them enjoy their lunch. After leaving Phnom Tamao, the journey back to Phnom Penh includes a stop at Tonle Bati Temple, an Angkor-style temple which is one of the best preserved and most picturesque in Cambodia.

Excursion

Sambor Prei Kuk and Silk Farm

Sambor Prei Kuk is one of the most important pre-Angkorian sites in the country that is enlisted to potentially become Cambodia's next UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was built in the Chenla period between the 6th and 7th century and there are over 100 well preserved temples scattered across the forest. The three main sites are linked by small and shady tracks and its a beautiful walk through the jungle, offering up breathtaking views....and not just of the temples. There is also an opportunity to enjoy an ox-cart ride through the countryside and then, following this, you ride a bicycle to further explore this infrequently visited part of Cambodia. The villages around the temple complex still practice their traditional craft making, using materials such as bamboo and rattan - your guide will introduce you to some of the locals and you can watch the skilled crafters. The community runs the Isanborei Craft Hut next to the temples and sells their products as part of a community-based tourism project. You will have the chance to visit and contribute to the sustainability of the people's livelihood as the local community will prepare a simple but very tasty lunch for you near the temple. Continue to the Santuk Silk Farm, where you can gain further insight in the process of silk weaving and relax in the garden. Then, drive back to Siem Reap. This tour can be done as part of an overland journey between Siem Reap and Phnom Penh (or vice versa). Sambor Prei Kuk is equidistant between both places - it is two and a half hours in either direction. We work with GTZ (German Technical Cooperation) to develop Community Based Ecotourism in Sambor Prei Kuk. The catered lunch at the temples, ox-cart rides, and local English speaking guides all support the local villagers.

Excursion

Evening Cruising & Cocktails

Phnom Penh became the capital city of Cambodia in 1866. Rich in history and architecture, it was considered the pearl of Asia in the 60's until, unfortunately, in 1975 it took on the feeling of a ghost-town during the reign of the brutal Khmer Rouge. Since the mid 90's, Phnom Penh has been on a consistent upswing, re-inventing itself with a lively nightlife scene and developing art scene. Seeing the city in the late afternoon light and busy evening, it is easy to imagine Phnom Penh's glory days. Soft light falls on the buildings as the sun sets and in the evening darkness, the city lights illuminate both historic and modern buildings. The tour begins in the afternoon at Preah Ang Dong Ker, on the riverfront. This is an interesting spiritual centre which is busy with worshippers at all times of day. The shrine is located in front of the Royal Palace, home to Cambodia's monarchy and the Silver Pagoda. Take time to explore the complex with your guide. Walk a little along the riverside area of Phnom Penh, a pleasant French style promenade that is great for people viewing. In the early evening it is busy with activity - exercise classes, Khmer dancing and plenty of informal family snacking. Feel free to join in any of the above! Next you travel north to the small hilltop temple of Wat Phnom for a wonderful city views in the beautiful late afternoon light. As the sun is about to set, its back down for a sunset cruise on both the Tonlé Sap & Mekong Rivers. Watch as the city illuminates itself. Dinner is while a la carte at the illustrious Foreign Correspondents' Club, on the waterfront. Finally you visit 'Le Moon' Bar for a cocktail. This stylish bar is housed on a pretty rooftop and is the perfect way to end your evening tour of the capital.

Excursion

Street Food Discovery

Khmer food is not as well-known as neighbouring Thai or Vietnamese food, yet has a variety of tasty national dishes and there are many anecdotes which can be told be a local guide. This is a fun way to explore a truly 'local' market and learn about Cambodian cuisine. You first travel by cycle from you hotel to the market, much as most restaurant owners and chefs do on a daily basis. Walk through the aisles as your guide explains the different fruits, herbs and vegetables and how they are used in Khmer cuisine. Try some seasonal, local fruits along the way. The walking tour of the markets lasts about 2 hours - there is that much to see! Conditions can be wet and dirty at times — flip flops are the best footwear. The market we visit is one used by Phnom Penh citizens and not at all on the tourist trail. You then head to a local restaurant for lunch - deliberately being guided to order dishes which use many of the ingredients you saw at the market. Some are ready cooked and French-style baguettes (num pang) and the tasty nom banh chok can be ordered. A great tour for foodies and lovers of local, non-touristy experiences. A great way to learn about food, Khmer traditions and also offers the chance to take some memorable photos whilst walking through the market. The focus is on food unlike other market visits in the city which include architecture and shopping.

Excursion

Khmer Rouge Insight (Half day)

Phnom Penh was once considered as one of the most beautiful cities in the Orient, and despite its recent turbulent history, it still retains a certain colonial charm. Cambodia's capital is a bustling city, majestically located at the confluence of the mighty rivers of the Mekong and Tonlé Sap. Wide tree-lined boulevards and many colonial-era buildings reflect the glorious days and add to the allure of the city, where Asian and Western traditions meet in a fascinating way. Visit the Royal Palace, dating back to 1866 and the last palace built during the French colonial period. The same complex houses the Silver Pagoda, named for the over 5000 heavy silver tiles that cover its floors. Its original name is Wat Prakeo, meaning Temple of the Emerald Buddha. In this temple you will view a collection of Buddhas in gold, silver, crystal, and bronze. Continue to the nearby National Museum, which was built in traditional Khmer style. It houses the world's foremost collection of ancient Khmer artistic, archaeological, and religious artefacts from the 4th to the 13th centuries. Over 5,000 pieces are on display, constituting the repository of the Kingdom's cultural wealth. End your tour at Wat Phnom, a contemporary hilltop pagoda that stands at the founding place of the city. Return to your hotel in time for lunch.

Excursion

Royal Palace & City Life

Phnom Penh has been the capital of Cambodia since 1866 and although it suffered extensive damage during the Khmer Rouge era, the city still retains a certain rustic charm. Tour the city to discover both its ancient and recent past. You are accompanied by a guide, a local who has had family live through some traumatic times. More so than in any other city, his / her commentary and personal anecdotes are an integral part of the experience. Begin the tour, initially travelling by cyclo, at Cambodia's Royal Palace, which stands majestically in the city centre just off the riverfront area. Several buildings are open to visitors, including the 'Silver Pagoda' whose floor is lined with solid silver tiles. Continue to the National Museum, located in a fabulous old building. The Museum is filled with art and artefacts dating back to the pre-Angkorian era. At the far north of the city is the hilltop pagoda of Wat Phnom, after which the capital was named. Climb the stairs to the top of the hill for a pre-lunch view of the city below. You need to steel yourself for the afternoon - a look into the country's tragic more-recent history, with first a tour of Tuol Sleng Prison (S-21) and then its on to the Killing Fields at Choeung Ek. Individually and, more so, cumulatively these are harrowing experiences and should not be considered as appropriate for all visitors. If you do not want to visit S-21 or the Killing Fields, then Phnom Penh has plenty of other sights to keep you entertained during the afternoon. If you choose to visit these sobering sites, then the brutality and evil of the Khmer Rouge regime hits your square between the eyes. Your guide will no doubt add his / her voice to the experience - everyone in Cambodia has a personal story to tell. Visiting these monuments provides insight in to the Cambodian psyche - with more relevance to an optimistic future than a painful past. There is also time for a visit to the 'Russian Market' - test your bargaining skills as you wander through the stalls filled with souvenirs, local handicrafts, and electronic goods. End the day with a cocktail at the F.C.C. - the infamous ""Foreign Correspondents Club"". You will feel that you have deserved the drink after a busy, but enthralling, day in the capital.

Excursion

Kep National Park

The low land tropical forest of Kep National Park covers 50 square kms of the centre of the Kep Province and consists of three main Phnoms (Khmer for mountains) – Krasaing, KepToch and Kep Thom. The park offers easy (and more tricky for the adventurous) trails with beautiful panoramic views, fascinating flora and fauna and even some cooler air for those venturing here during the summer months. Whilst wildlife in the park is not one of the key attractions, do keep your eyes peeled for birdlife, geckos and the occasional whip snake hanging in the trees but don’t worry as they are completely harmless (unless you happen to be a small insect!). The moderate hike along the main path is an 8km circle around the park. However, those looking for a more challenging workout can take the transverse path or check out the various trails to sites such as Nun’s Pass, Stone Horse, and Little Buddha. For refreshments along the way, stops can be made at The Led Zep Café or, when further into the jungle, the Jasmine Valley Eco-Resort. If you are after one of the best sunset viewpoints in town, be sure to make the 182 meter climb to Sunset Rock and watch the setting sun as it lights up the sky before disappearing beneath the horizon (don’t forget to bring a torch to navigate your way back).

Excursion

Rabbit Island Escape

Koh Tonsay is a 30 minute boat trip from Kep beach. Spend the morning (or day) relaxing, swimming and sun bathing. The island is usually very quiet - there are some cheaper huts on the beach and but not a lot else. You can get cold drinks and simple snacks. A seafood barbeque lunch is prepared for you and then there is time to sleep it off on the sand. The main beautiful white sand beach is shallow and the sea bottom has a long gradual slope, making it excellent for swimming. Head back to Kep in the mid-afternoon or whenever you are ready.

Excursion

Cardamom Tented Camp Activities

Our guests staying at Cardamom Tented Camp can take part in a number of exciting camp activities that are geared towards assisting in the nature conservation of the park, and which also involve and benefit the local communities in the area. Multiple activities are scheduled on a daily basis with the specific details dependent on the package you choose - trekking, explorer, jungle camp or birdwatching add ons. A few example activities you will enjoy include;       Patrolling with Forest Rangers     Setting up camera traps to monitor local wildlife     Learning survival skills in the rainforest     Finding and recording wildlife footprints and trails     Cataloguing flora and fauna in the conservation areas     Exploring the river systems by kayak     Self-guided hikes along carefully prepared trails     Learning about negative influences of poaching, logging and sand dredging        

Excursion

Activities in Koh Kong

On the edge of the South Cardamom Mountains Protected Reserve, guests can enjoy a wealth of activities during their stay in Koh Kong. The lush forested slopes of the Cardamoms are a perfect hiding place for the rare Javan rhinoceros, Indochinese tiger and Asian elephant. A sighting of one of these threatened species is worth 1,000 safaris anywhere else in the natural world. Gibbons sometimes serenade at sunrise and barking deer yelp at the edge of the jungle. Siamese crocodiles, once thought extinct, have also been seen in the rivers that criss-cross this magical haven. We recommend arranging activities locally for added flexibility. An example of optional tours are included below; Trekking Take a unique trek up to the beautiful Tatai Waterfalls, getting a true taste of the jungle experience as you observe wildlife and soak up the stunning surroundings. Stop along the way for a swim in the falls, a refreshing shower or a relaxing natural Jacuzzi. Night walks are also available – a great way to see the jungle coming to life after dark. Kayaking Both properties we work with offer kayaks for guests – the perfect way to explore the mangrove waterways, waterfalls and local villages. Community Tour Get a real feel for community life in Tatai. After a short boat trip down the river your guide will take you on a tour of Tatai, visiting the local school, Buddhit Wat and village of Anlong Vak. Other activities include sunset cruises, firefly discoveries, camping, swimming, massage treatments, sunrise walks, fishing and abseiling!

Excursion

Koh Trong Discovery

Explore Koh Trong, an island in the Mekong River. It is your choice as to whether you would like to take a local horse cart or pedal yourself around the island on a bicycle. Your first destination is the island's 'Wat', where a rather special activity awaits you: a local farmer has taken the initiative and instigated a tree-planting project, with the aim of re-cultivating the once densely forested island. Make you own contribution to the project by planting your own tree here, which will then carry your name tag and leave a positive imprint on the island. After freshening up, relax with a tasty Khmer lunch under pomelo trees, at a typical local-house right beside the river. Continue by cycling (or horse-cart) around the island, where you will be able to taste local fruit and visit a Vietnamese floating village on the southern tip of the island. Return to your hotel in the late afternoon.

Excursion

Irrawaddy Dolphins

About fifteen to twenty of these rare freshwater dolphins make their home on a beautiful stretch of the Mekong River near a small set of rapids. Around 14 miles north of Kratie, at the village of Kampi, the swirling waters of the Mekong are considered one of the best places in the world to see the critically endangered Mekong Irrawaddy dolphin. When they make upward arches, they break the surface of the water - but they are not jumpers like their sea-faring relatives. They are also quite a bit shyer as well, but with good reason as they have been hunted and killed by fishermen in the past. The hope is that their numbers will slowly increase, as more fishermen in the area are educated and can see the benefits of conservation. They are most active in the early morning hours (around 6 am) or the late afternoon/early evening. Whatever time of day you chose to visit, we hire out a small towboat to get on the river for a closer look. The latest population is estimated between 64 and 76 members (2008 figures). The Irrawaddy dolphin is identified by a bulging forehead, a short beak, and 12-19 teeth on each side of each jaw. The pectoral fin is broadly triangular. There is a small dorsal fin, on the posterior end of the back. As is always the case with wildlife, there is no guarantee you will see dolphins.

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