Experience The Real Vietnam
Experience The Real Vietnam
Countryside Adventures provide multi-day adventure, ecotourism and unique vacation packages & customized tours for singles, families, groups, and corporations to discover the most wondrous of Cambodia. Experience off-the-beaten-track excursions along with the spectacular landscapes and natural wonders of the Mekong River, take away from the stress and commercialism of better-known tourist destinations in the world with a pleasure cruise on a fishing boat at sea, or simply relax in serene villages and remote hill tribes. Discover the allure of Cambodia in the unexpected blend of classical temples and romantic colonial architecture, the colorful cacophony of market streets, the terraced rice fields, and tranquil villages.
Be an active adventurer exploring lost cities, hidden juggles, and flooded forests and take part in numerous exciting nature activities such as hiking, trekking, biking, rafting, and kayaking. Cambodia vacation is your chance to commune with nature as well as carry out further exploration of the crumbling ruins of the Khmer Empire in harmony with pretty villages atmospherically cloaked in vines. No matter whether you follow in the footsteps of adventurers of yore or plumb the dark depths of the Killing Fields, Cambodia leaves an indelible impression.
In the Kingdom of Wonder, the Angkor Wat temple complex is the most wondrous of all. In Siem Reap, see the spectacular sunrise over Angkor Wat, and gaze at the over one hundred faces of Bayon smiling back at you. Visit the beautiful temple of Banteay Srei, and explore the old way of life of the inhabitants of the floating village. Journey to the Pre-Angkorian group of temples in Kompong Thom, then see the horrors of the Toul Sleng Museum in Phnom Penh and then wander through the Royal Palace.
Day 1 Siem Reap Arrival
Welcome to Siem Reap, the provincial capital and gateway to the ancient Angkor Temples. Recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the Angkor Archaeological Park encompasses dozens of temple ruins including Bayon, Banteay Srei, and the legendary Angkor Wat. Upon arrival, you will be met and driven to the hotel for check-in. Spend the rest of the time at your leisure.
Accommodations: Hotel in Siem Reap.
Day 2 Siem Reap Angkor temples
Rise up early to pick up the most beautiful, haunting, and spiritual moment to visit magnificent Angkor Wat at dawn. This special activity is designed also to help you see “the Temple reflex on the water” when it’s much cooler and less crowded. Angkor Wat, the UNESCO World Heritage Site, was constructed by Suryavarman II who reigned Cambodia from 1113 to 1152 and built the five towers in the 12th century and dedicated them to the Hindu God Vishnu. The plan of the pyramidal conception of the temple combined with spaces, alleys, and ditches is an ancient masterpiece of architectural design and construction.
For your most convenience, a table with hot tea or coffee and breakfast box arranged by Travel Cambodia will be served right on the site of Angkor Wat.
Our journey continues with a visit to the South Gate of Angkor Thom, with its majestic doors and artifacts. Then we visit the monumental temple of Bayon which is the heart of Angkor Thom. Later, go to the Elephant Terrace, Terrace of the Leper King, and Takeo “Jewel of Crystal”, which is dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva and was erected at the end of the 10th century. Leaving Angkor Thom by the North Gate, you travel to Preah Khan (Sacred Sword), one of Angkor’s largest temples, constructed in the 12th century by Jayavarman VII. You should not miss Ta Prohm Temple, which is a wonderful combination of human genius and natural beauty with its giant trees that have grown there for centuries. Return to the hotel and spend the rest of the time at your leisure. Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap.
Day 3 Kbal Spean – Banteay Srei. B
Breakfast at the hotel then transfers to Kbal Spean which was the refuge of 11th – 13th-century religious hermits and over the centuries they carved lingas stands, animals, and sacral friezes into the surrounding rocks and riverbeds. Today, a well-marked path leads up the forested hillside to the central area that contains most of the carvings. The walk takes about 45 minutes. In addition to the carvings, there is also a variety of fauna at Kbal Spean and the trees and rock pools attract a colorful array of butterflies.
After lunch drive to Banteay Srei, “Citadel of the Woman”, which is home to some of the finest examples of classical Khmer art. Next, explore Banteay Samre. On the way back to town, you will watch the sunset in Pre Rup, considered as Mini Angkor Wat.
Return to town in the late afternoon, you are free to explore the PsarChass, also known as the “Old Market” for shopping.
Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap.
Day 4 Flight of Gibbon (8 flights) – Tonle Sap Lake. B
After having breakfast at the hotel, you will be picked up and transferred to the Angkor Temple Complex where one of the experiences Sky Rangers will guide you through treetops, soaring zip lines, and traverse suspended sky bridges.
In the afternoon, embark on a boat trip on Tonlé Sap Lake, Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake. Board a local boat and visit Kampong Phluk, a village where houses are built on stilts to combat the rainy season on the lake (a time when Tonle Sap swells to four times its size.) (Note: Due to low water levels during the dry season, the boat trip is only possible from June to March. An alternative floating village at Chong Kneas can be arranged instead).
Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap.
Day 5 Siem Reap – Kampong Thom. B
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel then set out on a 2-hour drive to Kampong Thom (147km), home to Cambodia’s most impressive group of pre-Angkorian monuments. Here you will visit the ancient temple complex, Sambor Prei Kuk, situated just north of Kampong Thom. The main temples are divided into three complexes, all dedicated to Shiva. Enjoy the serene atmosphere as you wander through these 7th-century brick monuments, artfully scattered about the jungle. Return to the town of Kampong Thom in the afternoon and check-in at the hotel. You will be free on your own afterward.
Accommodation: Hotel in Kampong Thom.
Day 6 Kampong Thom – Kratie. B
Breakfast at hotel followed by travel to Kratie, a vibrant riverside town and home to the endangered freshwater Irrawaddy dolphins. On the way, visit the Cham Ka Lour rubber plantation, before crossing the Mekong River by ferry at Stung Trong/Krochmar district of Kampong Cham province. Arrive in Kratie in the afternoon and check-in at your hotel. Then drive north of town and take a local boat to view the freshwater dolphins that inhabit this stretch of the Mekong. Enjoy an hour on the river, before returning to the quaint French colonial town for the evening.
Accommodation: Hotel in Kratie.
Day 7 Kratie – Mondulkiri. B.L
Today we travel to Cambodia’s eastern province, Mondulkiri. With rolling grassy hills, pine growths, and rainforests, this sparsely populated province is unlike anywhere else in Cambodia. Mondulkiri is also home to the majority of the country’s tribal minorities, including the Cham and Phnong peoples. Arrive in Sen Monorom, the region’s capital, in the late afternoon. Check-in at the Mondulkiri Hotel and enjoy the evening discovering this small, quirky town – the base from which to explore the surrounding hill tribe villages and cascading waterfalls.
Accommodation: Hotel in Mondulkiri.
Day 8 Mondulkiri Elephant Project. B
After breakfast at the hotel, our guide will take you to the Mondulkiri elephant sanctuary.
8.45 am – 9.00 am: Drive to the starting point of the tour which offers views over the large area of forest which has been protected from logging by the Mondulkiri Project.
9.00 am-12.00 pm: First, we walk from the hilltop into the jungle to the Mondulkiri Project’s Jungle Lodge. Here you will listen to your guide talk about the Mondulkiri Project. Next, it is time to meet the elephants and their Mahouts. Take lots of photos, get close to the elephants, and have fun feeding the elephants bananas. Watch as the elephants walk around eating bamboo and enjoying being elephants. You will also see them scratching against tree trunks and throwing dirt or mud on their backs.
12.00 pm – 2.00 pm: After walking back to the Jungle Lodge it is time for lunch and relaxing in hammocks. The Lodge has great views over the jungle and is a good place to view wildlife and many species of birds.
2.00 pm – 4.00 pm: In the afternoon we return to the bottom of the valley to find the elephants still eating lunch. Next, we help the mahout slowly walk an elephant to the washing area alongside a lovely waterfall. It is time to have fun swimming and washing one of the elephants in the river to keep its skin clean and healthy and free from infection. Elephants really enjoy having a bath! We then walk to another deeper waterhole where we watch an elephant playing in the mud and washing swimming.
4.00 pm – 5.00 pm: After saying goodbye to the elephants we walk back out of the jungle to our starting point before being driven back to your hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel in Mondulkiri.
Day 9 Mondulkiri – Trekking. B.L
Wake early and visit the local market frequented by the Phnong people, traveling from the nearby villages to buy and sell their wares. Then we travel to Bou Sra about 40 km northeast from Sen Monorom. This double drop waterfall is one of the largest and most impressive in all of Cambodia. Enjoy the natural beauty of the region then discover the Phnong village also named Bou Sra. On the way back to Mondulkiri we will stop at a number of hill tribe villages, taking time to appreciate the countryside and scenery.
Accommodation: Hotel in Mondulkiri.
Day 10 Mondulkiri – Kampong Cham – Phnom Penh.B
Say goodbye to Mondulkiri and continue on the tour to Kampong Cham, where we will stop to visit the Wat Nokor Pagoda. This 11th century Mahayana Buddhist shrine is home to a large reclining Buddha as well as many carved Buddha images. In the afternoon we continue on to Cambodia’s capital, Phnom Penh. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel then enjoys the rest of the evening at your leisure.
Accommodation: Hotel in Phnom Penh.
Day 11 Phnom Penh – City tour. B
Phnom Penh was founded in the 14th century and has long been a vital trading hub at the confluence of three rivers: the Mekong, Tonle, and Bassac. Start the day on a guided tour of the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the notorious Choeung Ek “Killing Fields” to learn about the Khmer Rouge and Cambodia’s recent history. In the afternoon, try out your best bargaining skills on a walk through the city’s expansive “Russian Market”, where you can find anything from motorcycle parts to valuable gems. Our cultural tour continues as we visit the National Museum an excellent introduction to ancient Khmer art and civilization and the Royal Palace, home to the royal family and the opulent silver pagoda. Accommodation: Hotel in Phnom Penh.
Day 12 Phnom Penh – Koh Kong – 4 Rivers Floating Lodge. B
Breakfast at the hotel and then take a long drive to Koh Kong which is the most southwestern province of Cambodia. The journey offers an excellent opportunity to observe Cambodian rural life up-close. Upon arrival, board a boat to Four Rivers Floating Lodge.
Enjoy the rest of the time at your leisure.
Accommodation: Four Rivers Floating Lodge.
Day 13 4 Rivers Floating Lodge Free. B
Free at your leisure or you can take part in tours such as Tatai Waterfall, Eco-adventure tour, safari world and lots of water sports.
Accommodation: Four Rivers Floating Lodge.
Day 14 Koh Kong – Phnom Penh Departure. B
This morning, we drive back to Phnom Penh airport to catch your departure flight home.
Countryside Adventures
Day 1 Siem Reap Arrival
Welcome to Siem Reap, the provincial capital and gateway to the ancient Angkor Temples. Recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the Angkor Archaeological Park encompasses dozens of temple ruins including Bayon, Banteay Srei, and the legendary Angkor Wat. Upon arrival, you will be met and driven to the hotel for check-in. Spend the rest of the time at your leisure.
Accommodations: Hotel in Siem Reap.
Day 2 Siem Reap Angkor temples
Rise up early to pick up the most beautiful, haunting, and spiritual moment to visit magnificent Angkor Wat at dawn. This special activity is designed also to help you see “the Temple reflex on the water” when it’s much cooler and less crowded. Angkor Wat, the UNESCO World Heritage Site, was constructed by Suryavarman II who reigned Cambodia from 1113 to 1152 and built the five towers in the 12th century and dedicated them to the Hindu God Vishnu. The plan of the pyramidal conception of the temple combined with spaces, alleys, and ditches is an ancient masterpiece of architectural design and construction.
For your most convenience, a table with hot tea or coffee and breakfast box arranged by Travel Cambodia will be served right on the site of Angkor Wat.
Our journey continues with a visit to the South Gate of Angkor Thom, with its majestic doors and artifacts. Then we visit the monumental temple of Bayon which is the heart of Angkor Thom. Later, go to the Elephant Terrace, Terrace of the Leper King, and Takeo “Jewel of Crystal”, which is dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva and was erected at the end of the 10th century. Leaving Angkor Thom by the North Gate, you travel to Preah Khan (Sacred Sword), one of Angkor’s largest temples, constructed in the 12th century by Jayavarman VII. You should not miss Ta Prohm Temple, which is a wonderful combination of human genius and natural beauty with its giant trees that have grown there for centuries. Return to the hotel and spend the rest of the time at your leisure. Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap.
Day 3 Kbal Spean – Banteay Srei. B
Breakfast at the hotel then transfers to Kbal Spean which was the refuge of 11th – 13th-century religious hermits and over the centuries they carved lingas stands, animals, and sacral friezes into the surrounding rocks and riverbeds. Today, a well-marked path leads up the forested hillside to the central area that contains most of the carvings. The walk takes about 45 minutes. In addition to the carvings, there is also a variety of fauna at Kbal Spean and the trees and rock pools attract a colorful array of butterflies.
After lunch drive to Banteay Srei, “Citadel of the Woman”, which is home to some of the finest examples of classical Khmer art. Next, explore Banteay Samre. On the way back to town, you will watch the sunset in Pre Rup, considered as Mini Angkor Wat.
Return to town in the late afternoon, you are free to explore the PsarChass, also known as the “Old Market” for shopping.
Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap.
Day 4 Flight of Gibbon (8 flights) – Tonle Sap Lake. B
After having breakfast at the hotel, you will be picked up and transferred to the Angkor Temple Complex where one of the experiences Sky Rangers will guide you through treetops, soaring zip lines, and traverse suspended sky bridges.
In the afternoon, embark on a boat trip on Tonlé Sap Lake, Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake. Board a local boat and visit Kampong Phluk, a village where houses are built on stilts to combat the rainy season on the lake (a time when Tonle Sap swells to four times its size.) (Note: Due to low water levels during the dry season, the boat trip is only possible from June to March. An alternative floating village at Chong Kneas can be arranged instead).
Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap.
Day 5 Siem Reap – Kampong Thom. B
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel then set out on a 2-hour drive to Kampong Thom (147km), home to Cambodia’s most impressive group of pre-Angkorian monuments. Here you will visit the ancient temple complex, Sambor Prei Kuk, situated just north of Kampong Thom. The main temples are divided into three complexes, all dedicated to Shiva. Enjoy the serene atmosphere as you wander through these 7th-century brick monuments, artfully scattered about the jungle. Return to the town of Kampong Thom in the afternoon and check-in at the hotel. You will be free on your own afterward.
Accommodation: Hotel in Kampong Thom.
Day 6 Kampong Thom – Kratie. B
Breakfast at hotel followed by travel to Kratie, a vibrant riverside town and home to the endangered freshwater Irrawaddy dolphins. On the way, visit the Cham Ka Lour rubber plantation, before crossing the Mekong River by ferry at Stung Trong/Krochmar district of Kampong Cham province. Arrive in Kratie in the afternoon and check-in at your hotel. Then drive north of town and take a local boat to view the freshwater dolphins that inhabit this stretch of the Mekong. Enjoy an hour on the river, before returning to the quaint French colonial town for the evening.
Accommodation: Hotel in Kratie.
Day 7 Kratie – Mondulkiri. B.L
Today we travel to Cambodia’s eastern province, Mondulkiri. With rolling grassy hills, pine growths, and rainforests, this sparsely populated province is unlike anywhere else in Cambodia. Mondulkiri is also home to the majority of the country’s tribal minorities, including the Cham and Phnong peoples. Arrive in Sen Monorom, the region’s capital, in the late afternoon. Check-in at the Mondulkiri Hotel and enjoy the evening discovering this small, quirky town – the base from which to explore the surrounding hill tribe villages and cascading waterfalls.
Accommodation: Hotel in Mondulkiri.
Day 8 Mondulkiri Elephant Project. B
After breakfast at the hotel, our guide will take you to the Mondulkiri elephant sanctuary.
8.45 am – 9.00 am: Drive to the starting point of the tour which offers views over the large area of forest which has been protected from logging by the Mondulkiri Project.
9.00 am-12.00 pm: First, we walk from the hilltop into the jungle to the Mondulkiri Project’s Jungle Lodge. Here you will listen to your guide talk about the Mondulkiri Project. Next, it is time to meet the elephants and their Mahouts. Take lots of photos, get close to the elephants, and have fun feeding the elephants bananas. Watch as the elephants walk around eating bamboo and enjoying being elephants. You will also see them scratching against tree trunks and throwing dirt or mud on their backs.
12.00 pm – 2.00 pm: After walking back to the Jungle Lodge it is time for lunch and relaxing in hammocks. The Lodge has great views over the jungle and is a good place to view wildlife and many species of birds.
2.00 pm – 4.00 pm: In the afternoon we return to the bottom of the valley to find the elephants still eating lunch. Next, we help the mahout slowly walk an elephant to the washing area alongside a lovely waterfall. It is time to have fun swimming and washing one of the elephants in the river to keep its skin clean and healthy and free from infection. Elephants really enjoy having a bath! We then walk to another deeper waterhole where we watch an elephant playing in the mud and washing swimming.
4.00 pm – 5.00 pm: After saying goodbye to the elephants we walk back out of the jungle to our starting point before being driven back to your hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel in Mondulkiri.
Day 9 Mondulkiri – Trekking. B.L
Wake early and visit the local market frequented by the Phnong people, traveling from the nearby villages to buy and sell their wares. Then we travel to Bou Sra about 40 km northeast from Sen Monorom. This double drop waterfall is one of the largest and most impressive in all of Cambodia. Enjoy the natural beauty of the region then discover the Phnong village also named Bou Sra. On the way back to Mondulkiri we will stop at a number of hill tribe villages, taking time to appreciate the countryside and scenery.
Accommodation: Hotel in Mondulkiri.
Day 10 Mondulkiri – Kampong Cham – Phnom Penh.B
Say goodbye to Mondulkiri and continue on the tour to Kampong Cham, where we will stop to visit the Wat Nokor Pagoda. This 11th century Mahayana Buddhist shrine is home to a large reclining Buddha as well as many carved Buddha images. In the afternoon we continue on to Cambodia’s capital, Phnom Penh. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel then enjoys the rest of the evening at your leisure.
Accommodation: Hotel in Phnom Penh.
Day 11 Phnom Penh – City tour. B
Phnom Penh was founded in the 14th century and has long been a vital trading hub at the confluence of three rivers: the Mekong, Tonle, and Bassac. Start the day on a guided tour of the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the notorious Choeung Ek “Killing Fields” to learn about the Khmer Rouge and Cambodia’s recent history. In the afternoon, try out your best bargaining skills on a walk through the city’s expansive “Russian Market”, where you can find anything from motorcycle parts to valuable gems. Our cultural tour continues as we visit the National Museum an excellent introduction to ancient Khmer art and civilization and the Royal Palace, home to the royal family and the opulent silver pagoda. Accommodation: Hotel in Phnom Penh.
Day 12 Phnom Penh – Koh Kong – 4 Rivers Floating Lodge. B
Breakfast at the hotel and then take a long drive to Koh Kong which is the most southwestern province of Cambodia. The journey offers an excellent opportunity to observe Cambodian rural life up-close. Upon arrival, board a boat to Four Rivers Floating Lodge.
Enjoy the rest of the time at your leisure.
Accommodation: Four Rivers Floating Lodge.
Day 13 4 Rivers Floating Lodge Free. B
Free at your leisure or you can take part in tours such as Tatai Waterfall, Eco-adventure tour, safari world and lots of water sports.
Accommodation: Four Rivers Floating Lodge.
Day 14 Koh Kong – Phnom Penh Departure. B
This morning, we drive back to Phnom Penh airport to catch your departure flight home.
Countryside Adventures
Accommodation at a 3-star hotel
Daily breakfast
Transportation by private A/C car as itinerary
English speaking tour guide
Meals as mentioned in the Itinerary
All entrance fees, boat trip, performance & excursions.
Not Included:
International flights
Meals that not mentioned in the itinerary
Early check-in and late check-out at hotels.
Personal expenses (such as laundry, telephone, drinks, etc.)
Tips for guides and drivers
Personal travel insurance
Peak season surcharges (if any)
Cambodia Visa (more at www.cambodiatours.com/visa)
Note: Please be aware that flight times, hotels, and all other logistics, services, and days of travel are subject to availability. If the listed hotel is fully booked, alternate accommodation will be offered.
All hotels are rated according to local standards. All itineraries are flexible and can easily be altered to suit your needs and interests. Contact one of our travel consultants for more information.
BENEFIT OF CAMBODIA PRIVATE GUIDED TOURS
If you are looking for a way to escape from skyscrapers and want to experience the daily life of the smiling people and its beautiful ancient temples, take a Cambodia private guided tour. The Kingdom of wonder, land, nation rich in tradition, culture, history, heritage, archeological treasures, and natural beauty will offer you a unique opportunity to explore the best of Cambodia.
From the small villages, countryside markets, man-made ancient temples of Angkor to laid-back beaches and bustling cities, Cambodia is an interesting destination you should not miss. Especially, you will be surprised how much a Cambodia private tour can give you.
Going private does not mean that you are a control freak, it just means that you like to have flexibility in the way you travel. For a group tour with many people, you must follow the itinerary. There is not much time to stop, to feel, to admire the beautiful sights you come across. In contrast, the schedule in the private guided tour is more flexible. You can customize your itinerary in line, add your personal touch to it, or even reduce the less attractive parts. Freely stop and relax whenever you want. For a nominal fee, tours can often be extended or booked for consecutive days with the very same guide.
Though group tours may be a great way to meet new people, to make new friends who share a common interest with you, it is very exciting to gather your friends or family for a memorable private tour. It allows you to share anything amazing, show your feeling, require your help, and talk with them along the trip. You are no need to worry about other members of the group that you may dislike. Especially, a private tour is the best for couples and honeymooners. So, your Cambodia trip seems to be more comfortable and memorable.
It means that you are able to control your own itinerary, lay out exactly what sites you want to see, where you want to go, and which activity you want to do. No rush time to the next places before you have had a chance to really take in its beauty. Private tours also offer a laid-back setting in which to enjoy just the type of sights you are interested in. And you can schedule your trip to Cambodia when it works best for you.
Private guided tours allow you to control the pace of the tour, with personalized attention from the tour guide. The local tour guide with wide knowledge and experience will provide the best information about the stunning places in Cambodia. They are well-reputed, certified, and trusted professionals. They have permitted access to various places that eliminate the queuing process for you during the visit. The tour guide will assist you throughout the journey. Tell him about your needs, requirements or any query related to the excursion timing. Then he will have an idea of your interest and choice that can be helpful in enjoying the excursions.
Many said that a private guided tour sometimes costs you more than a group tour but it has so much more to offer. Taking a Cambodian private tour with a local guide is a wonderful way to gain an understanding of this beautiful, complicated, and ancient Asian nation. For the best arrangement and offer, you can contact a travel agent who will help you to customize the best Cambodia private guided tour.
Countryside Adventures