Highlight - Siem Reap

Starting off with the magnificent Angkor Wat and its many satellites we then move off the beaten track a bit to the equally impressive Banteay Chhmar. From there we go north to Anlong Veng, the last stronghold of the Khmer Rouge, then follow the Dângrêk Mountains to the Temple Preah Vihear located on one of the summits. Next up is a Homestay at the Laos border to see the series of waterfalls and cascades, then a boat trip through the unique Flooded Forest. Onwards to Rattanakiri to visit with local Indigenous Groups, see traditional Gem Mining, lunch at a Volcanic Crater Lake, and splashing around some spectacular Waterfalls. To Kratie, the lovely city on the banks of the Mekong. In the city itself the market and Colonial Buildings are the draw, just outside we go to Kampi to view Irrawaddy Dolphins, a leisurely Bicycle ride on the garden island Koh Trong, and the unusual Wat Rokor with its carved wood columns and pediment. Next to Kampong Cham to see the Bamboo Bridge (dry season only) the Mekong washes it away every year, then it is rebuilt. A stop in Skuon to see and taste (if you wish) the local Tarantulas, then we finish in Phnom Penh.

Duration 11 Days
Experiences Tour Guide English
Instant Confirmation
No Deposit Required
Free Cancellation 48 hours before
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11 Day Private tour of Siem Reap, the North, and Kratie

Day 1) Siem Reap

Your guide will meet you at your accommodation, then take you to get your Angkor Pass, with that secured you are ready to begin at Angkor Thom. Constructed druing the 12th century, this is a complex of buildings and works. There is an impressive city wall, a moat, reservoirs, terraces, and numerous temples, including Bayon with its smiling stone faces and Ta Prohm which was featured in the film Tomb Raider.

We will have a break for lunch, then off to Angkor Wat. By far the best known of the temples in Cambodia, and featured on the countries flag, this massive complex covers over 160 hectares. Originally built as a Hindu temple, it was later conterted to a Buddhist site. The extensive carvings, galleries, and open grounds lend majestry to this wonderful place. From there we will go to the temple of Phnom Bakheng to view the sunset over Angkor Wat. After that your guide will return you to your hotel.

Day 2) Siem Reap

It's an early start today so we can get to Angkor Wat to for the sunrise. After viewing it in the morning light we will have a stop for breakfast, then move on to the red sandstone temple of Banteay Srei. This is noted for the delicacy of its carvings and its dimuntive size in relation to other temples nearby. This is also one of the older sites in the area, dating to the 10th century. From there to the ancient city of Hariharalaya, now referred to as the Roluos Group, this was once the capital of the Khmer Empire. There are three main temples extant, Bakong, Preah Ko, and Lolei, as wellas mondern Buddhist Monasteries at the site. After a break for lunch we next head to the Floating Village of Kompong Phluk. This is very much like many other small Cambodian villages, with the major exceptiong of being built on the water. It is very interesting to see the adaptations people have made to enable this way of life. The water level of the lake fluctuates greatly between Wet and Dry season. While fishing is the main source of income year round, during the dry season after the waters have receded many people cultivate small plots of vegetables. After visiting the village we will move onto the great lake itself to watch the sunset, then you will be returned to your hotel.

Day 3) Siem Reap North to Banteay Chhmar

Departing Siem Reap we drive to the far northwest corner of the Kingdom to the temple complex of Banteay Chhmar. This huge group contains the main temple enclosed by a moat, as at Angkor Wat, and another eight temples surrounding it. Including one on an artificial island in the middle of a reservoir. Much of the site is accessed by wooden walkways and has been otherwise left mostly unrestored. As it is off the main track for international visitors the site is quiet, and you can look around at your leisure. Tonight we will stay with a local family at a homestay, enjoy a homecooked meal and experience village life.

Day 4) Banteay Chhmar to Sra Aem

This morning we will be walking around the village to see how people start their day. We will have breakfast at a local restaurant, then say goodbye to our host family and move towards Sra Aem. In Anlong Veng we visit the house of former Brother Number Five, Ta Mok. As the leader of the National Army during the Khmer Rouge regime he was responsible for several massacres. This was his last residence before being arrested. On to the quiet crossroads town of Sra Aem where we spend the night before going to Preah Vihear tomorrow.

Day 5) Sra Aem, Preah Vihear to Preah Rumkel

Put on your walking shoes this morning for the tour of Preah Vihear, situated on the top of a mountain this beautiful complex has views onto the plains below. After a very steep ride on the road up we switch to our feet for the rest of our visit. The broad avenue to the top is paved in stone and goes through successive decorative gates until we reach the sanctuary. The design is such that as you pass through each gate you can only see the area enclosed by it, not the section you just left or the section ahead. The final gate encloses the smallest section where the temple is located.

Back on the road we head to the Sopheakmit Waterfall on the border with Laos. This is a very large group of cascades and waterfalls on the Mekong River. The river has numerous branches and is several kilometres wide here. We will board a boat for one of the islands where you will see one of the most beautiful sunsets on the river. Then we go the short distance to the eco tourism community of Preah Rumkel where we will have dinner and stay the night with a family in their homestay.

Day 6) Mekong, Stung Treng to Rattanakiri

Breakfast will be with your host family, then we board a boat and travel down the Mekong to Stung Treng. Traveling through the Ramsar Wetlands and the Flooded Forest you will experience a unique environment that is home to many endangered animals. The area is known for its abundant birdlife. Moving along the river we go through areas of islands with sandy beaches, limestone canyons, and heavily forested riverbanks. We will disembark in the provincial capital of Stung Treng at the confluence of the Mekong and the Tonle San where we will have lunch, then proceed to Banlung.

Day 7) Banlung and environs

We move through areas planted with Rubber, Pepper, and Cashew on our way to visit the Katieng Waterfall. At 10 metres high and located in the midst of the jungle this is a lovely spot, swimming in the pool below is a great way to cool off. From there we go to see mining for Gemstones, often conducted by small family groups, Rubies and Sapphires are the most valuable of the stones that are dug. Lunch will be on the shores of beautiful Yeak Loam. This volcanic crater lake is nearly a perfect circle of clear water, surrounded by trees. Have lunch and relax the way the Khmer do, by sitting on a raised wooden platform to eat, then lay in a hammock, take a walk around the lake, or go for a swim in its lovely waters. Return to Banlung for the night.

Day 8) Banlung and environs

We drive to Kachon where we board a boat for the trip on the Tonle Sesan river to one of the Indigenous villages of the Kachok people. There we will visit the village and see one of their unique cemetaries. The graves are adorned with carved wooden representations of the dead, animals, and spirits. The Kachok are not Buddhists, their beliefs are Animist which puts them in a small minority in Cambodia. Returning to Banlung we will visit the famous Reclining Buddha then travel to a mountain just outside of town to view the sunset.

Day 9) Banlung to Kratie

Departing Banlung this morning we drive to the riverside city of Kratie. Known for its French Colonial architecture and its gorgeous sunsets over the Mekong. After getting you into your hotel we will get on the ferry to the island of Koh Trong. Sitting in the middle of the Mekong this island is famed for its fruit and vegetable production and laid back lifestyle. After a leisurely tour around the island by bicycle we will return by ferry at sunset.

Day 10) Kratie

We start with a walking tour of the central market with its historic buildings. Pickup a coffee or tea and a snack if you wish as you see how local people go about their day. Then to Wat Rokar, this temple is unusual for its wood construction. The pillars and pediment are noted for the fine detail of their carvings. Now we move north along the river to Kampi where we will have lunch and then board a small boat to explore some of the deeper pools. The pools are the home of the endangered Irrawaddy Dolphin. The area around Kampi has one of the few resident populations in Cambodia. They are lovely creatures and it is wonderful to see them playing.

Day 11) Kratie to Phnom Penh

On our drive to Phnom Penh we will visit the Bamboo Bridge in Kampong Cham. Rebuilt every year during the dry season this bridge links the right bank of the Mekong with the island of Koh Pen. From there we move to the village of Skuon where you can sample Fried Tarantula before we stop for lunch. Then back on the road, reaching Phnom Penh in mid or late afternoon depending on traffic.

Included