Five Day Jungle and Mountain Trek in Virachey National Park Ratanakiri

Day 1

After pickup at your hotel or guesthouse in Banlung, you will be brought to the ferry to cross the Sesan River. There you will be met by a Ranger who will act as your guide for the trip. Crossing through secondary forest and small cultivated areas of Banana, Taro, Corn, and Rice, we then take a break for lunch before entering primary forest. The eagle eyed Ranger will alert you to any wildlife and point out the many plants that are used for medecines, cooking, and dyes. In late afternoon we arrive at a waterfall which will be our camp for the night. You can clean up and cool off as your guide prepares dinner. Night comes early, and quickly, so you will eat by the light of candles and the fire.

Day 2

In the morning your guide will have a pot of water boiling on the stove for coffee and tea, then they will make breakfast. Have another dip at the waterfall if you wish, then we will begin our days trek starting by following a small stream. All of today will be spent in old growth forest with our campsite for the night bordering an area of Savannah. We will take regular breaks to cool down, hydrate and eat, and of course whenever we see something particularly interesting. As always ask any questions you have and the Ranger will be happy to answer them. Camp tonight is near a small stream so you can wash off and cool down. Your guide will again prepare camp and dinner. We will go on a short night hike and try to spot Colugos, Deer, Slow loris, and many other nocturnal creatures. 

Day 3

You may be woken by the call of Gibbons this morning. Either way you will have coffee, tea, and a hot breakfast waiting for you. Todays trek is along jungle trails, your guide will probably have to break out the machete at some point to clear the way. There is usually a lot of bird life in this area, so it's always an interesting walk. We will stop for lunch at a small creek, which also will give you a chance to cool down. The campsite for the night is next to a large waterfall which is a great spot for a swim.

Day 4

After coffee, tea, and breakfast todays trek is through dense forest, your guide will be getting a workout today clearing the path. There are a few places today where you will be able to get a view which provides a nice change in perspective. from being surrounded by the jungle. Lunch is again by a small river, so cool down and fill up before heading to the Kachok village. Once there you will learn about their traditional way of life, see how they grow and process tobacco, and make wine. A local family will cook dinner tonight, then you will be staying with them overnight in the village.

Day 5

Breakfast with your homestay family, then a visit to the Kachok cemetery. These are notable for the carved wooden statues honoring the deceased. The Kachok are not Buddhist, they are Animists and believe that objects in the natural world are inhabited by Spirits. After that you follow a path to an old dam built during the time of the Khmer Rouge. You will have your lunch with the villagers, then walk to the Sesan River to catch the ferry and return to Banlung by late afternoon.

This trip can be tailored to your needs, if you have less time available the trip can be shortened to 4 days.

 Included:

• All Transportation
• English speaking guide
• Indigenous ranger
• All meals (excluding breakfast the first day and dinner the last day)
• Water ,coffee and tea
• All camping gear: hammock, mosquito net, blanket & tent (you bring a backpack)
• All entrance fees

Not Included:

• Personal expenses
• Snacks
• Tips
• Insurance

What to bring:

• Backpack, long pants, T-shirt, bathing suit, comfortable shoes, sun cream, insect repellent, sun glasses, camera, small first aid kit, toileteries, hat, towel
• Something comfortable to sleep in, sandals or flip flops for around camp.