From Laos to Siem Reap via Phnom Penh

Get ready for your Cambodian adventure! Your driver will meet you at the border and escort you to Kratie. and hop on a ferry to the enchanting Koh Trong Island, a car-free paradise. embark on a cycling adventure with a local guide to uncover the hidden gems of this idyllic island. Immerse yourself in the local way of life as you explore the island's charming villages and learn about the cultivation of its unique products.. Tonight, you’ll experience local life first-hand as you stay with a welcoming family.

After a leisurely breakfast, you will return to the mainland by ferry and drive to Kampi. We take the boat for a trip up the Mekong River. This is the best time of day to spot the Irrawaddy dolphins, an endangered freshwater species found in this part of the Mekong River. Keep your eyes peeled on the surface of the water for their distinctive grey bodies. After your dolphin watching adventure, continue your boat trip to Kampi, a small village located further north along the Mekong. From here, you can disembark and embark on a short hike to Sambor Pagoda. 

This 17th century pagoda is perched atop a hill, offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The hike itself is relatively easy and takes about 30 minutes to complete. Along the way, you might encounter some friendly locals and get a glimpse of rural Cambodian life. After exploring Sambor Pagoda, return to Kratie and enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. You can try some of the region's specialties, such as fish amok or Khmer curry.

You will visit in the afternoon the bustling Kratie Market. This is a great place to find souvenirs, local produce, and handicrafts.. On the east side of the Mekong lies the old French colonial city Chloung. A peaceful and traditional town, we will stay the night in the former Governors mansion dated from 1916 where we can really experience the feeling of Cambodia’s colonial past.

We drive our car along the bank of the Mekong and pass some of the Cham Muslim villages. These sprang up when the Cham people fled the Vietnamese conquest and remained in their new home, adding new dimension to the area. We will cross the mighty Mekong River. The 12th longest river in the world, it flows from high up in the Tibetan Plateau, all the way to the South China Sea, some 4,500 km from its source. It provides the life blood for so many people and its impressive size and power can only really be appreciated first hand. Before we reach in Kampong Cham we will stop at Hancey Pagoda. In Kampong Cham you can have a break and visit the bamboo bridge. Also you can have stop at Phnom Pros before we heading to the capital city of Phnom Penh. End of the afternoon you will check in your hotel. 

This morning, we'll embark on a unique journey through Phnom Penh's history aboard a traditional Khmer cyclo, a bicycle-powered tuk-tuk. Our first stop is the awe-inspiring Royal Palace, a magnificent architectural masterpiece showcasing the grandeur of ancient Khmer architecture.
Next, we'll climb the 35-meter hill to Wat Phnom, the namesake of Phnom Penh itself. This tranquil pagoda offers a haven of peace amidst the city bustle. Keep your eyes peeled for playful monkeys swinging in the shade of the surrounding trees.
As we continue our journey by tuk-tuk, prepare for a more somber experience. We'll visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, a former detention and torture center that offers a chilling glimpse into Cambodia's turbulent past. Our final stop will be Choeung Ek, also known as the Killing Fields. This somber memorial site serves as a reminder of the atrocities committed during the Khmer Rouge regime. While undoubtedly disturbing, these visits are crucial to understanding the resilience of the Cambodian people and their journey towards a brighter future.

By private car you will transfer you to Siem Reap. Your first stop is in Skun, You can try to eat the famous spider.  In the charming village of Santuk, we'll delve into the intricate art of silk production. Witness the delicate process of transforming silkworm cocoons into exquisite threads, and learn about the rich heritage of Cambodian silk craftsmanship. We will continue our way to the Pre-Angkorian temple complex of Sambor Prei Kuk. This is the oldest complex in Cambodia, dating from the 6th and 7th century, and is beautifully located in the forests of Kampong Thom. Upon arrival you can use a bike from the local inhabitants. Together with your guide, you will visit the three main temples. Ride the narrow pathways through the forest and discover a temple, completely overgrown, around every corner (If you are not comfortable with riding bikes, we can do the tour by foot or car as well). We continue our way On the way and you'll have a stop at the old Angkorian bridge in Kampong Kdei, In the late afternoon you will arrive in Siem Reap

After breakfast, you will be picked up by a tuk-tuk (the famous Asian tricycle consisting of a motorcycle and a cabin) to explore one of the largest and most beautiful temple complexes of the world, Angkor Wat, together with a guide. The world heritage temple originates from the 12th century and is an experience of mystique and beautiful sculptures. First, we will visit Angkor Wat itself and we will walk between one of the most important temple of the no less than 110 temples. Before we continue we will quench our thirst with a soda or perhaps a fresh coconut? A short drive takes us to Angkor Thom, which consists of, among others, the 12th century Bayon. The 54 four-headed Buddha statues are one of the most impressive sights of the temple complex. Later that day, we will visit the Ta Phrom temple. This is one of the few temples that has been kept in its original state. It has become famous because of the movie Tomb Raider with Angelina Jolie. The temple is partly overgrown with trees with gigantic roots, that have ‘nestled’ themselves on and in the stone blocks.

Your free day in Siem Reap. Dive deeper into Cambodia's rich history by exploring additional temples, or tantalize your taste buds with a traditional Khmer cooking class, learning to recreate these flavors back home. Feeling energetic? Rent a bicycle and explore the charming town at your own pace, or tee off at the renowned Nick Faldo golf course. Craving relaxation? Pamper yourself with a soothing massage at a local spa, or simply soak up the sun by the pool.
As the day winds down, prepare to be captivated by Phare, The Cambodian Circus! This high-octane performance fuses modern circus arts with stunning music, weaving tales that celebrate Cambodian traditions, ethos, and spirit. Prepare to be mesmerized by a vibrant blend of theater, dance, acrobatics, aerial feats, and more. Witness an explosion of virtuosity and raw emotion as the Phare performers captivate you with their strength and artistry.

The final journey of your trip in Cambodia will be a private transfer to the airport in Siem Reap to catch your flight to Laos. We hope that you have enjoyed a wonderful trip through this truly beautiful and we wish you a nice stay in Laos.