Uncover Cambodias Soul
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Uncover Cambodias Soul. 10 days Self Drive Jeep Adventure
Embark on an extraordinary journey through the heart of Cambodia with our unforgettable self-drive jeep adventure. Escape the ordinary and immerse yourself in a world of discovery as you explore hidden gems and iconic landmarks alike. Traverse a diverse landscape of winding dirt roads and smooth highways, venturing beyond the well-trodden tourist paths. From the majestic Angkor Wat to the mystical Koh Ker temples, your adventure unfolds at your own pace. Encounter the enchanting floating village of Kampong Khleang, where life unfolds on the water, and seek out the elusive Irrawaddy dolphins in the Mekong River.
Experience the thrill of exploring the countryside in a vintage jeep, connecting with local communities, and creating memories that will last a lifetime. This is your chance to uncover the true spirit of Cambodia.
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Day 1
Siem Reap (SAI) - Siem ReapUnleash your Cambodian adventure!
The moment you touch down in Cambodia, we willl whisk you away to your hotel. There, a refreshing welcome drink awaits you, along with a friendly member of our operations team. They will be your personal Cambodia guru, providing a captivating introduction to the country and the extraordinary journey you are about to embark on. The rest of the day is yours to design. Unwind by the pool with a tropical cocktail, letting the Cambodian sunshine melt away any travel fatigue. Or, if you're eager to explore, delve into the vibrant heart of Siem Reap.
Accommodation
Metta Residence and Spa Premier Deluxe Pool View https://cambodia-travelpartner.com/accommodations/metta-residence-and-spa/ More info
Included today
Transfer airport to hotel
Day 2
Siem ReapAn unforgettable sunset
This morning, we prioritize relaxation. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and a refreshing dip in the hotels beautiful swimming pool, the perfect antidote to jetlag. Feeling recharged? Take a stroll through Siem Reaps vibrant city center, soaking up the local atmosphere. After lunch (not included), your friendly guide will bring your jeep to your hotel where your jeep adventure will start. You will drive along the small red dirt roads through local villages and skirt lotus fields, giving you a truly authentic experience. We will also pass a temple from the Angkor era. The surrounding lotus fields are so important to Cambodians as the lotus flower acts as a symbol of purity, the ability to overcome adversity and challenges, and rebirth. Your guide will explain this, and many other things, to you in detail. We also drive through vast rice fields and by the time the sun goes down, we will pick a nice spot with the jeep somewhere among the paddies. Here we will open a bottle of sparkling wine and toast to a beautiful sunset.
Accommodation
Metta Residence and Spa Premier Deluxe Pool View https://cambodia-travelpartner.com/accommodations/metta-residence-and-spa/ More info
Included today
BreakfastVintage jeep (Selfdrive, incl. petrol)English speaking guideLotus farm + lotus fields boat tourSunset packageAngkor 3 days pass
Day 3
Siem ReapExplore mystery temples
This morning, you will depart by jeep to the magnificent World Heritage Site UNESCO, the ancient temples of Angkor Wat. We have scouted out some back roads to the temples that still exist so you can get away from the tuk-tuks and busses for a much nicer and more relaxing drive to the temples. With a little imagination, todays trip will give you a picture of the lost temples as they have lain for thousands of years. An English-speaking guide will lead you through the historic park, where you can see majestic structures and admire the splendor of the ancient kingdom. Most of the temples date back to the 12th century and house some of the most anticipated bas-reliefs and beautiful sculptures such as Garudas and Apsara dancers. First, visit the temple of Angkor Wat, the largest of all temples that has survived the sands of time and is in excellent condition. Here you can admire its dominating towers and sheer presence while taking the time to walk around inside. Continue on to Angkor Thom with its spectacular Bayon Temple. Here, a tour of the superbly preserved temple will allow you to admire 54 intricate and visually stunning four headed Buddha statues truly one of the most impressive sights of the temple complex.
Lunch will be taken near the man-made lake of East Baray, which was created to supply water to the temple complex. After lunch and a short rest, you will visit Ta Phrom Temple. Made famous by the hit movie Tomb Raider starring Angelina Jolie, the temples iconic trees with their gigantic roots hugging the walls have slowly taken over, creating a visually stunning and unique backdrop that makes a breathtaking end to your templing day.
Accommodation
Metta Residence and Spa Premier Deluxe Pool View https://cambodia-travelpartner.com/accommodations/metta-residence-and-spa/ More info
Included today
Breakfast • LunchVintage jeep (Selfdrive, incl petrol)English speaking guideLunch
Day 4
Siem Reap - Ko KerHidden gems of Cambodia
After a good breakfast we leave Siem Reap and drive into the Cambodian outback to the mysterious 12th century temple of Beng Melea, one of Cambodias true hidden gems. Heavily overrun by trees, vines and moss, Beng Melea gives you a truly evocative insight into the majesty of the ancient temples. After lunch you will drive Koh Ker. It is a stunning and unique pyramidal temple built in 931AD. Walking in you could almost feel you were approaching a Central American Mayan sight such as Chichen Itza. Koh Ker also has a unique political history having been set up as a new capital away from the Angkor area by Jayavarman IV. However, its importance was short lived, after the Kings death power was returned to the Angkor area around 944 AD. A tiring climb up wooden steps to the top of the Pyramid will soon be forgotten when you take into account the breath-taking views afforded from the summit.
Accommodation
Koh Ker Temple Garden Deluxe Double Room https://cambodia-travelpartner.com/accommodations/koh-ker-temple-garden/ More info
Included today
Breakfast • LunchVintage jeep ( Self drive, incl. petrol)Support Car with mechanicLunchEntrance Fee Koh Ker templeEnglish speaking guide
Day 5
Ko Ker - Preah DakPhnom Kulen - The sacred mountain.
We continue our way to Phnom Koulen. This mountain is one of the most scenic and historically significant locations in the area. Phnom Koulen is considered a sacred mountain in Cambodia, of special religious significance to Hindus and Buddhists who come to the mountain in pilgrimage. Your visit will conclude with one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Cambodia. At the base of the falls is a large pool where we can go for a refreshing swim. We continue our way and drive downhill and later we will pass small villages. Tonight we stay at Bong Thom Forest lodge.Accommodation
Bong Thom Forest Lodge Premier Room - Forest View https://cambodia-travelpartner.com/accommodations/bong-thom-forest-lodge/ More info
Included today
Breakfast • LunchVintage jeep ( Self drive, incl. petrol)Support Car with mechanicLunchEntrance Fee Phnom KulenEnglish speaking guide
Day 6
Preah Dak - Kampong ThomThe floating village of Kampong Kleang
We leave our accommodation again with our vintage jeep and set out to the beautiful countryside. We will stop by the local fish market on the way where you can observe traditional Khmer fish trade, a daily event. We then resume our journey with the visit of one of the most impressive floating villages in Cambodia, Kampong Kleang. When we arrive at the village, we will board a boat and head out in exploration of the floating village. At lunch time, we will take you to a stilt house in the village to share a typical Khmer lunch with very friendly locals. Next, we proceed to the Vietnamese floating village. This village is unlike the rest of Kampong Kleang. The Vietnamese Village is not composed of stilt houses. The houses there are built on floating objects that keeps them afloat on the Tonlé Sap. Your host family will provide a local meal and you will have the chance to experience more of this exceptional village on stilts. In the afternoon we continue our way to Kampong Thom. We will have a stop in Kampong Kdei and you visit an ancient Angkor bridge. In the late afternoon you will check in your hotel.
Accommodation
Sambor Village hotel Suite https://cambodia-travelpartner.com/accommodations/sambor-village-hotel/ More info
Included today
Breakfast • LunchSupport Car with mechanicLunchBoat Kampong Khleang + entrance feeEnglish speaking guideVintage jeep ( Self drive, incl. petrol)
Day 7
Kampong Thom - ChloungThe Mighty Mekong River
After a delicious breakfast, we will drive our jeeps through the beautiful Cambodian countryside to our first stop of the day. We will stop to see some truly impressive carvings. From huge blocks of stone, sometimes up to 8 meters tall, the stonemason chisels and carves some extremely impressive sculptures. The sheer amount of detail that goes into some of his work is extraordinary and you will have plenty of time to admire his work. We continue our scenic drive to our second stop for the day and visit a local rubber plantation. Here you will learn more about the workings of the local rubber industry, how the latex is collected, cleaned and dried before being shipped to an outside rubber factory. After this excursion, we will take a ferry north of Stung Trong and cross the mighty Mekong River. It is the twelfth longest river in the world and flows from the heights of the Tibetan Plateau to the South China Sea, some 4,500 km from its source. It is the lifeblood of many people, and its impressive size and power can only be experienced firsthand. On the east side of the Mekong is the old French colonial town of Chloung. In this peaceful and traditional town, we will spend the night in the former governors mansion built in 1916, where we can experience Cambodias colonial past first hand.
Accommodation
Le Relais du Chhlong Mekong Signature Suite https://cambodia-travelpartner.com/accommodations/le-relais-du-chhlong/ More info
Included today
Breakfast • Lunch • DinnerSupport Car with mechanicLunchEnglish speaking guideVintage jeep ( Self drive, incl. petrol)Ferry boatmonks blessingDinner
Day 8
ChloungSpot the dolphins
We drive our jeeps along the banks of the Mekong River and pass some of the Muslim Cham villages. These were formed when the Cham fled the Vietnamese conquest and stayed in their new homeland, adding a new dimension to the area. At Kampi, 12 km north of Kratie, we board the boat to try to spot the Irrawaddy Dolphins. These rare, endangered freshwater dolphins live in a beautiful section of the Mekong River near a small rapids. The chance of seeing them playing in the rapids is very high, so have your camera ready. After Kampi, we will head back to Kratie where we will take a ferry to Koh Trong Island. With a local guide, you will explore this island paradise by bike and get explanations about the way of life of the inhabitants and the products that are grown there. Back on the mainland we drive back to Chloung with our jeeps.
Accommodation
Le Relais du Chhlong Mekong Signature Suite https://cambodia-travelpartner.com/accommodations/le-relais-du-chhlong/ More info
Included today
Breakfast • LunchSupport Car with mechanicLunchEnglish speaking guideVintage jeep ( Self drive, incl. petrol)Boat tour to the dolpinsFerry Boat to Koh Penh island v.vBicycle tour Koh Penh island
Day 9
Chloung - Kampong ChhnangFarmhouse
Leaving Chloung after breakfast, you will follow the path of the mighty Mekong towards the city of Kampong Cham. During the dry season when the water level in the Mekong River is low enough, a bamboo bridge is constructed to connect to Koh Pen Island. In the past, we were able to drive our jeeps across this bridge, but unfortunately this is no longer possible. However, you can still walk across it. We continue our way along the Mekong and drive through small quaint villages. We will cruise down Highway 6 and hop across the Tonle Sap River. The last bit to Farmhouse is through cute little villages. This is a unique project that provides training and work for hundreds of Cambodians. They are self supporting and try to be as sustainable as possible.
Accommodation
Farmhouse Smiling Gecko Deluxe Khmer Bungalow https://cambodia-travelpartner.com/accommodations/farmhouse-smiling-gecko/ More info
Included today
Breakfast • LunchSupport Car with mechanicLunchEnglish speaking guideVintage jeep ( Self drive, incl. petrol)Bamboo bridge
Day 10
Kampong Chhnang - Phnom PenhMake your own clay pot
Today, let us take it easy. Start the day with a massage or use the pool. Afterwards we will explore the countrysite of this region. Kampong Chhnang is known for its many potteries. The word Chhnang also means pot in Khmer. We will visit three different places. Each place tells about a different way of making pots. Location 1. Here the pots are made entirely by hand. This is the oldest form of pot making. Location 2. The pots are made and shaped with the help of a wheel. Both locations are under the house of a family. So no stores with tourists or a tourist trap to buy souvenirs. Site 3. At this site there is a small factory behind a families house where clay baking ovens are made. Both at the second and third location you have the opportunity to show your own pottery skills if you want. In the afternoon we will drive to the capital city od Cambodia, Phnom Penh
Included today
Breakfast • LunchVintage jeep ( Self drive, incl. petrol)Support Car with mechanicLunchEnglish speaking guidePottery village
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Metta Residence and Spa
Siem ReapNestled within private gardens, Metta Residence & Spa offers accommodation away from the hustle and bustle of Siem Reap. It features an outdoor swimming pool and guests can enjoy a meal at the restaurant or have a drink at the bar. An intimate experience in a peaceful oasis, Metta Residence embodies inspiring design and elegant style offering modern luxurious accommodation, dining and spa. Lively markets, busy nightlife, the beautiful Cambodian countryside and the wonders of the Angkor temples are all just a short ride away. We offer you the tranquility of a secluded retreat whilst ensuring you are provided with the personal touch of real Khmer hospitality and every possible convenience.
Koh Ker Temple Garden
Ko KerWe have an exceptional location, in Preah Vihear Province – north of Cambodia. We are approximately 100 km from Siem Reap (Angkor), 120 km from Preah Vihear Temple and only 3 km from the archaeological area of Koh Ker, famous for its forgotten temples. We wanted to combine a rural setting with an upscale stay. Our hotel is thus endowed with a comfort corresponding to a western 4 star.
The modern Khmer-style bungalows have spacious air-conditioned rooms with bay windows overlooking the garden and pool. Well furnished with king size beds or twin beds, some can communicate for families. Sanitary facilities with private bathroom, shower, hot water, separate toilet. Each room is extended by a terrace to rest and admire the magnificent sunsets or sunrises.
Bong Thom Forest Lodge
Preah DakThe uniquely designed Eco Forest Lodge at Bantey Srei District, Siem Reap Province, which are made of natural materials, Each lodge has a balcony & a dining set. Your private balcony is where you can freely appreciate the spectacular view of the surrounding area. The lodge total area is 79sqm; bedroom is 64sqm including air-con and fan, en suite toilet with shower is 15sqm. Lodges are furnished with hotel quality matress, linens, pillows, towels & toiletries for the convenience of your jungle stay. The Bong Thom Forest Lodge aims to gather the participation of neighboring locals and community organizations as well. We only hire local people and use only local organic produce.
Sambor Village hotel
Kampong ThomHidden in a fragrant garden surrounding a shady pool, Sambor Village is ideally located on the quiet river bank of the Stung Seng river, and only 600 meters from the center of Kompong Thom. Sambor Village offers 19 rooms mixing Cambodian traditions and European comfort. Escape from the heat and bustle of the city, relax and lose yourself in secluded tranquility.
Le Relais du Chhlong
ChloungBeautifully restored & expanded, a precious mansion dating from 1916 right on the Mekong River shore. Located in Chhloung, about 30 min downriver from Kratié. Set amongst lush tropical gardens, the hotel features 10 spacious suites with balconies or terraces. Aquamarine swimming pool. Private jetty for exclusive cruises.
Farmhouse Smiling Gecko
Kampong ChhnangVacation with a purpose at a luxury resort in Cambodia. Taking a vacation in a dreamlike environment and at the same time doing something meaningful for the development of rural Cambodia: not a contradiction, but the philosophy of the luxurious Farmhouse Resort & Spa a Luxury Resort in Cambodia, which the international aid organization Smiling Gecko runs a good hour’s drive north of Phnom Penh between Aoral Wildlife Sanctuary and Tonle Sap. Come in. We are excited to show you the resort, located on the 150 hectare Smiling Gecko campus with its farming and craft workshops and a unique school. A tour of the farm that gives the farmhouse its name is one of the highlights of any visit to us. Check out our beautiful bungalows in classic Khmer style, visit our excellent restaurants where we celebrate the farm-to-table principle and enjoy the prospect of a relaxing day in our award-winning spa.
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Included in the price:
- Mentioned meals in the program.
- Named hotels in the program.
- Activities as described in the program
- 24/7 assistance
Not included in the price:
- Meals not mentioned
- International flights
- Cambodia visa. ($ 30, - + 1 passport photo)
- Personal expenses, drinks
- Travel insurance
- Tips for guides / driversGeneral Information
- No parts of this program have been reserved yet. We will start making reservations once we receive an agreement for this. If a certain room type or accommodation is no longer available at the time of booking, we will propose an alternative.
- The price may change based on the availability of the room at the time of booking and the cost of regional flights at the time of issue.
- Land transfers from destination A to destination B are carried out by local drivers. We always try to find English-speaking drivers for our guests. However, it may happen that they do not always speak English well or only a few words.
- A description of a tour is always a standard description. Actual programs may always vary slightly, depending on the (weather) conditions. However, the intention of the tours always remains the same.
- Standard check-in time is from 2:00 PM. Standard check-out time is at 12:00 PM. Early check-in or late check-out can be booked for an additional fee.
- When making reservations, we always indicate the preference for bedding (double bed or twin beds), rooms next to each other or connected by a door. In most cases (95%) we get this, but we cannot guarantee this.
- No parts of this program have been reserved yet. We will start making reservations once we receive an agreement for this. If a certain room type or accommodation is no longer available at the time of booking, we will propose an alternative.
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1010Siem Reap (SAI) 104.22083300 13.37527800 car 1 01 Siem Reap 103.85000000 13.36660000 Siem Reap 103.85000000 13.36660000 jeep 1 04 Ko Ker 104.54040500 13.78540300 Ko Ker 104.54040500 13.78540300 jeep 1 05 Preah Dak 103.93953500 13.45241700 Preah Dak 103.93953500 13.45241700 jeep 1 06 Kampong Thom 104.88870000 12.71110000 Kampong Thom 104.88870000 12.71110000 jeep 1 07 Chloung 105.94061300 12.25629100 Chloung 105.94061300 12.25629100 jeep 1 09 Kampong Chhnang 104.66509100 12.25467200 Kampong Chhnang 104.66509100 12.25467200 jeep 1 10 Phnom Penh 104.91660000 11.55000000
The itinerary outlined above is merely a suggestion to inspire your trip in Southeast Asia. We understand that every traveler has unique preferences and desires, so we are delighted to customize your journey to match your specific interests and aspirations.
Whether you wish to extend your stay, explore alternative accommodations, or embark on different activities, we are here to cater to your every whim. Simply let us know your preferences, and we will promptly craft a personalized itinerary that perfectly aligns with your vision of an unforgettable Southeast Asian adventure.