The Great Loop of Cambodia
Phnom Penh - Kg. Cham - Kratie - Mondulkiri - Ratanakiri - Pr. Vihear - Siem Reap - Battambang - Phnom Penh
Duration: 18 days
Ref: CCR18J-PHMKPVRPPN
DAY 1
Phnom Penh - Home
Welcome at the airport by our private driver. Transfer to the hotel and free time! Check-in at the hotel of your choice. Overnight in Phnom Penh.
DAY 2
Discovery of the capital of Phnom Penh (Lunch)
Meet our English-speaking guide. Departure by vehicle to discover the capital city of Phnom Penh. This morning, you'll visit the Royal Palace. It was originally located in Oudong and was soon moved to present-day Phnom Penh in 1863. Then, visit the Silver Pagoda, which houses more than 5,000 silver tiles paved on the floor, and the Emerald Buddha statue encrusted with approximately 2,000 diamonds, including one weighing 25 carats. It represents the future Buddha, nicknamed Maitreya, in 90 kg of gold. Continue strolling through the Central Market, renovated thanks to a donation from France. A magnificent art deco-style building built by the French in the 1950s. Lunch is provided at the restaurant on the banks of the Mekong River; it's time to freshen up before resuming your sightseeing activities. Continue your visit to the National Museum of Fine Arts, formerly known as the Albert Sarraut Museum, whose Khmer artifacts, statues, and art pieces come from all over Cambodia. Next door, you'll continue with a visit to the Ounalom Pagoda, built in 1443 and the largest pagoda in Phnom Penh. Pass through the Colonial Quarter: the Grand Hotel, the Post Office, the Bank of Indochina, the Police Station, the Superior Residence, the Treasury Bridge, the Chamber of Commerce, the Library, and the Railway Station. Next, visit Wat Phnom, a false pagoda built on the hill, approximately 27 meters high. This pagoda was renovated in 1926. At the foot of the hill is a bas-relief honoring the Franco-Siamese treaty, sculpted by Théodore Rivière. Around 5:00 p.m., enjoy a short cruise on a private boat along the quays, passing by the confluence of the Mekong River. Depending on the season, weather, and time of day, you'll be treated to a beautiful sunset over the Royal Palace and the capital. Overnight in Phnom Penh.
DAY 3
Direction Kampong Cham via Skun
Meet the driver at the hotel. This morning, depart by private car for 130 km on the road to Kampong Cham. On the way, you'll make a typical stop in Skun, known for its spiders and tarantulas. In Cambodia, eating tarantulas is very popular. Don't hesitate to try them! These animals are also used in traditional medicine. Then, you'll continue your visit by visiting Wat Nokor Bachey, an ancient Buddhist temple built by the Great Khmer King in the 12th century. Optionally, you can visit Phnom Pros and Phnom Srei hills, which offer panoramic views of Kampong Cham. Lunch at your leisure. Before arriving in downtown Kampong Cham, our driver will take you to a village called Amica, where an NGO offers Khmer and English lessons to the village children. Young people live in the city or in Thailand to work, while the elderly stay home to care for their grandchildren. You can stroll through the village to observe the typical Khmer houses built on stilts, as well as the weaving of Khmer scarves called "krama." To end our day, a short city tour: stroll through the city's main market and its shopping district. Check-in at the hotel you booked. Overnight in Kampong Cham on the banks of the Mekong River.
DAY 4
Departure for Kratie
Heading towards Kratie, a 150km drive. Along the way, we discover lush countryside: cashew nut plantations, rubber plantations, pepper crops, cassava crops, and more. In the afternoon, we cruise on the Mekong River to observe the Irrawaddy river dolphins. The Irrawaddy dolphin, or bottlenose dolphin, was identified by Owen in 1866 and was long considered the only species in its genus. Recent studies have concluded that the Irrawaddy dolphin and the Australian snub-finned dolphin are two separate species. It is similar in appearance to the beluga whale. Genetically, it is closely related to the killer whale. Its specific name, brevirostre, comes from the Latin brevis, meaning short. Lunch at leisure. You'll then take a 30-km trail north of Kratie to discover Wat Sorsor 100, also known as the 100-Column Pagoda, as well as Wat Vihear Kaok, one of the oldest pagodas in the region. Meet Buddhist monks! On the way back, if your fitness permits, you can climb Phnom Sambok to enjoy breathtaking views of the Mekong River. Around 5:00 p.m., depending on the season, you'll witness a magnificent sunset over the river. Book your hotel. Overnight in Kratie.
DAY 5
Sen Monorum or Mondulkiri
Heading towards Sen Monorum, 203 km, approximately a 3.5-hour drive. Halfway there, a photo stop at Snoul, where there is a huge monument commemorating the founding of the National Front of Kampuchea. With the help of Vietnamese forces, this united front was created to liberate the country from the Khmer Rouge. Along the road, you will pass through primeval forests and lush rubber and cashew nut plantations. Arrival in Sen Monorum in mid-noon, continue the drive for 35 km to visit the largest and most beautiful waterfall in Bousra province. A very popular meeting place among Cambodians. Lunch at leisure. On the way back, visit the coffee plantation; Mondulkiri coffee is very famous in Cambodia. Then, enjoy the sunset atop Doh Kramom Hill. You'll have a beautiful view of the city of Sen Monorum. Check into your booked hotel. Overnight stay in Sen Monorum.
DAY 6
Sen Monorum - Hiking with elephants (Picnic)
A fantastic day awaits you: a trek with elephants in the protected forest. This morning, meet our partner from the Phnong ethnic community at your lodge. A short drive will take you to the trekking starting point. It's important to note that this adventure will take place in groups of 2 to 15 people. An English-speaking guide and his team will be on hand. See the detailed activities for this day below! Optional: If trekking with elephants doesn't interest you, you can opt for a simple trek in the protected ethnic forest at no extra cost. You will cover approximately 10 km, alone or as a couple, accompanied by a local English-speaking guide. A local picnic lunch is provided. During this trek, you will visit a Phnong ethnic village, cross mountains, rivers, and waterfalls, and perhaps be lucky enough to spot monkeys. Check into your booked hotel. Overnight in Sen Monorom.
DAY 7
From Sen Monorum to Banlung/Ratanakiri
English-speaking local guide for days 7 and 8 Early in the morning, head to Banlung, a 200 km (124 mi), approximately 3-hour drive, crossing mountains and wildlife reserves. Our local English-speaking guide will meet you at the hotel. Departure north of Banlung town, continuing our visits to ethnic minority villages. This region is home to about ten different minority groups. Lunch at your leisure. In the afternoon, you'll return by vehicle to the Vietnamese border to observe workers in the gemstone mines in Borkeo. You can purchase these rough stones for small prices depending on their size. Return to the city. Check-in at your booked hotel. Overnight in Banlung.
DAY 8
Banlung - Banong Minority Territory (Picnic)
Meet your English-speaking guide at your lodge or hotel. Departure via the red dirt road to Voeun Sai, 35 km, approximately 50 minutes. Arrival at a small local market in Voeun Sai, then continue by boat on the Tonlé Sé San to visit the village of Koh Pèak, famous for its funerary totems. Most of the inhabitants of this region are of Chinese and Laotian origin and speak Khmer, Chinese, Laotian, and sometimes ethnic languages among themselves. These Chinese and Laotian populations settled there during the wars of the 1960s. A picnic lunch will be provided along the way. Depending on your interests, you will have the opportunity to visit their village, as well as a Laotian pagoda and its surroundings. In the late afternoon, return to Banlung and visit the volcanic lake of Yeak Lom, located in the heart of a lush jungle. You can take a short 5km hike around the lake! Don't forget to bring your swimsuits for a swim! The water is truly refreshing! For the minorities who inhabit the region, this site is sacred, particularly due to the mysterious creatures said to live in these crystal-clear waters... Overnight in Banlung.
DAY 9
Departure for Preah Vihear
With a local English-speaking guide This morning, depart early by road towards Preah Vihear, a 390 km drive, approximately 5 hours, including breaks. During your journey, you will pass through primary forests and remote villages. Midway, at Stung Treng, you will cross the Mekong River, where it joins another river, the Tonle Sekong. You will have the opportunity to stop at the bridge to enjoy a beautiful view of the river. Previously, locals had to cross the Mekong by ferry to reach the city center. Lunch at your leisure. In the afternoon, climb in a local 4x4 vehicle to discover the magnificent Preah Vihear Temple. Upon reaching the summit of the mountain, you will continue your excursion on foot and enjoy beautiful panoramic views of Cambodia and Thailand. Prasat Preah Vihear is located at the summit of the Dangrek mountain range, approximately 750 meters above sea level. This ancient Hindu temple was built over 300 years (10th-12th centuries) by the great Khmer kings. It was once the center of the Khmer empire. This site is now located on the Khmer-Thai border and was also a former conflict zone between Thailand and Cambodia for several decades. Return to your reserved hotel, 30 km from the temple. Overnight in Sra'èm, a small town in this region.
DAY 10
Road to Siem Reap
In the morning, meet at the hotel reception and depart for Siem Reap. En route, visit Prasat Koh Ker, an isolated site abandoned in the Cambodian jungle during the years of civil war. It is located 120 km from Siem Reap. This Prasat was built in the 10th century and is the former capital of King Jayavaraman IV. This immense site now houses around a hundred temples built of sandstone and brick. Prasat Koh Ker now reflects the great evolution in Khmer architecture. Lunch at your leisure. Then Prasat Thom, or Prasat Pyramid, is one of the main temples of the Koh Ker site. It is shaped like an unfinished pyramid, seven stories high and 37 meters high. Only one pyramid was built at the time to represent the pride of King Jayavaraman IV. Continue your visit to the temple of Beng Mealea, garland of flowers. Prasat Boeng Mealea is located about 60km from Siem Reap. It is a model of Angkor Wat, meaning it was built 30 years before Angkor Wat. A mysterious temple is overgrown by the Angkor jungle. A French film by Jean-Jaques Annead, "Two Brothers," was filmed there in 2004. The temple's architecture and decoration will amaze you, even though nature and man have left it in ruins. Arrival in Siem Reap in the late afternoon. Check-in at your booked hotel. Overnight in Siem Reap.
DAY 11
Siem Reap - Discovery of Kbal Spean and Banteay Srei
English-speaking guide for days 11, 12, and 13 Accompanied by an experienced English-speaking guide, explore the sacred site of Kbal Spean, 50 km from downtown Siem Reap, also known as the River of a Thousand Lingas, by private car. After a hike of approximately 1.5 hours through the heart of the jungle, marvel at the linga and yoni sculptures adorning the riverbed. Lunch at leisure. In the afternoon, continue your visit to the Banteay Srei temple, also known as the Citadel of Women, built in the 11th century. This unique temple, made of fragile pink sandstone, features magnificent carved motifs, representing precious Khmer art and attracting the attention of André Malraux in 1923. On the way back, you'll visit Prasat Banteay Samre, which was built in the mid-12th century. This slightly off-the-beaten-path monument, which displays magnificent carvings, is well worth a visit. Option to visit the Butterfly Center or the Landmine Museum. Fees payable on site. Return and free time at the hotel! Overnight in Siem Reap
DAY 12
Siem Reap - Discovery of the Grand Circuit (Dinner Show)
This morning, explore the temples of Angkor Thom, including: South Gate, Prasat Bayon, Prasat Baphuon, Terrace of the Elephants, the former Royal Palace, Terrace of the Leper King, Prasat Phimeanakas, and Prasat Preah Palilay. Lunch at leisure. Depending on time and your pace, continue your visit to Prasat Preah Khan and Prasat Neak Poan. In the evening, you will head out to attend an "Apsara" dinner show with your guide at the Amazon Angkor restaurant. Optionally, for a small supplement, if you don't like crowds and prefer a higher-quality show, enjoy the Apsara Theatre restaurant: Please let us know! • Tapas Menu: $26 per person • Traditional Menu: $28 per person • Vegetarian Menu: $26 per person Return and free time at the hotel. Overnight in Siem Reap.
DAY 13
Siem Reap – At Your Leisure
Free day without any services. Possibility of an elephant tour at Phnom Kulen for an additional fee. More details: Kulen Elephant Forest Nights in Siem Reap
DAY 14
Siem Reap - Angkor Wat
Tuktuk tour. In the morning, continue your visit to the famous Angkor Wat temple. Free time for lunch. In the afternoon, explore the Angkor National Museum, located in the heart of Siem Reap, is a must-see cultural gem for all lovers of Khmer history and civilization. This modern and interactive museum offers a deep dive into the history of the Angkor Empire, allowing visitors to better understand the art, architecture, and beliefs that shaped this unique civilization. You will continue exploring the city of Siem Reap: a lively evening district, with souvenir shops, restaurants, massage parlors, and the main market, Psar Chas. Then, discover craft centers: the Lotus Center, the Artisans of Angkor, and the Satcha Craft Center. Return to the hotel and free time. Overnight in Siem Reap.
DAY 15
Heading to Battambang via the big lake
Without a guide As planned for the tour, you will depart by private boat from Siem Reap to Battambang this day. It's just you on the boat. OPTION: If you don't want to spend the day by boat, you can depart by road for Battambang: 170 km, approximately 3 hours of travel with a break included. Arrival in Battambang in the afternoon. Discover the colonial quarter, the main market (Psar Chas), Wat Damrei Sor (White Elephant Pagoda), the governor's house, and a traditional Khmer house. Transfer to the hotel of your choice and free time. Overnight in Battambang.
DAY 16
Battambang - Charming City
Morning tuk-tuk ride to discover the city of Battambang and its surroundings. Departure with our tuktuk driver towards the north of the city along the Sangker River. You will pass through colorful markets, then visit Wat Samrong Knong, where a temple was built in the early 18th century. Between 1975 and 1979, this temple was converted into a prison by the Khmer Rouge. Nearby, there is a mass grave where thousands of people were massacred. En route, stop at the Prahok Market (fish market), where fermented and salted fish, smoked fish, and dried fish are sold. This is a Cambodian specialty. Continue exploring daily life activities: making rice cakes, preparing krolann (sticky rice prepared in bamboo tubes), distilling rice wine, and more. Before returning to the city, visit an ancient Hindu temple built during the Angkorian era, Ek Phnom Temple. Free time for lunch. In the afternoon, continue your tour by car. An optional ride on the Bamboo Train, Cambodia's high-speed train (TGV). You'll continue south of Battambang to the Banan Temple, built at the top of the hill, up 350 steps. The driver will then take you to Phnom Sam Pov, located about 10 km from the city. The driver will drop you off at the foot of the hill, and you'll continue on foot to the top of the hill, where a colorful pagoda stands. You'll have a beautiful view of the plain. Before nightfall, you'll observe the bats emerging from the hill. Overnight in Battambang.
DAY 17
Battambang - Phnom Penh in by Pursat and Kg. Chhnang
Departure from Battambang to Phnom Penh via Pursat and Kampong Chhnang provinces, a distance of 293 km. On the way, you'll make your first stop in the town of Pursat to see the diverse marble sculptures locally called soapstone. Next, you'll pass through the main town of Kror Ko, where you'll board a small, rustic private boat to visit Kampong Loung, a floating village. This is one of the floating villages on Tonlé Sap Lake, home to over a thousand families. All daily activities, including restaurants, schools, clinics, and pagodas, are concentrated here. Impressive! Free lunch en route. Continue your journey to Phnom Penh via Kampong Chhnang province, famous for its floating villages and pottery. About thirty kilometers before arriving in Phnom Penh, you will visit Oudong, a former Khmer capital in the 17th century. The palace, dwellings, and pagodas are located at the foot of the hill known as Phnom Preah Jartroip, or Royal Treasury. Arrive in Phnom Penh at the end of the day. Check-in at your pre-booked hotel. Overnight in Phnom Penh.
DAY 18
Phnom Penh - Silk Island or Mekong Island - Return
Accompanied by your French-speaking guide, embark on a local ferry crossing of the Mekong River to Silk Island, known in Khmer as Koh Dach. Immerse yourself in the peaceful atmosphere of this traditional village, where you can observe artisans weaving beautiful silk fabrics, visit stilt houses, and discover the daily life of the local inhabitants. Lunch at your leisure. Back in Phnom Penh, explore the bustling Russian Market, a true paradise for souvenir hunters and lovers of local handicrafts. Then, delve into Cambodia’s tragic history with a visit to the S-21 Genocide Museum, a former high school turned detention and torture center during the Khmer Rouge regime. Transfer to the airport according to your flight schedule. End of the trip.