Cambodia – The Active Way from the Capital to Angkor Wat

Day 1: Arrival In Phnom Penh (–,–,D)

Upon arrival at Phnom Penh airport, transfer at your own to hotel and balance the day at leisure. In the late afternoon, your guide will meet the group at hotel lobby, travel to the local restaurant for dinner and trip orientation. Meal included: Dinner Accommodation: Hotel in Phnom Penh Note: Check-in at the hotel from 14:00 Arrival flight: TBA

Day 2: Phnom Penh – Koh Dach Biking Tour – City Tour (B,L,–)

In the morning, enjoy Mekong Island bicycleTour: Koh Dach Island - Return by local ferry: This morning, you will explore Koh Dach island by bikes. Upon arrival at the pier, you will start your journey to Koh Dach Island by embarking a local, private boat or local ferry. On this 7-kilometer long island, disembark and continue your journey by bike. You get to see how quickly the landscape and environment shift from an energetic city to peaceful, rural life of farms, wooden houses and small, charming pagodas. You will start the tour right at the pier, and you can take your time - feel free to stop at any time to take pictures or explore for a while. After around 6, easy-going kilometers without any elevation, you will reach a traditional stilt house that serves as a small restaurant and have a nice lunch break in a relaxed and jovial atmosphere. Here, you can also rest for a while before continuing your journey slowly towards the pier where you will start your return journey back by boat into the vibrant Phnom Penh. In the afternoon, visit Phnom Penh city: The capital city of Cambodia is located at the meeting point of three rivers: the Bassac, the massive Tonle and the impressive Mekong. Phnom Penh owes its difference to other Asian capitals, thanks to the modernity coupled with provincial charm and the French-colonial touches set amongst Angkorian monuments. Your eyes won't ever get bored during a leisurely tour around the different streets. The journey through the bustling capital will begin with a visit to the National Museum. It is the largest of the country as it showcases the world's greatest collections of Khmer sculptures, ceramics and ethnographics. The last stop is at the Royal Palace which strikingly dominates the skyline of the city. Previously, the complex of 4 main areas functioned as the Royal Residence of the King of Cambodia. Then, continue on to Phnom Penh Central market for some shopping time at your leisure. After the tour, head back to the hotel. Meal included : Breakfast, Lunch at a local house Accommodation: Hotel in Phnom Penh Distance and duration of cycling: 12 kilometers - 1 to 2 hours Level: 0 Notes: the tour can combine bikes and tuk tuk for a family.

Day 3: Phnom Penh – Kratie (B,L,D)

After breakfast, continue your adventure on the road, between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, you will stop at Skun, famous for its grilled spider brochettes. Some sellers will definitely do their utmost to encourage you: “try it, it’s crispy!” they’ll say. Then, continue to Phnom Pros (the Hill of Men) & Phnom Srey (the Hill of Women). While Phnom Srey remains undeveloped and covered with vegetation, Phnom Pros is known for its collection of modern pagodas and stupas memorializing the thousands of victims murdered during the Khmer Rouge regime. Back on the road, your last stop will be at Wat Nokor Bachey, a rather unusual temple with distinctive architecture. After crossing the bridge, you will arrive in Kompong Cham City. Travel to Kratie through the city of Kampong Cham. Upon arrival in Kratie, you will cross the Mekong by ferry to reach the local island of Koh Trong: it is a small island on the Mekong river, characterized by fine sandy beaches (during the dry season) and reachable only by ferry from the city of Kratie. After checking in the homestay, you can take a walk to explore the surroundings: no noisy cars, a peaceful atmosphere, hospitable inhabitants, busy fishermen, lush orchards - a true paradise for the senses. For those who want, it will be possible to experience the experience of a ride on a typical cart pulled by an ox. Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner Accommodation: Overnight in the homestay on Koh Trong island Distance of transfer: 290 kilometers - 5.5hrs Note: Hotel check-in is from 14:00. Kratie is not yet very developed as a tourist area, so the quality of restaurants, hotels and general services is based on the standard of the place.

Day 4: Kratie – Banlung (B,L,–)

Enjoy the transquil of Koh Trong island, travel by ferry back to Kratie for the journey to Ratanakiri. Along the way, a stop in Kampi is a must, where you will board a boat to try to spot the very rare freshwater dolphins (Orcella): these dolphins are at risk of extinction throughout Asia and Cambodia is one of the few countries where they are still present. Upon arrival in Banlung, you will check-in the hotel. At good time, enjoy the sunset on top of Banlung. Located in the middle of the city center, set out for one of the best panoramic views in all of Banlung. Start strolling from the bottom of the hill, then explore the beautiful Pagoda of Wat Rahtanharanm and its reclining Buddha. Continue on up the hill to catch a great opportunity to relax with drinks in a traditional hut and to watch the stunning sunset. Meals included: Breakfast, lunch Accommodation: Hotel in Banlung Distance: 250 kilometers – 4h 30min Hotel check-in time: 14:00

Day 5: Banlung – A Venture In The Cambodia's Far East (B,L,–)

Leave your hotel at 8:00 for a full day tour to visit a local village tribe. Today, you’ll take quite a few different types of transport: local ferry, a local boat, a walk, and the local motorized tractor, giving you a great mix of forest and jungle to observe. Head North in your car to reach a small village, then cross the river by the local ferry and prepare yourself for a journey to the local village tribe. The village’s chief will be waiting for you on the other side of the river, and he’ll take you on his motorized tractor, named “Koyoun.” Along the way, you will pass by some pretty villages, as well as rice and casava plantations, until you reach the hike starting point. The hike is about 7 kilometers, after which you’ll finally reach the local tribe village located on the bank of a small river. Upon arriving, you will meet the villagers and enjoy a refreshing drink with them, learning about their culture, lifestyle, and if you like, you can even have a taste of their traditional rice wine, Srah Thnam. Meanwhile, lunch will be cooked using traditional methods and using seasonal ingredients - something you may want to check out! After the delicious lunch and a short rest, continue your hike for another 1.5 kilometers, when you’ll reach a stunning, panoramic viewpoint. During the hike, the villagers will show you some edible plants (be brave and try some, if you’d like!) and some jungle survival techniques, before heading back to the starting point. Arriving back at the village, make your way back to town by traditional boat, following the river downstream. Along the way, take a dip in the crystal-clear water, if you’d like. When you make landfall, ride back on the tractor to the local ferry, and then finally to your private vehicle, which will take you back to your hotel. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch Accommodation: Hotel in Banlung Distance & duration of hiking: 10 kilometers – 3 hours (full-day including the visits) Level: 2 Net elevation gain: + 300 meters Terrain: mainly jungle trails, through forest Transportation: Full-day vehicle support / 30 kilometers – 1 hour - (From Hotel to starting point) / 30 kilometers – 1 hour - (From ending point to hotel) Note: possibility to reduce the kilometers hiking extending the transfer by motorized tractor.

Day 6: Banlung – Preah Vihear (B,L,–)

In the morning, you will visit Ban Lung Market where the ethnic people come in traditional baskets with local items to sell at the market. It can be an interesting and photogenic scene. Then continue the transfer to Preah Viheah, bordering Thailand and Laos to the North. Preah Vihear is a vast province located 185 kilometers to the Northeast of Siem Reap. This place is home to many other temples, which earns it the title “mother of the mountain temples”. Upon arrival, you will check into the hotel and have free time at your leisure. Meals included: Breakfast, lunch Accommodation: Hotel in Preah Viheah Distance: 320km - 4.5 hours Hotel check-in: 14:00

Day 7: Preah Vihear – Siem Reap (B,L,–)

After breakfast, you will visit Preah Vihear Mountain Temple, built to worship Shiva and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Located on a hilltop, it offers a spectacular view of the Cambodian plains. After the visit, travel to Siem Reap and on the way visit the temples of Koh Ker, the former capital of the Angkorian Empire, which has more than a hundred buildings including the Prasat Thom (7-level sandstone pyramid) and the Linga temple. Arrival in Siem Reap about mid-afternoon, balance the day at leisure. Meals included: Breakfast, lunch Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap Distance: 230 kilometers - 4 hours

Day 8: Siem Reap – Hiking Along The Masterpieces Of The Angkor Archaeological Park (B,L,–)

Start your day by visiting Angkor Wat, the largest religious structure in the world, and one of the top UNESCO World Heritage sites world-wide. After the visit, your walking tour will start, taking you around the moat of this enormous temple, and entering on a tiny trail, passing by a small local village. Continue crossing through the Angkor Thom South Gate, climb up on its ancient wall, and walk along the shadowy path covered by ancient trees. You will reach a small temple, and then you will finally arrive right at the center of the Khmer capital, where the majestic Bayon Temple stands before you. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant and then continue your visit of Angkor Thom, exploring the Royal Palace, the Elephant terrace, and the other incredible temples located in the area. Finally, end your visit at the Bayon Temple, and travel back to your hotel. Option for the evening: enjoy A Taste of Cambodian Cuisine (every day except Monday) - no tour guide needed, the tuk-tuk takes you to the relevant restaurant & the information letter in English language. Starting time: 18:30: It's not always easy to choose the best place to dine in a foreign city, so we have a "three in one" solution. In the evening, enjoy a multi-stage dinner with starter, main course, and dessert in three different restaurants, carefully chosen for their flavors and atmosphere. One evening, the curious traveler will discover a selection of our favorite dishes and addresses in Siem Reap including: 1. Pou - starter and one drink per person 2. The Sugar Palm - main course and one drink per person 3. Malis - dessert and one drink per person Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap Level: 1 Distance & duration of hiking: 14 kilometers – 3 hours (full day including the visits) Total elevation gain: + 150 meters / - 120 meters Terrain: mainly jungle trails, through forest Transportation: full day vehicle support - 8 kilometers – 15 minutes (From Hotel to starting point) / 10 kilometers – 20 minutes (From ending point to hotel)

Day 9: Day 9: Siem Reap – Phnom Kulen Off The Beaten Track (B,L,–)

In the morning, around 7:00, travel from Siem Reap to Phnom Kulen, the largest forested area in the Siem Reap province. Arriving at the National Park, you will be welcomed by the local ranger who will accompany you, along with your professional guide, over the course of the hike. After a short briefing, begin your hike along a diverse mix of trails, through the deep jungle and the rocky Kulen Plateau, which takes you by some hidden temples dated to the 10th century, religious sites, and a charming river. Today’s morning highlight is surely the famous Sra Damrei site, which houses a holy elephant statue shrine carved in sandstone, representing the mountain's guardian together with the other nearby statues. After the visit, continue along the trail where you will visit some other important sites, until you reach the local tractor, named guyun in Cambodian language, and travel to a scenic lunch spot along the small river. There you can enjoy a local picnic lunch and if you like you can relax and take a swim. After lunch, start your second part of the hike and embark on a single trail, plunging into the deep forest and indulge in the natural surroundings as you try to spot some of the Cambodian wildlife. Along the way you will reach the main area of Kulen Mountain, to firstly visit the golden reclining Buddha situated at Preah Ang Thom, then stop at the Phnom Kulen Waterfall. There, if you’d like, refresh yourself with a swim. Around late afternoon, you will travel back to Siem Reap in your private vehicle. Meal: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap Physical Level: 2 Distance & duration of hiking: • Option 1: 15 kilometers – 4 hours (Excluding site visits) • Option 2: 10 kilometers – 3 hours (excluding site visits) Net Elevation Gain: 250 meters ascent / 215 meters descent Terrain: mainly jungle trails, through forest and the rocky Kulen Plateau Transportation: full day vehicle support – 60 kilometers – 2 hours (From hotel to starting) – 50 kilometers – 1 hour 30 minutes - Emergency vehicle available Note: On the option 2, the last part of the trail to reach waterfall will be done by vehicle

Day 10: Siem Reap – Visit A Floating Village On The Tonlé Sap Lake – Departure (B,–,–)

Your final day in Cambodia starts with breakfast before checking out and setting off on a morning excursion to Komgpong Khleang. From Kompong Kleang you will board a local boat led by a captain from the village. The craft will criss-cross Tonlé Sap at a leisurely pace, giving you the opportunity to observe some of the small floating villages. The small local boat is equipped with an engine, which allows you to move easily from the village and along the various canals leading to the Great Lake. Once you reach the end of the canal, you will realize the immensity of this lake, where the horizon stretches as far as the eye can see. During the dry season, a walk to meet the locals is offered before you set out for the cruise. After visit, you will head to Siem Reap airport for your outbound flight. Meals included: Breakfast Distance: Siem Reap / Kompong Khleang - 52 kilometers (1 hour 30 minute drive), each way Note: From the 15th of February, due to low water levels, the boat trip cannot be operated with big boats from 10 pax up, only small boats are available (1-9 pax). So for groups from 10 pax up we will do the boat trip at Chong Kneas instead. - Komgpong Khleang - Siem Reap airport: 42 kilometers (1hour) Please book your flight out of Siem Reap after 17:00