Jungle Trekking & Camping in Cambodia

Arrive at Phnom Penh, with the rest of the day at leisure to explore Cambodia’s fascinating capital city. The following day, we travel to the charming town of Sen Monorom, dubbed the “Switzerland of Cambodia” for its picturesque lakes, forests and rolling hills. Enjoy a late lunch at a highland coffee plantation. In the evening, visit a local minority village, with time to explore and play with the children before the village elders return from their day’s work in the fields. Together with your homestay hosts, prepare a traditional BBQ meal, accompanied by a few shots of home-brewed rice wine.  

Spend the day trekking through lush jungle, highlighted by spectacular views and rugged  mountainous terrain. We leisurely explore a waterfall and cave, before reaching Leng Oung Waterfall. Enjoy a refreshing swim while a traditional bamboo soup and BBQ is prepared for lunch beside the waterfall. Afterwards, trek through more dense jungle on the way to Leng Ken Waterfall. After a brief rest, we take a different route back to Pou Tang Village.

We travel to the small riverside town of Kratie, famous for sightings of the rare, freshwater Irrawaddy dolphins. The afternoon and evening are at leisure. The following day head off early to board a traditional fishing boat. Cruise to the Kampi Dolphin Pool, the largest dolphin pool on the Mekong River and natural habitat of the critically endangered, Irrawaddy dolphins. During the boat trip, we try and spot these elusive, freshwater dolphins. In the evening, meet your guide at the hotel for an informative briefing on the next three days of trekking in Virachey National Park.

Depart in Banlung and drive about 1 hour to the Sesan River. Cross by ferry, then continue by motorbike to a minority village, where the trek begins. Walking through dense forest and past small minority farmhouses to reach the Virachey National Park, then cross the 35-meter-wide Lalai River. Enjoy a riverside lunch break before we back on track. Continue to trek for another 3 hours to a secluded Kachanh waterfall, where you will camp for the night. In the evening, join a short night trek to observe nocturnal wildlife and experience the sights and sounds of the jungle after dark.

After a leisurely breakfast and coffee, trek for three hours through primary forest, learning about the region’s useful plants, trees, and local wildlife along the way. Arrive at a deeper stretch of the Lalai River for lunch and a refreshing swim, before joining in to build a traditional bamboo raft. Drift downstream for three hours to a minority family’s home, where you’ll camp for the second night. As evening sets in, savour a home-cooked dinner, sample traditional rice wine, and delve into the rhythms of local life and culture.

After breakfast, climb a mountain for panoramic views of Virachey National Park and learn how to make a bamboo cup. Trek 3 hours back to your motorbikes and return to Banlung, arriving around afternoon.          

Drive to Siem Reap, stopping for lunch en-route in Steung Treng. We later make a visit to  Koh Ker, a remote 10th century temple complex and former capital of the Khmer Empire,  engulfed in dense forests.  In the late afternoon, we arrive in Siem Reap, a charming provincial town and gateway to the Angkor Archaeological Park. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to the stupendous remains of an ancient  Khmer civilisation, dating from the 9th to the 15th centuries.

Spend the day exploring some of Angkor’s most iconic and  astounding temples within the Angkor Archaeological Park, on a leisurely bicycle tour covering around 14km (9mi). Highlights include Ta Prohm, a 12th century Buddhist temple  distinguishable by overgrown fig tree roots bursting through its massive stone blocks – evoking a ‘forgotten city’ ambiance. We also cycle to Angkor Thom, an inner-walled city that served as the Khmer Empire’s ancient royal capital. Its spectacular centrepiece, Bayon, is known for its giant, enigmatic smiling faces carved into the stone towers.

Awake pre-dawn to take-in an unforgettable sunrise over Angkor Wat, a 12^th century temple complex ranking as one of the world’s greatest ancient wonders and largest, religious monuments. This magnificent architectural masterpiece is the dominating central feature of the Angkor Park. Afterwards, transfer to Siem Reap International Airport for your onward flight.