Khmer Discovery, from Angkor to Mondulkiri
In summary
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Sports
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Duration15 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationAsia / Cambodia
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions5889.18 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
English
In a few words
The highlights
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Exploring the temples of Angkor on foot and by bicycle for a more intimate experience
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Trekking in Mondulkiri to meet the mahouts and their elephants
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Staying with locals for an immersion in the local culture
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
Level 2 tour : This trip is suitable for anyone in good physical condition. The hikes are moderate. To fully enjoy the trip, we recommend engaging in regular physical activity in the weeks leading up to departure (walking, cycling, etc.).
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 2h30
Management
Based in Cambodia for many years, our local agency guarantees a successful active travel experience, thanks to our guides and logistical infrastructure. During your trip, you will be accompanied by our adventure guides, fully committed to helping you discover unique places in the heart of nature.
Upon your arrival in Siem Reap, you will be greeted by your French-speaking tour guide. He is assisted by a local, non-French-speaking team:
- local guides for certain hikes
- drivers for transfers.
- boatmen for transfers/excursions by dugout canoe.
Program
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Flight to Siem Reap
- Transportation Plane - 15h - 9700km
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
International flight on a scheduled airline with a stopover.Day 1 -
Arrival in Siem Reap
- Transportation Minibus - 01h - 50km
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Airport pick-up followed by transfer to the hotel to enjoy the pool and take a short walk around town.Day 2 -
Siem Reap - Day trip hiking at the Angkor site
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 3h30
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
This morning, we'll take a tuk-tuk to Banteay Samre, one of the most remote and least visited temples on the site. Next, we'll hike along the East Mebon dike, a vast reservoir that once irrigated this ancient city. We'll explore the villages and rice paddies leading to Pre Rup. Afterwards, we'll visit Banteay Kdei and Srah Srang. Lunch will be at a local restaurant. Then, we'll hike through the sparse forest to Angkor Wat. We'll return to Siem Reap in the late afternoon and spend the night at a hotel.Day 3 -
Siem Reap - Angkor Thom by Bike
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
This morning, we set off early to enjoy the cool morning air. Our driver dropped us off at the gates of Angkor Thom, where we explored the walls of this ancient city, still nestled in the forest. We began with a bicycle ride along the wall of the royal city, Angkor Thom. Then, we arrived at the Bayon, the temple of the four-faced towers. We visited Angkor Thom, the great royal city, and discovered a surprising temple with a thousand faces (216 to be exact). We continued towards the Baphuon, the Royal Palace, followed by the Terrace of the Elephants. A final, isolated temple, Wat Tep Pranom, awaited us. After lunch, we departed for the temples of Preah Khan, Ta Nei, and then Ta Prohm, traveling through the forest. It is a magnificent temple where nature reclaims its place. The kapok trees seem to be swallowing the temple stones. This is where the film Tomb Raider was filmed. We returned to Siem Reap by vehicle. Overnight at the hotel. (10-20 km by bike, a support vehicle is available). Optional: upon request and subject to availability, the mountain bike can be replaced with an electric mountain bike (e-MTB). Supplement of €25 per e-bike.Day 4 -
Siem Reap - Tonle Sap - Fishing Village
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Accommodation Staying with a local resident
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We travel by vehicle towards the lake to observe daily life in the idyllic villages. Every year, the water level of Tonlé Sap, Cambodia's Great Lake, fluctuates between 4 and 8 meters, flooding all the land and forests in this region from August to January. We explore the floating villages and travel up the Sangker River, passing the Prek Toal bird sanctuary. We visit other lakeside villages, learning about their fishing techniques, fishponds, and private crocodile farms. We spend the night in a lakeside village with a local family, including a one-hour walk and a two-hour boat trip. (The day's program may be modified depending on water conditions).Day 5 -
Tonle Sap - Roulos
- Transportation Minibus - 01h - 50km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 2h30
- Accommodation Staying with a local resident
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We return by boat to Siem Reap before continuing our journey into the countryside to discover its traditional crafts. We reach a small, secluded temple in the countryside, Chao Srei Vibol, located on the ancient royal road. After visiting the site, we head towards a major temple, the magnificent Bakong. Finally, we hike through the countryside and villages to reach our host family and their wooden stilt house. We spend the night with them.Day 6 -
Roulos - Siem Reap
- Transportation Minibus - 01h - 50km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 2h30
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After breakfast, we set off on foot into the countryside, passing through villages to discover local life and foster connections and sharing. Along the way, we stop at a pagoda to receive the monks' blessing. We return to Siem Reap by vehicle, where we explore the city. We visit Wat Bo Pagoda and take a stroll along the river. Afterwards, we discover the local markets, including Psar Leu. For ultimate relaxation, enjoy a massage at the renowned Frangipani Spa. The day ends with some rest and relaxation by the pool in the afternoon. Overnight at the hotel.Day 7 -
Siem Reap - Koh Ker - Stung Treng
- Transportation Minibus - 06h - 300km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
This day is dedicated to the transfer to northern Cambodia, reaching the banks of the Mekong River. En route, we visit the temple-mountain of the ancient Khmer city of Koh Ker. This remote site allows us to discover the tallest temple-mountain in the Kingdom, Koh Ker, and its satellite temples, recently designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the 10th century, a usurper left Angkor to build a new capital 100 kilometers to the northeast, the present-day site of Koh Ker, deep in the bush. The reign of this usurper is characterized by its gigantism, both in construction and sculpture. However, twenty years after its construction, Koh Ker was abandoned, and the king's successors returned to Angkor, leaving the bush to reclaim its domain. We explore on foot the temples scattered across the site, nestled in the light forests of Koh Ker, including the famous Prasat Thom, the tallest temple-mountain in the Kingdom, rising 35 meters high and spread over seven levels. We also discover a gigantic baray, a water reservoir that once irrigated this ancient city. In the early afternoon, we continue by vehicle to Stung Treng. We visit the town on the banks of the Mekong River. We spend the night in a hotel in Stung Treng.Day 8 -
Stung Treng - Mondulkiri
- Transportation Minibus - 06h - 300km
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We head towards Stung Treng and Sen Monorom in Mondulkiri province. Along the way, we stop at Bursa Falls to admire the scenery and enjoy a picnic lunch by the cascades. Depending on the season, we might even be able to take a refreshing dip. After this break, we continue our journey and check into our accommodation for the night. We explore the town and its bustling market, where we can discover fresh produce, handicrafts, and local culinary specialties. Overnight at the hotel.Day 9 -
Mondulkiri - Trek
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Accommodation Staying with a local resident
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After breakfast, we depart by vehicle for the starting point of our trek to explore the mountainous region of Mondulkiri. We drive through forests, verdant valleys, past a river and a waterfall typical of this tropical region, perfect for a refreshing swim. We arrive at a sala, a wooden structure on stilts, on the riverbank in the valley. We meet our hosts from the Phnong minority, who prepare a traditional dinner (ingredients cooked in bamboo) and offer us a drink from their village. Overnight in the sala.Day 10 -
Mondulkiri - Encounter with the elephants
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 3h30
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
This morning, we set off on a guided walk through the lush rainforest of Mondulkiri, accompanied by experienced mahouts. We search for elephants in their natural habitat and lead them to the river near the sala (ritual bath) for their daily bath. After this time with the elephants, we hike through the forest. The trails have both uphill and downhill sections. The walk leads us to a pleasant spot for a picnic lunch in the heart of the forest. After lunch, we continue hiking until we reach our vehicle, which takes us to a nearby village to meet the villagers and the Bunong ethnic group. We learn about their daily life and traditions. At the end of the day, we return to Sen Monorom and spend the night at the hotel.Day 11 -
Mondulkiri - Kratie & Irrawaddy Dolphins
- Transportation Minibus - 04h - 200km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 1h30
- Accommodation Staying with a local resident
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We depart for Kratie, the former colonial city on the Mekong River. Next, we travel to Kampi, where dramatic rock formations rise from the Mekong's waters. From a longboat, we have the opportunity to observe Irrawaddy dolphins, an endangered species. We visit a pagoda perched atop a hill, offering panoramic views of the Mekong's floodplains. We then take a public ferry to a stunning island in the Mekong, where we enjoy a stroll. We embark on a walking excursion to explore the villages of the Vietnamese and Cambodian communities living on the island. A short walk through the village allows us to meet the local people and learn about their daily lives.Day 12 -
Koh Trong - Kratie - Phnom Penh
- Transportation Boat - 06h - 200km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
After breakfast, we take the public ferry back to our vehicle. We then visit Kratie, its market, and its colonial buildings. Next, we depart by private vehicle for Phnom Penh, where we explore the National Museum and the Royal Palace with the Silver Pagoda. At the end of the day, we enjoy a boat trip on the Mekong River to admire the sunset. Overnight at the hotel.Day 13 -
Phnom Penh Airport
- Transportation Plane - 15h - 9700km
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Free time to stroll around the capital and do some last-minute shopping, then depending on your flight times, transfer to the airport for your return international flight.Day 14 -
Arrival in France
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Arrival in France during the dayDay 15
Note
Accommodation
Access
Go to the starting point
INTERNATIONAL TRANSPORT:
For flights to Cambodia, we use scheduled flights departing from Paris (operating year-round at fixed times). Airfares to this destination fluctuate considerably, and we have limited airline options. In fact, only a few airlines serve Cambodia, particularly Siem Reap Airport. You will primarily fly with China Southern Airlines and Qatar Airways. Depending on availability at the time of your booking, we may be able to offer you other airlines than those mentioned above.
There are no direct flights to Cambodia, so a stopover is necessary. Both outbound and return flights are overnight, arriving the following day at the destination.
Departures from other provincial cities are possible, subject to an additional charge.
IMPORTANT: This information is for guidance only. Depending on availability at the time of your registration, airlines and flight times may differ from the information mentioned above.
Price details
The price includes
- Paris/Siem Reap Phnom Penh/Paris flights.
- Air taxes.
- Local transfers.
- Accommodation.
- Full board except for the meals not included in the program
- The tour is supervised by a French-speaking tour leader who is also an official cultural guide, and a local team.
- Entrance fees to sites and museums (USD 122 including USD 72 pass for the temples of Angkor).
The price does not include
- Visa fees.
- The drinks.
- Personal expenses.
- The free meals mentioned in the program (approximately €10 / meal).
- Tips for local staff (at your discretion), see the specific Additional Information section for more details.
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment to bring
- Lightweight sleeping bag for December and January + pillowcase (mattress, pillows and double mosquito nets provided)
- a fitted sheet for a single bed or a sleeping bag sheet for nights spent at a private residence
- toiletry bag and bath towel
- sunscreen (face and lips)
- headlamp, with spare batteries
- lightweight and insulated water bottle
- pocket knife, preferably a multi-purpose one
- toilet paper + lighter
- mosquito repellent
- moistened towels, "Calinette" type
- plastic bags for waterproofing your belongings
- Earplugs
- notepad
- Waterproof pouch to store your passport and money
- swimsuit
Clothing to bring
Clothing, from head to toe:
- lightweight walking shoes
- a pair of sandals and a pair of plastic flip-flops to put on during stops in towns and villages.
- socks
- trekking pants
- breathable t-shirts
- light and comfortable clothes for the evening
- Lightweight fleece or a light sweater for the evening
- rain cape
- hat
- sarong for showering
- sunglasses
Please note that for visits to the temples of Angkor, it is mandatory to wear clothing that covers the shoulders and legs. Therefore, shorts, short skirts, sleeveless t-shirts, or Bermuda shorts should be avoided, even for men.
Quick tip: Avoid cotton clothing as it's difficult to dry due to humidity. Opt instead for technical hiking clothes that dry quickly and have the added benefits of being lightweight and breathable.