Active adventure and beaches from Phnom Penh to Koh Rong

After breakfast and checking out of your room, you will travel to Kampong Thom province. Upon arrival, you will discover the remarkable archaeological site of Sambor Prei Kuk , the ancient pre-Angkorian capital, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2017. This vast complex of temples, nestled in the heart of the forest, bears witness to the origins of Khmer civilization and the rich cultural heritage of the 7th century, at the crossroads of Hindu, Buddhist, and animist influences.

In the late afternoon, you'll embark on a one-hour scooter tour of the village (as a passenger), accompanied by an English-speaking local guide from the Sambor Prei Kuk community. This ride through the Kampong Thom countryside offers a glimpse of authentic rural landscapes: rice paddies, streams, traditional wooden houses with palm-thatched roofs, and scenes of daily life among farmers and their animals. The tour concludes with a stunning sunset over the rice paddies , a highlight of the day.

You then travel to your homestay in the rural community of Sambor Prei Kuk. The rest of the evening is free, ideal for enjoying the peace and quiet of the area and sharing a pleasant moment with your hosts.

This morning, you'll set off for Siem Reap . About 60 km before arriving, you'll stop in the village of Kampong Kdei to admire the impressive Preah Tos bridge, a masterpiece of the Angkorian era. Nearly 100 meters long and adorned with naga sculptures, this ancient structure is still used today by locals, on foot or by bicycle.

You then continue towards the temple of Beng Mealea , a spectacular, poorly restored sanctuary, largely overgrown with the roots of strangler figs. Its mysterious and wild atmosphere made it the setting for the film Two Brothers , directed in 2004 by Jean-Jacques Annaud.

Upon arrival in Siem Reap, check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free, ideal for relaxing, enjoying the pool, or starting to explore the city at your own pace.

A day of discovery by bicycle of the iconic temples of the Angkor site, inside and around the walls of Angkor Thom . You start with Angkor Wat , an architectural masterpiece and symbol of the height of the Khmer Empire.

In the heart of Angkor Thom, you will explore the Bayon and its famous towers with monumental faces, the Baphuon and its impressive reclining Buddha, Phimeanakas , as well as the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King , remarkable for the richness of their sculptures.

The visit continues with Ta Prohm , a mythical temple embraced by immense trees with sprawling roots. Depending on your preferences and the number of visitors, the day can conclude with a peaceful sunset at Srah Srang , or from the heights of Phnom Bakheng (access is regulated and limited).

To maintain a comfortable pace, some minor temples on the shorter circuit are intentionally excluded, but can be added upon request to your guide. The order of visits can also be adjusted to avoid crowds. Respectful attire is required in all temples, which are sacred sites still in use.

The day begins with a visit to the APOPO organization, world-renowned for its famous mine-detection rats. Thanks to their exceptional sense of smell, they detect anti-personnel mines with great efficiency and less risk than a metal detector. The visit provides a better understanding of the organization's humanitarian mission and the development of its activities for medical purposes. Visits are conducted in groups and can be shared with other visitors.

You then continue with a short hike to the sacred site of Kbal Spean , nicknamed the "underwater temple." Dating back to the 9th century, this unique place features numerous intricately carved lingas in the riverbed. A small nearby waterfall offers a refreshing respite, with the possibility of swimming depending on the season. The walk is accessible to all, along a slightly rocky path.

After lunch, visit Banteay Srey , a jewel in pink sandstone renowned for the exceptional finesse of its bas-reliefs, contrasting with the monumentality of Angkor Wat or the Bayon.

On the way back to Siem Reap, stop at the rural village of Preah Dak . Stroll through the local market and discover authentic Cambodian life: fresh produce, Khmer specialties like tnaot and banh chok , as well as craft workshops for basketry, weaving, ceramics and palm sugar making, for a warm and friendly cultural immersion.

The rivers that irrigate the Angkor site originate in the sacred mountain of Phnom Kulen , the cradle of the Khmer kingdom. It was here that, in 802, King Jayavarman II proclaimed the country's independence, marking the birth of Khmer civilization. You will thus embark on a journey to discover this vast natural and spiritual site, a major pilgrimage destination for Cambodians.

In the morning, ascend by road to the summit of Phnom Kulen, nicknamed the "Lychee Mountain". There you will discover the large reclining Buddha statue, then enjoy a relaxing moment with a refreshing swim in a natural pool at the foot of a pretty waterfall.

Return to town late morning for lunch. In the afternoon, head to the archaeological site of Roluos , the ancient city of Hariharalaya, the first capital of the Khmer Empire. This site marks the beginning of the Angkorian period and is home to several major temples built of brick, laterite, and sandstone. You will visit, in particular , Preah Ko and Lolei, Hindu temples that now protect Buddhist pagodas.

The day ends with the discovery of the Bakong mountain temple, from which you can enjoy a superb viewpoint to admire the sunset , offering a peaceful and historically rich conclusion.

In the morning, depart for the village of Kampong Phluk , located on the banks of the Tonlé Sap , less than an hour's drive from Siem Reap . You'll board a private boat to discover this iconic floating village and its unique way of life. The excursion continues by dugout canoe through the flooded forest, offering a peaceful immersion in the heart of the mangroves.

During the dry season, the activity can be adapted according to the water level.

You then take the road towards Kratie with a stop in Kampong Cham . Visit the Nokor Bachey temple, remarkable for its architecture blending Angkorian remains and more recent constructions.

Nearby, you'll reach the river island of Koh Pen , famous for its rural atmosphere. Between January and May, you can admire the iconic bamboo bridge, rebuilt annually during the dry season, while a permanent bridge now provides year-round access. Explore the island by bicycle, passing through villages and enjoying the peaceful landscapes of the Mekong.

At the end of the day, transfer to the Hanchey district for the night. Weather permitting, visit the Hanchey Pagoda, perched atop the hill of the same name, offering a superb panoramic view of the Mekong River and the surrounding countryside. Along the way, possible stops to observe sesame plantations and the vast rubber tree fields typical of the region.

In the morning, you take the road towards Kratie . Leaving Kampong Cham, a first stop in the village of Steung Trong allows you to discover the agricultural landscapes that border the Mekong: green rice paddies and varied crops such as peanuts, jicama or sweet potato beans, illustrating the great fertility of this river region.

Further north, the scenery changes in the rural district of Krouch Chhmar . A short walk of about 30 minutes through the heart of the tobacco plantations offers the opportunity to meet the locals and get a glimpse of daily life in rural Cambodia, far from the usual tourist routes.

The road continues towards Kratie , a peaceful provincial town nestled on the banks of the mighty Mekong River, renowned for its serene atmosphere and natural landscapes. You then proceed to the village of Kampi , located north of the town, where you embark on a river trip in search of Irrawaddy dolphins , rare freshwater dolphins now threatened with extinction.

Depending on the conditions, observation can be done by kayak , for an even quieter and more environmentally friendly approach.

Back in Kratie, a short boat trip takes you to the river island of Koh Trong . On foot or by bicycle, you can explore this timeless island, discovering Khmer villages, tropical gardens, and scenes of local life. An authentic and immersive experience in the heart of the Mekong.

In the morning , you will travel towards the Phnom Penh region. On the way, a possible stop in the town of Skun , famous for its unusual market where grilled spiders and insects are among the local specialties, is available for an unusual and optional gastronomic break.

Upon arrival near Phnom Penh, you will proceed to the pier to cross the Mekong River by ferry to Koh Dach , nicknamed "Silk Island". This peaceful island of approximately 20,000 inhabitants is renowned for its traditional weaving crafts and its preserved rural atmosphere.

Koh Dach is best explored at a leisurely pace, on foot or by bicycle, along paths lined with fruit trees, cultivated fields, and the tranquil banks of the Mekong River. A small, developed beach also offers a place to cool off, depending on the season.

Next, you'll visit the Chamka Sne silk factory, where the various stages of production are presented, from raising silkworms to weaving the threads, perpetuating an ancestral craft. Along the way, numerous pagodas dot the landscape, bearing witness to the local spiritual life.

At the end of the day, check into your hotel on the island. The rest of the time is free to enjoy the surrounding peace and quiet and the authentic charm of the place.

In the morning, transfer via the only highway currently in operation in Cambodia towards the Sihanoukville pier, a southern seaside resort renowned for its fine sandy beaches and the main access point to the paradise islands of Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem .

Upon arrival, you will be met by our local team who will provide you with your tickets before boarding. We will then take a boat to Koh Rong Samloem , a peaceful island with turquoise waters and a pristine atmosphere.

The boat staff will keep half of the ticket; please keep the other half safe for the return journey.

Upon arrival on the island, you will be met and transferred to your accommodation. Check in to your hotel, then enjoy some free time to relax, take advantage of the beach, go for a swim, or simply savor the peace and natural beauty of this idyllic setting. This first day on the island is dedicated to relaxation and letting go.

Free days at your convenience

After breakfast and checking out of your rooms , you will board at 9:30 am for the return boat trip to Sihanoukville, following the same route as on the way there.

Upon arrival at the pier, your driver will be waiting for you for a final transfer via the country's only highway , heading towards Phnom Penh . This fast route provides direct access to the international airport for your return flight.

Important : This itinerary is only possible if your flight departs at 4:30 PM or later . If your flight departs in the morning, an additional night in Phnom Penh is required the night before.

Day without a French-speaking guide.