Khmer adventure, from deep green to sacred stones

Next, let's visit the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda, true jewels of Khmer architecture built in the mid-19th century.

(The dress code at the Royal Palace is quite strict: shoulders and knees must be covered).

A visit to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, a former high school in Phnom Penh that the Khmer Rouge transformed into an interrogation, torture, and death center. It is the largest detention and torture center under the Pol Pot regime and will reveal a very painful chapter in Cambodian history.

We then have the choice of visiting several local markets depending on the time we have left and the purchases you plan to make (ask your guide for advice): the Central Market, the Russian Market and the Orrusey Market are the main markets in the city.

After breakfast and checking out of our room, we meet our driver and head towards Kampong Thom province.

Upon arrival, we discover the magnificent pre-Angkorian temples of Sambor Prei Kuk. This archaeological site has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since July 2017, thanks to its status as an ancient capital before the rise of the Khmer Empire, which would establish itself in Angkor a few centuries later. It is a pivotal site at the crossroads of Buddhist, Hindu, animist, and even Persian and Greek cultures, dating back to the 7th century AD, as we will discover.

We ended the day with a one-hour scooter tour of the village (passenger only), exploring the Kampong Thom countryside and its beautiful rural landscapes, meeting farmers, their animals, and enjoying the smiles of children. The track was lined with small wooden houses with thatched or palm-leaf roofs. These traditional Khmer-style houses are nestled alongside streams. We especially enjoyed the stunning sunset over the rice paddies.

Ride in the company of an English-speaking guide/motorcycle driver from the Sambor Prei Kuk community.

We finally settle in with a local family in the rural community of Sambor Prei Kuk; the rest of the day is free.

This morning, you'll be heading towards Siem Reap . About 60 km before arriving, a stop is a must in the village of Kampong Kdei to admire the remarkable Preah Tos bridge. Lined with naga sculptures, this impressive structure, nearly 100 meters long and over a thousand years old, is still used by pedestrians and cyclists today.

You then continue to the temple of Beng Mealea , a mysterious, largely restored sanctuary, now overgrown with vegetation and the roots of strangler figs. This spectacular site notably served as a backdrop for the film Two Brothers , directed by Jean-Jacques Annaud in 2004. Upon arrival in Siem Reap, check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free, ideal for relaxing or enjoying your new surroundings.

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

Inside Angkor Thom, you explore the Bayon and its towers with monumental faces, the Baphuon with its impressive reclining Buddha, as well as Phimeanakas , the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King , rich in bas-reliefs and sculptures.

The visit continues with Ta Prohm , famous for its gigantic trees with intertwined roots that embrace the ruins, offering a unique and photogenic atmosphere.

Depending on your wishes and the crowds, the day can end with a peaceful sunset at Srah Srang , or from the heights of Phnom Bakheng (access regulated and limited).

To ensure a comfortable visit, some minor temples on the shorter circuit are intentionally excluded, but can be added upon request to your guide. The route can also be adjusted to avoid crowds. Respect for sacred sites and appropriate attire are required throughout the day.

The day begins with a visit to the APOPO organization, known 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 medical activities. Visits are conducted in small groups, sometimes shared with other visitors.

You then continue with a short hike to the Kbal Spean site, nicknamed the "underwater temple." This sacred 9th-century site houses numerous intricately carved lingas in the riverbed. A small nearby waterfall offers a refreshing break, 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 finesse and richness of its bas-reliefs, contrasting with the monumentality of Angkor Wat or the Bayon .

On the way back to Siem Reap, a stop at the village of Preah Dak offers a true immersion in rural Cambodia. A stroll through the local market reveals Khmer specialties such as tnaot and banh chok , and encounters with artisans showcase traditional crafts: basketry, palm sugar making, weaving, ceramics, and other skills punctuate this authentic end to the day.

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 and laid the foundations of Khmer civilization. You will explore this vast natural site, a major pilgrimage destination for Cambodians.

The morning is dedicated to climbing Phnom Kulen, nicknamed the "Lychee Mountain". At the summit, 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 first capital of the Khmer Empire, also known as Hariharalaya. This site marks the beginning of the Angkorian period and houses several major temples, built of brick, laterite, and sandstone.

You'll visit Preah Ko and Lolei, Hindu temples that now protect Buddhist pagodas, before concluding with Bakong , an impressive temple-mountain. From its heights, you'll enjoy a superb viewpoint to admire the sunset, offering a peaceful and symbolic end to this historically rich day.

The morning begins with an excursion to the village of Kampong Phluk , located on Tonlé Sap Lake, 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. Depending on the water level, small canoes will allow you to navigate through the flooded forest, offering a peaceful immersion in the heart of the mangroves. During the dry season, the excursion may be adapted according to the water conditions.

You then head towards the center of the country in the direction of Kratie, with a stop in Kampong Cham . You visit the temple of Nokor Bachey , remarkable for its architecture blending Angkorian remains and more recent constructions.

Not far from there, explore Koh Pen by bicycle, an authentic river island surrounded by the Mekong. Between January and May, you can see the famous bamboo bridge, rebuilt every year during the dry season, while a permanent bridge now allows access year-round.

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 panoramic views of the Mekong River and the surrounding countryside. Along the way, stops are possible to observe the sesame plantations and vast rubber tree fields that dot the rural landscape.

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, evidence of the exceptional fertility of this 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 tranquil 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.

As an option, depending on the conditions, observation can be done by kayak (please contact us).

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, with its Khmer villages, tropical gardens, and peaceful landscapes. An authentic and captivating immersion into the heart of Mekong island life.

In the morning , you set off towards Phnom Penh . On the way, a possible stop in the town of Skun , famous for its unusual market of grilled insects, including the famous spiders, for a surprising but optional gastronomic break.

Upon arrival in the Phnom Penh region, you will proceed to the pier to cross the Mekong River by ferry to Koh Dach , also known as "Silk Island". This peaceful island of approximately 20,000 inhabitants is renowned for its traditional crafts and 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. The island also boasts a small, developed beach, ideal for swimming depending on the season.

You will visit the Chamka Sne silk factory, where the various stages of production are presented: from raising silkworms to weaving the threads, perpetuating an ancestral know-how. Along the way, numerous pagodas dot the landscape and bear 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 atmosphere of this timeless place.

Free time before your transfer to Phnom Penh International Airport (included; we will arrange the transfer according to your flight schedule).

Note: You will need to vacate your room before noon. If your flight is in the evening, you can leave your luggage at the hotel reception for a final stroll around town.