VC07A Cambodia Revealed ( 8 days / 7 nights )

Stung Treng - Kratie - Mondulkiri - Kompong Cham - Phnom Penh 

Day 1 Arrival at Laos – Cambodia Border – Stung Treng

Arrive at the Cambodia/Laos border and after visa processing, meet with the Cambodian local tour guide and travel down to the boat dock where we will board a boat and navigate for an additional half an hour to the Cambodia/Laos border Community-Based Tourism, Preah Rumkel (the boat is a little bit noisy so it is suggested that everyone should use earplugs or something similar to minimize the sound. Travel by boat for around 30 minutes, 4pax/each, lifejackets provided). Some key highlights of the Preah Rumkel Community-Based Tourism are the flooded forest, endangered Irrawaddy Dolphins, unique biodiversity and the people. Upon arrival, one can stroll around to observe local livelihood, play volleyball with the locals, take a leisurely boat ride to catch a glimpse of the endangered Irrawaddy Dolphins in Anlong Cheu Teal Pool or take in a traditional performance by Mlop Baitong children (traditional performance is optional at a cost of 30 - 40 US$).

Overnight in Preah Rumkel [Breakfast]

Day 2 Preah Rumkel – Sopheak Mitt Waterfalls – Preah Rumkel

Our journey today is quite interesting and some highlights include a boat trip, trekking through the forest and more. After breakfast, get ready and we will board our boat for around 7km/1hr cruise against the current witnessing heart-stirring and scenic views on the river, as well as catching a glimpse of various birds. Our journey today is to head for Sopheak Mitt Waterfall where we will spend time to relax and enjoy the serene atmosphere and to enjoy our packed lunch (packed lunch arranged by the community). Before reaching the falls we will dock and start our trekking for approximately 3.3Km, up and download the hills, crossing streams, snaked through the jungle (dependent on individuals’ physical strength, some may finish the trekking trip early than others. The rest of the day is free to relax). In the dry season from December to May, the water level of the Mekong River is low and the water as well as the waterfalls is very clear and wonderful.

Overnight in Preah Rumkel [Breakfast]

Day 3 Preah Rumkel – O’ Svay – Stung Treng Women’s Development Center – Kratie

Arise early to witness a breathtaking sunrise over the horizon and to see local fishermen start their day. After breakfast in the commune, board a boat and navigate to another community-based tourism site, O’ Svay via a beautiful Ramsar Wetland (the boat is a bit noisy and takes around 20mn, 4pax/each, lifejackets provided). En route via Anlong Chheuteal, there is a chance to witness the rare Irrawaddy Dolphin. Upon arrival at O’Svay, a car will be waiting to pick us up and travel direct to visit Stung Treng Women’s Development Center (SWDC) before continue heading for Ratanakiri (140km, approx. 2.5hrs.) There is a possibility to have lunch at Mekong Blue Restaurant (please advise one day in advance whether or not to have lunch so that the center will be able to prepare beforehand) and visit the center afterwards. Established in January 2001 by Mrs. Ngoun Chantha who used to work for Medicins Sans Frontiéres (MSF) and Partners for Development (PFD), SWDC evolved into a training and development center aimed at providing vulnerable women with basic literacy, health/nutrition and childcare education. A visit to the center is both an opportunity to learn about the process of sericulture being carried out by the women and a chance to contribute to the improvement of the local livelihood by purchasing the silk products made by these women. You will have an opportunity to discover the silk production process from the growing of mulberry tree and feeding the silkworm to the silk dying and weaving. (The Centre is open from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. and from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Saturday. If a group arrives on Sunday, we will skip this centre and drive directly to Kratie and stop en route to visit Kampi Pool to watch for the rare Irrawaddy Dolphin. Upon arrival in Kratie, board a local ferry heading to the last destination of the day, the Koh Trong Community Based Tourism Site. Koh Trong is an island situated in the middle of the Mekong River directly opposite the town of Kratie

Overnight at Home stay in Koh Trong [Breakfast]

Day 4 Kratie – Mondulkiri

After breakfast, we will explore a 9km circuit road around the island’s perimeter which provides opportunities for visitors to leisurely cycle or take an ox-cart through traditional Khmer villages, fruit orchards and rice fields while observing the rituals and routines of traditional village life. Keep an eye open for traditional rooftop decorations as the numbers on the top of the roof indicate house’s construction year. Some houses even date back to the 1960s. The highlight of the tour includes leisurely cycling or ox-carting on shady trail around the island, visiting a reforestation project where you can plant a tree with your name (optional), tasting a national renowned Koh Trong pomelos, visiting a floating village and pagodas and of course interacting with the villagers. After that, depart from the island to visit the old colonial town of Kratie before driving south to Chhlong, a small town dotted with fine French buildings. Continue eastward to the elevated capital of Mondulkiri Province, Sen Monorom with its unique flora and fauna. Upon arrival, check-in to your hotel.

Overnight in Mondulkiri [Breakfast]

Day 5 Mondulkiri – Bou Sraa Waterfall

Drive 37km to Bou Sraa Waterfall, the most impressive waterfall of all in Cambodia. It boasts an unusual double drop, plunging 15m and then 30m into the jungle below. In the afternoon, visit the weaving village of Busra before returning to town to explore Sen Monorom and its surrounding areas including Phnom Doh Kromom (Maiden Breast Hills) where you have a panoramic view over the town and can watch a sunset from the crest of the hill.

Overnight in Mondulkiri [Breakfast] 

Day 6   Mondulkiri – Elephant Valley Project

This morning, we will spend a half day with a family of elephants. The Elephant Valley Project currently has 12 beautiful elephants residing at the project, each with their own stories and personalities.  After lunch we will spend half a day volunteering for the project. Tasks include such activities as gardening, farming and participating in small building projects or the ongoing development of the site.

Overnight in Mondulkiri.  [Breakfast, Lunch] 

Day 7 Mondulkiri – Kompong Cham

Drive 250km to Kompong Cham, one of Cambodia’s largest towns, located on the banks of the mighty Mekong River. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel. After lunch, explore some French colonial houses, nearby Chup rubber plantations and Hanchey Temple.

Overnight in Kompong Cham [Breakfast]

Day 8 Kompong Cham – Phnom Penh

In the morning, visit the unique Angkorian Temple of Wat Nokor, an 11th century Mahayana Buddhist shrine built from sandstone and laterite. Pay a visit to the hilltop temples of Phnom Pros (Man Hill) and Phnom Srei (Woman Hill) before proceeding to Phnom Penh.

[Breakfast]