VC07B Cambodia Explorer ( 5 days / 4 nights )

Phnom Penh – Kratie – Mondulkiri – Kg. Cham – Kg. Thom – Siem Reap

Day 1   Phnom Penh – Kratie

Drive to Kratie (approximatly 315kms/5hrs), a small town that retains its colonial-era charm and is known as the best location to spot the rare freshwater Irrawaddy Dolphins.  On the way, we stop en-route to see Chhlong, a small town dotted with elegant French buildings before continuing to Kratie. Upon arrival, check in hotel. In the afternoon, we will visit the old colonial town of Kratie and proceeding the drive to see the dolphins at Kampi pool (The best time to see dolphins is during the dry season from January-August.).

Overnight in Kratie.

Day 2   Kratie – Mondulkiri

After breakfast, we drive to eastward to the elevated capital of Mondulkiri Province, Sen Monorom where unique flora and fauna are abundant. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel.  In the afternoon, we drive 37kms 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 same afternoon, we will also visit the weaving village of Busra before returning to town.

Overnight in Mondulkiri.  [Breakfast]

Day 3   Mondulkiri – Elephant Valley Project

This morning, we will spend a half day with one 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 day volunteering work on the project in the afternoon.  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 4   Mondulkiri – Kompong Cham – Kg. Thom

After breakfast, we drive 250kms/4hrs to Kompong Cham, one of Cambodia’s largest towns, located on the banks of the mighty Mekong River and exploring some French colonial houses, nearby Chup rubber plantations and visit the unique Angkorian Temple of Wat Nokor, 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).  Continuing the drive to Kg. Thom with stop en-route to visit the 11th century Wat Kohear Nokor to meet local monks and villagers.  Arrive and check in at hotel.   Overnight in Kg. Thom.  [Breakfast]

Day 5   Kompong Thom – Sambor Prei Kuk – Siem Reap

In the morning drive 30 km to the 7th century Sambor Prei Kuk temple. Along the way observe everyday life of rural Cambodia.  Visit the ancient capital of Chenla with its 100 temples dating from the pre-Angkor period. The complex at Ishanapura is composed of four groups of temples that are among the most ancient surviving examples of Khmer architecture.  After lunch, drive to Siem Reap.  [Breakfast]