Family and Friends Incredible Cambodia Adventure

📍 Transfer from airport to hotel: 20 minutes Difficulty: Easy

Welcome to Cambodia!

Upon arrival at the Siem Reap International Airport you will have fast track Visa service including your visa fee.  Please look for your name on a signboard as you exit the aircraft.  Once outside after you clear customs, meet your Adventure guide who will transfer you to the hotel.   

Enjoy the rest of your day recovering from the flight and have a great meal as you get prepared for the next several days of Adventure!

Dinner at Chanrey Restaurant.

Overnight in Siem Reap
 

Inclusions:

🍗 Dinner

📍 Transfer from Angkor Complex to hotel: 20 minutes Difficulty: Easy

Set out to explore Angkor Wat via bicycle this morning, pedaling through dense jungles of the magnificent temples of Angkor.
Begin with a visit to Ta Prohm temple (a setting of one of the Tomb Raider films), built in the mid-12th to early 13th centuries in dedication to Jayavarman VII’s mother. Ta Prohm is unique in that it has been left largely as it was found: overgrown by jungle, trees and vines, with many parts of the temple crumbling to the ground. This makes Ta Prohm one of the most picturesque and memorable of the Angkor temples.
From Ta Prohm, dive back into the jungle and pedal through hidden passages to the ruins of Ta Nei (Grandfather Nei) and Preah Khan (dedicated to Jayavarman VII’s father) before heading to Angkor Thom. This was the last capital of the Great Khmer Empire under the reign of Jayavarman VII. An eight meter high wall draws a perfect square around the city ruin. Enter through the ancient East Gate. On each side of the entrance path a row of fifty-four gods and demons hold the sacred Naga snake of Hindu lore.
From the walls of Angkor Thom, head inward for Bayon Temple in the exact center of the city. This 12th century masterpiece is a study in grandeur and is well-known for its fifty-four towers with enigmatic faces representing the fifty-four provinces of the Great Khmer Empire. The Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King are also must-visits as they are both known for their intricate bas-reliefs.
Southward now, through Angkor Thom to the famous Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world. It was originally constructed as a Hindu temple of god Vishnu gradually transforming into a Buddhist temple toward the end of the 12th century.  Built during the reign of King Suryavarman II, Angkor Wat is constructed following the model of the temple mountain symbolizing Mount Meru, the home of the gods. Inside the temple, the walls are covered with stone carvings and bas-reliefs depicting Hindu mythology and the wars Suryavarman II fought during his reign. Angkor Wat is well known for the more than 2,000 Apsara dancers decorating the temple. Construction is thought to have taken around thirty years of intensive labor. Today, Angkor Wat is figured on Cambodia's national flag as the temple symbolizes the soul of the Khmer people.
One of the first Western visitors to the temple was António da Madalena, a Portuguese monk who visited in 1586 and said that it "is of such extraordinary construction that it is not possible to describe it with a pen, particularly since it is like no other building in the world. It has towers and decoration and all the refinements which the human genius can conceive of." 
Tonight, enjoy an evening show and go see Phare Ponleu Selpak (PPS), which means “the brightness of art.” Phare is a cultural organization in Cambodia that offers young people a way out of poverty by training them to become professional artists and performers. PPS teaches circus skills, theater performance, music and a range of visual arts. It combines local traditions with new creative and innovative genres. This Cambodian non-profit association steers underprivileged children and youth towards a better quality of life through cultural, artistic, educational and social skills.  Take part to this extraordinary human adventure and witness for one evening the astonishing skills of these young artists.   

Overnight in Siem Reap.
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Cycling to Beng Mealea: About 55km Transfer to Koh Ker: About 45 min Transfer to Sra Aem: About 2 hours Difficulty: Medium

Today is a fantastic day!  After an early breakfast, meet your guide and begin a lovely cycle ride to the famous Beng Mealea temple.  It’s about a 55km ride on back roads and you will see the real Cambodia.  You have the option to transfer by aircon vehicle anytime you like.  It’s up to you.

After visiting the temple, transfer by vehicle about 45 minutes to Koh Ker, and see the fabulous ruins.

Under the reign of the kings Jayavarman IV and Harshavarman II, Koh Ker was briefly the capital of the whole empire and more than ten thousand people lived here during that time (928 – 944 AD).  With over 70 temples as well as the highest pyramid style temple in Cambodia, the main Koh Ker temple will remind you of the ancient Mayan ruins in Mexico.  
Enjoy trekking to various temples and learn about the history from your knowledgeable guide.  This amazing archaeological site, today located in a remote area, is on its way to being classified by UNESCO’s World heritage. 
Afterwards, take a 2 hour transfer to the small town of Sra Aem and check into a great hotel with pool and enjoy the rest of your day.
Overnight in Sra Aem
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Transfer to Preah Vihear: About 30 min Drive to Preah Rumkel: About 3 hours Cycling: About 30km but can transfer in van anytime Difficulty: Medium

Today is a fantastic day!  After an early breakfast, meet your guide transfer about 30 minutes.

Climb into a 4WD vehicle and then ascend the steep mountain to the top.  Take a couple of hours to explore this incredible temple complex.

Prasat Preah Vihear has the most spectacular setting of all the temples built during the six-centuries-long Khmer Empire during the reigns of the Khmer Kings Suryavarman I (1006–1050) and Suryavarman II (1113–1150) and was built to better worship the Hindu god Shiva.   At the base of the mountain, hop on a 4x4 vehcile and transfer to the top.  On arrival at you will be rewarded with fabulous views over Cambodia’s and Thailand’s fertile plains. The impressive ruins reach skyward to nearly 525 meters, perched on the edge of cliffs with amazing views over the seemingly endless Cambodian jungle to the south. The temple is not yet restored but has spectacular carvings and lintels which are almost as splendid as those at Banteay Srei.   The spectacular location paired with a unique temple design is the reason UNESCO listed Preah Vihear as a World Heritage Site. 
Upon descent, it is time for the next chapter of today’s adventure:  Hop into a 4WD US Army-Style Jeep and drive 100km west ward along the Dangrek Mountain Chain that separates Cambodia from Thailand.  You have the option to drive this yourself or to let the Jeep guides drive for you.  It is pretty remote out here and very nice.  This will take about 2-3 hours or so until you reach Kampong SreLao, a small community right on the Mekong River across from Laos.  Here, you will hop onto your mountain bikes (Trek X-caliber 7 series).  For about 24km, traverse along the Mekong in this very beautiful area.  Arrive at the Sokhapheamit Waterfalls and take a break and stand in awe of this spectacular series of rapids.

Afterwards, it’s a nice 9km ride to your hotel right on the river.  It is a basic hotel but relatively new and will be a comfortable stay.  
Note:  You have the option to stop cycling at any time and get into the air-conditioned vehicle.  Don’t worry.  You also have the option to skip cycling and go by US Army Jeep all the way to hotel.

Meet your kayaking guide in the late afternoon and take a 1km test run across the river to Laos, Don Khone Island (you don’t need a visa for this).  Alternately, take the ride across by motor boat. Enjoy a nice, but not super fancy, authentic Laos dinner and then kayak or boat back for the evening.  Your kayaking guide and adventure guide will go with you for dinner and give a full briefing on what to expect tomorrow.

Get a good night’s rest.  What a day!

Overnight in Preah Rumkel
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Kayaking: About 20-30km but can transfer in boat anytime Difficulty: Medium / Hard

This morning, it’s time to pair up and get outfitted for your kayaks.  Spend some time near the lodge to get used to your gear and get psyched up.
Start your paddle southwards towards Stung Treng, about 65km downstream.  Pass lovely scenery and paddle through the sunken forests.  Spot an occasional dolphin.  See the fishermen with their nets.  Passing longtail boats along the way with smiling faces and waving.  This and much more will be part of your experience over the next few days.  Sometimes the current is flat, sometimes the current is moving fast.  Eddies and whirlpools and the gentle sounds of the paddles as they gracefully paddle downriver.  
A support boat will always be nearby just in case and will also carry your camping gear, bedding, food, water and supplies.   Expect to go about 20-30km today by paddle.  If needed, you will transfer by boat to the camping / homestay site.  You can also stop and get in the support boat at any time if you are tired.
Take pictures and enjoy the day until you reach today’s stopping point, an authentic Khmer Homestay at a local’s house.  They will have electricity and a basic toilet, as well as a “bucket shower”, something you should try at least once in your life☺.  Note:  you may also sleep in a nice tent with comfortable bedding tonight.  Please advice on your preference.
Enjoy the stars and the sounds of the Mekong as you BBQ by the campfire and share your stories of the past two days.  Wow!
Note to our guests:  Depending on the river conditions, water speed, and true-life circumstances on the ground (and in the river), we may need to modify the route, timing, distances, etc.  We may need to cancel or alter certain sections based on reality and safety.  We may need to do some transfers by vehicle.  Safety comes first and the guide will have 100% authority to alter per his experience and assessment of the strength of all members of the group.  He may also, based on his experience, dictate who shares a kayak with who, based on the strength of kayakers.
Overnight camping or homestay on the Mekong

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Kayaking: About 20-30 km but can transfer in boat anytime Transfer about 4 hours by van Difficulty: Medium / Hard

Wake up to a nice camp breakfast and prepare to kayak again.  Enjoy another 20-30km of the remote lives of the fishermen and villages dotted along the river.  Sand islands, sunken forests, and raw nature continue. 

Depending on the current and how far you’ve made it, either arrive in Stung Treng or transfer by boat to meet the van on the side of the river.  Transfer by van 4 hours or so back to Siem Reap and check back into your hotel.

Tonight, have a nice hot shower and relax and have dinner at or near the hotel.  You’ve earned a night off!

Overnight in Siem Reap
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Difficulty: Easy / Medium

Today after breakfast, spend the morning doing ziplines inside the Angkor Park on Angkor Zipline (formerly Flight of the Gibbon).  Zoom from tree to tree from these raised platforms nestled in the jungles of Angkor.  It is so much fun.  Note:  depending on group size, you may be joined by others during this experience.  Please wear proper sport shoes.  Enjoy lunch afterward at the Angkor Zipline Park.

Transfer and spend some time at hotel before embarking on a great tour.  An unforgettable experience as you will ride an ATV quad bike especially designed for off road terrain through the beautiful countryside of Siem Reap Province. The guided tour will take you to local villages, where you can learn about the way of life in rural Cambodia and have the chance to meet and chat with the wonderful and friendly people. The highlight of the tour is the sunset in the rice fields.
Return to the hotel to freshen up and then go to your farewell dinner.
Overnight in Siem Reap
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

Wake up early and transfer to the Siem Reap airport for your flight to Phnom Penh.  Directly from the airport, embark on a very interesting ½ day architecture tour of the city this afternoon after having lunch at the famous FCC, or Foreign Correspondent’s Club) right next to the Royal Palace.

This afternoon depart on a Khmer Architecture walking and car tour that will take you on a fascinating discovery of Cambodian architecture from both the colonial times and the late 1950s and 1960s, a both culturally and politically vibrant time. During that era, an en vogue ‘New Khmer Architecture’ was emerging uniquely focused on integrating an international style while still being aware of local tradition, materials and climate.
Check into your hotel and relax a bit before having a fantastic, high end meal at the French restaurant, VANS.  You will love it!
Overnight in Phnom Penh
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Transfer to airport: About 45 min

After breakfast, meet your guide and take a short transfer to the riverfront.  Embark on a ½ day morning walking tour.

First, head to the Royal Palace. This palace dates back to 1866 and houses the Silver Pagoda, named for the over 5000 heavy silver tiles that cover its floors. Its original name is Wat Prakeo, meaning Temple of the Emerald Buddha. In this temple you will view a collection of Buddhas in gold, silver, crystal, and bronze.

Your next stop is the National Museum, built in traditional Khmer style. It houses the world's foremost collection of ancient Khmer artistic, archaeological, and religious artifacts from the 4th to the 13th centuries. Over 5,000 pieces are on display, constituting the repository of the Kingdom's cultural wealth. In addition, the roof space is home to a large bat colony!  

End today’s this morning’s journey at the Bopha Titanic Restaurant right on the river and have lunch.

After lunch, transfer to the airport for departure.  

What a great trip!

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch