+44 (0)20 8741 7390 Ancient, fascinating and at times tragic, Cambodia s history is steeped in the blood of the Khmers. This comprehensive journey through one of Southeast Asia s most charismatic countries takes you from the streets of its stylish capital and along the Mekong River to explore the majesty of the magnificent temples of Angkor. In sharp contrast to Phnom Penh s harrowing reminders of the Pol Pot regime, the landscapes of Mondulkiri offer a chance to enjoy the unsullied wilds of northeastern Cambodia. You ll visit tribal villages and spend a day trekking through the jungle with rescued elephants, before heading for the waters of the Mekong to search for rare Irrawaddy dolphins. Continuing into the heart of Cambodia s rubber country, you then head for Siem Reap and the spectacular setting of the Angkor Archaeological Park, without doubt one of the most important historical sites anywhere in Asia. After a chance to take in the iconic ruins of Angkor Wat and the Bayon your journey then continues to Battambang, to explore the rural charm of its countryside and the remarkable floating communities of Tonle Sap. HIGHLIGHTS: Spend a day trekking through the jungle with rescued domestic elephants in Mondulkiri Visit Phnom Penh, the capital and beating heart of the new, stylish Cambodia Spot rare Irrawaddy Dolphins on the Mekong River Discover the majesty of the lost city of Angkor with an expert guide Experience rural life and floating villages in Battambang, Cambodia's second city TOUR INCLUDES: 7 nights boutique hotel accommodation, 4 nights three star hotel, 1 night guesthouse, 1 night lodge 13 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 3 dinners Private guided sightseeing including all entrance fees Private driver & vehicle Private guided transfers to and from all airports *Please note the prices shown above are based on two persons sharing a twin or double room
ITINERARY DAY 1: PHNOM PENH Arrive Phnom Penh, Cambodia's capital city and transfer to your hotel. DAY 2: PHNOM PENH Today there is a city tour including visits to the Royal Palace, National Museum, Silver Pagoda and Central Market. Later visit the harrowing TuolSleng Genocide Museum before taking an excursion out of town to the memorial built in the infamous Killing Fields. (B) DAY 3: PHNOM PENH - KOMPONG CHAM - MONDULKIRI This morning drive to Kompong Cham, situated on the west bank of the Mekong and previously famous for its rubber plantations. Embark on a sightseeing tour to view some fine examples of colonial architecture before enjoying a local lunch. Later, visit Wat Nokor, a 12th century Mahayana Buddhist shrine. Continue east towards the small junction town of Snuol, your gateway to the wilds of Mondulkiri. (B,L,D) DAY 4: MONDULKIRI After breakfast, head out west to the less visited tribal village of Domrei Choan. This area offers a typical Mondulkiri experience as you follow trails used by the local tribal villagers to venture into the lush forest, eventually leading you to Pnong villages, where you will learn about their traditional way of life. After lunch, continue through the forest often passing by villagers foraging in the forest or planting crops in the clearings. Return to Mondulkiri town. (B,L,D) DAY 5: MONDULKIRI After breakfast travel to the nearby Elephant Valley Project which, with the support of the Bunong villagers, rescues and treats domestic elephants who have suffered injury and abuse. You will be introduced to the herd of elephants and get to know more about their history, character, behaviour, while walking alongside them in their natural environment. After lunch, you will undertake a walking trek with the elephants through the stunning Mondulkiri countryside to a waterfall for a refreshing swim and elephant bath. (B,L,D)
DAY 6: MONDULKIRI - KRATIE - KOH TRONG Leaving behind the wilderness of Mondulkiri, drive to Kratie a charming port on the Mekong River. You may encounter the rare freshwater Irrawaddy dolphins that inhabit the upper reaches of the Mekong. From here you will head over to the island of Koh Trong on the Mekong River where you spend the night. The afternoon is at leisure or you may decide to cycle around the island and visit the villagers and pagodas. (B) DAY 7: KOH TRONG - KRATIE - SIEM REAP Leaving sleepy Kratie you'll continue to Siem Reap. Along the way you'll stop and view the spectacular Khmer bridge at Spean Praptos and visit a silk farm, travelling through the heart of Cambodia's rubber country, arriving in Siem Reap in time to see the sunset over the magnificent Angkor Temples. (B) DAY 8: SIEM REAP Today's highlights include Angkor Wat and the fortified city of Angkor Thom, at the centre of which lies the Bayon, one of the most evocative sights at Angkor. (B) DAY 9: SIEM REAP Today enjoy a full day guided tour of the Angkor Grand Circuit which includes visits to among others Ta Prohm, Preah Khan, Preah Neah Pean and Ta Som. In the afternoon visit Banteay Samre and the remarkably well preserved Banteay Srei - its rose-pink sandstone walls are amongst the most elaborately decorated in Angkor. (B) DAY 10: SIEM REAP Today is free for you to relax at your hotel or walk around the town. (B) DAY 11: SIEM REAP - BATTAMBANG You travel by speedboat (shared service) along the Sangker River to the charming city of Battambang, passing near Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary. After lunch, you follow the Sangker River to the Angkorian temple of Wat Ek Phnom, dating from the 11th century. You return to town for a stroll around the market and dinner. (B)
DAY 12: BATTAMBANG This morning you'll set out by bicycle on a unique tour that not only provides an insight into the Cambodian countryside and daily life, but also supports the local economy and culture. You'll stop en route at local cottage industries to see and learn how people have earned a living for generations. At each stop you can sample the produce and talk with the producers, with the aid of our specially trained guides. The trail follows quiet, flat and partially shaded country roads and the total distance travelled is 25-30km. This afternoon you'll visit the hilltop temple of Phnom Banan, dating back to the 11th Century, and offering some great views. (B) DAY 13: BATTAMBANG - KOMPONG CHHNANG - KOMPONG LUONG - PHNOM PENH Depart Battambang and travel east through typical Cambodian landscapes with endless rice fiends dotted with sugar palms to the busy riverside town of Kompong Chhnang, to visit a local potter village. Next, you reach the incredible floating town of Kompong Luong - the largest floating community on the Tonle Sap Lake, where almost 10,000 inhabitants live. Everything floats on water, including the schools, the clinic, the shops and the petrol station! You'll explore the town by boat and experience life in a real floating community, untouched by mass tourism. After lunch continue east to Phnom Penh arriving late in the afternoon. (B) DAY 14: PHNOM PENH Transfer to the airport to begin your journey home. (B)
ACCOMMODATION KOH TRONG RAJABORI VILLAS Rajabori Villas is a great property with a fantastic location out on a secluded section of an island in the middle of the Mekong River. The rooms, which are traditional Khmer wooden houses, are beautifully constructed and finished off with some stunning French Indochine décor. With no cars the island is a peaceful escape from the busy town of Kratie and a great place to base yourself for a night or two where you can relax and take a boat to get a glimpse of the famous fresh water Irrawaddy dolphins. PHNOM PENH THE PLANTATION The newest boutique offering in Phnom Penh's booming hotel scene is located behind the Royal Palace in the historical center of Phnom Penh. the newly opened Plantation Resort and Spa offers all of the services you'd expect of a quality resort right in the centre of the city. The reception building dates back to the thirties and was most probably built by the French. SEN MONOROM MAYURA HILL RESORT The best hotel in Sen Monorom, Mayura Hill Resort is a great option for those exploring more off the beaten track in the beautiful Mondulkiri area. The 10 bungalow rooms are large and well-equipped with a stylish modern feel, and the menu at the restaurant has a great selection of both Khmer and western food and the breakfast is a la carte. With a lovely outdoor swimming pool, and friendly efficient service, this is a great property with a very rural charm that is the perfect base from which to explore this beautiful more remote part of Cambodia. SIEM REAP - ANGKOR MONTRA NIVESHA Montra Nivesha brings accommodation with a personal touch, and perfectly exemplifies the concept of 'boutique guesthouse'. While there are only 13 rooms, these are thoughtfully finished in wood and elegantly decorated in traditional Khmer style. Tropical gardens and a full array of leisure facilities (such as soothing spa and swimming pool) make this an idyllic retreat from which to explore the Angkor Temples. Wild Frontiers Adventure Travel Ltd Tel +44 (0)20 8741 7390 Email info@wildfrontierstravel.com Website wildfrontierstravel.com