This adventurous trip introduces you the passion of the hidden Cambodia. You explore many minority villages in remote province of Ratanakiri before traveling by roads to Kratie, Kampong Cham and Kampong Thom. Staying overnight at Beng Mela, you share the food with local people , see their old age culture and visit the secluded temples in Koh Ker . The splendour of the Angkor Temples is all found in a your trip.

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrival - Phnom Penh 
On arrival at Po Chen Tong Airport , you are met by our guide and transferred to hotel. The capital of Cambodia, Phnom Penh lies near the confluence of the Mekong and Tonle Sap Rivers. This riverside town still maintains considerable charm despite its recent turbulent history. An afternoon city tour acquaints us with some major sights of Phnom Penh. The private quarters of the Royal Palaceare now home to the royal family and are therefore very close to the public. At the northern area of the palace grounds is Silver Pagoda, the most sacred temple in the country. We climb up a small hill to visit the legendary Wat Phnom and catch a fantastic view over the surrounding areas. O/N in Phnom Penh.

Day 2: Phnom Penh - Kompong Cham 
The painful bloody rule of the Khmer Rouge still can be seen at the Tuol SlengPrison Museum and the notorious ‘Killing Fields’ of Choeung Ek. We include these infamous sites in a morning tour before going to the Royal University of Fine Arts, where the young Cambodians learn the ancient arts of their ancestors. A view of numerous children practicing the graceful movements of the beautiful national dances is impressive. We follow it with the National Museum, exclusively dedicated to Khmer art and sculpture. The majority of the exhibits are from theAngkor period from 9th to 15th centuries, but some date from as early as the 4th century. Today we also have time strolling Psar Toul Tom Pong, also called the “ Russian Market”, where anything and everything is for sales! . Heading out of town we make our way to Kompong Cham, a charming town set by the MekongRiver. O/N in Kongpong Cham. (B)

Day 3: Kompong Cham - Stung Treng 
The modern comforts will be left behind as we travel into the remote northestern region. There are many sleepy villages linked to the road which is the main artery of trade between the northern region and the capital city. The drive is long and bumpy at time we can make stop as you please, to stretch your legs and catch some pictures. We arrive in the outpost town of Stung Treng by mid or late afternoon depending on roads and traffic conditions. There is not many things to see in Stung Treng apart from the countryside and few temples. O/N in Stung Treng. (B)

Day 4: Stung Treng - Rattanakiri - Ban Lung 
The overland journey continues with a half day drive towards the rugged land ofRattanakiri Province. On arrival in Ban Lung Town we spend our time to visit some nearby sites. We take a short drive to Wat Phnom Soui, giving us a chance to catch the first view over the plateau and Banlung Town. We continue to Cha Oug Waterfalls and Yeak Laom Park. This protected area is looked after and managed by the regional authority .The main attraction of this area is Yeak LaomLake, a volcanic crater lake believed to have been created about 700,000 years ago. The spectacular lake Surrounded by forest up to the crater is a beautiful oasis and a great place for a refreshing swim! We will walk along the lakeside and visit the simple visitor center, which exhibits different tools from the various tribes. O/N in Ban Lung. (B,L)

Day 5: Ban Lung - Tampoum Totems - Ban Lung 
Today we spend a full day exploring the upstream are of the Se San River. The road conditions are very poor in this mountainous region therefore it is somewhat arduous to go overland. Along the way we make stop at Voeune Say, a village set by the Se San River. We stroll around this community and are sure to attract attention since this part of the country receive very few tourists. Upon leaving Voeune Say, we embark a traditional wooden long boat for a thrilling trip along the scenic Se San River, giving us a taste of adventure and an enjoyable visit to the Tampoun, Kroeng and Brou minority people. They have settled there long time ago and make for the main local population. These tribe groups are very poor but have an interesting local history and a colourful culture. O/N in Ban Lung. (B,L)

Day 6: Ban Lung - Kroeung Territori - Ban Lung 
The traditional market in Ban Lung also attracts a wide array of mountaineers who converge from the surrounding the mountainsides to trade their goods. We visit this conglomeration before we set off on a drive northwards. We pass through various scenic landscape changing from the volcanic lava field of Veyrum Plang to Kroeung village. The Kroeung people have the curious custom of erecting bachelor houses standing on long bamboo poles. These houses will remain so till the young man finds a wife. At this seldom visited village we enjoy a walk to explore the simple life style of local people. They wear distinctive costumes and live in bamboo rustic huts. The next stop is Bai Srog , an impressive waterfall with seven levels in the middle of the forest. This is a pleasant stop to stretch our legs and enjoy a refreshment swim. O/N in Ban Lung. (B, L)

Day 7: Ban Lung - Kratie 
An early morning start to drive towards Kratie. These back roads are a great way to explore the real Cambodia. We see very few other travellers, mostly rural dwellers who are just as interested in finding out about our lives as we are of theirs. The atmosphere is peaceful and the roadsides of Kratie Town are spotted with many charming Khmer houses. Heading out of town we make our way to explore a temple complex containing Phnom Sambok and Kampi. They are some highlights in this region. The nearby temples of Phnom Srey and Phnom Pros are also a part of sightseeing in Kratie. By mid afternoon we drive towards theMekong River and admire the dramatic sunset over this watercourse. The rare freshwater Irrawaddy dolphins may be seen in this scenic area. O/N in Kratie. (B)

Day 8: Kratie - Kampong Cham - Kampong Thom 
The following destination of our expedition is Kampong Cham. This tranquil town has plenty of interesting sights, some of which are old colonial buildings and Wat Nokhor with the ancient temple and modern style pagoda. We include these in a short walking tour before we continue our trip though Cambodia 's biggest growing rubber area to Kampong Thom. The deep contrast of lush vegetation and red surface of basaltic soil is incredible. Along the way we make stop over at Phnom Pros and Phnom Srei, two hills whose names were translated as the 'man hill' and the 'woman hill'. On arrival in Kampong Thom, we visit some nearby villages and climb 980 steps to the top of Phnom Santuk for an impressive sunset view over the surrounding areas. O/N in Kampong Thom. (B)

Day 9: Kampong Thom - Beng Mela 
The archeological site of Sambor Prei Kuk is our next stop. This mysterious ruin is dotted with hundred pre-angkor styled temples. The road conditions are very poor, but the spectacular scenery , with a mixture of temples and forest makes the hardship all worthwhile. Upon leaving this landmark we make our way towards Siem Reap and pass through various Khmer traditional villages to Beng Mealea Temples. These newly found monuments are surrounded by the tranquil and stunning landscape. We visit these temples and a nearby village. Tonight we will be toasted as honored guests of a Khmer village and will be sample some of their homemade food! The facilities here are very basic, but it gives us a chance to live as many local villagers usually do. O/N at Khmer village. (B,D)

Day 10: Beng Mela - Koh Ker Temples - Siem Reap 
Today we have an option to rise up early to view the procession of monks making their rounds to receive alms from villagers. Upon leaving Beng Mela we travel by roads to the rarely visited temples of Koh Ker. The thrilling drive is strenuous at times but still an ideal way to discover the many roadside jungles and villages close up. On arrival at Koh Ker we explore a complex of 54 small temples in different groups. The main entrance leads us though the meeting rooms and the libraries to the great center temple constructed with 7th stories and 93 steps. Close to this complex is the tomb of Elephant Blanc's king . The next stop is a school at Koh Ker Village. The study conditions are very poor however your help is always appreciated. We return to Beng Mela and continue to Siem Reap. This tranquil town is our base for visiting the world famous Angkor Temples in coming days. O/N in Siem Reap. (B)

Day 11: Siem Reap - Angkor Temples 
The stunning and extensive site of Angkor Complex sprawls over an area of 60 square miles in dense jungle. The intricately carved temples date back from the 11th to 13th centuries although some are even older. We spend our day exploring the most striking structures including the South Gate of Angkor Thom, which is famous for its series of colossal human faces carved in stone, the impressive Bayon Temple, the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Elephant Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King. The largest as well as the most complete temple of Angkor Wat is not to be missed. This architectural masterpiece was constructed in the 12th century and covers an area of about 210 hectares. We stroll around this massive structure, seeing the many galleries with columns, libraries, pavilions, courtyards and ponds full of water reflecting the towering temple before we embark on a walk to Phnom Bakheng Hill for a view of the spectacular sunset over these sandstone monuments. O/N in Siem Reap. (B)

Day 12: Siem Reap - Angkor Temples 
The jungle covered temple of Ta Prohm is an incredible sight. There are enormous fig trees and gigantic creepers which embrace themselves in the stone foundations of this structure giving the impression of man's creation being reclaimed by the powerful forces of nature. We explore the well known Ta Prohm and some nearby temples including Banteay Kdei, Sra Srong, Ta Keo, Thommanon and Chau Say Tevado. They almost belong to the small circuit according to the archaeologists’ division. Upon leaving this area we visit various famous temples of the grand circuit such as Preah Khan, Kravan, Neak Pean, Krol Ko, Ta Som, East Mebon and Pre Rup. We round off our exciting day with a walk up to Phnom Bakheng Hill to admire the spectacular sunset over these sandstone monuments. O/N in Siem Reap.(B)

Day 13: Siem Reap - Angkor Temples - Bantaey Srey 
Heading out of town we drive beyond the Angkor Complex through the Preah Dark village to the intricately carved and well preserved Banteay Srei Temple. We stroll around this beautiful landmark which was designed to leave no space undecorated. The roads begin to deteriorate but it is still fascinating to drive past the rolling mountain scenery towards Kbal Spean. This interesting site locally named the river of 1000 Lingars, has been largely reclaimed by the jungle; however it invovles a walk to catch a view over its riverbed carvings. The next stop is Banteay Samre which is adorned with striking relief depicting the scenes of Vishunu and Krishna legends. Today we also have a chance to explore the ancient Khmer civilization site of Hariharalaya which flourished in the late 9th and earlier 10th centuries. These are the earliest temples in the Angkor area and are referred to the Rolous group. O/N in Siem Reap. (B)

Day 14: Siem Reap - Departure 
The temple exploration is not only activity in Siem Reap. We visit the famousTonle Sap Lake on a boat trip out. This shallow lake boats the largest natural fresh water body in Southeast Asia and flows into the Tonle Sap River which joins the Mekong River in Phnom Penh. The traditional boat navigates along a small river towards the gigantesque lake, giving us a chance to explore floating village, local life style, friendly children in small boats and fishermen pulling in morning catch close up. This excursion is all depending on your departure time. The trip ends after your transfer to Siem Reap Airport for departure. (B)

INCLUSIONS: Transportation in private air-conditioned vehicle with driver + Meal as mentioned: B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner + Accommodation: twin sharing room at mentioned hotel or similar one + English or French speaking guide + Entrance fee to indicated sights + Domestic flight Phnom Penh - Rattanakiri + Boat trip in Siem Reap

EXCLUSIONS: Other meals, tip, drinks, airport tax, single room supplement, personal expenses, travel insurance, visa, flight in/ out of Cambodia, any optional additional tours or activities during free time, surcharge for peak season, local holiday days and gala dinner 

TRIP NOTES

-CAMBODIA IS A DEVELOPPING COUNTRY WHOSE INFRASTRUCTURE MAY DIFFER FROM WHAT YOU EXPECT FROM YOUR HOME LAND. THE ROAD CONDITIONS ARE POOR AND THE ACCOMMODATION IS VERY SIMPLE IN REMOTE AREAS.

-THE ITINERARY IS CORRECTED AT THE TIME OF VIEWING. OCCASIONALLY, THE PROGRAMME CHANGES AS WE MAKE IMPROVEMENT STEMING FROM OUR PAST TRAVELLERS' COMMENTS AND OUR OWN RESEARCH OR DUE TO LOCAL CONDITIONS OR CIRCUMSTANCES BEYOND OUR CONTROL. THIS INCLUDES FESTIVAL, PUBLIC HOLIDAYS, WEATHER AND FLIGHT DELAY,.. THAT MAY EFFECT THE ITINERARY.

-THE TRIP INCLUDES SOME MEALS AS MENTIONED AT THE ITINERARY HOWEVER OUR GUIDE WILL BE ON HAND TO ADVISE YOU AS FAR THE AVAILABLE RESTAURANTS WHERE YOU CAN ENJOY LOCAL FOOD AT YOUR OWN BUDGET. THE MEAL COST IS ALL DEPENDING ON YOUR CHOICE OF EATING PLACE. THE PACKAGE TOUR WITH FULL BOARD MEAL IS ARRANGED UPON REQUEST .

-THE DRESS STANDARDS ARE CONSERVATIVE THROUGHOUT ASIA. LOOSE , LIGHTWEIGHT, LONG CLOTHING ARE ALL RESPECTFUL COOL IN ASIAN HOT CLIMATE. IN ADDITION TO YOUR ITEMS OF PERSONAL CLOTHING, WE SUGGEST YOU TO BRING TRAINER OR SNEAKER SHOES, TORCH/FLASH LIGHT, HAT, RAIN COAT FOR WET SEASON, SUN CREAM, SUNGLASSES, DAYPACK, TOILETRIES AND SMALL TOWER, INSECT REPELLENT.

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