Welcome to Enchanting Journeys

Welcome to incredible Kingdom of Cambodia - the charming yet confounding kingdom that casts a spell on visitors. In Cambodia, ancient and modern worlds collide to create an authentic adventure.

After you exit in the Arrival Hall at Terminal? - Siem Reap International Airport, subsequent to Immigration & Customs, you will be welcomed by The Journeys representative who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to the hotel, help you settle in & provide you with some useful tips for exploring the area as well as discuss the program for the next day.

Wrapped in rainforests, edged by golden sands, crowned by volcanoes, studded with ruins of lost civilisations: this is Southeast Asia as you’ve always imagined it. The life-support system & gateway for the temples of Angkor, Siem Reap was always destined for great things

Breathtaking Antiquity | Empire of Temples | Cambodian Spirit

Siem Reap, a once quaint laid-back & pleasant village, located on the shores of the Tonle Sap Lake, the greatest sweet water reserve in whole Southeast Asia, in northwestern Cambodia, is the gateway to the world famous temple ruins of Angkor, the seat of the Khmer kingdom from the 9^th - 15^th centuries. The life - support system & gateway for the temples of Angkor, Siem Reap was always destined for great things. The name of the city literally means Siamese defeated, referring to the victory of the Khmer Empire over the army of the Thai kingdom in the 17^th century. 

Siem Reap has reinvented itself as the epicentre of chic Cambodia, with everything from backpacker party pads to hip hotels, world-class wining & dining across a range of cuisines, sumptuous spas, great shopping and a creative cultural scene that includes Cambodia's leading circus. The proximity of the Angkorian ruins has turned Siem Reap into a boomtown in less than half a decade.

Visitors come here to see the Temples, of course, but there is plenty to do in & around the city when you are templed out. Angkor is a place to be savoured, not rushed & this is the base from which to plan your adventures. Still think three days at the temples is enough? Think again with Siem Reap on the doorstep.

Arrive at your unique The Beige Eco-Resort & Check-in.

*Check-in time is 02.00 pm. For earlier arrivals in the morning, we will request the hotel for a complimentary early Check-in but cannot be guaranteed unless reserved & paid for ‘immediate occupancy’.

Ensconced in a region replete with UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Angkor Wat, The Beige, located in the lush environs of Angkor, tucked away from the bustle of the city, is a luxury Tented Eco Resort that evokes a feel for the finest of Khmer history. 

The lightweight & durable Tents are made with Organic material with no traces of vinyl & plastic.  Resembling the sailcloth of a yacht, unyielding in wind & designed for the breeze to pass softly through the open interior as relaxing reminders of nature all around.

Amidst lush greenery, each A/c Tent with a private terrace & en-suite bathroom, features antique furnishings illustrating the French cultural influence prevalent throughout Cambodia’s history. Its immaculate presentation is characteristic of an intimate hotel. In the infinity forest pool suspended 5 meters above the ground, where swimming feels like flying, you can enjoy a view of forest & sky, as the sun sets through the trees.

The culinary delights here with all-organic ingredients grown on their own farm cultivated using natural methods, in contact with as few chemicals as possible,  offer  traditional Khmer regional cuisine with original signature dishes of their own.  Adopting ingredients like baby rice & wild honey, traditional cuisine gives way to new dining experiences & ensure delicious, those healthful & safe meals.

The Spa surrounded by the soft tents in the lush jungle leads you to relax mentally & physically.  You can also do yoga while you release your spiritual element & feel one with nature.

And now comes the ‘raison d’etre’ of coming to Cambodia in the first place. Later in the afternoon, meet the Tour-guide in the lobby at 02.00 pm (flexible based on arrival time) & head to Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat is stunning at any time of the day, but sunrise & sunset are especially beautiful times to watch the play of light on the stones.

Welcome to heaven on earth.

Angkor’s vast complex of intricate stone buildings includes preserved Angkor Wat, the main temple, which is pictured on Cambodia’s flag.

Wat is the Khmer name for temple, which was probably added to "Angkor "when it became a Theravada Buddhist monument, most likely in the 16^th century. After 1432 when the capital moved to Phnom Penh, Angkor Wat was cared for by Buddhist monks

Angkor is the earthly representation of Mt Meru, the Mt Olympus of the Hindu faith & the abode of ancient gods. The temples are the perfect fusion of creative ambition & spiritual devotion. The Cambodian ‘god-kings’ of old each strove to better their ancestors in size, scale & symmetry, culminating in the world’s largest religious building, Angkor Wat.

Angkor’s vast complex of intricate stone buildings, in their beauty & state of preservation, is unrivaled & its mightiness, magnificence bespeak a pomp & a luxury surpassing that of a Pharaoh or a Shah Jahan, an impressiveness greater than that of the Pyramids, an artistic distinctiveness as fine as that of the Taj Mahal. The main temple is pictured on Cambodia’s flag.

The largest, best preserved & most religiously significant of the Angkor temples, Angkor Wat impresses visitors both by its sheer scale & beautifully proportioned layout, as well as the delicate artistry of its carvings. An architectural masterpiece, its perfection in composition, balance, proportions, relief's & sculpture make it one of the finest monuments in the world.

Breaking from the Shaiva tradition of previous kings, it was originally constructed in  the first half of the 12^th century as a Hindu temple  dedicated to Vishnu (Hindu god), in Yasodharapura (present-day Angkor), the capital of the Khmer Empire, by King Suryavarman II. It was the state temple & his eventual mausoleum.  

It is generally accepted that Angkor Wat was a funerary temple for King Suryavarman & oriented to the west to conform to the symbolism between the setting sun & death. The bas-reliefs, designed for viewing from left to right in the order of Hindu funereal ritual, support this function. Angkor Wat is the earthly representation of Mt Meru, the Mt Olympus of the Hindu faith & the abode of ancient gods. The Cambodian god-kings of old each strove to better their ancestors’ structures in size, scale & symmetry, culminating in what is believed to be the world’s largest religious building.

It is the largest religious monument in the world, on a site measuring 162.6 hectares & is acclaimed as one of the most inspired monuments ever conceived by the human mind. It was gradually transformed into a Buddhist temple towards the end of his reign

As the best-preserved temple at the site, it is the only one to have remained a significant religious centre since its foundation, was never abandoned to the elements & has been in virtually continuous use since it was built. It is considered the epicentre of Khmer civilisation & a source of fierce national pride.

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The traveller's first glimpse of Angkor Wat, the ultimate expression of Khmer genius, is matched by only a few select spots on earth. Simply unique, it is a stunning blend of spirituality & symmetry, an enduring example of humanity’s devotion to its gods. Relish the very first approach, as that spine-tickling moment when you emerge on the inner causeway, will rarely be felt again.

To approach the temple, visitors first cross the vast moat, continuing along a broad causeway lined with naga balustrades. As you enter the main building, ascend through a series of galleries & courtyard before reaching the central sanctuary, which offers beautiful views back over the causeway & across the surrounding countryside

The plan of Angkor Wat is difficult to grasp when walking through the monument because of the vastness. Its complexity & beauty both attract and distract one's attention. From a distance Angkor Wat appears to be a colossal mass of stone on one level with a long causeway leading to the center but close up it is a series of elevated towers, covered galleries, chambers, porches & courtyards on different levels linked by stairways.

The sandstone blocks from which Angkor Wat was built were quarried from the holy mountain of Phnom Kulen, more than 50 km away & floated down the Siem Reap River on rafts. The logistics of such an operation are mind blowing, consuming the labour of thousands. According to inscriptions, the construction of Angkor Wat involved 300,000 workers & 6000 elephants, yet it was still not fully completed.

Covered galleries with columns define the boundaries of the first & second levels. The third level supports five towers - four in the corners and one in the middle & these is the most prominent architectural feature of Angkor Wat. Graduated tiers, one rising above the other, give the towers a conical shape and, near the top, rows of lotuses taper to a point.

The height of Angkor Wat from the ground to the top of the central tower is greater than it might appear: 213 meters (699 feet), achieved with three rectangular or square levels (1-3). Each one is progressively smaller & higher than the one below starting from the outer limits of the temple.

Enjoy the intricate stone carvings that adorn nearly every surface of the outer gallery walls with some 1,700 Apsaras, or celestial dancers, sculpted into the walls. The temple is admired for the grandeur & harmony of the architecture, its extensive bas-reliefs which narrate stories from Hindu mythology, including the famous Churning of the Ocean of Milk & for the numerous devatas adorning its walls.

The Tour finishes & you return to the hotel.

Balance of the afternoon is at leisure to relax or explore independently (we shall be happy to offer suggestions for Optional activities & arrange).

In the evening, you will be treated to a highlight of your Khmer cuisine & crafts tour: dinner will be served at the famous Apsara Terrace of the famous Raffles Hotel. As you dine on delectable Asian barbecue, you will enjoy an Apsara show - a quintessential Cambodian performance featuring traditional Cambodian dance, martial arts & spectacular costumes. (Apsara Show takes place only certain days of the week).

Return to the hotel.

Morning, meet the Tour-guide at 08.00 am & head back into the Angkor Park.

The Tour-guide will take you on a historical journey through the Angkorian Empire taking in the most magnificent of these temples as well as some smaller off the beaten track gems.  

Head to Angkor Thom, the famous walled city covering an area of 10 sq km.

Enter through the monumental South Gate over a causeway lined on either side by statues of demons & gods, each carrying a giant naga.

Continue to the Terrace pf the Elephants & the Terrace of the Leper King, former spaces for public cermonies, both adorned with dramatic bas reliefs. Visit

See the many temples within its borders, including the fascinating Bayon temple, one of the most popular & compelling in Angkor, explore the galleries of beautifully preserved bas reliefs & ascend narrow stairs to reach the central sanctuary, where you will find magnificent giant stone faces smiling enigmatically down at you from every angle.

Angkor Thom is undeniably an expression of the highest genius. It is, in three dimensions & on a scale worthy of an entire nation, the materialization of Buddhist cosmology, representing ideas that only great painters would dare to portray.

Angkor Thom, the last capital of the Khmer Empire, was a fortified city enclosing residences of priest, officials of the palace and military, as well as buildings for administering the kingdom.

These structures were built of wood & have perished but the remaining stone monuments testify that Angkor Thom was indeed a "Great City" as its name implies. Temples inside the walls of the city are Bayon, Phimeanakas, Baphuon, Terrace of the Elephants, Terrace of the Leper King, Prah Palilay, Tep Pranam & Prasat Suor Prat.

The Royal Palace situated within the city of Angkor Thom is of an earlier date & belonged to kings of the 10^th - 11^th centuries. Although the foundations & an enclosing wall around the palace with entry towers have been identified, little evidence remains of the layout of the buildings inside the enclosure.

The French ascertained a general plan of the Royal Palace. It included the temple-mountain of Phimeanakas & surrounding pools together with residences & buildings for administering the capital, which were probably at the back of the enclosure. Jayavarman VII reconstructed the original site of the Royal Palace Palace to erect the city of Angkor Thom, which was centered around the Temple of Bayon & surrounded by a wall.

At the center of the Kingdom complex rise a Golden Tower flanked by more than twenty lesser towers & several hundred stone chambers. On the eastern side is a golden bridge guarded by two lions of gold, one on each side, with eight golden Buddhas spaced along the stone chambers. North of the Golden Tower of Bronze (Baphuon), higher even than the Golden tower. a truly astonishing spectacle.

A quarter of a mile further north is the residence of the King rising above his private apartments is another tower of gold, These are the monuments which have caused merchants from overseas to speak so often of "Cambodia the rich & noble "

Symbolically, Angkor Thom is a microcosm of the universe, divided into four parts by the main axes. The temple of the Bayon is situated at the exact center of the axes and stands as the symbolical link between heaven and earth. The wall enclosing the city of Angkor Thom represents the stonewall around the universe and the mountain ranges around Meru. The surrounding moat (now dry) symbolizes the cosmic ocean.

A long causeway leading to each entry tower is flanked by a row of 54 stone figures on each side - demons on the right & gods on the left-to make a total of 108 mythical beings guarding the city of Angkor Thom. The demons have a grimacing expression & wear a military headdress whereas the gods look serene with their almond-shaped eyes and wear a conical headdress. (Some of the heads on these figures are copies; the original ones have been removed and are at the Angkor Conservancy in Siem Reap).

Finish with a relaxing gondola cruise on its moat while watching the sun set with a glass of champagne.

Angkor Gondola is a unique Khmer traditional boat service near the South Gate of Angkor Thom on a small Baray, a type of reservoir typical of ancient Khmer water management.

Reach the embarkation point at Prasat Chrung for boarding your own Gondola.

Khmer people have been known as skilled boat makers throughout history & 29 of the ancient Khmer boats & Cham boats sculptures in Bayon temple are seen, demonstrating the courage of the Navy in a war to win a victory over Cham, during the reign of King Jayavarman VII’s period.

One of these types of boats has been carefully reconstructed to resemble the fine art work done in the past. Known as a ‘Kongkear Angkor’, this Gondola is a unique Khmer tradition boat service in Siem Reap.

Glide gently along holy waterway where history, nature & culture come alive, as the sun sets over the gate of Angkor Thom or from Prasat Chrung. You will enjoy & view the past & photograph along the great all of Angkor Thom, Royal Secret Path and City Guard Post. Simply sit back, relax & savour the champagne & canapes (included) while the temple ruins of Angkor & the lush nature pass by.

The 1 hour Cruise finishes. Disembark & which to watch the sunset at Prasat Chrung temple before returning back to the hotel.

Return to the hotel.

This evening, enjoy a simple home-cooked dinner with a typical Khmer family - enjoy the well-known Khmer hospitality and interact with family members.

Early morning, meet the Tour-guide at 07.00 am & depart on a 45 minute drive along traditional dirt roads through lotus fields & rice paddies in beautiful Cambodian villages where rice & fish can frequently be spotted drying alongside the road.

Reach the embarkation point in Mechrey village to visit a small fishing village on the edge of the Tonle Sap, Southeast Asia’s largest lake.

Don life jackets & board a specially-designed shallow-drafted wooden motorized boat - originally used by park rangers to catch poachers - manned  by experienced sailors &  travel out through near empty waterways on the Tonle Sap, seeing the floating villages & flooded forests, crocodile & fish farms (crocodile & fish farm dependent on current water levels).

Zipping across the water, you will have an opportunity to stop & take some impressive photos of the lotus flowers which are considered important in Buddhism mythology (views of the lotus & rice fields will vary, depending on the season).

Stop at one of the crocodile & fish farm (depending on current water levels) in the floating village where you will learn about some of the trades people on the lake work in.

Reach Preak Toal, a permanent floating settlement located on the banks of the Sangke River, complete with church, schools & village stores.  A hive of activity, it is Tonle Sap's largest floating village & also the jump off point for the best birdlife spotting in the region (season dependent).

Change to a villager’s paddle boat & see ordinary Cambodians going about their daily life in the floating village with houses built on stilts on the floodplain along the Lake. Nearing the lake, see floating houses that move location with the annual ebb & flow of the lake’s waters.

Cruise along the canal with houses on either side: depending on the time of the visit, the houses will either have immediate access to the water or stand perched on stilts high above the ground, a phenomena caused by the annual rising & receding waters of the Tonle Sap Lake. Most of the villagers rely on fishing activities to support their families. Pass by the boats & nets used by local fishermen, some of whom will be fishing in the waters through which the boat passes.

Fishermen, boat-makers, markets, schools, spirit houses & waving children are always in plentiful supply.

Along the way, gain a better understanding of the local lifestyle with lunch in a floating family house. This is a unique opportunity to gain first-hand experience of the way of life of the local people - sitting inside a stilted house interacting with the villagers while watching the boats pass outside.  

All this combination with the experience of villagers’ life among the wildlife conservation area in the large inland lake, will give you a very good understanding of what it is to be a Cambodian in the floating village.

Spend a couple of hours before getting on the Boat back to the Disembarkation Point in Mechrey village from where you will embark on yet another interesting experience.

Embark on an authentic rural Cambodia tour to learn about life in a typical village where you will meet friendly locals and discover traditional village customs & cultures.

Drive to Ta Brak village to observe the activities of a traditional village.

Take a 30 minute ox cart ride, a traditional rural mode of transporting people & goods, passing through the village on the way to the local market. Explore the colourful displays of vegetables, herbs & other locally grown produce, and mingle with the shoppers who come to buy the fresh ingredients.

Walking through the village provides ample opportunities to stop & chat with locals & to observe their activities. Depending on the time of year, they may be planting rice, weaving thatch coverings for their roofs, harvesting vegetables, or other similar tasks. For a truly immersive experience, you can lend a hand & join the locals in these activities!

Before leaving the village, partake in a special Buddhist tradition. Local monks will impart wishes of good luck & success in a solemn, age-old ceremony.

End the day at a beautiful Khmer wooden villa in the middle of the countryside for an exquisite Khmer fine-dining candlelit dinner.

Drive back to The Beige.

Morning in time, you will be met by the Journeys Rep / Driver & transferred to Terminal? - Siem Reap International Airport for the short flight to Sihanoukville

After you exit in the Arrival Hall at Terminal? - Sihanouk International Airport, you will be met by The Journeys representative who will ensure your comfort & provide you with some useful tips for exploring the area & transfer you to Koh Kong.

Arrive in Sihanoukville.

When the Khmer Rouge fell in 1979, Sihanoukville (also known as "Kampong Som") became one of Cambodia’s economic success stories: a bustling coastal trade town village, which slowly morphed into the country’s favourite seaside resort at the tip of an elevated peninsula in the country's south-west on the Gulf of Thailand.

Sure, Sihanoukville would never win first prize in a pretty-town competition, and much of it is now dominated by casinos & tacky commercial centres. But despite the rapid & mostly unwanted development, it has remained the jumping-off point for the best of Cambodia's white-sand beaches and castaway-cool southern islands. The Serendipity Beach area is a decompression chamber for backpackers, who flock here to rest up between travels & party through the night.

If you want to see the real Cambodia, get off the beaten path. While the popular tourist destinations in Cambodia have incredible features of their own, it is the road-less-traveled that will really inspire you & make your trip unforgettable. Apart from immersing yourself in its rich culture & history, you might want to indulge in nature as well. To get a glimpse of the unknown, all you have to do is visit Koh Kong.

It is no wonder that the New York Times has recognized Koh Kong as an “emerging eco-tourism destination” in Asia. This pristine province is home to a treasure trove of natural beauty & outdoor adventure.

Although off the beaten path, Koh Kong isn’t “out of the way”. Situated in the south west corner of Cambodia, bordering Thailand, Koh Kong is actually quite a conveniently located.

Drive to Koh Kong, a province in southwest Cambodia, with a vast undeveloped coastline & a rugged interior encompassing part of the Cardamom Mountains' rainforest. The forested, hilly Koh Kong Island is lined with tropical beaches, mangroves & small fishing villages. Southeast Asia’s greatest natural virgin forest & wildlife habitat that have never been fully explored - Cardamom Mountains - the Last True Wilderness.

Staying at the famous 4 Rivers Floating Eco Lodge will let you have access to the lush Kravanh Mountains or Cardamom Mountains to truly experience nature at its finest. You will also experience the pristine waters of river Tatai surrounded by beautiful forests, filled with aquatic life.

Situated along the River & overlooking the Cardamom Mountains, a peaceful & private sanctuary awaits at this luxury Eco lodge accessible by boat only.

Arrive at the private Embarking Dock & hop aboard the riverboat. Meander through the ancient mangrove forest through the estuary & reach the Lodge. Check-in.

If eco-tourism conjures up visions of uncomfortable beds, leaky tents & songs round a campfire, 4 Rivers is not for you. To present you with the perfect vacation, the Lodge offers top-of-the-line luxury in harmony with Mother Nature in unspoilt surroundings that will impress you with an ever-changing kaleidoscope of colours & images.

4 Rivers Floating Eco Lodge is an environmentally friendly glamping Resort built on a river in the middle of the jungle of the Cardamoms.

With their inspiration from the safari veldt of Africa's game parks, each of the 12 huge 45sqm tented villas are built on a pontoon, making them the first floating Tents in the world & a rare camping destination.

A space age wonder combining luxury with practicality, cocooned in comfort featuring top-quality eco-friendly furnishings & decoration (to help minimize their carbon footprint), each Tent has flat-screen television, DVD player, mini-bar & a bathroom with a wooden bath. With lush carpets & large ventilated windows, the spacious Tents come fully equipped with modern amenities. You will find local materials used in the handcrafted furniture. From toothbrushes to the clever wastewater treatment system, each feature is carefully designed with the aim of protecting the environment & sustaining the region’s natural resources.

Tucked away in the seclusion of the Cardamom Mountains region, in the richest virgin rainforest of Southeast Asia, Mother Nature quietly beckons you to explore its wonders.

The 4 Rivers Floating Lodge is just a stone’s throw away from exotic wildlife, such as the rare Javan rhinoceroses, the wild Indochinese tigers & the majestic Asian elephants. Not to mention, the lush greens & colorful wildflowers in the background.

You can wake up to panoramic views of the river & forest as you lie snuggled in bed; pampering yourself with a hot bath after a tiring day of trekking; catch up on your favorite movie on DVD; take a refreshing dip in the Tatai river & as the day draws to a close, lounge on your private balcony with a drink from the mini bar as you watch the glorious sunset.

Arrive at the Eco Lodge & Check-in.

Balance of the day is at leisure to relax or explore independently (we shall be happy to offer suggestions for Optional activities & arrange).

The Cardamom Mountains are the perfect place to go jungle trekking in Cambodia.

After an early coffee in the restaurant, set off on a Rainforest Symphony - the dawn Jungle Trek which offers a taste of the true jungle, an opportunity to observe small wildlife & have the added bonus of a morning exercise.

Accompanied by a friendly & safety-conscious Tour-guide, kayak upstream in the small channel right behind the Lodge.

Enjoy the sights & sounds of the jungle as you venture into the undergrowth with your camera explore the natural surroundings by boat & on foot, experiencing the beauty & remoteness of one of the world's largest rainforests. It provides a sense of achievement & the chance to cool off in beautiful surroundings.

Arrive at the hiking point & the climb starts shortly after on a fairly steep path for about an hour. You will hike through the forest & come across wildlife. There are snakes, scorpions & spiders on the trek; some are poisonous. However animals are shy & avoid human contact. Respect for nature and a live & let live policy are adopted.

Reach the clearing near the top, enjoy the views & walk back to the Lodge in time for a sumptuous breakfast.

Balance of the day is at leisure to relax or explore independently (we shall be happy to offer suggestions for Optional activities & arrange).

Evening, be ready for another exciting ‘nature’ experience.

At 4.30 pm, embark on an unforgettable 3 hour Sunset Cruise along the Cardamoms up the Tatai, enjoying the cool evening breeze with a refreshing sundowner as you glide along the jungle waters, feeling a million miles away from everywhere.

As the sun paints the sky with colors that change from brilliant blues to deep yellows, oranges, pinks & reds. Its spectacular lights, with the calm waters & the natural sounds of the surrounding forest to complement the romantic mood, you can sit back, relax & indulge your senses, with a glass of wine, on an unforgettable 4 Rivers Sunset Cruise.

Cruise the waters of Tatai River with a warm ocean breeze, as the descending darkness embraces you in the lush green of the forest & brings the misty mountains closer as the tropical sun dips to the horizon & transforms the skies into a spectacle showing off magnificent shades.

Toast the end of a perfect day in paradise as the sun’s flare dies down & the velvet darkness of the night descends …a prelude to a magical evening at 4 Rivers.

Return to the Lodge & enjoy a sumptuous dinner.

Early morning, Check-out & head back along the river by boat before journeying deep into the remote Cambodian wilderness of Botum Sakor National Park.

At the Pier in Koh Kong, you will be met by the Journeys driver & transferred to Trapeang Rung village, known for having a community based Ecotourism project created by Wildlife Alliance, located beneath the Cardamom & Elephant Mountains. This Project serves the 2,179 individuals in 503 households living in the 4 target villages of Trapeang Roung Commune.

Here, you will Check-in at the Cardamom Tented Camp Departure Lodge before embarking on a 40 minute boat ride along Trapeang Rung & Preak Tachan rivers towards Cardamom Tented Camp deep into the Park.

Enroute, you will experience the shift from lowland settlements, into the protected area of Botum Sakor National Park with its thriving flora & fauna. The journey itself is already an adventure offering many wonderful photo opportunities.

Stepping off the boat, you will wander through the trees to where the Tents & central Lodge are set in a natural clearing; a sanctuary from the interruptions of modern life where you can discover more about preserving the diverse flora & fauna of this part of Cambodia.

Located on a 35 km wide peninsula projecting southwest from the Cardamom Mountain on the coast of the Gulf of Thailand, Botum Sakor National Park is one of Cambodia's largest & most biodiverse national parks.

The Park’s dense cover, which is 80 percent evergreen rainforest, reaches from the Cardamom Mountains to the coastal wetlands with its melaleuca & mangrove areas and has been rated as one of the world’s 32 biodiversity hotspots. The combination of this great variety of ecosystems from rolling hills & lowland evergreen forests to mangroves along the coast, tidal rivers & the general pristine conditions make Botum Sakor National Park one of the most diverse & densely forested areas in Southeast Asia.

As with much of Cambodia, Botum Sakor National Park is home to many species that are on the verge of extinction elsewhere in the region, making it an extremely important area for wildlife conservation. The range of habitats here is quite different to most of the country & consequently, it is home to a very diverse selection of species.

Encircled by mangroves & beaches, the moist climate & the mainly undisturbed nature of the region offers shelter to all of Cambodia’s endangered mammals & has allowed a profusion of wildlife to thrive. Including clouded leopard, Asiatic black bear, dhole, sun bear, fishing cats, pangolins, hog badgers & hog deer. Other mammals that can be seen along the Preak Tachan River include the smooth-coated otter, which can be seen occasionally while kayaking along the river & several species of porcupine & giant squirrels, among others.

Among the primates there are the northern pig-tailed macaque, the Nicobar crab-eating macaque & the extremely shy pileated gibbon.

Additionally, the area represents the southern section of the South-West Elephant Corridor, one of the last seven elephant corridors in Asia hosting the largest population of Asian elephants in Cambodia. But their habitat is fast disappearing because of the rampant development in the Park.

For bird lovers, the discovery here of the night heron is obviously a major draw. However, this region is also home to the endangered woolly-necked stork, as well as the stunning green peafowl.  The great hornbill & the Oriental pied hornbill are also seen around the Cardamom Tented Camp & along the Preak Tachan River. As yet, bird surveys have been scarce in this remote area, but with populations of numerous other rare species to the north of Botum Sakor there should be some interesting discoveries to come.

Nestled deep in Botum Sakor National Park on the banks of the wildlife-laden Prek Tachan River, Cardamom Tented Camp is both a model ecotourism success story and one of the most unique & enchanting overnight stays you will find anywhere.

The Camp is located in the JW-Concession in the lowland forest, dotted with small grassland clearings known locally as veal, within the Wildlife Alliance concession comprising about 10% of Botum Sakor National Park, about half of which has been developed after being sold off to business interests.

The Project that minimizes the human footprint on the natural world & serve as a role model in promoting sustainable tourism practices in the Park, represents a milestone in the struggle of Wildlife Alliance & other conservation groups to save Cambodia's wild spaces from extinction. Here, you will feel every bit like you are making a positive contribution to that struggle.

The concept for Cardamom Tented Camp, a three-way initiative between The Minor Group, YAANA Ventures & Wildlife Alliance, grew from the need to have a sustainable tourism development project - a mandatory requirement for holding the Eco-Tourism, Eco Lodge & Conservation Concession - granted in 2009 by the Royal Government of Cambodia.

The Eco Lodge or Camp, sees a percentage of its revenues go directly to Wildlife Alliance & its conservation efforts in the Park. Any additional profits are then reinvested locally. Wildlife Alliance is also supported by the Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation, an initiative of The Minor Group.

With the tagline ‘Your Stay Keeps the Forest Standing’, guests staying at the Cardamom Tented Camp help to sustain a conservation-friendly business set up to keep the 180 km2 concession out of the hands of loggers, poachers & sand dredging operations. The small scale & low-impact Eco lodge camp is designed to provide guests with an all-encompassing nature experience, while actively contributing to research, protection & conservation efforts of the existing natural reserves

The 9 comfortable safari-style fully-enclosed & mosquito-protected 32.6m² luxurious canvas Tents in the eco-camp are equipped to a surprisingly high level of comfort. Raised on stilts, they feel airy & spacious with full-size hotel-quality beds & cozy linens taking centre stage within the pale canvas walls. Large meshed windows let in the light & fans circulate the air keeping the interiors cool. Bamboo & rattan furniture adds to the feeling of homeliness, while the separate en-suites (complete with hot water, rain showers, and locally-sourced soaps & shampoos) could even make you momentarily forget that you are in a tent! Each Tent has its own private terrace / patios where you can sit & soak up your peaceful surroundings. A state-of-the-art solar-power system supplies most of the electricity.

After settling into your eco-friendly Tent, receive a brief introduction on the conservation & protection work & dedicated Project monitoring work of Wildlife Alliance.

Guests can take part in a number of exciting camp activities that are geared towards assisting in the nature conservation of the park & which also involve & benefit the local communities in the area.

Multiple ‘included’ activities are scheduled on a daily basis. Camp Activities include Patrolling with the Forest Rangers ; Setting up camera traps to monitor local wildlife ; Learning survival skills in the rainforest ; Finding, recording wildlife footprints & trails and cataloging the flora & fauna in the conservation areas ; Learning about negative influences of poaching, logging & sand dredging

After lunch, head out for an exploratory self-guided hike along carefully prepared trails in the jungle around the camp or explore the river by kayak, before returning to Camp to enjoy a hearty Dinner of traditional Khmer dishes in the Riverside Restaurant as you listen to the enchanting sounds of the forest at dusk.

Balance of the evening free.

Early morning, after breakfast, meet the Wildlife Alliance Rangers & embark on a patrol over a network of abandoned poaching & logging trails through the dense forest. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, like macaque, gibbon or hornbill.  

The half-day hike will stop by the Ranger Station, where confiscated snares, traps & improvised hunting rifles are on display. Once here, there is the option of kayaking down the stunning river or hiking back to the Camp.

Return by afternoon.

Balance of the day at leisure.

After early morning tea or coffee, embark on another self-guided hike on the nearby jungle trails to Wildlife Alliance Ranger Station where you will enjoy breakfast.

Embark on a kayak or hike back to the Camp, where you can freshen up & Check-out before boarding the Boat by 10.00 am to Trapeang Rung & then proceed by road through the wilderness to Shinta Mani Wild Resort in the Southern Cardamom National Park.  

Southern Cardamom National Park was established in 2016 & covers 4,104 km² in the southern parts of the Cardamom Mountains. The National Park is administratively divided into three sectors; Western Sector, Central Sector & Eastern Sector. Cambodia's newest National Park is also one of its largest connecting 6 major national parks & wildlife sanctuaries to form a massive contiguous mega-protected area spanning a total of 4,491,115 acres, providing a permanent sanctuary for Cambodia's endangered wildlife.

The Southern Cardamoms are a globally recognized biodiversity hotspot boasting 28 IUCN Red-Listed wildlife species & over 2,000 plant species. Though the area hosts a fantastic wealth of flora & fauna, much of its wildlife is endangered. In total, 27 species found in the Cardamom Range are imperilled with extinction, including Asian Elephants & Pileated Gibbons.

The nearby Areng Valley, some of whose inhabitants belong to the Khmer Daeum minority community, is home to Asian elephants & the dragonfish which is almost extinct in the wild. It also has the world’s second-largest population of critically endangered wild Siamese crocodiles. These toothy critters can grow up to 3.5m long, but don’t eat people, preferring to dine on fish, snakes, frogs & small mammals.

Arriving at the Shinta Mani Wild Resort entrance, you can enjoy a unique adrenalin-filled entry to the resort via a 380-metre zip line over river & waterfalls, arriving ‘Indiana Jones style' in the Landing Zone Bar (however jeep transfers are also available for the not so adventurous). You don’t have to zipline your way to the hotel, but it is part of the fun. The jungle feels like your own personal playground, with each part of the property providing unique amusements

Welcome to Shinta Mani Wild - a radical new fusion of world-class design, is a private all-inclusive nature sanctuary, luxury eco-camp & conservation centre in Cambodia's national parkland, designed by Bill Bensley.

You will meet your personal Butler who will be looking after you for your entire 3 night stay to discuss your preferences for a bespoke itinerary. Part guide, part friend, part magician, the Butlers anticipate your every need. Finding unforgettable activities to suit your tastes & fitness, they accompany you on all your adventures, from motorbike rides to boat trips. Not to mention the classic butler role: unpacking & packing your luggage & fulfilling your ad-hoc requests.

Shinta Mani Wild’s approach to conservation is hands-on, thanks to collaborations with the Wildlife Alliance, local researchers & government agencies helping to protect the vast river valley from poaching, mining & logging. The Resort has introduced clever alternatives to single-use plastics & makes the most of organic-, seasonal & locally sourced ingredients in the kitchen.

A truly unique luxury tented retreat in the heart of the Cambodian wilderness where your stay makes a real difference in protecting unique & endangered species. This Eco‐friendly jungle retreat sprawls across a long stretch of the river, so be prepared to walk. Embrace the rainforest setting: there may be slithering & creeping critters about, but a keen eye can also spot the flash of colourful feathers and gibbons swinging in the canopy. Come nightfall, rangers are at hand to escort you back to your Tent.

Nestled deep within Cambodian rainforest in Southern Cardamom National Park, the secluded & serene Eco Lodge set amidst rivers & waterfalls in a pristine wildlife corridor just 3 hour drive south of Phnom Penh, is so much more than a tented riverside perch, offering a radical new concept for a luxury tented camp experience. This luxe Retreat taps into the country’s burgeoning appetite for adventure basecamps that don’t scrimp on home comforts. 

Renowned architect Bill Bensley, who was inducted into Hospitality Design's Platinum Circle hall of fame in New York in 2017, set out to create his most ambitious & extravagant luxury tented camp project to date, in his inimitable escapist style and so, he designed each lavish guest Tents to match the experience, combining a quirky ambiance with rainforest accents & blurring the line between wild & style.

Just 15 customized warmly furnished permanent luxury Tents perched over 1.5 kilometres of river & waterfalls, providing sitting areas, Wi-Fi access & iPod docks, as well as minibars, and tea & coffeemakers & an experience unlike any other resort in Asia.

The vast indoor-outdoor one of a kind, affairs - picture-perfect feats of stretched canvas, polished carved teak & outdoor bath tubs, jewel-bright textiles and handpicked objets d’art, are just waiting to welcome the weary explorers’ home. Nurture your inner exhibitionist with a soak in the roll-top tub, which takes pride of place on the riverside terrace.

Picture an exceptionally oversized bath tub & you might just get the measure of the camp’s striking 25m freshwater swimming pool. Sleek & black, it is flanked by a hardwood terrace & a neat row of sun-loungers, just the spot for long post-adventure soaks.

Harnessing the secrets of traditional Khmer medicine, the Boulders Spa rustles up home-made lotions & potions from plants foraged in the rainforest, before bottling them on-site. Riverfront boulders form soothing spa “rooms”. Try one of the 2 treatment rooms for soul-soothing ministrations such as hot herbal compresses or an ache-relieving foot massage in one of the river pools.

The Resort is fully inclusive, meaning that not only food & beverages are included, but also Spa treatments & a full program of wildlife activities; from hiking into the jungle with park rangers to check wildlife camera traps to exploring the untrammelled waterways of South East Asia's last wild estuarine ecosystem aboard a custom Bensley designed fully equipped expedition boat complete with kayaks.

The Headquarters - an open-air restaurant overlooking a waterfall serving local cuisine, is home of dining at Shinta Mani Wild. Be it a quick breakfast before your sunrise hike, or a leisurely foraged dinner, no Headquarter experience is alike! The open-air Waterfall Restaurant takes its cues from Jackie Kennedy’s Cambodian safari in the 1960s: think leather sofas, acid-bright bamboo seats, a camo canopy & a monochrome portrait of the icon of style herself.

The dining possibilities at Wild are endless, whether you are eating at Headquarters, on the lawn, at the Cistern, or having a waterfall picnic. Every meal is carefully curated by the Chefs to introduce you to something unknown & add to the adventure. There is no breakfast or lunch menu as such: take a peek at the rotating menu boards which change daily, for the day’s scrumptious specials, or chat to the chef who will happily rustle up something to your liking - local fares like a watermelon & whipped feta gazpacho, say, or herb-topped Phnom Penh noodles.

Dinners on the decked terrace are themed: look out for foraged feasts, curried Kep crab & barbecue nights under the stars. Guests can explore curries from across Southern Asia, learning how to make dumplings from 7 different countries, or participating in a camp favorite: a wild foraged dinner. They can enjoy the freshest seasonal ingredients that Cambodia has to offer, many of them picked by the hotel team in the surrounding forest. Graze on a smoked chicken quesadilla, say, or tuna tataki with green tea soba.

If you would like a cocktail making class to learn the ins & outs of the perfect Negroni, or for your own signature cocktail, just ask. Sheltered beneath a straw roof & jutting out over the waterfall, the Bar, aptly named Landing Zone has rugged Wild West good looks. Natural rock pools double as champagne chillers during tailgate time. Surrender to one of the leather club chairs scattered over the deck, or pull up a stool at the bar. Signature cocktails use every part of foraged plants, from earthy galangal roots to aromatic holy basil and jasmine-infused Mekong Dry Gin.!

Expect jaw-dropping views & a tempting drink list, enjoyed over the Big Raging Sister Waterfall. Settle into vintage French chairs, cocktails in hand, complete with ingredients plucked from the camp's backyard, as well as Wild's in-house apothecary-style bitters & the Resort’s Master mixologist’s techniques.

Balance of the day is at leisure.

The stay here includes a full program of wildlife activities; from hiking into the jungle with park rangers to check wildlife camera traps, to exploring the untrammelled waterways of Southeast Asia's last wild estuarine ecosystem aboard a custom Bensley designed fully equipped expedition boat complete with kayaks.

While not adventuring & exploring this incredibly diverse region, you can relax & enjoy your luxurious Tent & the Camp facilities including the Waterfall Restaurant, Landing Zone Bar & Boulders Spa featuring chemical-free products by Bensley's Khmer Tonics. Please know that all Spa treatments are on us!

Full day is at leisure for independent exploration or avail on of the activities offered by the Jungle Retreat.

Indulge in pampering treatments at their signature Spa, Khmer Tonics. The Spa’s 2 treatment rooms are nestled amid giant natural rocks perched in the forest canopy. Sensibly the design takes its cues from the forest, with plenty of wood & stone. The river takes center stage, have a river-stone foot massage while soaking in a waterfall pool or have therapists visit your Tent for a treatment in on your balcony with the river rushing below.

The refined treatment menu celebrates Cambodia with chemical-free tonics made from a unique mix of medicinal plants, herbs and spices all of which are present in the surrounding rainforest.

Guests can experience the traditional Khmer art of healing during a full body massage which employs a range of acupuncture techniques & passive stretching. The Spa offering, which also includes natural heat healing, a full-body scrub & a detoxifying facial, can be enjoyed anywhere guests desire, whether that be on the deck of their tent, atop a peak in the jungle or aboard a custom Bensley expedition boat.

Unlimited spa treatments are included in the room rate at no extra charge.

Full day is at leisure for independent exploration or avail on of the activities offered by the Jungle Retreat.

Resist your outdoor bath tub’s siren call & take your Butler’s advice: there is too much to do in this unspoilt wilderness to stay cocooned in your Tent. Highlights change with the season, but there is something for all levels of experience, from expert-guided orchid-spotting hikes to adrenaline-pumping motorcycle patrols with the rangers. Follow the Chef on a foraging walk through the forest (mangosteens, moringa & wild vanilla are there for the picking), or try your hand at Tenkara, the Japanese meditative practice of fly-fishing. Trekking, kayaking & mountain biking are on the menu, too, as are slow, languid afternoons spent tubing on the river.

Pootle your way around the backwaters of the estuary on Shinta Mani Wild’s private pontoon boat, decked out with day-beds for bird-watching in perfect horizontal comfort. The Shinta Mani Foundation supports local communities with schooling, small business sponsorships & sustainable farming; ask to tour the villages to get involved.

For the best wildlife-spotting opportunities, tick the 3 nearby national parks off your list: wild elephants, porcupines & leopard cats have all been spotted in the verdant neighborhood.

Take a behind-the-scenes tour of the lodge to learn about the low-impact construction techniques used during the building phase, see the jungle’s wildest residents up close during a visit to the Chi Phat Wildlife Alliance rehabilitation center, or meet the anti-poaching patrol at the Wildlife Alliance’s Sre Ambel monitoring station.

It is time to leave the Cambodian jungle behind as you are transferred to the private Six Senses jetty in Sihanoukville where you will board the Six Senses cruiser for the short crossing to Krabey Island to reach another iconic Eco-resort.

Step from your Speedboat onto the 30 acre (12-hectare) idyllic private island of Krabey off the south coast of Cambodia.

A gem of a tropical island hideaway, your very own back-to-nature tropical island Resort featuring just 40 private free-standing pool villas offering tranquility & comfort, set around natural landscaping that blend into the lush canopy of trees, fringed by a boardwalk that is a glorious fusion of land & water.

Upon arrival at Six Senses Resort mainland Reception, you will be greeted by your host with a welcome drink, assisted with Check-in & settling in to your Villa.

The spacious Six Senses Resort takes inspiration from the sacred Kbal Spean River, which nourishes the land & life around it, and incorporates calming ripple effects & light reflections in its design. A classic fisherman’s house is reflected in the design of the main lobby, lounge & sunset bar, while surrounding nature becomes a feature of the dining experience, inspiring decor elements that set the backdrop for contemporary Khmer dishes as well as regional and international cuisine.  

The expansive Six Senses that sits atop the island is inspired by the sacred Khmer Kbal Spean River & offers a wide range of holistic rejuvenation including Six Senses Integrated Wellness program which takes guests as deep as they want to go; from specialty treatments & selection of Cambodian healing treatments to multi-day rejuvenating journeys.

For a transformational experience, Six Senses Integrated Wellness program customizes activities to suit both active guests & guests who long to unwind & relax - taking in all that the unique destination has to offer; sport & leisure facilities, intimate private sand beach, ocean boardwalk, sky observatory & an outdoor main pool.

There are single & double treatment rooms, a meditation cave, an outdoor treatment area & a roof-top yoga sala. There is also an indoor aerial yoga studio & relaxation areas. The fitness center offers cardio & weight equipment and functional training elements for workouts across all fitness levels. The Alchemy Bar provides an intriguing setting for wellness workshops where guests are invited to discover the healing properties of the herbs, spices & other ingredients that go into creating spa products through a session of in-depth alchemy.

Taking inspiration from the sacred Kbal Spean River, here you can simply relax in the sauna, herbal steam tent and whirlpool, or de-stress with a traditional Khmer foot massage. Dive deeper into wellness with a selection of Cambodian healing treatments or multi-day wellness programs.

The well-appointed & comfortable villas with private plunge pools exemplifying the commitment to use sustainable material while embracing modern technology for total guest convenience & comfort.

Secluded within tropical surroundings, with airy & light indoors living space, the Villas feature Living rooms that include a day bed that can be adapted to an additional bed, while the master bedroom has a netting canopied bed with Naturalmat mattress, a generous en-suite bathtub & a private sundeck for leisurely alfresco dining. The ocean villas feature stunning sunset views.

Soak up the tranquillity of this tropical setting as you relax in the privacy of your villa, on the calm white beaches or out trying one of the many water activities.

Balance of the day is at leisure to relax or explore independently (we shall be happy to offer suggestions for Optional activities & arrange).

Full day is at leisure to relax or explore independently (we shall be happy to offer suggestions for Optional activities & arrange).

There is nothing quite like waking up surrounded by the sounds & smells of both the jungle & ocean, in a tropical paradise so secluded it feels like you have stepped into the world of Robinson Crusoe.

This luxurious private island is the perfect setting to enjoy some well-earned R&R, where you can take advantage of a variety of activities & treatments across the island, or simply while away your time in the comfort of your private villa or lazing on the white sandy beach.

Full day is at leisure to relax or explore independently (we shall be happy to offer suggestions for Optional activities & arrange).

Relax on the white-sand beach, enjoy your private pool villa, take in a spa treatment or snorkel & dive in the beautiful surrounding coral reefs.

Finally, the mystical experience comes to an end and it is time to say good-bye.

Hop on the Boat & transfer to the Jetty in Sihanoukville. You will be welcomed by The Journeys Rep / Driver who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to Terminal? -  Phnom Penh International Airport for the flight back home.  B

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