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.

Arrive in Siem Reap, the gateway to an ancient world capital city

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.

Arrive at the hotel & 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’.

Wrapped in rainforests, edged by golden sands, crowned by volcanoes, studded with ruins of lost civilisations: this is Southeast Asia as you have 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 3 days at the temples is enough? Think again with Siem Reap on the doorstep.

Balance of the afternoon is at leisure to relax or explore independently.

Later in the evening, you will be treated to a winning mix of creative local Khmer cuisine delicious cocktails & fruit shakes made using only the freshest ingredients, at Marum Restaurant, set in a delightful wooden house with a spacious garden.

Marum is named after the Moringa, or 'Tree of life'. Part of the Tree Alliance group, an NGO that works with street children. Your visit not only gives you an incredible dining experience, but also helps build a new life for the students in training there (with your contribution!)

After years of civil war, Cambodia is now at peace & is growing economically very fast. Despite this, many children & young people lack opportunity and are in marginalized situations in the country.

Tree Alliance runs a full child protection & social reintegration program that includes outreach on the streets & in marginalized communities, Drop-in Centers for street children, Transitional Homes for children separated from family, non-formal education & vocational training in the hospitality industry through fully functional training restaurants for local street kids & disadvantaged youths.

It is the program’s goal that every child access education & every youth have the skills to obtain stable employment. The Program also supports other at-risk groups, such as drug users & sex workers, to access rehabilitation & to prevent sickness. In recent years, they have increased focus on youth employment.

Return to the hotel.

And now comes the ‘raison d’etre’ of coming to Cambodia in the first place.

Wake up at dawn, meet the Tour-guide in the Lobby at 06.00 am & head to Angkor Wat..

Experience the temples of Angkor in a different way today by a bike tour with customized ‘remork’ (similar to the Thai tuk tuk) back up & assistance. A guide will accompany you on bicycle as well short ride to the outskirts of town where you will be briefed by an operational staff member who will check your bicycle & fitting.

Set off on the first stretch to Angkor Wat, where your bike will stay with the remork driver. You will enter & exit Angkor Wat from different entrances & the bikes will be transferred in between so there is no need for you to backtrack. 

Welcome to heaven on earth. 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.

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.

Depart from Angkor Wat & continue cycling to the other ancient city of Angkor Thom, the famous walled city covering an area of 10 sq km & the last capital of the Great Khmer Empire under the reign of Jayavarman VII.

Enter through the monumental South Gate, an impressive stone gate carved with Elephants over a causeway lined on either side by 54 statues of demons & gods, each carrying a giant Naga & capped with four giant faces of the Buddha.

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 & 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).

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

See the many temples within its borders, including the fascinating 12^th century 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 enigmatic giant stone faces looking out over the far-flung provinces of the Great Khmer Empire & smiling enigmatically down at you from every angle.

Arrive at Ta Prohm, unique in the sense that it has been left largely overgrown by jungle trees & vines, with many parts of the temple crumbling to the ground. This makes the ‘Tomb Raider Temple’ one of the most picturesque & memorable of the Angkor temples.

At Ta Prohm, the remork will pick you up at a different point from which you enter. From there it is a short cycle or remork ride to Srah Srang, a public swimming pool for everyone in the ancient kingdom except for elephants who were called “the levee breakers”.

But you are not finished yet.

Continue Cycling along quieter routes with rice paddies & beautiful Cambodian countryside all around. Pass through Pradak village, which is renowned for all types of traditional Khmer noodles or ka tien, the most traditional being nom banchok, made of rice paddy flour & served with a yellow curry soup or praher Khmer.

Lunch at a nearby restaurant.

Ride on to the “gem” of the Angkor area, the pretty temple of Banteay Srei  - a 10^th century Cambodian temple dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, located in the same area of Angkor, north-east of the main group, wonderfully well preserved & with many 3 dimensional carvings.

First discovered, it was assumed to be from the 13^th or 14^th centuries, as it was thought that the refined carving must have come at the end of the Angkor period. It was later dated to AD 967, from inscriptions found at the site. It is one of the smallest sites at Angkor, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in stature.

Considered by many to be the jewel in the crown of Angkorian art, this small Temple cut from sandstone of a pinkish hue, displays truly remarkable fine bas-reliefs - fine examples of classical Khmer art of stone carving anywhere on earth

Banteay Srei means ‘Citadel of the Women’ & it is assumed to have been built by a woman, as the elaborate carvings are supposedly too fine for the hand of a man. Is is one of the few temples around Angkor to be commissioned not by a king but by a Brahmin, who may have been a tutor to Jayavarman V.

The Temple is square & has entrances at the east & west, with the east approached by a causeway. Of interest are the lavishly decorated libraries & the three central towers, which are decorated with male & female divinities and beautiful filigree relief work.

Classic carvings at Banteay Srei include delicate women with lotus flowers in hand and traditional skirts clearly visible, as well as breathtaking re-creations of scenes from the epic Ramayana adorning the library pediments (carved inlays above a lintel). However, the sum of the parts is no greater than the whole – almost every inch of these interior buildings is covered in decoration. Standing watch over such perfect creations are the mythical guardians, all of which are copies of originals stored in the National Museum.

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

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

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.

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 begins to set 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 & head back to the Angkor Thom gate to meet your Remork driver & transfer back to your hotel & relax.

Later in the evening, meet the Tour-guide in the Lobby at 06.00 pm & zip off in the waiting Remork to emark on a culinary adventure. Uncover hidden treasures & areas favored by locals to sample some of Cambodia’s lesser known ‘exotic’ cuisine!

First stop will be the famous Bugs Cafe. Experience the gastronomical discovery of these typical Cambodian delicacies by savoring some sophisticated tapas, cooked in a fusion of French & Khmer cuisine by a Chef formerly from a 5 star hotel. (If you are not quite that adventurous yet, please note that certain dishes can be served without insects! If that does not work for you, we can change the venue)

Next, explore the streets around Psar Chas (Old Market), which are lined with various stalls selling pancakes, fruit shakes, fried bananas, waffles, coconut rice cakes, and various fried rice & noodle dishes. Take your time to sit down anywhere and enjoy anything you like! Make sure to stop at one of the many fresh fruit stalls to try a range of exotic local fruit, including dragon fruit, longans, mangoes, mangosteens, snake fruit & the smelly but very tasty durian!

Then, head over to the Sombai rice wine workshop to sample a selection of spirits made from fermented rice. Taste the unusual concoctions infused with local fruits & herbs, accompanied by local snacks.

Continue the culinary adventure around Wat Damnak, where a handful of smoke-filled corrugated-iron roofed shacks & fancier open-sided eateries serve one of Siem Reap’s most popular street food snacks like sach ko ang jakak (beef skewers marinated in palm sugar, soy & kroeung - a paste of lemongrass, galangal, turmeric, kaffir lime, garlic), barbecued over coals on a traditional clay grill. If beef isn’t your thing, try out some BBQ frog, eel, chicken, or fish.

End the evening at one of the family-run dessert stalls near Wat Polanka. Combining a myriad textures, from silky glutinous surfaces & crunchy shaved ice to smooth medicinal jellies, creamy coconut milk &  flavors that are exotic to foreign palates. From yellow bean to durian, Khmer desserts are an acquired taste for many visitors.

The Foodie Trail tour concludes & you will be transferred back to the hotel.

Early morning, meet the Tour-guide at 06.00 am & with a packed western breakfast from the hotel, embark an incredible tour to learn about life in a typical Cambodian village, interact with friendly locals and discover traditional village customs & cultures.

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 to Ta Brak village with its paddy fields & sugar palm trees, to observe the typical village life-style.

A western packed breakfast from the hotel will be taken and, on arrival in the village, you will meet & sit down with a family to share this breakfast. You will enjoy learning about local village life early in the morning when villages generally are most active.

Experience 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, making fish traps etc. or other similar tasks. For a truly immersive experience, you can lend a hand & join the locals in these activities!

Walk to the village Pagoda & partake in a special Buddhist tradition. Local monks will impart wishes of good luck & success in a solemn, age-old ceremony with a water blessing.

Leaving the village, travel to the nearby 9^th century Bakong Temple, part of the Roluos group & the main temple of an ancient center of Khmer civilization known as Hariharalaya,   

From here, you will travel to a floating village to observe the life-style there.  

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.

Come back to the hotel to freshen up to get ready for another interesting ‘not to be missed’ Cambodia experience.

Evening around 06.00 pm, meet the Rep & proceed to see the breathtaking show "Phare -The Cambodian Circus" featuring the energetic & talented young professional artists & high-flying acrobatics with live music.

The Show is one of Cambodia’s most innovative social enterprise models. Profits generated through ticket, refreshment, merchandise & private performance sales support the free education, professional arts training & social support programs of Phare Ponleu Selpak in Battambang.

More than just a Circus, Phare performers use theater, music, dance & modern circus arts to tell uniquely Cambodian stories; historical, folk & modern. The young circus artists will astonish you with their energy, emotion, enthusiasm & talent.

All Phare artists are students & graduates from Phare Ponleu Selpak’s (www.phareps.org) vocational training center in Battambang, formed in 1994 by 9 young men coming home from a refugee camp after the Khmer Rouge regime. They were greatly helped during that time by an art teacher using drawing classes as therapy who wanted to share this new skill among the poor, socially deprived & troubled youngsters in Battambang.

The Group founded an Art School & a Public School offering free education. A Music School & Theatre School were next and finally, for the kids who wanted more, the Circus School. Today more than 1,200 pupils attend the public school daily & 500 attend the alternative schools. Phare Ponleu Selpak also has extensive outreach programs, trying to help with the problems highlighted in their own tales.

“Phare - the Cambodian Circus” offers these students & graduates a medium to hone their skills & a place to earn a decent wage. Money that will take them out of poverty & give them self-respect & freedom.

The Phare experience begins from the moment you approach the venue in Siem Reap. You will see larger-than-life images of Phare artists on banners & billboards along the street.

As you enter the site, you are greeted by the smiling faces & a warm welcome of the customer service team. You pause to take your first photo of the evening: the authentic red big top with colorful lights made from recycled plastic bottles.

With your ticket in hand, you pass by the story panels that provide you a little background of the artists as you enter the newly redesigned Phare Boutique, where you can get some of the most extraordinary souvenirs, including original artwork from Phare visual artists. Maybe, one of the hand-crafted items will catch your eye. Of course, you know you need to take home several Phare t-shirts & polo shirts as souvenirs for your friends & family. Don’t worry if you can’t make up your mind just yet. Phare Boutique will be open after the show as well.

Between Phare Boutique & the Big Top, you will discover open-air Phare Cafe, serving drinks, snacks and delicious meals. Here, before the Show, you will enjoy a 3 course meal (included, no drinks) dining on Fish Amok & Beef Kroeung & other delicacies.

Another drink? Popcorn with real butter? No problem. You’re welcome to take it into the Big Top.

08.00 pm – time to proceed to the Tent for the 1 hour main event.

The smile automatically comes to your face as you find a seat in the traditional, authentic, circular Big Top. May be, you are thinking of a circus you went during your childhood, but guaranteed, this will be unique. The music, acting, acrobatics & high-energy music will captivate you. At the end, the artists welcome you on stage for a chat or group photos.

You exit the Big Top feeling exhilarated. When you pass back through Phare Boutique on the way out, you know exactly which souvenirs you will take home.

With your bag in hand, you jump in one of the tuk tuks waiting for you back to the hotel to look at all the pictures you took & upload them to your social media?

Or may be, you want to discover the Pub Street? (if you do, then you will have to find your own way back to the hotel).

Morning, meet the Journeys Rep who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to Terminal? -  Siem Reap International Airport for the short flight to Phnom Penh.

Arrive in Phnom Penh.

Cambodia’s busy capital can’t help but conjure up an image of the exotic. The glimmering spires of the Royal Palace, the fluttering saffron of the monks’ robes & the luscious location on the banks of the mighty Mekong - this is the Asia many daydream about from afar.  

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

Arrive at the hotel & Check-in & relax.

*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’.

A hub for both the Khmer Empire & French colonialists, Phnom Penh sits at the junction of the Mekong & Tonle Sap river & can be an assault on the senses.

Phnom Penh - the name can’t help but conjure up an image of the exotic & many consider it to be one of the friendliest capitals in Asia, as Cambodians have not yet become jaded by mass tourism. It is a bit unfortunate that one of the tourist industry's selling points for Phnom Penh has to do with wars that took place in the 1970's (i.e. Killing Fields, Toul Sleng), as visitors may associate the city with these historical events when in fact Cambodian culture, including its art & music is quite remarkable.

The Khmer temples & monuments found here are some of the most stunning examples of Buddhist architecture & art, and Phnom Penh has no shortage of these.

Once the ‘Pearl of Asia’, Phnom Penh’s shine was tarnished by the impact of war & revolution. But the city has since risen from the ashes to take its place among the hip capitals of the region, with an alluring cafe culture, bustling bars & a world-class food scene.

Despite being a bit rough on the edges, Phnom Penh retains its former charm as a leafy South East Asian capital with a nice riverside promenade & numerous beautiful Cambodian Buddhist wats, palaces, & other artifacts.

Tuk tuk & Motorbikes whiz through laneways without a thought for pedestrians; markets exude pungent scents; &d all the while the sounds of life - of commerce, of survival - reverberate through the streets. But this is all part of the attraction, watch the street life & absorb the local colour.

The beauty that made it a 'Paris of the East' before 1970 is hidden beneath the reality of modern day Cambodia, though there are a few French colonial buildings remain & add to the allure of the city, where Asian & Western traditions meet in a fascinating way. The wide tree-lined boulevards & promenades envisaged by the French are mostly used as parking spaces & market stalls: pedestrians are not in favour.

The innermost part of the city, known as "riverside" is where most tourists will go, as it hosts cafes & restaurants aplenty. On its walkable riverfront, lined with parks, restaurants & bars are the ornate Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda & the National Museum, displaying artifacts from around the country. At the city’s heart is the massive, art deco Central Market.

The city is slowly gaining high rise buildings, traffic lights & Western style shopping malls. It does not have the huge colonial British architectural heritage like Yangon in Myanmar, and is light years behind Bangkok.

Shortly after, meet the Tour-guide in the Lobby & proceed for a 4 hour sightseeing tour of some of the city’s most historically significant sites, riding on a Cyclo, an original Phnom Penh means of transportation & a fun way to explore this lively city.

Visit a selection of carefully-chosen highlights, from the remarkable buildings featuring some of the most stunning architecture to be found anywhere.

Visit the Royal Palace, which to this day is still the royal residence. The Royal Palace is one of Phnom Penh’s most splendid architectural achievements. It is home to His Majesty Norodom Sihanouk and Her Majesty Preah. See the amazing royal collection & the beautiful architecture. The sculptures & sheer construction of the palace leaves even the most seasoned traveler in awe because of the stunning structure.

Head to the National Museum, predominantly constructed of sand-stone, where you will be taken around by a trained museum guide who will show you some wonderful pre - Angkorean pieces from the temples as well as a stunning collection of ancient Khmer art. The exhibits are complemented by more recent examples of Cambodian art. The museum is housed in a terra-cotta-roofed structure of traditional Cambodian design, which was built between 1917 & 1920.

The tour concludes & you are transferred back to the hotel by early afternoon.

Balance of the afternoon is at leisure to relax or for independent exploration (we would be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements). .

Later in the evening, you will be transferred to the Pier to board a Riverboat for a cruise that will take you along the Tonle Sap & Mekong Rivers.

The Cruise Boat is a newly constructed vessel designed solely with lunch/dinner cruising in mind. With 365 degree views from the top, it has 140 seats with a rustic, wooden, Cambodian design with modern touches & is equipped with 3 toilets, running water from fresh water tanks & a water filtration system for clean, purified drinking water. The boat is licensed, inspected, with flotation devices, safety equipment & fire extinguishers onboard, with a staff well-trained in safety & first-aid procedures. A large commercial kitchen with floor-to-ceiling stainless steel walls & appliances, and rubber flooring is designed to prepare food for up to 120 guests in short order. Hygiene, safety & guest satisfaction are the priorities.

Upon boarding you will be welcomed with a Sunset Cocktail.

Departing about 05.00 pm, you will be cruising along the Phnom Penh riverfront while enjoying the subtle sounds of live traditional Khmer music on the upper-deck. You can also view the scenery from the main deck for a more cozy experience.

Leaving the Royal Palace you will journey to the junction of the Tonle Sap, Mekong & Bassac Rivers. Along the way, you may see floating villages & fishing families living on their house boats. See the capital at its most magical as you glide past the glittering Phnom Penh skyline on this 2 hour sunset dinner cruise.

Cruising on the Mekong, you will see the sunset over Phnom Penh in the distance. On the right day, the sunset is the highlight of the journey.

Dinner is served after sunset. An all-you-can-eat buffet made from fresh, local, organic food that is stored, prepped & cooked fresh daily on the boat in a stainless steel kitchen, never prepared on land hours before, and definitely not on a rusty charcoal grill. No fish from the river is served, ever. All original sauces are made onboard. Salad, spring rolls, organic brown rice, curry, fruit, fresh bread, sandwiches & a variety barbecue with Texas-style barbecue & Asian teriyaki sauce is served. There are low-carb, vegetarian, vegan & halal options available.

The Bar (no Drinks are included - direct payment) has spirits from around the world. Most any traditional cocktail can be made, but be sure and try one of many original signature cocktails, satisfaction guaranteed. Local & imported beers, as well as red & white wines by the glass or bottle. Fresh, locally grown coffee beans are ground just before brewing to ensure fantastic espresso, and coffee.

Sail along the Mekong River before turning up the Tonle Sap to take in the stunning Phnom Penh riverfront skyline after dark. Pass under the Japanese Friendship Bridge as you return to Pier.

Disembark & meet the Journey Rep who will transfer you back to the hotel.

Today, embark on a fascinating experience exploring the culinary delights of Cambodia. Although not as well-known as the cuisine from neighboring countries, Cambodia has a great variety of national dishes & there are many stories to be told by your Tour-guide.

Meet the Tour-guide in the Lobby at 07.00 am (or even earlier) & proceed on a 2 hour Walking Tour to the vegetable market, as many buyers will do to make their purchases. Walk through the aisles as the Tour-guide explains the different fruits, herbs & vegetables used in Khmer cuisine. Try some seasonal, local fruits along the way.

Walk to the beautiful, domed, deco Central Market, which offers a ‘kind’ of kaleidoscopic view of what is on offer in Cambodia, shopping wise.

Shopping in Phnom Penh is a major attraction for tourists who love to buy back some souvenirs from this exotic Asian land. The clean Central Market (Phsar Thmei) is one of those busy bazaars that are always filled with effervescent crowd from one end to the other. Whoever loves to browse endlessly through small yet enticing shops, with the widest range of products for sale, will find the Central Market an enchanting place. The present English name makes it popular to the tourists.

The Market stocks everything right from food items to clothes & silverworks. The jewelry & some of the gold ornament that you will find in the interior of the market are really unsurpassable in design & style.

Constructed in 1937 on a site which was previously a swamp that was used to accumulate runoff rainwaters, it was initially designed by Jean Desbois & the construction was supervised by French architects Louis Chauchon & Wladimir Kandaouroff.

The dark-yellow Art deco building is shaped in the form of a cross with a nice central dome with 4 wings branching out into vast hallways with countless shops selling gold & silver jewelry, antique coins, fake name-brand watches & other such items.

The market building is a beautiful one, a spectacular instance of Cambodian architecture. Central Market also sells electronic items & there is also plenty of second hand stuff that locals can buy here at an affordable rate. The gateway to the market is lined with hawkers who sell different kinds of tidbits. Around the main buildings are stalls offering Krama (the traditional checked scarves), stationery, household items, cloth for sarongs, flowers & second hand clothes, usually from Europe & the US.

For photographers, the fresh food section affords a lot of opportunities. There are a host of good value food stalls on the structure's western side, which faces Monivong Blvd.

From here, move on to another quaint shopping place - the vast Russian Market. This sweltering bazaar is the one market all visitors should come to at least once during a trip to Phnom Penh.

It is the place to shop for souvenirs & discounted name-brand clothing (we obviously can’t vouch for the authenticity of everything, but along with plenty of knock-offs you will find genuine articles stitched in local factories). You will pay less than one-third of the price back home for brands like Banana Republic, Billabong, Calvin Klein, Colombia, Gap & Next.

The Russian Market, so-called by foreigners because the predominantly Russian expat population shopped here in the 1980s, also has a large range of handicrafts & antiquities (many fake), including miniature Buddhas, woodcarvings, betel-nut boxes, silks, silver jewellery, musical instruments & so on. Bargain hard, as hundreds of tourists pass through here every day. There are some good food stalls in the Russian Market if you are feeling peckish.

Continue on to a local restaurant that uses many of the ingredients seen at the market. Various dishes are ready cooked & French-style baguettes (num pang) & the tasty nom banh chok can be ordered: ideal for foodies & lovers of local, non-touristy experiences.

Post lunch, you will visit a sombre site indelibly linked forever to the history of Cambodia.

See the infamous Tuol Sleng High School, the remnants of the S-21 prison camp & hear about how the horrors of the regime unfolded in this innocent location. Peruse the sensitive exhibitions within the high school, which now houses the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. The Museum was one of hundreds of detention & interrogation centers created all over Cambodia by the Khmer Rouge who gave the former high school the sinisterly innocuous name S-21 where countless thousands of Cambodians were ruthlessly processed until they were dead. See the gallery that speaks eloquently of the brutality of the Khmer Rouge as you walk you through the different museum displays.

You might even get the chance to meet one of the survivors, who will enlighten you further on the sordid history of this once peaceful school.

From here, drive outside the city to the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek where visitors can learn of the horrors that unfolded here decades ago.

The poignant memorial at Choeung Ek Genocidal Center represents one of the all too frequent dark periods in world history, between 1975 - 1979. The place has really direct links with the horrific past of Cambodia & Phnom Penh when during 4 years of awful civil war an estimated 1.7 million people were massacred.   

Listen as your knowledgeable Tour-guide describes the darkest period in Cambodia’s history & hear of the fateful day when the Khmer Rouge took Phnom Penh. Uncover the soul-stirring stories of one of the 20^th century’s most horrific tragedies.

Choeung Ek is the site of a former orchard & mass grave of victims of the Khmer Rouge - killed between 1975 & 1979, when men, women, children & infants who had been detained & tortured at S-21 prison were transported to the extermination camp here. The place has been most aptly been named as the Killing Field in Phnom Penh.

There were killing fields all over the country, where the Khmer Rouge regime executed over 1 million people, but Cheung Ek was believed to be the largest. The place is actually a mass grave where almost 17,000 innocents were slaughtered mercilessly for no fault of theirs. There were separate graves for men, for women & for children.

This place of incredible tragedy has today been sensitively converted into a peaceful Visitors’ Centre & the disturbing story is retold.

At the site, where the remains of an estimated 10,000 people were found, a sacred 17 story Choeung Ek Memorial designed in the style of a Buddhist stupa with glass panels was erected in 1988 to remember those who were killed at the hands of the Khmer Rouge. It displays 8000 skulls exhumed from mass graves of those executed at the site, are arranged in multiple layers.

The Memorial was constructed so as not to obscure the facts, but to show the grisly & honest truth. The skulls are a harsh reminder of a genocide that took place only 40 years ago & the Memorial is particularly disturbing as upon closer examination of the skulls, many of which bear marks of the trauma they suffered before their execution.

Along with the Stupa, Choeung Ek still has a number of visible pits that were used as mass graves & some human bones can still be seen in the area. Even today, following periods of heavy rain, fragments of clothing & bones from victims will surface through the mud.

The Cambodian government encourages Visitors to see the site & never to forget the atrocities committed during the Khmer Rouge regime. Every year on the 20^th of May, a Ceremony is held around the Stupa to bring peace to the spirits of the deceased. Note: Really frightening sites that sends shivers down the spine. Both Tuol Sleng Museum & the Killing Fields exhibits may be disturbing for some and aren't suitable for younger children & adults who are easily shocked.

Return to the city after sending a sombre 2 hours there.

But yet another Stop before returning to the hotel.

Head to the riverside area of Phnom Penh, a pleasant French style promenade that is great for people viewing. It is a gathering point for the locals & every evening, it turns into a very lively impromptu entertainment center. You can see & participate in free exercise classes, Khmer dancing, Meditation, Yoga sessions, musicians, magicians & whatever else you can think of. A lot of fun for all!

After spending an hour here, you will be transferred back to the hotel (if you want to stay back to explore more & discover some very interesting eating options in the proximity, you have to make your own way back to the hotel).

Early morning, leave Phnom Penh for Krong Kep, the capital of Kep province in southern Cambodia,

Enroute, stop at Phnom Chisor where you can climb up to the top of the mountain to explore the well-preserved ruins of an Angkorian temple originally constructed in the 10^th century.

A temple from the Angkorian era, Phnom Chisor is set upon a solitary hill in Takeo Province, offering superb views of the typical Cambodian countryside.  

The main Temple constructed of laterite & brick with carved sandstone lintels surrounded by the partially ruined walls of a 2.5m wide gallery with windows, stands on the eastern side of the hilltop.  Inscriptions found here date from the 11^th century, when this site was known as Suryagiri.

On the plain to the west of Phnom Chisor are the sanctuaries of Sen Thmol (just below Phnom Chisor), Sen Ravang & the former sacred pond of Tonle Om. All 3 of these features form a straight line from Phnom Chisor in the direction of Angkor. During rituals held here 900 years ago, the king, his Brahmans & their entourage would climb a monumental 400 steps to Suryagiri from this direction.

Enjoy a simple but tasty lunch at a local restaurant in Takeo town.

Get aboard a fiberglass motorboat in Takeo on a 30 minute ride that will zip you along an ancient canal to the archaeological museum of Angkor Borei & the pre-Angkorian temple ruins of Phnom Da. Along the way there, travelers have chance to see all the plain, as well as the rice fields & especially, the local daily life on the river.

Not as well-known as Angkor Wat or Angkor Thom, the ancient Angkor Borei - a town which is located in Takeo province, has several ruins & archaeological digs to be explored. Known as an important religious & political settlement in the Kingdom of Funan which existed for a very short time (from 1^st - 6^th century AD), Angkor Borei just 12 km from neighboring kingdom of Vietnam, was the bridge to connect the Indochina region with India & China.

There is a small Museum built in 2008 with unique Khmer architecture, which boasts a small collection of Khmer artifacts but worth a visit with a knowledgeable Guide.

After having a look at the Museum, the boat takes you further to Phnom Da - an ancient pre-Angkorian temple on a small hill, situated in Prek Ta Phor village. For those who prefer some off the beaten track experiences, Phnom Da is a charming temple that should not be missed out (visit subject to weather as this place is flooded for 6 months yearly).

Not as majestic as Angkor Wat, this place is a hidden heritage with a stunning view. It is possible to access the Phnom Da by 2 staircases and to enjoy more, it is better to go up by one & come down by the other to enjoy different scenes. More than a hundred steps might not sound a lot but in the heat & humidity, make sure you have a bottle of water for this hike. The views of the rural areas, small villages, etc are picture postcard perfect.

The harbor near Angkor Borei Museum is functions as a floating fish market where all the boats gather to sell their fishes. There, you can also find some beverage shops, “local style” with coconut water, syrup with ice. Some traditional Khmer dishes also available for sale. Plenty of cookeries in the area around the Independence Monument may also be found in Takeo.

The boat will take you back to Takeo dock where the waiting vehicle will take you to Kep, Cambodia’s prestigious seaside resort of the 1960s that is slowly awakening to its former glory.

Arrive by late afternoon & Check-in at the hotel.

Founded as a seaside retreat for the French elite in 1908 and a favoured haunt of Cambodian high-rollers during the 1960s, sleepy Kep is drawing tourists back with seafood, sunsets and hikes in butterfly-filled Kep National Park.

Some find Kep a bit soulless because it lacks a centre, not to mention a long sandy shoreline. Others revel in its torpid pace, content to relax at their resort, nibble on peppery crab at the famed crab market and poke around the mildewed shells of modernist villas, which still give the town a sort of post-apocalyptic feel.    

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 at the white sand Kep Beach located at the tip of the peninsula & site of several ruined French mansions.

Or maybe, you want to opt for one of the optional activities in the area (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements)

Wander around Kep, keep an eye out for the decaying 1960s Villas & the active Royal residence which are reminders of Kep’s heyday as a high society seaside retreat that was abandoned during the Khmer Rouge time  (if you are lucky, you might even spot  the royal family if they are in residence). Some Villas have been restored whilst others are in a state of disarray - perhaps destined to become boutique hotels one day.

You may try the Jungle Trek in the nearby Kep National Park.

There is also the Butterfly Farm, a private ecological garden in the Jasmine Valley Trail dedicated to preserve the local environment led by philanthropic expats

Early morning, accompanied by the Tour-guide, visit the the popular Kep crab market & see crabs being stored in baskets in the shallow water & being cooked in the market itself. The market is busiest at weekends & holidays but it is fun to visit at any time. The dozen-plus rickety old wooden shacks that hug the water’s edge next to the market serve fresh seafood at its best. Learn from the Tour-guide which are the best & tastiest crabs to select.

Come back to the hotel to Check-out & depart for Sihanoukville. 

Enroute, stop at Kampot, a city on the Preaek Tuek Chhu River in southern Cambodia.

Kampot is a collection of peach & faded-yellow French-colonial shopfronts running alongside the Teuk Chhou River. The orderly boulevards are trimmed with trailing vines, tiny cafes & the occasional corner shop. The colonial era Governor’s Mansion now houses the Kampot Museum, which features exhibits on the city’s history.

Driving past the pretty Secret Lake, you will arrive at the family owned La Plantation, a certified organic pepper plantation located in the backdrop of Damrei Mountains

Kampot is famous since colonial times for producing the 'champagne of pepper', which has been grown here for the past 1,000 years & more.

When the city opened its doors to European merchants in the mid-1800s, the pepper trade boomed & French chefs declared Kampot pepper the finest in the world. The region also grows much of Cambodia’s fruit, including the love-or-loathe-it durian. Pineapple, mangosteen & lychee plantations surround the city & driving from Phnom Penh, you also pass neat, rectangular salt pans (& a number of often-unmarked killing fields used by the Khmer Rouge).

The Khmer Rouge halted production, but the land has been reclaimed by farmers eager to reinstate this slow-to-mature crop. Many Farms are now open to visitors. Visitors (who have time, not you), can spend an entire day here, getting introduced to traditional Cambodian specialties in a Cooking lesson.

Enjoy a guided tour of the Plantation & learn about the difference between green, black, white & red peppers and observe the process of producing this unique ingredient.

Later, enjoy Lunch (& a tasting session to try all 11 varieties of pepper grown here, including the eye-wateringly intense long pepper.some fresh green peppercorns) at the Farm’s restaurant. You are welcome to buy some to take home.

After the 3 hour tour, drive to the town center. .

Kampot was once Cambodia’s main port & as you drive into the city, you are hit with a multi-story-size clue to the main source of commerce here now: a towering statue of a spiky durian fruit.

The Cafes here serve everything from Kampot-pepper-infused local signatures to French-inspired dishes (a small community of French expats live here). Visitors can hire a bicycle to explore the surrounding countryside or paddle along the river in a kayak or by paddle board.

In the evenings, any pretence of quaint French-colonialism is lost as the riverside transforms itself with as many fluorescent lights as it can fit, wrapped around the surrounding bridges & promenades. Boats, decked out in more neon lights than Times Square at Christmas, cruise along the river, making the most of the intense violet-pink sunsets. They don’t entertain the tourists – you will be surrounded by Kampot locals & Cambodian visitors basking in a relaxed, celebratory atmosphere.

The central Kampot Night Market is a tight grid of clothes stalls & food vendors selling freshly caught river shrimp. A 15 minute walk or short taxi ride north is the Bokor Night Market, where you will find a fluorescent-lit food court, roller-skating park & outdoor cinema.

Take a short break to stretch your legs in this charming riverside town with magnificent surroundings still dominated by French colonial architecture. You can also sit down for a chilled beer before departing for Sihanoukville.

Arrive in Sihanoukville by late afternoon & Check-in at the hotel.

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.

'Beach town', 'port community', 'fledgling resort destination' - all describe Sihanoukville, Cambodia's premier beach town. Sihanoukville's white sand beaches and warm Gulf of Thailand waters combine with a laid back, beachy atmosphere to provide a great little tropical getaway. Sihanoukville is a place to unwind by the beach, enjoy the fresh from-the-ocean seafood, take in a snorkeling or scuba trip & generally slow-down, lay back & chill-out.

Sihanoukville has a different look and feel than most Cambodian towns. Constructed as a port city in the late 1950s, the town is much newer, more urban and cosmopolitan than most Cambodian provincial cities.

Cows occasionally wander the main road, outside town foreign faces draw smiles & curious stares, and most of the beaches offer only beach umbrellas, thatched roofed eateries and a growing number of restaurants, bungalows & hotels.

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 & 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.

Fresh seafood, especially crab, prawns & ocean fish, has always been one of the town's biggest draws, but there is also a wide variety of places offering foreign cuisines - Australian, French, Indian, German, Sri Lankan, British, Italian, pizza places, a couple of western bakeries & even an espresso coffee shop.

And these days Sihanoukville offers a pretty good night life as well with a wide variety of bars staying open well into the wee hours, especially on Weather Station Hill, in the downtown area & the beach bars on Ochheuteal, ‘Serendipity’ & Victory Beaches.

Although tourism has increased over the past few years, the beaches of Sihanoukville are some of the most unspoiled in all of Southeast Asia. It is a prefect tropical getaway, filled with lovely beaches & facilities for swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving or just sunbathing. Boat trips are also available to many of the nearby islands.

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

Morning, meet the Tour-guide at 08.00 am & to proceed to the Embarkation Point  for a full day 8 hour Cruise out to sea on a private wooden motorboat, to the nearby tropical islands.

Relax as the Boat glides across clear blue waters on the way to nearby tropical islands.

Cambodia’s southern coast is not nearly as well-known as neighboring Thailand’s but it has equally beautiful beaches that are relatively undeveloped and generally free from crowds. Today’s trip will include several Cambodian islands, such as Koh Chaloh, Koh Tres, and Koh Ta Kiev.

Stop at one island or another to alternatively swim in the sea and soak in the sun. There are plenty of chances to snorkel, enjoying colourful fish that live in these waters.

Walk along a long, sandy beach and explore the rugged island jungles if you wish.

At midday, indulge in a delicious seafood barbecue on the beach & relax in the shade of a coconut tree.

Return to the Pier in Sihanoukville by late afternoon.

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

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 abundant 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 might spot colorful butterflies & bizarre-looking insects as well as some of the 550+ bird species found in this area such as brahminy kites or great hornbills if you are lucky.

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.

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

You can explore the river on by kayak, swimming in its clear waters or fishing from your private terrace.

In the evening take a short boat trip to see a spectacle of nature: fireflies lighting up a tree as if were a Christmas tree!

Dinner will be served at the lodge.

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

Morning, meet the Tour-guide at 10.00 am & embark on a full day excursion to visit the majestic Tatai Waterfalls.

A 45 minute sail will take you past the Tatai village to the Falls.

Turning on to a tributary you head into the heart of the Cardamom jungle to the far-off sounds of exotic birds and its secretive wildlife. Within minutes you are at journey’s end, gazing down into the turbulent waters of the Falls.

Soon it is time for your picnic lunch, maybe a few moments hydro-massage and a refreshing drink as you find some shade for a picnic and relax amongst the sights & sounds of the jungle. Kayaks are available for the last stretch to add some fun & adventure or you can stay on board the boat.

Return the Eco Lodge by the late afternoon & relax.

Later in the 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.

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

Hop on the Boat & transfer to the Disembarkation Point where 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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