Cambodia: Hike, Bike & Kayak

Sua s'dei! Welcome to Cambodia. If you have some free time, maybe stroll the streets of Phnom Penh and explore the city and the interesting French colonial architecture. Phnom Penh is set at the confluence of the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers, and life centres around the lively riverfront. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. This evening you could join the locals as they come to take in the air, snack on the street hawker food and enjoy impromptu waterside entertainment, or head up to a rooftop bar for a drink and some riverside views.

After breakfast, you’ll start your adventure on a mountain bike, crossing the river by local boat and then cycling through the villages on an island in the Mekong River. The island is famous for silk weaving, agriculture and aquaculture. Stop to see locals at work in the village and enjoy cycling on quiet roads through orchards and along rice paddies. After, return to Phnom Penh for a free afternoon – your leader can help you organise an optional activity, or you can explore at your own pace. Phnom Penh remains a living relic of the country’s past struggles, with the sobering Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21) and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek telling the story of the bloody legacy of the Khmer Rouge. Otherwise, you could visit Wat Phnom – the temple that gave rise to the foundation of the city in the 15th century, or the Royal Palace complex’s Silver Pagoda – Cambodia’s most sacred temple. (B/L)

This morning, you’ll leave early and make tracks for Kratie. On the way, pass through Skuon – a small town known for its unusual delicacy of tasty spiders. Try one if you’re game! Onwards to the town of Kratie on the banks of the Mekong. Board a local boat from Kratie waterfront to Koh Trong for your homestay – approximately 280 families call this 6 km island home. The island is famous for growing the citrus fruit pomelo – some of the best in Cambodia – as well as rice and other agricultural products. Your homestay is a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in everyday Cambodian life, and this evening you'll enjoy a traditional Khmer dinner. With hammocks strung up beneath the house, this is an ideal place to unwind. Take a leisurely cycle around the island’s perimeter through traditional Khmer villages, fruit orchards and rice fields, observing the daily rituals and routines of traditional village life. (B/D)

After breakfast this morning, take a 1-hour guided walk to see how the locals live and to learn more about the local culture in this part of Cambodia. During the days of the Khmer Rouge, much of the island’s forested interior was cut down. In response, villagers have started a tree-planting project at Wat Ty Pram Kbal Koh Trong. You’ll have the opportunity to contribute to the project by helping to plant a tree on the pagoda grounds. After, say goodbye to your island hosts and return to the mainland. There’s time to wander down the river boulevard and explore the local market in Kratie before travelling to Stung Treng. On the way, maybe enjoy an optional lunch at Kampi Creek, where you’ll also hop on a boat and go out on an excursion to try and spot dolphins! When you arrive in Stung Treng, head out on a walking tour with your leader and discover this town’s regional delights at the local market. (B)

Start early this morning to make the most of a full day of activities. You’ll travel by private minibus to the village of Voeun Kham. From there, catch a local boat to cruise the Mekong River to the fierce Sopheakmit Waterfall – on the Cambodia–Laos border, the thundering falls crash over limestone crags and boulders making a spectacular sight. Moor the boat at a local family's home and hike for about 2 hours through the jungle to a lunch spot overlooking the falls. Return to the boat and continue through a gorgeous stretch of the Mekong River, home to many bird species and the village of Osvay. Pass through the Anlong Cheuteal Irrawaddy dolphin pool, where it’s possible to spot freshwater dolphins. Jump in a kayak to paddle among this spectacular scenery of flooded forests for about 2 hours to Vuen Sien village. After a full day exploring this glorious stretch of nature, you’ll return to Stung Treng by private minibus for the night. (L)

This morning, set out on your journey to Siem Reap, travelling by private minibus through Cambodia’s countryside and small towns. Arrive at the gateway to the famed Angkor complex – with its cafes, bars, restaurants, food and drink stands, Siem Reap caters for all persuasions. A visit to the old market is a must, even if you're not looking for souvenirs. Wandering through the stalls and surrounding shops, you’ll find silks, cotton, sarongs, silver and statues creating a kaleidoscope of colour. After check-in at your hotel, you’ll be picked up by a tuk tuk and then your leader will take you on an orientation walk to help you get acquainted with this bustling town.

Hop on your bike and temple hop with your local guide today for a full day cycling tour to make the most of your visit to the world-famous Angkor complex – built between the ninth and 13th centuries when the Khmer empire was the pre-eminent influence in South East Asia. These ruins include Angkor Wat, Bayon and the jungle-covered Ta Prohm. After you’re temple-d out, head back to Siem Reap for a free night. You might like to check out Phare – the Cambodian Circus. Coming from disadvantaged households, the performers have gained international recognition through their art. Like a Cambodian Cirque Du Soleil, modern Khmer tales mix theatre, music, dance, acrobatics, juggling, aerial acts and contortion. (B)

As no activities are planned for today, you can leave your accommodation at any time. If you have extra time you might like to schedule an Angkor zip-line and canopy walk adventure, a tasty Khmer cooking class, or simply relax by the pool. If you’d like to spend more time in Siem Reap, just speak to your booking agent. (B)