Learn firsthand about the ancient history of the Angkor Empire and the Angkorian kings. Take a trip to Kratie to see the endangered Irrawadi Dolphin. Then venture to Ratanakiri, and visit the hill tribe people at Banlung, see waterfalls, and explore Vansai and Ta Veng. In Phnom Penh visit the Tuol Sleng Museum and explore the dark history of the Khmer Rouge Regime, also see the Royal Palace with the Silver Pagoda, and much more...
Tour route: Phnom Penh - Kratie - Ratanakiri - Vansai - Ta Veng
Duration: 8 days / 7 nights
Start/End: Phnom Penh/Phnom Penh
Tour Highlights
- Phnom Penh Arrival: Transfer to hotel, welcome dinner.
- Phnom Penh City Tour: Toul Sleng Museum, Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, Wat Phnom.
- Explore Kratie: Mekong River boat ride, see Irrawadi dolphins, sunset at Phnom Sambok.
- Visit Ratanakiri: Scenic drive, local market, waterfall, sunset view from Eisey Patamiak Hill.
- Discover Vansai and Taveng: Tumpuon people, volcanic lake, Kroeung villages, unique customs.
BRIEF ITINERARY
Day 01: Phnom Penh Arrival
Day 02: Phnom Penh City Tour
Day 03: Phnom Penh - Kratie
Day 04: Kratie - Ratanakiri (Banlung)
Day 05: Banlung - Vansai
Day 06: Banlung - Ta Veng
Day 07: Banlung - Phnom Penh
Day 08: Phnom Penh Departure
Day 1: Phnom Penh Arrival (D)
Transfer via: International flight – Your arrangement.
Upon your arrival in Phnom Penh, you will be met by our local guide and then transfer to your hotel. After check-in and getting settled, we will have a welcome dinner of Khmer cuisine.
Overnight in Phnom Penh hotel.
Day 2: Phnom Penh City Tour (B)
Sites Visited: Toul Sleng Museum, Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda and Wat Phnom After breakfast at the hotel, we start our city tour with a visit to the Toul Sleng Museum, and then on to the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda, and Wat Phnom. In the afternoon we see the National Museum, and go shopping at the Central Market as well as at the famous Russian Market. Overnight in Phnom Penh hotel.
Day 3: Phnom Penh – Kratie (B)
In the morning after breakfast, we take a drive up to the northeast of Cambodia, and cross the Mekong River to Kratie. We make a stop on the way at Skun Village to see the daily life of the people there. Then in the afternoon we take a boat up the Mekong River to see the Irrawadi dolphins, and enjoy the sunset from the hilltop temple of Phnom Sambok.
Overnight in hotel in the French Colonial town of Kratie on the river. Overnight in Kratie.
Day 4: Krati - Ratanakiri (Banlung) (B)
After breakfast, we drive to Banlung and take in the beautiful green scenery of the mountains. In the afternoon, we visit the local market, go to a waterfall, and then view the sunset from on top of Eisey Patamiak Hill. Overnight in Banlung.
Day 5: Banlung – Vansai – Banlung (B, L)
Today, after breakfast we journey to Srok Vansai by 4WD vehicle to visit the Tumpuon people on the banks of the Sesan River. We will also pay a visit to the Chinese, Lao and Chun Cheat (minority group) merchants. Then it is on to the Yeak Laom Volcanic Lake where we can enjoy the view, or take a refreshing swim. Overnight in Banlung.
Day 6: Banlung - Taveng – Banlung (B, L)
We head north today, in the direction of Laos to the village of Taveng. We cross an unusual formation of volcanic rocks at Veyrum Plang. This is a lava field in the forest with a small waterfall which flows in the rainy season, and what locals call tiger caves. As we go north to Taveng, we stop at a few Kroeung villages, located far in the forest. The Kroeung people have the peculiar custom of erecting bachelor houses on very long bamboo poles. These houses will remain standing until the young man finds a wife, then they are taken down. Overnight in Banlung hotel.
Day 7: Banlung - Phnom Penh (B)
After breakfast we head back to Phnom Penh. After we arrive, there will be free time for you to relax, or go shopping, or take in the exciting and varied nightlife of Phnom Penh. Overnight in Phnom Penh.
Day 8: Phnom Penh Departure (B)
Transfer via: International flight – Your arrangement.
We transfer back to Phnom Penh today for our departure flight to home. Trip ends.
