Cultural & Wildlife Tours of Cambodia - Tour B (Tour B)
Day 1: Arrival Siem Reap
On arrival you are greeted by our guide and transferred to hotel. This tranquil town is our base for exploring the world famous temples of the ancient city Angkor, which was the capital of the powerful Khmer Empire from 802 AD to 1350 AD. Upon leaving Siem Reap Town we set off on a short drive to the archeological area and spend our time to visit the most striking structures. They are the South Gate of Angkor Thom which is famous for its series of colossal human faces carved in stone, the impressive Bayon Temple, the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Elephant Terrace, the Terrace of the Leper King and the architectural masterpiece of Angkor Wat. We stroll around this massive monument, exploring the many galleries with columns , libraries, pavilions, courtyards and ponds full of water reflecting the towering temple. Overnight in Siem Reap. (B)
Day 2: Siem Reap – Angkor Wat temples
The jungle covered temple of Ta Prohm is an incredible sight. There are enormous fig trees and gigantic creepers which embrace themselves in the stone foundations of the structure giving the impression of man's creation being reclaimed by the powerful forces of nature. We explore the well known Ta Prohm and some nearby temples including Banteay Kdei, Sra Srong, Ta Keo, Thommanon and Chau Say Tevado. They almost belong to the small circuit according to the archaeologists’ division. Upon leaving this area we visit various famous temples of the grand circuit such as Preah Khan, Kravan, Neak Pean, Krol Ko, Ta Som, East Mebon and Pre Rup. We round off our exciting day with a walk up to Phnom Bakheng Hill to admire the spectacular sunset over these sandstone monuments. Overnight in Siem Reap.(B)
Day 3: Siem Reap - Bird sanctuary of Prek Toal on Tonle Sap lake
The temple exploration is not only activity in Siem Reap. We visit the famous Tonle Sap Lake on a boat trip out. This shallow lake boats the largest natural fresh water body in Southeast Asia and flows into the Tonle Sap River which joins the Mekong River in Phnom Penh. The traditional boat navigates along a small river towards the gigantesque lake, giving us a chance to explore floating village, local life style, friendly children in small boats and fishermen pulling in morning catch close up. At 5:30 am, we leave the hotel for Siem Reap pier (Chong Kneas). Then, we cross the Tonle Sap lake by boat to Prek Toal to visit the floating villages and watch the birds at bird sanctuaries. The rest of the morning you can enjoy watching birds in the sky and on the lake from a traditional paddle boat gliding through the flooded forest, guided by a specialist of the area. Thousands of waterbirds come each year to breed during the dry season, making the area the most important site in South-East Asia for endangered species such as Storks, Adjutants, Pelicans, Ibis and many more…After a typical lunch with fresh fish, sit and relax while observing the local "floating way of life". During the afternoon, you will discover different aspects of village lifestyles, which rely heavily on fishing. Return to Siem Reap around 4:00 pm. Overnight in Siem Reap (B,L)
Day 4: Siem Reap – Kratie Province (the Irrawady Dolphin refuge)
We travel up to the eastern part of Cambodia to Kratie. Kratié which is one of Cambodia’s eastern provinces with less population, who make their lives on the riverbanks of the Mekong. Beyond the riverbanks it is a remote place with almost no population and with thick forest. The stretch of the river around Kratié town is home to a group of rare sweet water Irrawaddy dolphins. Kam Py is the great natural resort providing shelter to Dolphins. Arrival at Kratie we check in at a guest house located on the bank of the Mekong river. Then we board a traditional wooden boat and sail out to the refuge of fresh Water Dolphin at Kam Py. This rare animal normally surfaces in late afternoon before sunset, playing in the river. Overnight at Kratie.
Day 5: Kratie - Mondulkiri
Mondulkiri located some 543 kilometers northeast of Phnom Penh. Sèn Monorom is the provincial town of Mondul Kiri. The population of Sèn Monorom is over 30,000, and most of them are ethnic minorities. Tourists are enthralled by many waterfalls. Mondulkiri is home to the Seima Protection Forest, established with help from WCS. Seima's deciduous and evergreen hill forests support a one-of-a-kind array of rare and endangered species. From Kratie to Mondulkiri takes approximately 3 hour drive. Arrival at the Town of Mondulkiri, check in at hotel. Rest of the day is free at leisure. Overnight at Mondulkiri Hotel
Day 6: Mondulkiri – Lumphat Wildlife Sanctuary
Early morning we will be picked up by the Wildlife Alliance’s staff by 4 wheel drive vehicle and drive some 80 km deep into thick-jungle to Lomphat Wildlife Sanctuary. Lumphat is a heavily forested area straddling Ratanakiri, Mondulkiri, and Kratie provinces in eastern Cambodia set aside by the Cambodian government as a wildlife preserve. With an area of 250,000 hectares, it is home to a variety of endangered wild animals such as banteng, tiger, gaur, dholes and sun bear, as well as leopards, sambar deer, muntjacs and wild pigs. In addition, a number of rare birds are present: surveys have confirmed the presence of green peafowl, greater and lesser adjutant storks, sarus cranes, oriental pied hornbills, white-shouldered ibises, milky and wooly-necked storks, and vulture sp., which are increasingly rare in most of South and Southeast Asia. Arrival at Lumphat, escorted by WWF's (World Wildlife Fuds) naturalist and an expert in the area, we start our elephant trek exploring deep into the jungle to view wildlife animals as described above. After the whole day trek in the jungle we return back to WWF base for overnight. Enjoy your evening drinks and dinner and drinks with WWF staffs.
Day 7: Lumphat Wildlife Sanctuary
Today we take a full day elephant trek to a different area to get a good view of other kind of endangered wild animals guided by the specialist of the area. Overnight at WWF camp.
Day 8: Lumphat - Mondulkiri – Phnom Penh
We pack up and travel down to Phnom Penh. The journey from Bondulkiri to Phnom Penh may take approximately 9-hour drive. On arrival at Phnom Penh we check in at hotel. Rest of the day is free at leisure. Overnight in Phnom Penh.
Day 9: Phnom Penh – Phnom Ta Mao Zoo – Phnom Penh
Today we drive some 35 km to the outskirt of Phnom Penh to Phnom Tamao Zoo. Phnom Ta Mao Zoo permits guests to experience the diversity of Cambodia’s wildlife without trekking in to the rainforest. The zoo was set to help the conservation of uncommon and endangered species which might be endemic to the area however immediately it additionally serves as a sanctuary for animals that had been victims of the unabated wildlife trade. The majestic tiger prowling round in its enclosure whereas the tame deer at the entrance are favorites of the children. Extra importantly the zoo is responsible through the Free the Bears Fund for rehabilitating Asiatic black bears and sun bears that were injured as a result of animal smuggling. Another hanging distinction from most Western zoos is that visitors are encouraged to feed the animals and some budding entrepreneurs have even arranged small food stalls adjoining the compounds of the inmates. Later in the afternoon we return back to Phnom Penh.
Day 10: Phnom Penh – Koh Kong
We depart on a 3-hour drive journey to Koh Kong. Koh Kong is the southwestern province of Cambodia. It is one of the biggest provinces in the whole country with a long undeveloped coastline and is mountainous, forested and largely inaccessible interior, which embraces part of the Cardamom Mountains, the biggest coherent rainforest of Southeast Asia. On arrival we check in at the 4-River Ecolodges www.ecolodges.asia Relax and let your senses take over with the rustling sound of a small creature in the tangled undergrowth on the shoreline, a flash of colour as a bird rises out of the jungle and the cymbals, bells and musical notes of a traditional roneat ek (xylophone) blowing in the wind. At 4-River Ecolodges is a perfect vacation in unspoiled surroundings is a top-of-the-line luxury in harmony with Mother Nature. Overnight at 4-River Ecolodges.
Day 11: Koh Konh – Wildlife trekking
Today we set out on a full day trek guided by the naturalist from the Wildlife Alliance. The lush forested slopes of the Cardamoms are a perfect hiding place for the rare Javan rhinoceros, Indochinese tiger and Asian elephant. A sighting of one of these threatened species is worth 1,000 safaris anywhere else in the natural world. Gibbons sometimes serenade at sunrise and barking deer yelp at the edge of the jungle. Siamese crocodiles, once thought extinct, have also been seen in the rivers that criss-cross this magical haven. According to the Wildlife Alliance, World Wildlife Fund and other concerned charities, this remarkable rainforest eco-region is considered to harbor more than 100 mammal species including numerous endangered animals such as the clouded leopard, pileated gibbon and Malaysian sun bear. Overnight at 4-River Ecolodges.
Day 12: Koh Kong – Sihanoukville
After a few days viewing wildlife at Koh Kong we depart for another wildlife tour but at this time we go for the marine life at the sea. We travel on a 3-hour drive to Sihanoukville. Sihanoukvill is the economic center of a small peninsula that juts into the warm waters of the Gulf of Thailand, and it is a potential coastal province located 260 km southwest of Phnom Penh. It is a Cambodian seaside paradise. The tranquil water is perfect for relaxing after tiring visits to the Wildlife sanctuaries, swimming in the evening through the phosphorescent water that gleams like diamonds, and sunbathing on the white sandy beach. Watching the sunset along the coast is the perfect ending to the day. Arrival at the city we check in at hotel. Rest of the day we relax and enjoy our swim at the beautiful white sand beaches. Overnight in Sihnaoukville.
Day 13: Sihanoukville – Snorkel diving to view the marine life
In the morning we sail out to the open sea guided by Scuba Nation Diving Center specialist. www.divecambodia.com Scuba Nation is Cambodia's premier diving provider. As the first and only PADI 5 Star Instructor Development Centre and Cambodia’s first National Geographic Dive Centre, Scuba Nation has accommodated over 4500 beginning and experienced divers. On the way to the sites you might catch a few different very rare dolphins types such as finless (pink dolphins) cruising around with White Bellied Sea Eagles soaring over head. As we dive we would encounter with lots of small fish including pipe fish, barracuda, razor fish (shrimp fish) eel's, Cat Sharks, Blue Spotted Rays, Huge puffers and White eyed morays all in the same holes. Coral beds are very mature, with some outstanding large coral formations. Beaches in the area tend to be very long. The islands themselves have one or two small fishing villages on them, otherwise they are deserted, which makes for some awe inspiring views, and pictures. Enjoy your picnic lunch on board the boat. Later in the afternoon we return back to land. Overnight in Sihanoukville.
Day 14: Sihanoukville – Phnom Penh – Departure
After breakfast transfer back to Phnom Penh. Arrival in Phnom Penh we head straight to the airport for departure flight. End of service.
