The Great Loop of Cambodia
A journey from west to east through forgotten temples, floating villages and elephant forests
Duration
21 days
From
€2,355/pers.
Ideal seasons
Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov, Dec
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
Charm & Character
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends
The spirit of travel
On the ochre banks of the Mekong, Irrawaddy dolphins point their snouts toward the surface while the chanting of monks resonates in the pagoda of Wat Phnom. This great Cambodge loop draws an arc over 14 days between vibrant Phnom Penh and the Bousra waterfalls, between the golden rice fields of Kampong Cham and the primary jungle of Mondulkiri where retired elephants roam.
The circuit reveals Kratié and its sleeping colonial houses, the floating villages of Tonlé Sap where dwellings dance to the rhythm of floods. In Siem Reap, Angkor Wat emerges from the morning mist while in Battambang, the last bamboo trains slip between rice fields. In Mondulkiri, territory of the Bunong, mahouts guide their pachyderms toward water points under the benevolent eye of forest spirits.
Between millennia-old Khmer heritage and preserved rural traditions, this journey crosses fifteen centuries of Cambodge history, from the foundations of Isanapura to the poignant testimonies of the Khmer Rouge period. A complete immersion in the deep soul of the kingdom of temples.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Welcome to Phnom Penh
Day without English-speaking guide
Day without English-speaking guide
Phnom Penh, vibrant capital
Day visit by tuk-tuk
Let's discover the famous Wat Phnom which gave its name to the capital. The "pagoda of the hill" is the highest point in Phnom Penh.
We then visit the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda, true jewels of Khmer architecture built in the middle of the 19th century.
The dress code for the Royal Palace is quite strict: shoulders and knees must be covered.
We then visit the National Museum and discover one of the most important collections of Khmer art: 14,000 sculptures and ethnographic objects, mostly from the temples of Angkor. This jewel of Khmer architecture was built between 1917 and 1920, and features a magnificent interior courtyard, a truly lush garden surrounded by the museum's unique pieces.
Visit to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21), a former Phnom Penh high school that the Khmer Rouge transformed into an interrogation, torture and death center. It is the largest detention and torture center under the Pol Pot regime that will reveal a very painful chapter in Cambodia's history.
Today converted into a museum, the former S21 Prison reminds each visitor of the atrocities committed in Cambodia during the terrible years of communist dictatorship. No fewer than 17,000 people were inmates of Tuol Sleng prison, and only 7 survived and can today recount the abuse they suffered. A visit to S21 can be a disturbing and poignant experience that some may not be able to endure. However, it is one of the keys to understanding the hell and madness in which Cambodia locked itself during these years of terror.
Depending on the time remaining we can visit the central market and/or the Russian market
Day spent with an English-speaking guide.
Kampong Cham and Kratié on the banks of the Mekong
In the morning, we take the road towards Kampong Cham.
Along the way, let's be bold to make the most of a gastronomic stop in the town of Skun, famous for its spiders and grilled insects.
In Kampong Cham, we leave the city to head to the village of Steung Trong and explore the beautiful rice fields and other plantations (peanuts, jicama or yam beans) in this very fertile area by the river.
A little further on, a different landscape appears in the district of Krouch Chhmar. We set out to meet the inhabitants of the village on a small 30-minute walk in the middle of tobacco crops (only possible if the period of your stay allows for it). A discovery of authentic rural Cambodge.
We then continue our journey to Kratié, a provincial town on the banks of the great Mekong with a peaceful reputation and magnificent rural landscapes.
Upon our arrival in Kratié, we take a small boat to reach the river island of Koh Trong where our host will have prepared the meal for us
Day spent with an English-speaking guide.
The Irrawaddy dolphins
Let's continue with a short transfer to Kampi, a few nautical miles north of Kratié. We board the Mekong to search for Irrawaddy dolphins, one of the rare freshwater dolphin species facing extinction.
Optional: if you're feeling sporty, there's the possibility of observing dolphins by kayak (please inquire)
After returning to dry land, we visit nearby Phnom Sambok hill which houses a picturesque pagoda and a religious community where monks live separately from nuns. We then return to Kratié.
Once back at Koh Trong, let's explore the island on the Mekong by bike. Let's discover the traditional Khmer village, the daily life of the villagers and visit the beautiful pagoda and the floating village.
Day spent with an English-speaking guide.
Departure to Mondulkiri
After breakfast and checking out of our room, we return by boat to Kratié.
We head towards Sen Monorom. Upon arrival, we first stop at the Coffee Plantation Resort for a break. We recommend having lunch there; their small restaurant over the water is in a pleasant setting
In the afternoon, we head towards the Bousra waterfalls, the largest and most beautiful in Cambodge. Cascading over 3 levels, they offer a magnificent spectacle and a natural pool where you can swim.
Once back in the Sen Monorom area, we settle into the hotel; the rest of the day is free. If you have any energy left, you can explore the town and its surroundings, or take a short walk from the ecolodge to admire the landscape.
Day spent with an English-speaking guide.
Elephant Trekking
Spend a full day in one of Cambodia's most biodiverse forests and observe some of our resident retired elephants! Experience something unique by immersing yourself in nature and watching former working elephants returning to the forest and rediscovering their natural behaviors.
During your guided hike, you will discover the history of the elephants and their well-being, as well as the traditions and culture of the local indigenous people, the Bunong. Your morning hike will end at our forest base camp, located on a valley slope, with a view of the Keo Seima wildlife sanctuary.
Enjoy a delicious buffet lunch prepared by our local Bunong team, relax in a hammock and fully immerse yourself in this nature experience. After lunch, set off on another forest hike to discover another group of elephants living within The Elephant Valley Project.
Return to the resort to rest and departure with our driver in the evening to go dining in town (included).
Day spent with a guide from Elephant Valley Project.
A charming stopover at the Lao border
Road transfer to Steung Treng, a quiet small town located near the Laotian border on a sandy bank overlooking the Mekong, at the confluence with the Sé Kong River. Check-in at your accommodation.
We settle at the Mekong Bird Resort, a charming small family establishment in the heart of nature and by the water.
Embark on an approximately 1-hour boat trip to discover the Mekong and its giant aerial root trees. You might want to bring earplugs if you can, as the boat engine is quite loud. You may have the chance to spot its many water birds such as the lapwing, river tern, stone curlew or the Mekong wagtail, a species discovered in 2001.
Day with an English-speaking guide.
From Steung Treng to Koh Ker
The Sopheakmit waterfall, also called Preah Nimith or Lbak Khoun, is the largest waterfall in Cambodge. It features a 26-meter waterfall over limestone rocks on the Mékong River at the border between Cambodge and Laos.
Discover Koh Ker, capital of Cambodge during a short period in the 10th century. You visit in particular the Prasat Thom, a temple-mountain 30 m high and Prasat Pram, known for its brick towers and elegant sculptures. You will also visit the Linga temple of the same site, a fascinating sanctuary dedicated to the Hindu deity Shiva, famous for its impressive sculptures and stone lingas which symbolize fertility.
Day spent with an English-speaking guide.
Arrival in Siem Reap, via the remote temples of Beng Mealea
Visit the Beng Mealea temple devoured by the roots of strangler ficus trees. It served as a filming location for the movie "Two Brothers" shot in 2004 by Jean-Jacques Annaud.
Once you arrive at your destination, we will check you in at the hotel; the rest of the day is yours to enjoy as you wish.
Day spent with an English-speaking guide.
The majestic temples of Angkor
Day visit by tuk-tuk of the wonderful Angkor temples located around and within the Angkor Thom enclosure. We discover in particular Angkor Wat, symbol of the peak of the Khmer Empire during the Angkorian era.
Within the Angkor Thom enclosure, discover Bayon and its numerous towers with gigantic faces, Baphuon and its gigantic 40m reclining Buddha statue, Phimeanakas, the Elephant Terrace and its great diversity of sculptures but also the Terrace of the Leper King.
Let us conclude with Ta Prohm famous for its immense trees with sprawling aerial roots. We can end this day with a sunset either at Srah Srang, or from the heights of Pre Rup or Phnom Bakheng if you are ready to brave the crowds (please note: Phnom Bakheng is off-limits to children under 12 years old and authorities limit access to 300 people at sunset, creating a queue)
Due to an already busy schedule, we intentionally skip a few secondary temples of the small circuit such as Banteay Kdei, Thommanon, Chau Say Tevoda or Ta Keo. If you wish to visit these sites, do not hesitate to inform your guide at the beginning of the day so he can best adjust the schedule.
Possibility to do the visits in reverse order to avoid the crowds. You just need to mention it to your guide at the beginning of the day.
Temples are sacred places, avoid short clothing, you must cover your shoulders and wear long pants or a long skirt.
In order to preserve these fragile monuments, it is forbidden to touch sculptures or sit on temple elements.
In Cambodian culture, it is offensive to fool around inside a sacred place, calm and respect are key.
It is not recommended to buy items or sweets from child vendors, this only encourages begging and truancy, prefer a donation to an association if it matters to you.
If you wish to photograph the monks (called Bonzes), you must obtain their permission beforehand. Also, you must not touch them, they have the right to touch you but not the other way around.
Day spent with an English-speaking guide.
The River of 1000 Lingas and the Pink Sandstone Citadel
After approximately 45 minutes of driving, we begin the day with a visit to the Angkor Centre for Biodiversity Protection. We will be able to see the efforts made by local and international teams to protect threatened local species: turtles and other reptiles, birds and rare mammals. Children and animal lovers will be delighted by this discovery and awareness-raising visit.
We then begin a short hiking excursion to reach the Kbal Spean site, nicknamed "the temple underwater", 49 km north of Angkor. Temple ruins dating from the 9th century border a river whose bed is scattered with sculpted lingas. A nourishing source for Angkor, the waters of Kbal Spean once irrigated the rice fields of the ancient city. In its bed, the Khmer people sculpted Shiva and stone squares intended to bless the waters before they reached the Royal City. The site was discovered in 1968 by ethnologist Jean Boulbet, and following in his footsteps you will be able to wander along the lush banks. A small waterfall near the protected sacred site will allow us to cool off or even take a swim (bring a small towel).
Very accessible hike of approximately 1.5 km (or 3 km round trip) with a small elevation gain over the last 700 meters.
Wear hiking shoes or sneakers as the trail is quite rocky.
After lunch, let's continue with a visit to Banteay Srey, a temple on a human scale compared to the gigantic Angkor Wat or Bayon. This pink sandstone temple nicknamed "The Citadel of Women" is known for the refinement of the bas-reliefs and sculptures that adorn its walls and columns.
If we have the energy, we can end the day by visiting Banteay Samre temple or return to the hotel directly.
Day with an English-speaking guide.
Mechrey Floating Village and Arrival in Battambang
Today we visit the floating village of Mechrey by private boat. Located 25 km from Siem Reap, it is one of the least touristy floating villages. Ideal for getting a glimpse of the local way of life on the water, you will be able to see all floating structures there: Homes, schools, restaurants and even... pagoda!
Duration of 1h30 to 2 hours
We resume our journey and at the edge of Battambang, we discover Wat Slaket pagoda and Ek Phnom, a 11th century sandstone Brahmanical temple now in ruins. It was ravaged by the Khmer Rouge under Pol Pot, and looted by the Vietnamese at liberation. A place steeped in history. Let's take the opportunity during our visit to linger over the immense statue of the seated Buddha that stands near these ruins.
Once we arrive at our destination, we settle into the hotel before heading out for the final visits of the day.
South of Battambang, visiting the Banon temple erected at the top of a hill offers you, after climbing 358 steps, a lovely panorama of the Cambodian countryside. Passing through traditional villages lining the road, we can witness the family-made rice crackers and chat with the locals about their daily life.
We're finally heading off to discover the temple of Phnom Sampov, "the ship-hill" where we stay until sunset to observe the flight of bats and their incredible choreography across the sky.
Day spent with an English-speaking guide.
Battambang, post-colonial architecture city
We start our day discovering Battambang with a ride on the famous bamboo train. Being early in the morning, this activity is ideal to start the day. The fresh air will pleasantly tickle our face as our eyes admire the rice fields painted in the landscape.
Next we head to the ruins of the Ek Phnom temple destroyed by the Khmer Rouge and looted at liberation by the Vietnamese. We will also be able to visit a pagoda and a massive statue of Buddha there.
The driver will then take us to discover first the rice cracker manufacturing workshop, the one used to cook spring rolls and Vietnamese rolls. Then a few meters further on we will see the makers of sticky rice, this dish, enclosed in a bamboo stick, which is all the rage in Cambodge. We will then visit, across the way, the pagoda of Wat Samrong Knong which houses the killing fields, an area that bears witness to the atrocities of the Khmer Rouge regime.
The second to last stage of this tour will take place in a banana chip making workshop. Here we will help the cooks cut these fruits to help them, in exchange for which we can taste this delicious snack.
We will finally head to a larger workshop this time, that of prahok production. This condiment, a fish sauce, is highly sought after in Cambodge despite its off-putting smell.
Day in the company of an English-speaking guide.
On the way to Kampong Chhnang on the shores of Tonlé Sap Lake
After breakfast, we take off with our driver towards Kampong Chhnang and more specifically to the Smiling Gecko NGO which is based in the area.
Halfway, we make a stop in the provincial capital of Pursat to stretch our legs and why not have lunch there. Stone cutters, marble workers and cabinet makers are plentiful in this region if you wish to stop for a moment to observe them.
At Kampong Chhnang, we board a small boat to visit the floating village of Phum Kandal where we can observe the life of the inhabitants and admire the wooden houses painted in bright colors, with their small terraces equipped with hammocks and bamboo electric poles.
Phum Kandal is a village composed mainly of Vietnamese.
Boat tour of approximately 1 hour
Once we arrive at our destination, we settle into the resort; the rest of the day is free.
We also say goodbye to our guide who accompanied us from Siem Reap
Day spent with an English-speaking guide.
A pre-beach stop in Kep
Free morning at the Smiling Gecko NGO resort which offers to discover the many activities they have developed on their 150 hectares of land to professionalize disadvantaged families and provide education to over a hundred children: training in restaurant and hospitality trades, carpentry and cabinetmaking workshop, fish farming (tilapia breeding) and various vegetable crops.
Your driver will not be far away. Do not hesitate to coordinate together if you wish to discover the surroundings.
Road transfer to Kep, a charming seaside town famous for its crab market and national park ideal for a scenic walk. Check-in at the hotel and free time to relax.
Suggestions for your free time in Kep: there are many restaurants at the crab market, you can also do the short hike of 2-3 hours in Kep National Park (starting from Veranda Natural Resort)
Day without English-speaking guide
Kampong Trach Caves and Kampot Pepper
Morning visit by tuk-tuk.
This morning, near Kep, exploring the caves of Phnom Kampong Trach holds some pleasant surprises for us. Considered natural temples by local Buddhists, they conceal numerous statues and altars. As the highlight of this "speleological" excursion, a beautiful representation of the reclining Buddha awaits us in an open-air clearing created by the collapse of rock.
The Kampot region is recognized internationally for its exceptional pepper. It is therefore impossible to visit Kampot without taking a tour of one of the many pepper plantations in the region!
We visit the family-run pepper production farm, La Ferme de Sothy with a plantation guide who will explain to us the origin and the reason for the fame of this spice. We will learn more about the cultivation methods and the way to cook this famous pepper.
After lunch (included at the plantation), we return to the hotel.
Free afternoon.
Day without an English-speaking tour guide
Extension to Koh Rong
Road transfer to the Sihanoukville pier, a coastal city in the south with beautiful fine sand beaches and gateway to the paradise islands of Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem.
Boat transfer to Koh Rong from Sihanoukville pier. Our local team will be waiting for you at the pier to hand over your boat tickets.
Once you arrive at your destination, we settle into the hotel; the rest of the day is free.
Day without English-speaking guide
Day without English-speaking tour guide
Return to Phnom Penh
After breakfast and checking out of our room, we return by boat to Sihanoukville.
Upon our arrival in Sihanoukville, a driver will wait for us at the pier for a final transfer to Phnom Penh via the country's only highway.
Once you arrive at your destination, we will check you in at the hotel; the rest of the day is free for you to enjoy at your leisure.
Day without English-speaking guide
Good to see you again, and see you next time!
Phnom Penh → Phnom Penh Airport
Free time before our transfer to Phnom Penh International Airport.
We need to check out of our room by noon. If our flight is in the evening, we can leave our luggage at the hotel reception for a last stroll around the city.
Day without English-speaking guide
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- International Transport
- Passport & Visa Fees (upon arrival at Phnom Penh, Siem Reap airport or border: 30 USD per person)
- Repatriation Insurance
- Travel insurance
- Extra drinks / alcohols
- Meals not mentioned
- Phone calls
- Tips
- Any excursion not mentioned in the program
Included
- Transfers to and from the airport
- City transport (tuk tuk or car)
- Ground transfers as indicated in the itinerary
- Accommodations
- Hotel breakfasts
- Meals mentioned
- English-speaking guide for activities when indicated
- Entry fees for the activities mentioned in the program
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- More than 60 days before departure: 40% of the total price (deposit retained)
- Between 60 and 30 days before departure: 50% of the total price
- Less than 30 days before departure: 100% of the total price
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below concerns travellers entering Cambodia for a tourist stay. Entry requirements may change, and we recommend that you verify the information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter Cambodia, your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months after your date of entry into the country and must contain at least two blank pages for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn or altered pages).
Tourist visa
Entry requirements for Cambodia depend on your nationality. A visa may be required. You should verify the specific conditions with the embassy or consulate of Cambodia in your country of residence, as well as with the authorities of your own country.
The following options are generally available for obtaining a visa:
an electronic visa (e-Visa), which can be requested online before departure through the official Cambodian government portal, valid for 30 days from your date of entry;
a visa on arrival, available at major entry points (international airports in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, as well as certain land border crossings), also valid for 30 days;
a visa obtained from the Cambodian embassy or consulate in your country of residence before departure.
An extension of an additional 30 days can generally be requested on site with the Cambodian Immigration Department.
The authorities may also request:
an outbound travel ticket (return flight or onward journey),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay.
Arrival form
Travellers may be asked to complete an arrival form provided by the Cambodian authorities, either online before departure or upon arrival depending on the entry point. This form collects information such as:
passport details,
flight or transport details,
the address of your first accommodation in Cambodia.
It is advisable to keep a digital confirmation or printed copy of any document submitted online, which may be requested when passing through immigration.
Health and vaccinations
No vaccinations are officially required to enter Cambodia. However, certain vaccinations are recommended by health authorities:
hepatitis A and hepatitis B,
typhoid,
rabies (in case of prolonged stay or travel to rural areas),
update of routine vaccinations (diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis, measles).
Antimalarial preventive treatment may be advised depending on the regions you plan to visit and the length of your stay. It is recommended that you consult a doctor or international vaccination centre before departure.
Travel with children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay, as well as an individual visa.
Depending on your country of residence, a parental authorization for exit from the territory may be required when a minor travels without one of their parents.
Other nationalities
Entry requirements may vary depending on your nationality. You should verify the specific conditions with the embassy or consulate of Cambodia in your country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended that you have travel assistance and medical expense coverage abroad.
Your local agency encourages you to familiarize yourself with the specific policy developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To purchase insurance, find out about coverage and rates, please follow the link below.
Choose the plan that best suits you:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the policy detailing all coverage and claim procedures is available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of this, but only the participant is responsible for complying with the claim declaration procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
A tourist visa is required. You can obtain it online (e-visa, approximately 36 USD) before departure or upon arrival at the airport (Visa on Arrival, approximately 30 USD). Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. The conditions for length of stay and visa extension vary depending on your nationality: we recommend that you check with the consular authorities of your destination for the specific rules that apply to you before booking.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a quality tailor-made trip, budget between 120 and 200 euros per day per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transportation and activities. International flights (700-1000 euros return) are additional. Cambodia offers excellent value for money, often combined with Vietnam or Thailand.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We adapt each itinerary to match your travel profile. For families, we prioritize relaxed pacing, family-friendly accommodations, engaging and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust every detail together until it's perfect. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) guarantee which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — South Phnom Penh
Travel Advisor and Cambodia Enthusiast, based in Phnom Penh
The most beautiful journeys are those that resemble the people living them. My role is simply to open the right doors of Cambodia for them.
— Alexandre
