JUNGLE & RIVERS (NATURE IN SOUTHERN CAMBODIA)
We explore the untouched and pristine beauty of Southern Cambodia on this eco-friendly, nature-based tour. Leaving the capital city behind we head first to experience an exhilarating boat ride and see the ruins of one of Cambodia’s oldest temples. Then on to Kampot where we take the time to explore the river on a paddleboard.
Head into the Cardamom Mountains, well off the beaten track, to the awarding winning Cardamom Tented Camp with the chance to go trekking, kayaking, and on boat rides. Finish with two nights in the deep southwest on the river, amongst the mangroves and stunning views of the Cardamom Mountains.
This morning depart Phnom Penh as you head to Kampot. On the way experience an exciting boat ride like no other in Cambodia to get to a hidden temple very close to the Vietnamese border.
Return by boat to Takeo town where at a local restaurant you will be served some freshwater lobster, the local specialty.
Continue by road to the charming town of Kampot, home to some of the best examples of French colonial architecture to be found in Cambodia today though many of the buildings are in need of repair. It is just a couple of kilometres to the Gulf of Thailand and late afternoon and early mornings you can see the fishing boats heading to fish overnight. Kampot is famous for its pepper, fish sauce and the huge durian fruit.
Meal included: Lunch
Accommodation at: Selected hotel, Kampot
This morning enjoy Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) on a calm stretch of the Kampot River. SUP is an enjoyable way to experience the beautiful river in a slow but active manner and you normally pass the town, river villages, and mangroves.
In the afternoon we drive via the little known, Secret Lake until you reach La Plantation. Now it is time to learn about the famous Kampot pepper. Take a tour of the pepper plantation and learn about the difference between the green, black, white, and red peppercorns.
Take a water-buffalo pulling cart around the local countryside. The buffaloes love the chance to stop at the Secret Lake with the chance to refresh in the water. The local guide will explain about farming activities including rice culture, harvest and processing
Meal included: Breakfast
Accommodation at: Selected hotel, Kampot
Leave Kampot this morning and drive about 3hrs to Trapeang Rung and the departure lounge for Cardamom Tented Camp. Embark on a 1 hour shared boat ride down the Preak Tachan River to Cardamom Tented Camp.
On arrival you will receive a brief introduction on the conservation and protection work of Wildlife Alliance. By staying at the camp you are directly helping protect the national park. After settle into your comfortable safari-style tent. Please note children under 6 years not accepted on safety grounds
In the late afternoon take an exploratory hike in the jungle around the camp.
Return in time to relax at the riverside restaurant as the sun sets over Botum Sakor.
Freshen up before settling down to dinner at the camp.
Meal included: Breakfast/Dinner
Accommodation at: Selected hotel, Botum Sakor National Park
After an early breakfast, meet the Wildlife Alliance Rangers together with an English speaking guide and embark on a patrol over a network of abandoned poaching and logging trails through the dense forest. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, like macaques, gibbons or hornbills.
Stop by the ranger station, where confiscated snares, traps and improvised hunting rifles are on display.
After enjoying lunch at the station, kayak, or hike back to the camp.
Meal included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation at: Selected hotel, Botum Sakor National Park
Spend the day in nature as you see fit.
Start the day with tea or coffee on an early morning boat ride to see wildlife along the Preak Tachan river, take the kayaks out for a paddle, or relax on the floating pier with binoculars in hand to do some bird watching.
Lunch at the riverside restaurant.
Optional: embark on another longer trek, visit one of the wildlife hides or take a Khmer cooking class.
Meal included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation at: Selected hotel, Botum Sakor National Park
Enjoy breakfast at leisure. If you are an early riser, go on a self-guided hike on the trails around the camp or join one of our other activities such as the early morning wildlife boat ride.
At around 10:00, board the shared boat back to Trapeang Rung and continue by road into the Cardamom Mountains from where it is a short, shared boat ride to your accommodation for the night. The next two nights will be spent on a quiet stretch of the pristine Tatai River with a backdrop of the magnificent Cardamom Mountains, which is one of the largest and still mostly unexplored forests in Southeast Asia.
Activities available include swimming in the river, trying your hand at kayaking, fishing or in the evening to see fireflies lighting up a tree. It is also possible to go on an optional sunset cruise.
Meal included: Breakfast
Accommodation at: Selected hotel, Cardamom Mountains
Today explore nature with a shared cruise amongst the backdrop of mountains, rainforests, and rivers. 4 Rivers Floating Lodge organizes one or two tours that operate on alternate days, one explores the nearby Tatai Waterfall, whilst the other includes a walk deep through the mangroves of Koh Kong Khnong.
Meal included: Breakfast/Lunch (packed)
Accommodation at: Selected hotel, Cardamom Mountains
This morning transfer back to the main road. A transfer has been arranged by the resort to take you the short distance (30 minutes) to the Cham Yeam/Hat Lek border crossing.
‘Chum reap lear’ and farewell to Cambodia. Enter Thailand where your new adventure starts.
Meal included: Breakfast