PHNOM PENH - MONDULKIRI – RATANAKIRI– KRATIE – PHNOM PENH
OVERVIEW
Mondulkiri is the largest province in the country with the smallest population density. With an elevation that rises up to 1,000 metres, it enjoys a cooler climate than the rest of Cambodia. Besides the lower temperatures, the topography is also different from the lowlands, with rolling hills, pine groves, waterfalls and rainforests replacing rice paddies and palm trees. Wildlife includes elephants, bears, leopards and monkeys and conservationists have established several ecotourism projects in the province to protect the flora and fauna. An estimated 80 per cent of the population in the province consists of ten tribal minorities – with opportunities to interact with these ethnic people on cultural tours. Most of the population farms the land for crops such as coffee and strawberry.
One of Cambodia’s most scenic provinces, Ratanakiri is also one of the most remote. Those that make the journey will be rewarded with a diverse landscape of thick forests, abundant waterfalls and rolling countryside. Tucked into the northeast corner of Cambodia on the borders with Vietnam and Laos, Ratanakiri is home to an assortment of ethnic tribes, including Brao, Jarai, Kreung, Bunong and Tompuon minorities. Eco-tourism is still in its infancy, but those seeking adventure have abundant opportunities. Notable attractions include Yeak Laom Lake which is set in the crater of an extinct volcano. The town of Veun Sai is the gateway for treks into the vast Virachey National Park. From Banlung, you can also take a boat to encounter local ethnic tribes along the San River.
Trekking 
Culture 
Archaeology 
Adventure & Nature 
Orange: Average time to visit, decent weather but with some drawbacks.
Day 1 : Phnom Penh – Kampong Cham – Mondulkiri (B / - / D)
Leave behind the bright lights of capital life as we head to the remote eastern province of Mondulkiri. In the early morning, we will be collected from our hotel in Phnom Penh and drive with our guide to Mondulkiri (357 km/ six hours). En-route, we stop at Kampong Cham and visit Cheung Kok village to see a more rustic side of Cambodian life before stopping at Chhup rubber plantation established by French tyre maker Michelin in the early 20th century.
The road follows Sam Leng logging track and gradually rises from the Tonle Sap basin into hill country. Upon arrival in Mondulkiri’s capital, Sen Monorom, we check-in at the hotel and have the rest of the day at our leisure to explore the town that is home to hilltribes. Dinner will be served at a local restaurant.
Overnight in Sen Monorom.
Day 2 : Sen Monorom (B / L / D)
Get into the wild and spend an unforgettable day hanging out with elephants in their natural habitat. After breakfast, we head to Elephant Valley Project (EVP), an NGO that rescues and rehabilitates over-worked and captive elephants, while supporting the local communities that work with the magnificent beasts. After a short introduction to the project and the morning’s activities, we set off on a jungle hike in search of the elephants and trail them as they trudge through the forest and bathe in streams. This is a truly incredible experience that allows us to learn about the elephants’ plight in Cambodia.
We return to EVP’s basecamp in time for a well-deserved buffet lunch before hiking back to the meeting point and returning to the hotel armed with ever-lasting memories. The rest of the day is at our leisure, with dinner at a local restaurant. Please note: there is no elephant riding, tricks or shows involved. This tour is available Sunday to Friday.
Important Health notice:
It must be noted visiting the Elephant Valley Project requires a moderate to high level of physical fitness. There is a lot of hiking (5 - 7km per day) on difficult terrain in the jungle to see the elephants guests need to be told about this and prepared accordingly. Guests must be prepared for the day’s activities and hold full travel insurance.
Overnight in Sen Monorom.
Day 3 : Sen Monorom (B / L / D)
Learn about hill tribe life and explore Mondulkiri’s sprawling countryside. After breakfast, we spend the morning learning about the unique customs and culture of the bunong hill tribes who call this remote corner of Cambodia home. We visit a tribal village and, if we’re lucky, get the chance to enjoy a traditional hill tribe ceremony. During our visit, villagers will introduce us to their community and way of life.
We enjoy a picnic lunch at the village before driving on bumpy tracks along two rivers to impressive Bu Sra waterfall. The road leads past another stunning waterfall that is one of the largest in Cambodia. After refreshing at the falls, we explore the surrounding countryside, soaking up the sprawling scenes of farmland and rice fields. We then return to the hotel, with dinner served at a local restaurant.
Overnight in Sen Monorom.
Day 4 : Sen Monorom - Ratanakiri (B / L / -D
Discover off-the-beaten-track Cambodia’s natural beauty as we head to undiscovered Ratanakiri. After breakfast, we board a boat and head back to the mainland where we set off on a four-hour drive to Banlung – nicknamed Red City because of the omnipresent laterite – and check-in at the hotel with lunch. The rest of the day is at our leisure before dinner at the hotel.
Please note: Rooms at Terres Rouges Lodge are fan-only, with no TV and minibar.
Overnight in Ratanakiri.
Day 5 : Ratanakiri (B / L / D)
Direction northwest today, we cross bamboo forests before reaching the village of Voeune Saï located on the left bank of the Sé San river; the view on the Chinese village on the other side of the river is quite pretty. Besides, this place is nearly a Chinese enclave in Cambodian territory, some villagers don't even speak Khmer.
Upstream of the Se San is Kaoh Peak, a village of the Kachok minority that practices funeral statuary, then we go back towards Banlung for a trip through rubber plantations towards the nearby waterfall of Teuk Cha Ong, we end up with a detour to Yaklaom lake, a beautiful and perfectly-round stretch of water surrounded by forest, for a late afternoon swim. Dinner at Terres Rouges. Please note: Rooms at Terres Rouges Lodge are fan-only, with no TV and minibar.
Overnight in Ratanakiri.
Day 6 : Ratanakiri (B / L / D)
We’re going full North today, heading towards Laos and the village of Taveng. We first cross Veyrum Plang, a round lava field in the forest; a few steps away there is a small waterfall (in the rainy season only) surrounded by tigers caves. Later on, we stop at some nice Kroeung villages located in the forest on both sides of the road. The more North we go, the more beautiful the forest. In some Kroeung villages, depending on the season, we might discover some quite impressive bachelor houses built on very high stilts. Let’s notice that, when they have achieved their goal and when the young man has become head of a family, these houses are destroyed before being raised again by younger men the following season.
Depending on the time and the state of the dirt road, we will choose a location for a picnic before exploring the nearby villages, then go back towards Banlung for a trip through rubber plantations towards the nearby waterfalls of Kachagn and Katieng. Dinner is at the lodge. Please note: Rooms at Terres Rouges Lodge are fan-only, with no TV and minibar.
Overnight in Ratanakiri.
Day 7 : Ratanakiri – Kratie - Phnom Penh (B / L / -)
All good things must come to an end, but we squeeze in more intrepid sight-seeing before returning to the capital. After breakfast, we hit the road for Phnom Penh (499 km/eight hours), stopping for several adventures along the way. On the outskirts of Kratie, we stop at Kampi to board a local boat and cruise along the Mekong to a stretch of water the endangered Irrawaddy dolphins call home.
Lunch is at a local restaurant before we continue south to the charming town of Chhlong, which is home to a collection of French colonial architecture. Our next stop at Skoun isn’t for the faint-hearted. Dubbed Spider Town, it is packed with stalls selling the favourite Cambodian snack of deep-fried tarantulas that are caught by hand in the surrounding jungle. We then continue to Phnom Penh and transfer directly to the hotel for check-in, bringing this tour to an end.
End of our services.
Our services include :
• Tours and transfers with licenced English-speaking guiding services / assistance. Other languages are on request and are subject to availability.
• Accommodation in sharing twin / double room.
• Transportation for tour and transfers by air-conditioned vehicle, unless otherwise stated;
• All entrance fees for visits as mentioned in the program.
• All meals as indicated in the program (food only)
Our services do not include :
- Personal expenses such as other meals, drinks, tips and gratuities, shopping, portage fees and optional tours/ visits, unless otherwise stated
- Any domestic / international airline tickets, airport taxes, visa fees, specific camera / video fees, additional transportation cost from and to the general pick-up / drop-off regions (such as airports, out-of-town resorts, ports, harbours and accommodation in surrounding towns)
- Any accommodation expenses of a personal nature. This includes (compulsory festive) meals and drinks, mini-bar consumption, laundry, room service, any telephone or other communication cost not mentioned in the program
- International travel and medical insurance coverage for customers.
- Voluntary carbon emission compensation: USD 1.50 per person per day
B=Breakfast L= Lunch D= Dinner BL= Box Lunch
|
City |
Hôtel |
|
Sen Monorom/ Mondulkiri |
Mayura Hill | Superior Villa |
|
Ratanakiri |
Terres Rouges Lodge | Deluxe room (fan) |
Cambodia, a country in Southeast Asia, is known for its rich history, ancient temples, and vibrant culture. Here's a comprehensive travel guide to help you plan your Cambodian adventure :
Angkor Wat and Siem Reap :
Explore the magnificent Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world, and other temples in the Angkor Archaeological Park.
Discover the vibrant town of Siem Reap, known for its lively markets, street food, and cultural performances.
Phnom Penh :
Visit the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda in the capital city, Phnom Penh, to witness Cambodia's royal history.
Pay respects at the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields, important sites commemorating the Khmer Rouge era.
Battambang :
Experience the charm of Battambang, known for its well-preserved French colonial architecture and bamboo train rides.
Explore the Phare Ponleu Selpak Circus, a social enterprise supporting local youth.
Sihanoukville and Koh Rong :
Relax on the beaches of Sihanoukville and take a boat to the idyllic Koh Rong Island for pristine white sands and crystal-clear waters.
Engage in water activities, such as snorkeling and diving, or simply enjoy the laid-back atmosphere.
Tonle Sap Lake :
Cruise on Tonle Sap, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, and visit floating villages to experience local life.
Witness the unique phenomenon of the "floating forest" during the wet season.
Kampong Thom :
Discover the pre-Angkorian temples of Sambor Prei Kuk, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in the lush countryside.
Visit the nearby village communities to experience traditional Cambodian life.
Kratie :
Encounter the rare Irrawaddy dolphins in the Mekong River near Kratie.
Explore the French colonial architecture and riverfront of this charming town.
Preah Vihear :
Visit the Preah Vihear Temple, an ancient Khmer temple located on a cliff in the Dângrêk Mountains.
Enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes.
Practical Tips :
Weather: Cambodia has a tropical climate; the dry season (November to April) is popular for travel.
Currency: Cambodian Riel (KHR) and US Dollar (USD) are widely accepted.
Local Etiquette: Dress modestly, particularly when visiting religious sites, and show respect for local customs.
Cambodia's blend of ancient wonders, vibrant cities, and serene landscapes makes it a captivating destination for cultural exploration and natural beauty.
Cambodia
PHNOM PENH - MONDULKIRI – RATANAKIRI– KRATIE – PHNOM PENH
Reference #: WTP0293
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Mondulkiri is the largest province in the country with the smallest population density. With an elevation that rises up to 1,000 metres, it enjoys a cooler climate than the rest of Cambodia. Besides the lower temperatures, the topography is also different from the lowlands, with rolling hills, pine groves, waterfalls and rainforests replacing rice paddies and palm trees. Wildlife includes elephants, bears, leopards and monkeys and conservationists have established several ecotourism projects in the province to protect the flora and fauna. An estimated 80 per cent of the population in the province consists of ten tribal minorities – with opportunities to interact with these ethnic people on cultural tours. Most of the population farms the land for crops such as coffee and strawberry.
One of Cambodia’s most scenic provinces, Ratanakiri is also one of the most remote. Those that make the journey will be rewarded with a diverse landscape of thick forests, abundant waterfalls and rolling countryside. Tucked into the northeast corner of Cambodia on the borders with Vietnam and Laos, Ratanakiri is home to an assortment of ethnic tribes, including Brao, Jarai, Kreung, Bunong and Tompuon minorities. Eco-tourism is still in its infancy, but those seeking adventure have abundant opportunities. Notable attractions include Yeak Laom Lake which is set in the crater of an extinct volcano. The town of Veun Sai is the gateway for treks into the vast Virachey National Park. From Banlung, you can also take a boat to encounter local ethnic tribes along the San River.