Off-the-beaten-track Cambodia Adventure

0830 hours, we depart from Siem Reap to Koh Ker Temple, northeast of Siem Reap, represents the remnants of the capital of the Khmer Empire from 928 AD. - 944 A.D. - a very unique period in the Age of Angkor. From the time the Khmer capital was first moved to the Angkor area in the late 9th century, it would remain there for almost 500 years, with one brief interruption. Just a few decades after the establishment at Angkor, there was a disruption in the royal succession for reasons that remain a matter of academic debate. What is known is that in 928 A.D. King Jayavarman IV, possibly a usurper to the throne, created a new capital 100km away at Koh Ker, either moving the capital city from Angkor or creating a rival capital. Obviously a king of much wealth and power, he raised an impressive royal city at Koh Ker of Brahmanic monuments, temples and prasats, surrounding a huge baray (reservoir) Rahal. Jayavarman IV reigned at Koh Ker for 20 years before he died in 941 A.D. His son Hashavarman II would remain at Koh Ker for another 3 years before returning the capital to the Angkor area. The monuments of Koh Ker are now on a road loop around the baray past the most important temples. The premier ruin of the complex is Prasat Thom, an imposing 7-tiered pyramid and temple complex. A picnic lunch is provided. Later, we return to Siem Reap and enroute visit Beng Mealea, the sprawling jungle temple covering over one square kilometer. The temple is largely overrun by vegetation and very lightly touristed, giving it an adventurous, lost temple feel. Photographers: trees growing from the broken towers and galleries offer some of the best tree in temple shots aside from Ta Prohm. Constructed in a distinctly Angkor Wat style under the same king that built Angkor Wat. Arrival at Siem Reap and transfer to your hotel.

Duration: 8 hours (8 am – 4 pm) Includes: Pick up and drop off at your hotel, Vespas, drivers, English speaking tour guide, all entry fees (including $ 20 Angkor day pass), plenty of refreshments and local delicacies for lunch. This all-inclusive and great value personal tour will take in the most famous, the most beautiful, the most amazing temples – and many hidden gems not everyone is lucky enough to see. This tour will leave you with a deep sense of the ‘Kingdom of Wonder’. What makes this tour unique, is the founder of Cambodian Vespa Adventures, Akim grew up right in the spiritual heart of Angkor - a Pagoda (Monastery) nestled within the walls of Angkor Wat. Raised by her Grandfather, who was Chief Monk of the entire Angkor Wat Complex. Riding on the back of a Vespa, with a wide comfortable seat and high backrest, we will take you to the places where Akim grew up. There, our guide will tell fascinating stories about life in Angkor. Let us share our heritage with you - as we cruise you away from the crowds, through this jungle adventure. Later, we return to your hotel for accommodation.

Explore the temples and monuments of Angkor by bicycle. The ideal way to escape the crowds and enjoy a relatively unhurried exploration of one of the world’s greatest archaeological sites, you’ll weave your way through gates and temples inaccessible to the tourist laden cars and buses. This presents the perfect opportunity to soak up the atmosphere of these spectacular UNESCO monuments without the distractions of hordes of tour groups. Beginning with the unparalleled majesty of Angkor Wat you’ll start the day amongst the halls and chambers of the best preserved of all the Angkorian temples, before moving on to the old royal city of Angkor Thom. Cycling along the avenue of demons and gods that guard the South Gate, you’ll then visit the stunning stone heads and bas-relief carvings of the Bayon. You’ll then take in the Pyramid of Baphuon and the Terraces of the Elephants and the Leper King. Later we cycle to Srah Srang Lake and enjoy lunch overlooking the lake. Later, we return to your hotel by vehicle and enjoy your afternoon at the pool. Diner at Malis Restaurant. Accommodation at your hotel.

Breakfast at hotel. Early morning, we drive to Kompong Thom with a quick visit to Kopong Kdei Bridge, also known as the Dragon Bridge or Spean Praptos, locates in Siem Reap province and has a life expectancy of over 1000 years. It is said to be the oldest laterite bridge in Southeast Asia and the oldest bridge in Cambodia and worth a visit during your holidays in Cambodia. We then continue drive to Kratie. This drive may take approximately 6 hours. Arrival at Kratie, we transfer to Rajaburi Resort by small wooden boat. Rest of the day at leisure and accommodation at hotel.

Breakfast at resort. This morning you will explore the island of Koh Trong, a large and flat sandbar in the middle of the Mekong River. This quaint island has some unique cultural sites and is a fantastic opportunity to see authentic rural Cambodian life. The island is best explored by bike, with an easy loop that covers most of the island. You will pedal past Khmer-style homes, farmland and lots of friendly villagers who have largely maintained their traditional lifestyles over the years. There are plenty of community based projects for you to see on the island that help the locals with sustainable development, such as tree planting and farming cooperatives. You can also visit a Vietnamese floating village, a local temple and colourful fruit plantations. After lunch, take a short ferry ride across the river and drive for about 30 minutes to Kampi, which is one of the best spots to see the famous Irrawaddy dolphins. Late afternoon is one of the best times of day to visit Kampi, with beautiful colours on the river, comfortable temperatures and beautiful sunsets as the day goes on. You will board a simple wooden long-tail boat to cruise quietly up and down the river looking for the dolphins. The water around Kampi is very clean and you may see locals swimming here.

Morning pick up from your hotel with your private English speaking guide. We then head to Mondulkiri Town, the drive may take approx. 4 hours. Arrival at Mondulkiri, we transfer to your hotel.

Breakfast at hotel. Full day visit to EVP Project with lunch Mondulkiri. Meet up at checkpoint and 0730 hours, we depart to EVP. A full day visit to explore Elephants Full day with the elephants, shadowing our two families of elephants in the jungle for the morning and afternoon. Learning about the elephants, the local mahouts and the forest. This is a highly unique experience and the first of its kind in Cambodia. Note: Elephant riding is not available at the Elephant Valley Project. (In case of your desire to ride the elephant, there is another village of Putang and Pulong where Elephants are available) Return to your hotel for accommodation.

Breakfast at hotel. Morning at leisure and we transfer to Phnom Penh for 3 nights, a long drive to Phnom Penh and arrive late afternoon.

Full day at leisure at the pool to recover a long drive from Mondulkiri. Or explore the city on your own.

Welcome to Phnom Penh - the city once named Paris of the East. Despite its rapid development, it has retained its rustic charm and elegance. It is an amazing town with centuries of incredible history and culture which can still be felt at many street corners. Your guide will meet you and pick you up for Phnom Penh City tour. We first visit the Killing Fields outside the city and afterwards the centrally located prison “S21”. Both historic sites display the sad and cruel chapter of the country’s history when the Khmer Rouge ruled Cambodia with terror and oppression. Those places have not changed much since this horrific time back in the early seventies and it can be quite heart-breaking. We have a lunch at a well-renowned Malis restaurant in town. Our exploration of Phnom Penh continues with the cultural highlights of the city’s heritage. The golden edifice of the Royal Palace with its Silver Pagoda and the exceptional Khmer crafts at the National Museum top the list of the city’s must-sees. The day trip ends with a “cyclo” ride along the bustling streets of downtown Phnom Penh and return to your hotel. Dinner and accommodation at your hotel.

After breakfast, you will be transfer to Kep for 5 nights accommodation at Knaing Ban Chatt Resort.

Full day Tour: including Lunch. 08:30 hours, we depart from your hotel to Kampot by Car. Arrival at Kampot and we visit the Local Market. Kampot Market is a typical provincial town market where you can find anything from oranges to the famous local pepper, flowers to silk wedding dresses and gold necklaces. Take your time to explore the market bustle in the mornings and throughout the day. There is also is an area with basic food stalls serving up delicious soups, deep-fried treats and a variety of sweets. After walking through the market, we will have fresh up drink at nearby restaurant either coffee or tea. Later, we head to one of the closest Cave in Kampot is “K’bal Romneah”, (also see Climbodia below). “Phnom Sorsir” has several caves to explore and the path winding its way up to the hilltop stupa has stunning views over Bokor Mountain. “The White Elephant Cave” takes its name from the shape of the limestone formation at the base of the main cave. “Phnom Ch’nork” with its pre-Angkorian ruins set within a limestone cave date back to the 6th century state of Funan. Later, we return to Kampot and lunch at Champa Lodge. After lunch, cruise up to Kampot River and enjoy the river life around Kampot. You will also witness all fishing boats leaving Kampot late afternoon for their daily routine of fishing activities at sea where they will return early morning of the next day. After the boat trip, you will be transfer back to Kep and accommodation.

Kep Discovery - by Tuk Tuk After breakfast at hotel, please check with reception for your Tuk Tuk Tour. Catch a glimpse of Kep’s former glory and visit abandoned colonial villas inspiring wonder about their dark histories. Mixing the old with the new, you will travel along the coastal road, and visit local landmarks such as the iconic ‘Siren of the Sea’ statue, the famous ‘crab market’, the Giant Crab statue and the King’s Mother’s house. Stop for a break by the sea and enjoy tasty snacks and local tropical fruit in a quaint rustic place with a beautiful sea view. This tour highlights local seaside culture and visits salt fields, a fish sauce factory, a ‘bird’s nest’ house and rice fields to gain an insight into how the locals make use of the available resources in this remarkable coastal region. Duration: 3 hours (approx.) Descriptors: Cultural, Historical, Educational, Easy Inclusions: Drinks & snacks in rustic setting by the sea Mode of transport: Tuk tuk Recommended start: 9 am or 2 pm

Breakfast at the resort and day at leisure. Accommodation at resort.

Breakfast at your hotel. Check out from the resort and speedboat transfer to to Phnom Penh to catch your home flight.