Day 1 – Siem Reap excursion.

On the first day, we will explore Angkor Wat and its surroundings. Angkor Wat was originally a Hindu Vishnu temple, later converted to a Buddhist temple, in the ancient city of Angkor in Cambodia. It was built in the first half of the 12th century during the reign of King Suryavarman II of the Khmer Empire.

Day 2 – We travel from Siem Reap to Ratanakiri.

In the early morning, we will start our journey towards Ratanakiri in a 4×4 car. We will drive approximately 470 km in total. Ratanakiri is located in northeastern Cambodia and is home to 70% of the ethnic minority known as the “Chunchiet”. There aren’t many tourists in the area yet, and there’s a lot to explore. The name Ratanakiri is derived from two Cambodian words combined, meaning “place of precious stones and mountains”.

Days 3-7 – Jungle adventure in Ratanakiri area.

For 4 days, we will travel in the jungle with a 4×4 car and hike.

We will be accompanied by a local Cambodian guide, an indigenous ranger, and a local jungle guide. These days will be very exciting – we will sleep in a tent or in a hammock, eat the local food of the jungle people, and discover how and what to notice on the trails. On the last day of the trek, we will build a raft out of bamboo and sail it down the river. A 4×4 car will take us to Balung at the end of the jungle stay.

Day 8 – We continue in the Ratanakiri area with elephants.

On the eighth day, we will hike and swim with elephants. We will visit the elephant sanctuary and in the second half of the day, we will discover local waterfalls and lakes.

Day 9 – We will meet the local tribes.

We will visit various local tribes, including the Krueng tribe of “women with tattooed faces”. We will explore Tom Poum and Kachock villages and the local indigenous cemetery. The Kachok are one of the smallest ethnic minority groups in Cambodia, with a current population of approximately 3,365. They are an indigenous people with a unique language, way of life, knowledge, and beliefs that set them apart from the Khmer majority.

Day 10 – “Ghost town” visit.

We will go to the old town of Ratanakiri, which is also known as the so-called ghost town. We can certainly get to know the local villages and people in the surrounding area, and we will end the day with a boat trip along the Sre Pork River.

Day 11 – Banlung

Banlung is the capital of Ratanakiri province. This part of the country is heavily forested and has many plantations of rubber trees, cashews, and oil palms. It is also home to 12 ethnic minority groups, which gives the province a kind of “edge of civilization” feeling. At the same time, the city is still growing, new roads are being built, and the cityscape is changing rapidly. Let’s explore the city and its most important place – the market. We will enjoy the sunset in the background of the Buddha statue and rest.

Day 12 – We drive to Phnom Penh.

After breakfast, we will leave Banlung for Kratie. The Irrawaddy dolphin area is on the way, and it is also possible to get closer to them by boat. Next, we will drive through rural villages and eat fried spiders and other exotic insects for lunch. We will arrive in Phnom Penh late in the evening.