Jungle & Temple
From the primary jungle of Ratanakiri to the thousand-year-old temples of Angkor, an immersive journey into the heart of authentic Cambodge
Durée
15 jours
Saisons idéales
Jan, Fév, Mar, Nov, Déc
Style
Circuit accompagné
Confort
classique
Voyageurs
Couple, Solo, Entre amis
L’esprit du voyage
At dawn, the sounds of the primary forest of Ratanakiri wake you in your camp on the riverbank. The elephants of the Sen Monorom sanctuary welcome you to their natural refuge, while Irrawaddy dolphins emerge from the brown waters of the Mekong near Kratié.
This journey crosses the remote provinces of Mondulkiri and Ratanakiri, territory of the Bunong and Kreung ethnic minorities who preserve their ancestral traditions. The Bousra waterfalls cascade down their three levels with deafening roar, the volcanic lake of Yeak Loam reveals its supernaturally blue waters, and trekking trails wind through still untouched jungle. At Sambor Prei Kuk, the seventh-century brick towers emerge from lush vegetation, witnesses to the pre-Angkorian empire of Chenla.
The adventure culminates at the temples of Angkor, where pink sandstone bas-reliefs tell the epic of Khmer kings who dominated Southeast Asia for six centuries. Between wild jungle and thousand-year-old heritage, this circuit reveals a Cambodge where nature and history mingle in a striking balance.
Les étapes de votre voyage
Points forts
Itinéraire jour par jour
Welcome to Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh Airport → Phnom Penh
Welcome by your driver upon arrival at Phnom Penh airport. Transfer and check-in at your hotel. Rest. Rooms available from 2:00 PM. You can drop off your luggage at reception before going for a walk around the city.
Day without an English-speaking guide
Phnom Penh, vibrant capital
Let's discover the famous Wat Phnom that 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 mid-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 gem of Khmer architecture was built between 1917 and 1920, and features a magnificent interior courtyard, a true lush garden surrounded by the museum's unique pieces.
Visit to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21), a former high school in Phnom Penh 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 to us a very painful chapter in Cambodia's history.
Now 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.
Kampong Cham and Kratié
In the morning, transfer to Kampong Cham, on the way, let's be bold to fully enjoy a "gastronomic" stop in the town of Skun, famous for its spiders and grilled insects
Phnom Pros and Phnom Srei hills are located in Kampong Cham. Separated by about one kilometer from each other, these two peaks offer magnificent views over the countryside and the Mekong. We can visit modern temples on these hills and take the opportunity to relax pleasantly. Two historically-charged places not to be missed.
Kampong Cham → Kampi
We then head towards Kampi. We board the Mekong to search for Irrawaddy dolphins, one of the rare freshwater dolphin species, facing extinction. Once we arrive at our destination, we take care of check-in.
Day without English-speaking guide
On the Road to Mondulkiri
In the morning, departure by road with your driver to the province of Mondulkiri, one of the most natural and remote provinces of Cambodge where many minorities live. Upon arrival in Sen Monorom, the provincial capital, check-in at your hotel and rest. The rest of the day is free.
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.
Day without English-speaking guide
The Elephant Sanctuary
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 return to the forest and rediscover their natural behaviors.
During your guided trek, you will discover the story of the elephants and their well-being, as well as the traditions and culture of the local indigenous people, the Bunong. Your morning trek will end at our forest base camp, situated on a valley hillside, with views over the Keo Seima wildlife sanctuary. Enjoy a delicious buffet lunch prepared by our local Bunong team, relax in a hammock and fully enjoy this immersion in nature. After lunch, set off on another forest trek to discover another group of elephants living within the EVP.
In Ratanakiri around Banlung
Transfer to Banlung, the provincial capital of Ratanakiri.
Stop at the volcanic lake of Yeak Loam, in the middle of thick jungle. This magnificent lake with bluish waters is said to have originated from a meteorite fall. It is a sacred place for local ethnic groups. The water's transparency offers perfect visibility (swimming possible). Let's continue with a visit to the blue zircon mines, widespread in the region and often associated with rubber plantations. This semi-precious stone has brilliance and sparkle properties very similar to diamonds. And finally, one last stop to admire superb waterfalls with seven tiers before returning to the hotel. Swimming possible if you wish.
Day without an English-speaking tour guide
Forest Trek
Car transfer to the Sesan River. You board a boat to reach a small village of a local minority, where your hike in Virachey National Park begins with your guide. You follow a trail to a small wooden shelter where you will take your lunch break. You then resume walking for about an hour until you reach the Lalai River, which you will cross on foot (approximately 30m). Continue trekking to a small waterfall suitable for swimming. There, you will set up camp for the night. Dinner will allow you to taste the local minority cuisine. If you still have the energy and courage, there is an opportunity for a short night hike. Note: hiking day that is fairly accessible with approximately 6.5 km of walking and 100 m of elevation gain. Day with an English-speaking local guide.
Day without an English-speaking guide-companion
2nd day of trekking
After breakfast prepared by your guides and a good coffee in a bamboo cup, resume your hike through the still pristine primary forest of Virachey National Park. Plan for approximately 5 to 6 hours of walking with a lunch break by a small stream. It is by bamboo raft that you reach the site of your second night in the forest; you set up camp on the banks of the Ohnangkry River where the weak current allows
Rafting
After breakfast, a return hike of approximately 4-5 hours towards an indigenous village where you will also have lunch. From there, you take a small boat back to the starting point. Expected arrival in Banlung around 4-5 PM. Full day without an English-speaking guide, local guide during the trek
On the banks of the Mekong near the Laotian border
In the morning, transfer with guide to Steung Treng. From the resort's pier, we depart for a boat ride of approximately 1 hour to discover the Mekong and its trees with gigantic aerial roots. You may want to bring earplugs if you can as the engine is quite loud. You may have the chance to spot its many water birds such as the lapwing, the river tern, the great stone-curlew or the Mekong wagtail, a species discovered in 2001. Possibility to return by kayak; inform the resort and they will attach kayaks to the boat with ropes Day without English-speaking guide We settle at the Mekong Bird Resort, a small family establishment full of charm in the middle of nature and by the water.
Sambor Prei Kuk, "the temple of the lush forest"
We are heading out today to the Kampong Thom province. We will discover the magnificent pre-Angkorian temples of Sambor Prei Kuk. This archaeological site has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List since July 2017 and owes this distinction to its status as a former capital during the period preceding the rise of the Khmer empire which would later settle in Angkor a few centuries later.
Sambor Prei Kuk → Kampong Thom
We settle in Steung Sen, the capital of Kampong Thom province, crossed by a river of the same name. Here, with a touch of irony, the locals like to remind us that they too have their Seine.
Day without English-speaking guide - Local guide at Sambor Prei kuk
Arrival in Siem Reap
Road transfer to Siem Reap via a detour to visit two sites that are well worth it: Discover Koh Ker, capital of Cambodia for a short period in the 10th century. You visit in particular Prasat Thom, a temple-mountain 30 m high. Visit the temple Beng Mealea devoured by the roots of strangler ficus trees. It served as the setting for the film (Two Brothers) shot in 2004 by Jean-Jacques Annaud.
Day without English-speaking guide
Once you arrive at your destination, we settle into the hotel; the rest of the day is free.
The majestic temples of Angkor
Full day visit by tuk-tuk of the wonderful Angkor temples located around and inside the Angkor Thom enclosure. We discover in particular Angkor Wat, symbol of the apex 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 40-meter reclining Buddha statue, Phimeanakas, the Elephant Terrace and its great diversity of sculptures as well as the Terrace of the Leper King.
Let's 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 (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 full program, we deliberately 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 arrange the schedule.
Possibility to do the visits in reverse order to avoid the crowds. You just need to indicate this 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 the sculptures or to sit on temple elements.
In Cambodian culture, it is offensive to make noise or misbehave inside a sacred place, calm and respect are the key words.
It is not recommended to buy items or sweets from child vendors, this only encourages begging and truancy, prefer to donate to an association if you care about it.
If you wish to photograph the monks (called Bonzes), you must obtain their permission beforehand. Moreover, you must absolutely not touch them, they have the right to touch you but not the other way around.
The River of 1000 Lingams and the Pink Sandstone Citadel
Depuis Siem Reap
After approximately 45 minutes of driving, we begin the day with a visit to the Angkor Center 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 the short hike needed to reach the site of Kbal Spean nicknamed "the underwater temple". Ruins of temples dating from the 9th century border a river whose bed is scattered with sculpted lingas. A small waterfall near the sacred protected site will allow us to cool off or even swim there (bring a small towel).
Very accessible hike of approximately 1.5 km (or 3 km round trip) with a slight elevation gain over the last 700 meters. Bring hiking shoes/sneakers as the trail is quite rocky.
After lunch, 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. Your discovery continues with a visit to Banteay Samre temple. Day accompanied by an English-speaking guide. After lunch, 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. Your discovery continues with a visit to Banteay Samre temple. Day accompanied by an English-speaking guide
Your discovery continues with a visit to Banteay Samre temple.
Day accompanied by an English-speaking guide
The Floating Village of Kampong Kleang & the Sacred Mountain of Phnom Santuk
In the morning, transfer by road to Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodge. We first head towards Kampong Thom, halfway between Siem Reap and Phnom Penh. On the way, we make a detour towards the village of Kampong Kleang located on Tonlé Sap Lake, approximately 1.5 hours by car from Siem Reap. We board a private boat to discover and visit this floating village that lives mainly from fishing.
We then head to visit Phnom Santuk mountain, the sacred mountain that brings together pagodas and large reclining Buddhas; the oldest ones were sculpted into the rock over time and others more recent are simply made of cement. You must climb more than 800 steps in the middle of the forest to reach the summit of this popular pilgrimage site in the region. We will probably be accompanied by bands of monkeys.
On the way after getting back on the road, be bold to make the most of a brief "gastronomic" stop in the town of Skun, famous for its spiders and grilled insects.
Upon our arrival in Phnom Penh, our driver will drop us at the hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is free.
Day without English-speaking guide
Thank you and have a safe trip back!
Phnom Penh → Phnom Penh Airport
Free time before your transfer to Phnom Penh International Airport.
Tarif par personne
Tarif indicatif par personne, base chambre double. Chaque voyage est personnalisé selon vos envies.
Ce voyage peut être adapté selon vos envies
Cet itinéraire constitue une excellente base de découverte, mais il peut être entièrement personnalisé. Nos conseillers locaux construisent chaque voyage sur mesure selon votre budget, vos dates et vos envies.
Informations pratiques
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
Notre partenaire assuranceVoyagez l’esprit tranquille avec notre partenaire Chapka. Annulation, rapatriement, frais médicaux, bagages… Toutes les garanties pour un voyage serein.
Partez en toute sérénité — je m’assureQuestions fréquentes
Oui, un visa touristique est requis pour les ressortissants français. Il s'obtient en ligne (e-visa, environ 36 USD) avant le départ ou à l'arrivée à l'aéroport (Visa on Arrival, environ 30 USD). Valable 30 jours, prolongeable une fois sur place. Passeport valide 6 mois après l'entrée requis.
Rendez-vous dans la section Mes Voyages pour retrouver tous vos projets.
Vous pouvez envoyer un message à votre hôte directement depuis le Salon de Thé.
Pour un voyage sur mesure de qualité, comptez entre 120 et 200 euros par jour et par personne, incluant hébergement, repas, transports internes et activités. Les vols internationaux (700-1000 euros A/R) sont en supplément. Le Cambodge offre un excellent rapport qualité-prix, souvent combiné avec le Vietnam ou la Thaïlande.
Vos documents sont accessibles dans l'onglet Documents de votre voyage.
Absolument. Nous adaptons chaque circuit au profil des voyageurs. Pour les familles, nous privilégions des rythmes détendus, des hébergements familiaux, des activités ludiques et pédagogiques, et des transferts privés confortables. Nos guides locaux francophones savent capter l'attention des enfants avec des anecdotes adaptées à leur âge.
C'est simple. Vous échangez avec notre équipe locale pour définir vos envies, votre budget et vos dates. Vous recevez une proposition d'itinéraire détaillée sous 48 heures. Vous ajustez ensemble chaque détail jusqu'à la version parfaite. Vous confirmez et partez l'esprit tranquille. Votre agence locale reste disponible 7j/7 pendant toute la durée du voyage.
En cas d'urgence, contactez immédiatement votre agence locale.
Le paiement s'effectue généralement en deux fois.
Notre agence fait partie du réseau Nomadays, immatriculé en France. Vous bénéficiez de la garantie APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) qui couvre 100% de vos fonds. Paiement sécurisé, assurance rapatriement incluse, et assistance francophone 24h/24 sur place pendant tout votre séjour.
Parlons de votre aventure — South Phnom Penh
Conseiller en voyages et amoureux du Cambodge, basé·e à Phnom Penh
Les plus beaux voyages sont ceux qui ressemblent à ceux qui les vivent. Mon rôle est simplement de leur ouvrir les bonnes portes du Cambodge.
— Alexandre
