Temples & Trekking in Ratanakiri
In the Heart of Wild Cambodge: Ratanakiri Jungle, Forgotten Temples and Mekong Waters
Durée
14 jours
Saisons idéales
Jan, Fév, Mar, Nov, Déc
Style
Circuit accompagné
Confort
rustique
Voyageurs
Solo, Entre amis, Couple
L’esprit du voyage
Leaves crackle under your feet as local guides trace an invisible path through the primary forest of Ratanakiri. Three days of camping in the heart of Virachey National Park lead you to crystalline waterfalls and villages of ethnic minorities, far from any civilization. Morning coffee, served in a bamboo cup carved on site, accompanies the awakening of tropical birds and the first light filtering through the canopy.
From this wild northeast, the descent towards the Mekong reveals another face of Cambodge: the tumultuous waters of Steung Treng where kayaks glide between giant aerial roots, then the lost temples of Preah Khan Kampong Svay, swallowed by the jungle for centuries. The pink sandstone towers of Banteay Srei and the endless galleries of Angkor Wat complete this immersion in Khmer art, from forgotten sanctuaries to universal wonders. Between two sites, the floating village of Kampong Kleang reveals daily life on the waters of Tonlé Sap.
This journey unites the heritage of the Khmer empire and Cambodian nature in its most raw form, where the Tampuan and Kreung ethnicities perpetuate their ancient traditions. A journey that leaves the imprint of Ratanakiri's red earth under your fingernails and the memory of temples sleeping in your mind.
Les étapes de votre voyage
Points forts
Itinéraire jour par jour
Welcome to Phnom Penh
Welcome by our driver upon your arrival at Phnom Penh International Airport (KTI).
Transfer and check-in at the hotel.
The rest of the day is free.
Rooms available from 2:00 PM. If we arrive a bit early and our room is not yet ready, we can drop off our luggage at reception before going for a walk around town or resting by the pool.
Phnom Penh, vibrant capital
Let us first visit the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda, true gems 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 jewel of Khmer architecture was built between 1917 and 1920, and features a magnificent interior courtyard, a truly lush garden surrounded by the museum's unique pieces.
Visit of 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.
Today converted into a museum, the former S21 Prison reminds every visitor of the atrocities committed in Cambodia during the terrible years of communist dictatorship. No fewer than 17,000 people were inmates of the Tuol Sleng prison, and only 7 survived and can today recount the abuses 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.
Depending on the time remaining we can visit the central market and/or the Russian market
On the way to the far northeast
In the morning, departure by road with your driver to Ratanakiri, one of the most natural and remote provinces of Cambodge where many minorities live. Upon arrival in Banlung, the provincial capital, check-in at your hotel and rest.
Day without English-speaking guide
Day without an English-speaking guide
Forest trekking
Car transfer to the Sesan River. You board a boat to reach a small village of a local minority, where your trekking in Virachey National Park begins with your guide. You follow a trail to a small wooden shelter where you will have your lunch break.
You then resume hiking for about an hour until you reach the Lalai River, which you will cross on foot (approximately 30m). Continue trekking until you reach a small waterfall perfect for swimming. There, you will set up camp for the night. Dinner will give you the opportunity to taste the local minority cuisine. If you still have the energy and courage, there is the possibility of taking a short night hike.
A fairly accessible day of hiking with approximately 6.5 km of walking and 100 m of elevation gain.
Long pants
Closed-toe shoes
Cap or other hat
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Small first aid kit
Mosquito repellent
Towel
Flashlight
2nd day of trek
River rafting descent
After breakfast, a return hike of approximately 4-5 hours towards an indigenous village where you will also have lunch.
From there, you will take a small boat back to the starting point. Expected arrival in Banlung around 4-5 PM.
On the banks of the Mekong near the Laotian border
In the morning, after checking out of the hotel, we depart with our driver. We first stop at the volcanic lake of Yeak Loam, in the midst of thick jungle.
This magnificent lake with its blue waters is said to have resulted from a meteorite impact. It is a sacred place for local ethnicities. The water's transparency offers perfect visibility (swimming is possible)
Then, transfer by road to Steung Treng, a quiet small town located on a sandy bank overlooking the Mekong, at the confluence with the Sé Kong River. Check-in at the hotel.
At the resort, board a boat to discover the Mekong and its trees with gigantic aerial roots. You may have the chance to spot its many water birds such as the lapwing, river tern, great stone-curlew or the Mekong wagtail, a species discovered in 2001. Then paddle the Mekong in your kayak (if you wish) to return to the hotel, a unique and delightful experience guaranteed!
Day without English-speaking guide.
We stay at the Mekong Bird Resort, a charming small family establishment in the heart of nature and by the water.
Embark on a boat trip of around 1 hour to discover the Mekong and its trees with gigantic aerial roots. You may want to bring earplugs if you can as the boat engine is quite noisy. You may be lucky enough to spot its many water birds such as the lapwing, river tern, great stone-curlew or even the Mekong wagtail, a species discovered in 2001.
Day without English-speaking guide
Preah Khan Kampong Svay, the other end of the empire
Transfer to Siem Reap province.
Located in Kampong Thom province, the Preah Khan Kompong Svay site constitutes a vast Khmer archaeological complex still well preserved, in the heart of a dense forest conducive to immersion off the beaten path.
The visit allows you to explore its enclosures, towers and remains overgrown with vegetation, testimony to its historical and spiritual importance. It is conducted with the local guides from BeTreed, who provide authentic insights into the site while sharing their knowledge of the territory, the surrounding nature and ecotourism initiatives.
Day spent with an English-speaking guide.
Once you arrive at your destination, we will settle you at the hotel; the rest of the day is free for you to enjoy as you wish.
Koh Ker & Beng Mealea
The Majestic Temples of Angkor
The river with 1000 lingas and the pink sandstone citadel
Free day in Siem Reap
Kampong Kleang Floating Village & Return to Phnom Penh
Thank you and have a great trip back!
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.
Non inclus
- International transport
- Passport & Visa Fees
- Repatriation Insurance
- Travel insurance
- Extra beverages / alcohols
- Meals not mentioned
- Phone calls
- Any excursion not mentioned in the programme
Inclus
- Transfers to and from the airport
- City Transports (tuk tuk or car)
- Land transfers indicated in the program
- Accommodation (3-star hotels and camp)
- Hotel breakfasts
- Repas mentionnés
- English-speaking guide for activities
- Entrance fees for activities
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
