The Great Loop of Cambodia
A journey from west to east through forgotten temples, floating villages and elephant forests
Durée
21 jours
Saisons idéales
Jan, Fév, Mar, Nov, Déc
Style
Circuit accompagné
Confort
Charme & Caractère
Voyageurs
Couple, Solo, Entre amis
L’esprit du voyage
On the ochre banks of the Mekong, Irrawaddy dolphins point their snouts toward the surface while the chanting of monks resonates from the Wat Phnom pagoda. This great Cambodian loop draws an arc of 14 days between vibrant Phnom Penh and the Bousra waterfalls, between the golden rice fields of Kampong Cham and the pristine jungle of Mondulkiri where retired elephants roam.
The circuit reveals Kratié and its sleepy colonial houses, Sambor Prei Kuk with its pre-Angkorian temples submerged in lush vegetation, the floating villages of Tonlé Sap where dwellings dance to the rhythm of floods. In Siem Reap, Angkor Wat rises from the morning mist while in Battambang, the last bamboo trains slip between rice fields. In Mondulkiri, territory of the Bunong, mahouts guide their pachyderms toward water points under the benevolent gaze of forest spirits.
Between millennia-old Khmer heritage and preserved rural traditions, this journey crosses fifteen centuries of Cambodian history, from the foundations of Isanapura to the poignant testimonies of the Khmer Rouge period. A complete immersion in the deep soul of the kingdom of temples.
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 little early and our room is not yet ready, we can drop off our luggage at the reception before going for a walk around town or resting by the pool.
Phnom Penh, vibrant capital
Day trip by tuk-tuk
Let's discover the famous Wat Phnom which 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 middle of the 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, most of which come from the temples of Angkor. This jewel 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 Phnom Penh high school 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 a very painful chapter in Cambodia's history.
Today 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 prisoners of Tuol Sleng prison, and only 7 survived and can today recount the abuses they suffered. The 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 found itself trapped during these years of terror.
Depending on time remaining, we can visit the central market and/or the Russian market
PP + Kampong Cham + Koh Trong (Kratie)
In the morning, we take the road to Kampong Cham.
Along the way, let's be bold and take full advantage of a "gastronomic" stop in the town of Skun, famous for its grilled spiders and insects.
In Kampong Cham, we leave the city to head to the village of Steung Trong and explore the beautiful rice fields and other plantations (peanuts, jicama or yam beans) in this very fertile area along the river.
A little further on, a different landscape unfolds in the Krouch Chhmar district. We set out to meet the village inhabitants on a short 30-minute walk in the middle of tobacco crops (only possible if your stay period allows). A discovery of authentic rural Cambodge.
We then continue our journey to Kratié, a peaceful town-province on the banks of the great Mekong with magnificent rural landscapes.
The Irrawady dolphins
Kratié → Kampi
Let's continue with a short transfer to Kampi, a few nautical miles north of Kratie. We board the Mekong to search for Irrawaddy dolphins, one of the rare freshwater dolphin species that is facing extinction.
Optional: if you're sporty by nature, you can observe the dolphins by kayak (please contact us)
Kampi → Kratié
After returning to dry land, we visit nearby Phnom Sambok hill which houses a picturesque pagoda and a religious community where monks live separately from nuns. We then return to Kratié.
Once back in Koh Trong, let's explore the island by bike on the Mekong. Let's discover the traditional Khmer village, the daily life of villagers and visit the beautiful pagoda and the floating village.
We have our last meal with our host who will have prepared our lunch before saying goodbye and moving into the island's only hotel.
Departure for Mondulkiri
After breakfast and checking out of our room, we return by boat to Kratie.
We head towards Sen Monorom. Upon arrival, we first stop at the Coffee Plantation Resort for a break. We recommend having lunch there; their small restaurant by the water is in a pleasant setting
In the afternoon, we head towards the Bousra waterfalls, the largest and most beautiful in Cambodia. Cascading down 3 levels, they offer a magnificent spectacle and a natural pool where you can swim.
Once back in the Sen Monorom area, we settle in at the hotel; the rest of the day is free. If you still have energy, you can explore the town and its surroundings, or take a short walk from the ecolodge to admire the landscape.
Elephant Trekking
Spend a full day in one of Cambodia's most biodiverse forests and observe some of our retired resident elephants! Experience something unique by immersing yourself in nature and watching former working elephants returning to the forest and rediscovering their natural behaviors.
During your guided hike, 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 hike will end at our forest base camp, situated on a hillside, with views overlooking the Keo Seima wildlife sanctuary.
Savor 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 hike to discover another group of elephants living within The Elephant Valley Project.
Return to the resort to rest and departure with our driver in the evening to go dine in town (included).
A charming stopover on the Laotian border
Road transfer to Steung Treng, a quiet small town located near the Laotian border on a sandy bank overlooking the Mekong, at the confluence with the Sé Kong River. Check-in at your accommodation.
We settle in at the Mekong Bird Resort, a charming small family-run establishment set in nature and waterside.
Embark on 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 boat motor 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.
Sambor Prei Kuk, "the temple of the lush forest"
We're back on the road today heading to Kampong Thom province. We'll discover the remarkable pre-Angkorian temples of Sambor Prei Kuk. This archaeological site has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since July 2017, thanks 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.
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, locals like to point out that they too have their "Seine".
Day accompanied by an English-speaking guide
We resume our journey today to the province of Kampong Thom. We will discover the magnificent pre-Angkorian temples of Sambor Prei Kuk. This archaeological site has been inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage list since July 2017 and owes this status to its former capital status during the period preceding the rise of the Khmer empire which would later settle in Angkor a few centuries later.
From Kampong Thom to Siem Reap, Through the Remote Temples of Koh Ker and Beng Mealea
Road transfer to Siem Reap via a detour to visit two worthwhile sites. Discover Koh Ker, capital of Cambodia for a brief period in the 10th century. You will visit notably the Prasat Thom, a temple-mountain 30 m high.
Then visit the Beng Mealea temple devoured by the roots of strangler ficus trees. It served as a backdrop for the film "Two Brothers" filmed in 2004 by Jean-Jacques Annaud.
Once you arrive at your destination, we will check you into your hotel; the rest of the day is free for you to do as you wish.
The Majestic Temples of Angkor
A 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 peak of the Khmer Empire during the Angkorian era.
Within the Angkor Thom enclosure, discover Bayon and its many towers with gigantic faces, Baphuon and its gigantic statue of a reclining Buddha of 40m, Phimeanakas, the Terrace of Elephants and its great diversity of sculptures but also the Terrace of the Leper King.
We conclude with Ta Prohm famous for its immense trees with their 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 (warning: Phnom Bakheng is off-limits to children under 12 years old and the authorities limit access to 300 people at sunset, thus creating a queue)
Due to an already heavy schedule, we deliberately skip a few secondary temples on 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 crowds. You just need to tell 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 sit on temple elements.
In Cambodian culture, it is offensive to misbehave inside a sacred place, calm and respect are the watchwords.
It is not recommended to buy items or sweets from child vendors, this only encourages begging and truancy, prefer a donation to an association if you care about it.
If you wish to photograph the monks (called Bonzes), you must obtain their permission beforehand. Furthermore, you must not touch them, they have the right to touch you but not the other way around.
The River of 1000 Lingas and the Pink Sandstone Citadel
After approximately 45 minutes of driving, we begin the day with a visit to the Angkor Centre for Biodiversity Protection. We will be able to observe 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 required to reach the site of Kbal Spean nicknamed "the temple under water", 49 km north of Angkor. Ruins of temples dating from the 9th century border a river whose bed is scattered with carved lingas. A nourishing source for Angkor, the waters of Kbal Spean once irrigated the rice fields of the ancient city. In its bed, the Khmer people carved Shivas and squares of stone intended to bless the waters before they reached the Royal City. The site was discovered in 1968 by ethnologist Jean Boulbet, and following in his footsteps you will be able to wander along the lush banks. A small waterfall near the sacred protected site will allow us to refresh ourselves and even take a swim (bring a small towel).
Very accessible hike of approximately 1.5 km (or 3 km round trip) with a small positive elevation gain over the last 700 meters.
Bring hiking shoes or sneakers as the trail is quite rocky.
After lunch, let's continue with a visit to Banteay Srey, a temple built to 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.
If we still have energy left, we can conclude the day by visiting Banteay Samre temple or return directly to the hotel.
The floating village of Mechrey and arrival in Battambang
Siem Reap → Mechrey
Today we visit the floating village of Mechrey by private boat. Located 25 km from Siem Reap, it is one of the least touristy floating villages. Perfect for getting a glimpse of the local way of life on the water, you will be able to see all floating structures: Dwellings, schools, restaurants and even... pagoda!
Duration of 1.5 to 2 hours
Possibility to expand the visit of Tonlé Sap lake if you remove the visit of the Roluos group. Additional cost to be expected.
Mechrey → Battambang
We hit the road again and at the edge of Battambang, we discover Wat Slaket pagoda and Ek Phnom, an 11th century sandstone Brahmanical temple now in ruins. It was devastated by the Khmer Rouge under Pol Pot, and looted by the Vietnamese at liberation. A place steeped in history. Let's take advantage of our passage to linger over the immense statue of the seated Buddha that sits near these ruins.
Once we arrive at our destination, we settle into the hotel before heading out for the last visits of the day.
South of Battambang, visiting the Banon temple built at the top of a hill offers you, after climbing 358 steps, a lovely panorama of the Cambodian countryside. Passing through traditional villages lining the road, we can witness the family-made rice cracker production and chat with locals about their daily life. Let's also take the opportunity to stop at the Battambang vineyards. An chance to admire the greenhouse work of Cambodian winemakers. And to taste, if we wish, the wine, grape juice, ginger juice, and why not cognac!
We finally set off to discover the temple of Phnom Sampov, "the ship-hill" where we stay until sunset to observe the flight of bats and their incredible choreography across the sky.
Battambang, post-colonial architecture city
We start our day discovering Battambang with a trip on the famous bamboo train. Being early in the morning, this activity is ideal for starting the day. The fresh air will pleasantly caress our face as our eyes admire the rice fields painted in the landscape.
Next we head to the ruins of Ek Phnom temple destroyed by the Khmer Rouge and looted at liberation by the Vietnamese. We will also be able to visit a pagoda and a massive Buddha statue there.
The driver will then take us to discover first the rice cake manufacturing workshop, the one used to cook spring rolls. Then a few meters further we will see the makers of sticky rice, this dish, enclosed in a bamboo stick, which is very popular in Cambodge. We will then visit, across the way, the pagoda of Wat Samrong Knong which houses the killing fields, an area bearing witness to the atrocities of the Khmer Rouge regime.
The second-to-last stage of this tour will take place in a banana chip making workshop. Here we will help the cooks cut these fruits to assist them, in exchange we will be able to taste this delicious snack.
We will finally head to a larger workshop this time, that of prahok production. This condiment, a fish brine, is highly sought after in Cambodge despite its off-putting smell.
On the Road to Kampong Chhnang on the Shore of Tonlé Sap Lake
After breakfast, we head with our driver to Kampong Chhnang and more specifically to the Smiling Gecko NGO which is based in the area.
Halfway there, we stop in the provincial capital of Pursat to stretch our legs and perhaps have lunch there. Stone cutters, marble workers and cabinet makers are plentiful in this region if you wish to stop for a moment to observe them.
At Kampong Chhnang, we board a small boat to visit the floating village of Phum Kandal where we can observe the life of the inhabitants and admire the brightly painted wooden houses, with their small terraces equipped with hammocks and bamboo electric poles.
Phum Kandal is a village composed mainly of Vietnamese.
Boat tour of approximately 1 hour
Once we arrive at our destination, we settle into the resort; the rest of the day is free.
We also say goodbye to our guide who accompanied us here from Siem Reap
A pre-beach stop in Kep
Free morning at the Smiling Gecko NGO resort which offers the opportunity to discover the many activities they have developed on their 150 hectares of land to provide professional training for disadvantaged families and education for over a hundred children: training in catering and hospitality, carpentry and woodworking workshop, fish farming (tilapia breeding) and various vegetable crops.
Your driver will be nearby. Feel free to coordinate with him if you would like to explore the surroundings, particularly the pottery village of Kampong Chhnang.
After lunch included at the resort, transfer by road to Kep, a charming seaside town renowned for its crab market and its national park conducive to a pleasant walk. Check-in at the hotel and free time to rest.
Suggestions for your free time in Kep: there are many restaurants at the crab market, you can also do the short hike of 2-3 hours in Kep National Park (starting from Veranda Natural Resort)
The Caves of Kampong Trach and Kampot Pepper
Morning visit by tuk tuk.
This morning, near Kep, exploring the caves of Phnom Kampong Trach holds some lovely surprises for us. Considered natural temples by local Buddhists, they conceal numerous statues and altars. As the highlight of this "speleological" excursion, a beautiful representation of a reclining Buddha awaits us in an open-air clearing created by the collapse of the rock.
Kampong Trach → Kampot
The Kampot region is internationally recognized for its exceptional pepper. It is therefore impossible to visit Kampot without taking a tour of one of the many pepper plantations in the region!
We visit the family pepper production farm, La Ferme de Sothy with a plantation guide who will explain to us the origin and reasons for the fame of this spice. We will learn more about the cultivation methods and how to cook this famous pepper.
Extension to Koh Rong
Road transfer to the Sihanoukville pier, a seaside town in the south with beautiful fine sand beaches and gateway to the paradisiacal islands of Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem.
Boat transfer to Koh Rong from Sihanoukville pier. Our team on the ground will meet you at the pier to give you your boat tickets.
Once you arrive at your destination, we settle into the hotel; the rest of the day is free.
Day without an English-speaking guide
Return to Phnom Penh
After breakfast and checking out of our room, we return by boat to Sihanoukville.
The boat departure is scheduled for 9:30 AM.
Upon our arrival in Sihanoukville, a driver will be waiting for us at the dock for a final transfer to Phnom Penh via the country's only highway.
Once you arrive at your destination, we will check you into your hotel; the rest of the day is free for you to enjoy as you wish.
See you again soon!
Phnom Penh → Phnom Penh Airport
Free time before our transfer to Phnom Penh International Airport.
We must vacate our room by noon. If our flight is in the evening, we can leave our luggage at the hotel reception for a final stroll around the city.
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
