Wild Cambodia
With the largest area of unbroken rainforest in mainland Southeast Asia, Cambodia is a haven for bird and animal life.
Cambodia is home to some of the most passionate and essential conservation efforts we've experienced; we designed this route to take you deep into wilderness where your visit will also help to ensure its survival. From lush, forested river camps to wetland havens for wild birds – this trip is full of rare opportunities to see some of the world’s critically endangered species in their natural environment.
Pricing
Key facts
Transport in detail
All transfers are by private car through Cambodia’s beautiful rural countryside. We love the journeys almost as much as the destinations.
What's great
You’ll visit the best wildlife spotting destinations within Cambodia.
Features beautiful rural landscapes; palm fringed rice paddies, crumbling ancient temples, quaint villages & towns, lush rainforests. Amazing for keen photographers!
By staying in wildlife sanctuaries and visiting conservation projects, your trip directly benefits programmes to protect Cambodia’s wild places
We can easily extend this itinerary with time on the beach if you fancy some rest and relaxation before returning home
Things to consider
The best time of year for wildlife encounters is December to April. November and May are shoulder seasons for wildlife viewing, still good times to travel
You’ll need to be fit and active to manage activities which involve walking and cycling over rough terrain
Accommodation in the wildlife sanctuaries is basic without air-conditioning, but this is all part of their charm and means they have a low impact on the environment
There are some long journeys by road but this gives you a chance to see great swathes of Cambodian scenery
The experience
We custom-make our holidays, so what’s written in the itinerary below is just an example of what we can do. Let us know what you’re interested in, and we’ll tailor a trip just for you.
Day 1-3
Siem Reap
No trip to Cambodia is complete without Angkor. An ancient city built at the zenith of the Khmer Empire, it contains some of the world’s most spectacular monuments. This means Angkor does attract huge crowds, but as this itinerary is all about escaping into nature, your guide will whisk you to under the radar temples best explored by bike. Afterwards, you’ll cycle out to a lovely rural village for lunch in a beautifully preserved Khmer house. On your second day, get up early to see Angkor Wat at sunrise, then visit a conservation centre created in memory of Sam Veasna, a pioneer in the protection of Cambodia’s wildlife - a fitting start to your adventure.
Highlights
Explore the temples of Angkor by bike and cycle the outer walls
Visit the Sam Veasna Centre to learn about wildlife conservation projects across Cambodia
See Cambodian culture brought to life in an acrobatic performance by Phare, The Cambodian Circus
Day 4-5
Phnom Tnout Phnom Pok Wildlife Sanctuary
Sam Veasna’s greatest achievement was the rediscovery and protection of the critically endangered Bengal florican. With a bit of luck, you’ll see these birds and other large water species today in a grassland conservation area in Siem Reap province. From here, you’ll venture into the vast savannah of Phnom Tnout Phnom Pok Wildlife Sanctuary. A nature guide who knows this wilderness like the back of his hand will take you on a hike through the dipterocarp forest. You’ll also get to traverse the saddle of a mountain on a pair of 300m ziplines. On the descent, keep your eyes peeled for a cornucopia of butterfly species, as well as silver langurs, sambar deer and banteng (wild cows).
Highlights
Grab your binoculars to spot the critically endangered Bengal florican
Hike through dry forest plains with a nature guide to butterfly-filled waterholes
Fly above Phnom Tnout Phnom Pok Wildlife Sanctuary on a 300m zipline
The finer detail
What's included
- Breakfast every day
- Ten lunches: one in the Angkor complex; two in Phnom Tnout Phnom Pok Wildlife Sanctuary; two in Kulen Promtep Wildlife Sanctuary; one on the way to Sen Monorom; three in Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary; one at the Elephant Valley Project
- Six dinners: two in Phnom Tnout Phnom Pok Wildlife Sanctuary; two in Kulen Promtep Wildlife Sanctuary; two in Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary
- Three full-day experiences: cycling tour of the Angkor temples; tour of Kratie including spotting Irrawaddy Dolphins; meet the elephants at the Elephant Valley Project
- Three half-day experiences: sunrise at Angkor Wat; visit to Sam Veasna Centre for Wildlife Conservation in Siem Reap; visit to the birdwatching site at Dak Dam
- One evening experience: Phare, the Cambodian Circus performance
- Two night stay in Phnom Tnout Phnom Pok Wildlife Sanctuary including wildlife based activities
- Two night stay in Kulen Promtep Wildlife Sanctuary including wildlife based activities
- Two night stay in Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary including wildlife based activities
- All entrance fees to sites included in guided experiences
- All internal transport & accommodation
Logistics and journey times
Day 1:
Car transfer from Siem Reap Airport to hotel (20 minutes)
Day 4:
Car transfer from Siem Reap to Phnom Tnout Phnom Pok (3.5 hours)
Day 6:
Car transfer from Phnom Tnout Phnom Pok to Kulen Promtep (1.5 hours)
Day 8:
Car transfer from Kulen Promtep to Kratie (3.5 hours)
Day 10:
Car transfer from Kratie to Sen Monorom (3 hours)
Day 11:
Car transfer from Sen Monorom to Keo Siema (1 hour)
Day 13:
Car transfer from Keo Siema to Sen Monorom (1 hour)
Day 15:
Car transfer from Sen Monorom to Phnom Penh (5 hours)
What's not included
- Visas
- International flights
- Meals not mentioned
- Entrance fees to any sites not included in guided experiences
- Tips for guides & porters