Cambodia: Angkor Wat, Koh Rong & The Cardamom Mountains - 9 Days

Your chariot awaits. So, it's not technically a chariot, it's a tuk-tuk. But not any tuk-tuk. Your drivers are women from the Lady Tuk-Tuk drivers cooperative. This group was founded to provide women in Siem Reap the opportunity to earn an income and support themselves, their families and their communities. Hop aboard, whizz through Siem Reap en route to another community tourism initiative, Spoons Restaurant. Welcome to Siem Reap, and to Cambodia, we invite you to become part of the community. Spoons Restaurant hosts your first meal in Cambodia. This restaurant provides vocational training for young people in the service industry, while of course, serving up delicious specialties like Num Kruk, a corn and coconut crisply dumpling, and Steak Lok Lak. Dig in and do good.

It's possible that there is no quicker way to understand a culture than by cooking and eating. Spend the morning in the local market with a chef, smelling and tasting the local ingredients. Continue on to Chreav village just outside of Siem Reap and join the chef in cooking some delicious local dishes. With a full belly, the afternoon is yours to choose between a sunset bike ride from village to village, or a scenic boat tour to Kampong Khleang Floating Village. Your OMG Day begins with an exclusive cooking experience in Chreav village, just a short tuk-tuk ride outside Siem Reap. In the afternoon you can choose between an exhilarating cycle through small villages, ending just in time to take in a peaceful sunset over the rice paddies with a cold drink. If you are looking to take it a bit easier, hop on a boat ride to the magnificent Tonle Sap. The boat will travel to Kampong Khleang floating village, passing by stilt houses, witnessing daily life and observing the marine flora and fauna along the way.

The ruins of Angkor Wat stand as a testament to the dynamic history of the Cambodian people. Though they, like all ruined structures, are little by little being reclaimed by the jungle around them, luckily for us they defiantly remain standing ready to be admired. Witness sunrise at Angkor Wat with your fellow travellers and expert guide. Your new friends from the Lady Tuk-Tuk cooperative greet you again just before sunrise to zoom you to Angkor Wat. Enjoy a magical sunrise over the ruins and then continue on exploring Angkor Thom and Ta Prohm with your local guide. The rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy a well-deserved bit of rest, or a dip in the pool.

Established in 1993, The Botum Sakur National Park in southern Cambodia, home to the Cardamom Mountains, has been continuously threatened by illegal logging and the poaching of endangered wildlife. The dense jungle of the Cardamoms is one of Asia's seven remaining elephant corridors and is home to gibbons, pangolins and hornbills. This remote and wild place is being protected by an alliance between a number of organizations, and our exclusive stay at Cardamom Tented Camp helps fund the Wildlife Alliance and its partners in protecting this vital piece of our planet. After a short flight and transfer West, board a small boat to head down the Prek Tachan river. Spot birds overhead as you make the half hour journey to camp. Cardamom Tented Camp is our home for our jungle expedition the next two days, and a homemade Cambodian meal awaits you after settling into your tent. Oh, and don't forget to look up-the nighttime sky here is out of this world. (See what we did there?)

Waking up in the jungle, in a safari style glamping tent, with the sound of the birds and the monkeys rustling overhead is probably not an experience you associate with Cambodia, but from now on it will be. After a refreshing sleep, it's time to explore the Cardamoms. Kayak downriver first en route to the old ranger station. Trek through the lush forest on old logging trails, crossing streams from time to time. Your local Cambodian guides let you in on the history of this special place while you explore. After a morning of exploration, return to camp for another home cooked Cambodian meal. The afternoon offers you some much deserved leisure time to enjoy this remote paradise. Swim in the river or kayak the narrow tributaries looking for birdlife.

When ancient seafarers first caught sight of Koh Rong’s shores, they were captivated by its beauty, naming it after a mythical cave or "shelter" found within its lush, emerald interior. While its white-sand beaches are world-renowned, the island’s heart is a thriving dense rainforest with hidden lagoons teeming with tropical birdlife and rare butterflies. Some of Koh Rong remains an untouched paradise, and your time on this island begins with free time to discover the island's energetic towns and sun-drenched coves. Travel to Koh Rong and explore the island with your CEO in the afternoon. A BBQ seafood dinner is the perfect way to celebrate your first evening on the island.

Cambodia shines in this full day exploration of Koh Rong's natural interior and coastal ecosystems. A morning trek leads you through the rainforest, immersing you in the island's vibrant flora and fauna, and in season toward a secluded waterfall. After a break for lunch, the adventure continues with a guided kayaking excursion deep into the quiet, winding mangroves, offering a unique perspective of the island's serene, sheltered waters. This full day adventure offers plenty of opportunity to enjoy the island paradise that Koh Rong offers. Hike to a beautiful waterfall (in season) followed by professional kayak guides leading an adventure through the mangroves.

After departing Koh Rong, arrive in Phnom Penh, the City of Four Faces. Nestled on the confluence of the Mekong, Bassac and Tonle Sap rivers, Phnom Penh is the "four faces" where these mighty waterways meet to breathe life into the kingdom. With the traditions of the Khmer Empire blended with a French colonial metropolis, this unique city showcases its vibrant energy while honoring its dark past. Set out on a remork-moto tour - quintessential Cambodian transport, visiting spots like the Royal Palace & Silver Pagoda and Wat Ounalom before a dinner on the Tonle Sap river. Depart Koh Chang, returning to Cambodia mainland. Drive to Phnom Penh for an exciting evening in the city.

Today your adventure comes to an end. We hope you loved visiting Southeast Asia as much as we do! We promise you won't need a vacation after your vacation, but we guarantee you'll be ready for another adventure with G. Depart at any time.