Live the life of the French explorers of the XIX century with this Mekong expedition in Cambodia, a gem of Asia due to its natural and cultural heritage and for the hospitality of its people, who will open the doors of their houses to you. This original itinerary, full of history and stunning sceneries, will make you sail and walk among the villages on the banks of Mekong river up to the Laotian border. You will have the chance to admire curious Irrawaddy dolphins and spend the night in the rural areas or along the banks of this sacred river. A journey off the beaten tracks and back in time.

Read more

Live the life of the French explorers of the XIX century with this Mekong expedition in Cambodia, a gem of Asia due to its natural and cultural heritage and for the hospitality of its people, who will open the doors of their houses to you. This original itinerary, full of history and stunning sceneries, will make you sail and walk among the villages on the banks of Mekong river up to the Laotian border. You will have the chance to admire curious Irrawaddy dolphins and spend the night in the rural areas or along the banks of this sacred river. A journey off the beaten tracks and back in time.

Here are some of the highlights of the itinerary:

  • Cruise on Mekong river up to the Laotian border, across waterfalls, rapids and canyons and viewing Irrawaddy dolphins
  • Exploration of the floating villages and meeting with the inhabitants
  • Visit to Beng Melea temples
  • Night in a tent on the banks of the Mekong

Trip summary

  • Travel style Group departure
  • Departure Phnom Penh
  • End Siem Reap
  • Countries
    • Cambodia
  • City
    • Kratie
    • Stung Treng
    • Mekong
    • Koh Ker
    • Siem Reap
  • Theme Meeting local people
  • Accommodation Standard
  • Flight Excluded
  • Guide Not Included
  • The tour has met our standards

Detailed itinerary

Expand
  • 1
    Phnom Penh -Kratie
    Day 1-2

    Arrival at Phnom Penh airport and transfer to Kratie. In the morning of the second day you will explore the island inhabited by the Cham community. You'll cross villages on dirt paths, in bucolic environments.

    Visit to a floating village, where the local boats are made of wood. You'll then embark on a public local ferry to reach Kratie, where your vehicle will be waiting for you. You'll then get on a fishing boat to reach Kampi rapids. Cruise on the river to observe endangered Irrawaddy dolphins.

    The route will take you to Sambor village with its magnificent pagoda and the center for the protection of Mekong turtles. You'll spend some time with the guide and get to know more about the little turtles and the project of the village monks. Overnight in a hotel.

    This first cruise on Mekong will be your first approach to the life on the river, also called Tonle Thom by the Khmers, which links 6 countries. (2 hrs drive, 1 sailing).

    Visited places:
    • Phnom Penh
    • Kratie
  • 2
    Kratie - Stung Treng
    Day 3

    In the early morning you'll set off for a new adventure, following the Mekong with your vehicle. Traditional stilt houses inhabited by fishermen give way to a road which traverses the province.

    You're heading towards Stung Treng, which you'll reach in the afternoon. Stung Treng is the last Cambodian town on Mekong river before Laos. The guide will take you on a short tour of the market and town. You'll visit a NGO specialized in silk weaving and production of the magnificent Khmer scarves, whose quality is surprising.

    In the evening you'll check in to your bungalows on the banks of the river. At sunset you can walk along the river or swim in its waters (depending on season). Dinner on a terrace looking on Tonle Thom. Overnight in the bungalow along the Mekong. (4 hrs drive).

    Visited places:
    • Kratie
    • Stung Treng
  • 3
    Stung- Treng - Mekong
    Day 4

    After yesterday, it's now time to discover a new aspect of this kingdom of water, the one where nature takes over. After the first stretch you will reach the border with Laos where an expert on Mekong sailing will be waiting for you.

    The boat will take you along Laotian waters and then you'll walk across the woods to discover some little known waterfalls, similar to canyons, which mark the dividing line between Cambodia and Laos.

    After this walk, you'll go back to the boat to reach a small island and observe Irrawaddy dolphins. On the fine sandy beach on the Mekong banks you'll set your camp. (Depending on the season and water levels, alternatively overnight at a local family's). Opportunity to walk or swim.

    Visited places:
    • Stung Treng
    • Mekong
  • 4
    Stung Treng
    Day 5

    Day in Stung Treng and activities on the river. Overnight in bungalows on the banks of Mekong.

    Visited places:
    • Mekong
    • Stung Treng
  • 5
    Stung Treng - Koh Ker
    Day 6

    Transfer from Stung Treng to Koh Ker, the ancient capital city of the Khmer empire. Visit to the city and its archaeological and cultural sites. Overnight in a guesthouse.

    Visited places:
    • Stung Treng
    • Koh Ker
  • 6
    Beng Melea - Tonle Sap- Siem Reap
    Day 7

    Visit to Beng Melea, an ancient temple in the same style as more famous Angkor Wat, and Tonle Sap lake. Transfer to Siem Reap and end of tour.

    Visited places:
    • Koh Ker
    • Siem Reap
  • Prices and conditions

    Price includes
    • Some meals in Khmer style
    • Transport and transfers
    • French-speaking guide
    • Entry tickets
    Price does not include
    • Domestic/international flights
    • Extra meals
    • Visa
    • Personal expenses
    • Personal insurance
    • Tips
    • Beverages