The Mekong Expedition

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).

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).

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.

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

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.

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.