Kambodscha Aktivreise

1. Tag: Phnom Penh

Sua s'dei! Welcome to Cambodia. The sensational Angkor ruins may be the main attraction, but Cambodia’s exquisite temples, remote villages and magical markets deserve lots of attention too. With genuine locals always ready to share a sincere smile, Cambodia will steal your heart and enrich your spirit. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you have free time in the afternoon, perhaps stroll the streets of Phnom Penh and explore the city, taking in the interesting French colonial architecture. Phnom Penh is set at the meeting point of the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers, and life centres around the lively riverfront area. This evening perhaps join the locals as they come to take in the air, snack on the street hawker food and enjoy impromptu waterside entertainment.

Special Information: It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place. If you do wish to spend some more time in Phnom Penh, we’ll be happy to organise additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).

2. Tag: Fahrradfahren in Phnom Penh

Start your adventure on mountain bike, crossing the river by local boat, and then riding through the villages on an island in the Mekong River. The island is famous for silk weaving, agriculture and aquaculture. Stop to see locals at work in the village and enjoy cycling on quiet roads through orchards and along rice paddies. Then return to Phnom Penh for a free afternoon to sightsee. Your leader can help you organise many optional activities. Phnom Penh remains a living relic of the country’s past struggles. The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21) and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek tell the story of the tragic legacy of the Khmer Rouge. The former school of Tuol Sleng served as a Khmer Rouge torture centre, and it’s estimated that more than 20,000 people were held and tortured here. The Killing Fields of Choeung Ek are home to a stupa made up of some 8,000 human skulls, marking the infamous site. This was the execution ground for the torture victims of Tuol Sleng, and standing in this peaceful setting it’s almost unthinkable to imagine that to date nearly 9,000 corpses have been exhumed from the area. Perhaps visit Wat Phnom, the temple that gave rise to the foundation of the city in the 15th century, or the Royal Palace complex’s Silver Pagoda, the most sacred temple in the country.

Notes: Total cycling distance today is 25 kilometres. Helmets are provided for the cycling activities today.

Optional Activities:
Phnom Penh - Tuol Sleng Prison Museum (S21) - USD5
Phnom Penh - Choeung Ek (Killing Fields) - USD3
Phnom Penh - Transport to Choeung Ek (Killing Fields) - USD15
Optional Activities:
Phnom Penh - National Museum - USD10
Phnom Penh - Wat Phnom - USD2
Phnom Penh - Royal Palace & Silver Pagoda - USD10

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Phnom Penh - Mekong Island cycling

3. Tag: Fahrradfahren in Kratie - Koh Trong

This morning leave early by private minibus for Kratie (approximately 6 hours). En route, pass through Skuon, a small town famous for its tasty spiders where it's possible to sample an eight-legged snack. Kratie is a picturesque town on the banks of the Mekong, and was until recently a strategic trading port between Phnom Penh and Stung Treng. Both the French and Khmer Rouge found the town useful and there are a number of French colonial buildings that remain. Board a local boat from Kratie waterfront to Koh Trong for your homestay – approximately 280 families call this 6-kilometre island home. Depending on the season and the river height, you may need to walk up a stretch of beach and take a local bike to your destination. The island is famous for growing the citrus fruit pomelo (supposedly some of the best in Cambodia), rice and other agricultural products. Your homestay is a wonderful opportunity to witness everyday Cambodian life, and this evening you'll enjoy a traditional Khmer dinner. Facilities are basic and multi share with mattresses, bedding and mosquito nets provided. With hammocks strung up beneath the house, this a very scenic place to unwind. A 9-kilometre loop around the island’s perimeter is perfect for a leisurely cycle through traditional Khmer villages, fruits orchards and rice fields, observing daily rituals and routines of traditional village life.

Special Information: Total cycling distance today is 9 kilometres. Please note helmets are not provided for the cycling activities today.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Koh Trong - Cycling

4. Tag: Wandern in Stung Treng

After breakfast, take a guided walk (1 hour) where you’ll get a chance to see how the locals live and learn more about local culture in this part of Cambodia. During the days of the Khmer Rouge, much of the island’s forested interior was cut down. Villagers have started a three-planting project at Wat Ty Pram Kbal Koh Trong in response. You’ll have the opportunity to contribute to the project by helping to plant a tree in the pagoda grounds. Afterwards, say goodbye to your island hosts and head back to the mainland. There’s time to wander down the river boulevard and explore the local market in Kratie before travelling 2.5 hours to Stung Treng. Stop at Wat Phnom Sambok, an 18th-century Buddhist monastery along the way. Sitting atop a hill, climb to the top for a view of the lush forested surrounds. Also enjoy an optional lunch at Kampi Creek, where it’s possible to spot dolphins, before arriving in Stung Treng. Once part of southern Laos, Stung Treng switched to Cambodian ownership during the French colonial era. However, many people here speak both Khmer and Laos. The town is situated on the banks of the Sekong River, which flows into the Mekong River a few kilometres out of town.

Optional Activities:
Koh Trong - Tree Planting donation - USD7

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Koh Trong - Village walk
Kratie - Phnom Sombok Temple
Kampi - Dolphin watching tour

5. Tag: Kajakfahren in Stung Treng

Start early to make the most of a full day of activities. Travel by private minibus to the village of Voeun Kham (approximately 2 hours). From there catch a local boat to cruise the Mekong River to the famous Sopheak Mitt Waterfall. Situated on the Cambodia-Laos border, the thundering falls crashing over limestone crags and boulders is a spectacular sight. Moor the boat at a local family's home and hike through jungle to a lunch spot overlooking the falls. The hike will take approximately 2 hours. Return to the boat and continue through a gorgeous stretch of the Mekong River, which is home to many bird species, to the village of Osvay (approximately 1 hour cruising). Pass through the Anlong Cheuteal Irrawaddy dolphin pool, where on rare occasions it’s possible to spot freshwater dolphins. Next it's into a kayak to paddle amongst this spectacular scenery of flooded forests to Vuen Sien village (approximately 2 hours). After a full day exploring this glorious stretch of nature, return to Stung Treng by private minibus for the night (approximately 1 hour).

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Mekong River - Kayaking
Steung Treng - Sopheakmit Waterfall
Stung Treng - Mekong River cruise and hike

6. Tag: Wandern in Siem Reap/Angkor Wat

This morning, set out on your journey to Siem Reap, travelling by private minibus through Cambodia’s countryside and small towns (approximately 4.5 hours). En route, stop at Beng Mealea, a spectacular hidden jungle temple. Drive onwards to Siem Reap. This is the most popular destination for travellers in all of Cambodia, perhaps even in South East Asia. With its cafes, bars, restaurants, food and drink stands, Siem Reap caters for foodies of all persuasions. A visit to the old market is a must, even if you're not looking for souvenirs; wandering through the stalls and surrounding shops, the silks, cottons, sarongs, silver and statues are a riot of colour and a feast for the eyes. Upon arrival into Siem Reap your leader will take you on an orientation walk to help you get acquainted with this bustling town.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Beng Mealea - Beng Mealea Temple
Siem Reap - Leader-led orientation walk

7. Tag: Siem Reap/Angkor Wat

Temple hop with your local guide today to make the most of your visit to the world-famous Angkor complex, built between the 9th and 13th centuries when the Khmer empire was the pre-eminent influence in South East Asia. The ruins are scattered over an area of some 160 square kilometres, but the main cluster of temples is close to Siem Reap so you'll have plenty of time to fully appreciate the great archaeological sites. These include Angkor Wat, Bayon and the jungle-covered Ta Prohm. The temples were believed to represent the cosmic world and were set in perfect balance, symmetry and composition. The intricately carved bas-reliefs and architectural designs are mind-blowing and there are spectacular photo opportunities at any time of day. Included today is a visit to Phnom Bok, one of the least-visited sites within the Angkor complex. Climb up 633 steps to the temple ruins at the top of the hill for an amazing view of the surrounding countryside. Enjoy exploring the small temple and remains of a 5 metre long sandstone fertility symbol, with very few other tourists. Tonight with free time in the city a great optional activity is to visit Phare, the Cambodian Circus. Coming from disadvantaged households, the performers have gained international recognition through their art. Like a Cambodian Cirque Du Soleil, modern Khmer tales mix theatre, music, dance, acrobatics, juggling, aerial acts, and contortion. Your leader can help you purchase tickets to this show.

Optional Activities:
Siem Reap - Phare, the Cambodian Circus ticket - USD18

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Siem Reap - Three Day Angkor Pass
Siem Reap - Angkor Temples Guided Tour
Siem Reap - Phnom Bok Temple

8. Tag: Fahrradfahren in Siem Reap/Angkor Wat

This morning, get set up on mountain bikes for a ride around the Angkorian ruins. By taking the bike you can avoid some of the crowds and get a unique perspective on this amazing site. Take the back roads along the river through local villages and into the Angkor complex. On your return to Siem Reap, you’ll cycle along the wall of the ancient city of Angkor Thom. With the moat on one side and thick jungle on the other, you will rarely see another visitor. Tonight gather your fellow travellers and venture out to a local restaurant and celebrate the end of your adventure with an optional group dinner.

Notes: Total cycling distance today is approximately 60 kilometres/37 miles. The terrain is relatively flat and you’ll cycle on paved and unpaved roads. The jungle trail will be sandy or muddy, depending on the weather. Helmets are provided for the cycling activities today.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Siem Reap - Angkor Temples cycling tour

9. Tag: Siem Reap

As there are no activities planned for today, you can leave your accommodation at any time. If you have extra time you might like to schedule an Angkor zip-line and canopy walk adventure, a tasty Khmer cooking class, treat yourself with high tea at Raffles Hotel, or simply relax by the pool. We’ll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).

Optional Activities:
Siem Reap - Angkor Zipline Silver Tour - USD129
Siem Reap - Urban Adventure Cambodian Cook-out - USD52
Siem Reap - Landmine Museum - USD5
Siem Reap - Urban Adventure Street Food by Night - USD48
Siem Reap - Urban Adventures Tonle Sap Secrets - USD45
Siem Reap - Banteay Srey Butterfly Center - USD5
Siem Reap - Rehash Trash Recycling Workshop - USD8