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Across the Cardamom mountains

8 - 10 days / Challenge tours / Tough/Pro /

NEW! This tour is also available with an electric bike (E-Bike).
more information

The Cardamom Mountains :
Today, the Cardamom Mountains region is the largest wilderness in mainland Southeast Asia, preserving a remarkable number of species that are endangered (and in some cases extinct) elsewhere in the world. However, without proper conservation and protection, this area and its inhabitants are now at the mercy of logging interests and poachers.
The forests are home to clouded leopards, tigers and elephants. If you are patient and have a good eye you might have the chance to spot sun bears, gibbons, and Siamese crocodiles.

Start your Cambodian Adventure with the world famous Angkor temples before discovering Battambang and the Cardamom Mountains.
In our Jungle Travels we weave our way through the breath-taking Cardamom Mountains to Koh Kong, taking in lush jungles, beautiful river crossings, rapids and waterfalls through regions which only recently became accessible and which boast perhaps the most pristine scenery in the country. 
Finally we reach Koh Kong and spend some quiet, relaxing days discovering the region.

Highlights

  • Cross the jungle far from the touristic rush
  • Discover the fauna et flora
  • Venture to the country’s remote and mysterious southwest region
  • Discover the protected park Peam Krasop Wildlife Sanctuary



Itinerary

Day 1 : SIEM REAP
Upon arrival in Siem Reap, our guide and driver welcome us at the airport. Then we reach our hotel. Our first day is free to give us a bit time to recover from the jet lag and flight hours. Overnight at hotel in Siem Reap.

Day 2 : ANGKOR SIEM REAP
This morning we head towards the famous Angkor Wat by bike . First immersion in the culture and history of the country. Cycling tour of the interior of this imposing and symbolic monument. We carry on towards the isolated temple of Banteay Samré , visit the temple and hiking on the Eastern Baray dike to discover the villages . We arrive at the royal pool of Srah Sang for sunset. Overnight at hotel in Siem Reap.
(B,L)

Day 3 : SIEM REAP – BATTAMBANG – PURSAT
Departure by vehicle with our whole material towards Battambang. When we arrive, we take our bikes to discover the surroundings of this town. Next morning, we cycle through neighborhoods and villages, we discover odd jobs to meet the artisans of the region. We stop at the blacksmith, and a family that makes the coconut milk. We continue our journey to a small Khmer house, where they make rice cakes. And we can even taste the sticky rice! Our tour ends at the small temple of Wat Ek. After that we take the bamboo train, small excursion handcar, travelling along the rice fields. Finally, we head towards Pursat, and spend the night in a Hotel with swimming pool.
(B,L)

Day 4/5 : PURSAT – PRAMAOY- KOH KONG
This morning we leave early for the start of our adventure. Our vehicle brings us to join the path of our bike tour in the Cardamom Mountains . We arrive in a remote village where time seems to stand still. Lunch. We continue with our guide and motorbike drivers the winding road to arrive early evening in a small village. We clean ourselves in the river and install our hammocks at a safe place to spend the night before taking a local typical Khmer dinner. In the morning, we continue cycling on the other side of the mountain through the rainforests. We are committed to the steep, winding laterite roads through mountain vistas and lush vegetation and arrive around 11 am in Pramaoy, the biggest village on this side of the Cardamom. Lunch.
We are heading now to Koh Kong on the laterite roads and get after 25 km a transfer by bus to Koh Kong where we are going to stay the night in a Hotel with a swimming pool. (B,L,D)

Day 6 : KOH KONG (BUNGALOW) – no cycling
We start by boat, and we stop to discover the protected park Peam Krasop Wildlife Sanctuary, containing the largest mangrove forests of South East Asia (1 hour walk) by discovering its fauna and flora. Then we continue our navigation to Koh Kong Island . This island is still sparsely populated and offers pristine white sand beaches . We drive along the coast and reach a sandy beach where we bathe . Picnic on the shore. One last navigation step to join the South of the island where our accommodation is. ( Boat 2h) Stay overnight in a bungalow on the beach. (B,L)
 
Day 7 : ISLAND KOH KONG – CHI PHAT (GUEST HOUSE / HOMESTAY)
In the morning we leave by boat to the mainland , where our vehicle awaits us. We start cycling to the south Cardamom , at the foot of the mountain chain. We arrive in a small village in the middle of the forest, where a Community Eco Tourism program was born . A small presentation is proposed before going on bike for a ride to the village and the surrounding area. We sleep in a guesthouse with the locals. (B,L,D)

Day 8 : CHI PHAT- BIKING IN THE FOREST
We observe many species of animals including hornbills, deers and wild pigs for the most common. Our local guide will present as the fauna and flora. Many Gibbons live in this forest, sometimes we can hear them. Stop for lunch near a benefactor river where we swim. We return to Chi Path where we spend the night in the guesthouse. (B,L,D)
The Chiphat excursions can be modified according to local conditions (rainy season, difficult access , slippery slope ) .

Day 9 : CHI PHAT – PHNOM PENH
At dawn, we take a wooden canoe .We observe the wild fauna and flora. We return to the village to take breakfast and are heading with our bikes to the main road, back to the frenzy of the cities after those few days in the wilderness. Between cycling and transfer we arrive at evening in the capital. (B,L)

Day 10 : PHNOM PENH
We pack our bags and leave for a visit of the city with it’s National Museum, Palace and Silver Pagoda. It is with pictures and memories full in our heads that we drive to the airport. (B)







Photos




What’s Included

  • The renting of the bike with helmet
  • An english speaking cycling guide
  • The support vehicle/motobike
  • Meals
  • Accommodation. Hotel and Homestay/camping: we provide mosquito nets, hamoc
  • What’s Not Included

  • Meals not mentioned in the program
  • Any entrance fee to the sites or temple
  • Private insurance
  • Equipment

  • Cap or hat to protect you from the sun
  • A pair of sunglasses
  • A light polar shirt or equivalent for the nights homestay
  • Cotton t-shirts (short and long sleeve) OR equivalent (shirts, T-shirt technical material fast drying …)
  • Jeans and short
  • A swimming suit indispensable

  • Travel information

    Take a bag to gather your toxic waste (batteries, aerosols , batteries, ointment tubes …) to bring them back to your home country where sorting is done well and efficiently.
    It is best to consult your doctor before traveling to Cambodia for any health issues.
    Travel yes, but sustainable and responsible!