Wild Cambodia
Taste Travel Food Adventure Tours takes you on an 12-night wildlife adventure through the Kingdom of Cambodia where you will live like a local for a while. Visit Cambodia’s bustling captial Phnom Penh, before heading into the wild eastern provinces . Meet local indigenous tribes at Dak Dam village, go gibbon spotting at Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary, and walk through the jungle with elephants at a sanctuary just outside Sen Monorom. Head north to Ban Lung and wonder at the spectacular crater lake, Yeak Laom, take a 2-day trek around the stunning Virachey National Park, staying overnight in a jungle camp, and visit Tampoun and Jarai minority villages to learn about their customs and cultures. Moving on to Kratie, take a kayak trip on the Mekong River to see the rare and endangered Irrawaddy dolphins, before returning to Phnom Penh.
Day 1 - Welcome to Phnom Penh
Highlights
Phnom Penh is the bustling capital of Cambodia, situated on the magnificent Mekong River. There are no activities planned for the day, so you are free to explore this exciting city on your own. At 5 pm there will be a group meeting in the hotel before we set out on our Wild Cambodian adventure. Tonight, your included welcome dinner will be a street food tour, where you will sample delicious Khmer snacks and eat food at places only the locals know about. After dinner you are free to explore the nightlife or head back to the hotel for an early night.
Phnom Penh is the bustling capital of Cambodia, situated on the confluence of the Tonle Sap River and the magnificent Mekong River. There are no activities planned for the day, so you are free to explore this exciting city on your own. Check out the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, do some shopping, or head to the National Museum for some history. At 5 pm there will be a group meeting in the hotel before we set out on our Wild Cambodian adventure.
Tonight, your included welcome dinner will be a street food tour, where you will sample delicious Khmer snacks and eat food at places only the locals know about. Sample the best BBQ beef and, for the more adventurous, deep fried crickets and tarantula. Travel in a tuk tuk from the Central Market to the Night Market and sample Cambodian noodles, before our last stop at a local restaurant for more traditional Cambodian cuisine. After dinner you are free to explore the nightlife or head back to the hotel for an early night.
Tonight, your included welcome dinner will be a street food tour, where you will sample delicious Khmer snacks and eat food at places only the locals know about. Sample the best BBQ beef and, for the more adventurous, deep fried crickets and tarantula. Travel in a tuk tuk from the Central Market to the Night Market and sample Cambodian noodles, before our last stop at a local restaurant for more traditional Cambodian cuisine. After dinner you are free to explore the nightlife or head back to the hotel for an early night.
Accommodation
- Hotel
Meals Included
- Dinner
Included Activities
- Street Food Tour
Optional Activities
- Royal Palace (US$10) & Silver Pagoda (US$3)
- Central & Russian Markets (free)
- National Museum (US$5)
Day 2 - Phnom Penh - Sen Monorom
Highlights
This morning we leave Phnom Penh and head to Sen Monorom in Cambodia's wild Mondulkiri Province. After checking into the guesthouse, your afternoon is free to explore the town. One option is to take a tuk tuk to Bousra Waterfall where you can take a dip in the cool water. For the more adventurous, try the Mayura Zipline experience which has 7 ziplines. For dinner tonight we dine at a restaurant that serves traditional Bunong food. The Bunong are an ethnic minority group indigenous to Mondulkiri.
For dinner tonight we dine at a restaurant that serves traditional Bunong food. The Bunong people are an ethnic minority group indigenous to Mondulkiri. The restaurant trains local Bunong people in the restaurant and uses fresh ingredients from the jungle. After dinner there are a couple of bars to try if you wish, notably The Hangout which also has a pool table.
Accommodation
- Guesthouse
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Included Activities
- Indigenous Bunong Dinner
Optional Activities
- Bousra Eco Park/Waterfall ($2.50 US)
- Mayura Zipline ($50.00 US)
Day 3 - Sen Monorom
Highlights
After breakfast this morning we head to the Indigenous Bunong Village of Dak Dam. Here you will see how the Bunong people live and learn about their history and culture. Walking through the village you will visit a local farm, learn about traditional medicine, and see local women weaving handicrafts. At the end of the tour enjoy a traditional Bunong lunch cooked by one of the local ladies at their home. After lunch we return to town where the rest of the afternoon is yours to relax, have a massage, hike Grandfather Mountain, or explore the town.
After lunch we return to town where the rest of the afternoon is free. Why not relax with a massage, hike Grandfather Mountain and watch the sunset, take a yoga class, or walk around and explore the town. Ask about suggestions for dinner tonight or you can also eat at the guesthouse.
Accommodation
- Guesthouse
Included Activities
- Indigenous Village Tour
- Traditional Bunong Lunch
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Optional Activities
- Yoga class ($7 US)
- Massage
- Hike Grandfather Mountain
Day 4 - Sen Monorom
Highlights
This morning is an early start (5am) when we head to The Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary and the Jahoo Gibbon Camp. Today you will be trekking through the forest in search of the Yellow-Cheeked Crested Gibbons and other animals and birds. After arriving at the camp you will be taken into the jungle, listening for the siren like call of the gibbons. We eat breakfast in the forest before continuing the search for animals and also learn about some of the trees and other plants in the forest. After a break for lunch, take another trek into the forest to look for more wildlife before returning to Sen Monorom around 5pm.
This morning is an early start and you will have to be ready to leave by 5am when we head to The Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary and the Jahoo Gibbon Camp. Today you will be trekking through the forest in search of the Yellow-Cheeked Crested Gibbons and Black-Shanked Douc Langurs. There is also a chance to see other animals, including the Giant Tree Squirrel, and plenty of bird life, including the Giant Hornbill. After arriving at the camp you will be taken into the jungle, listening for the siren like call of the gibbons, who usually only sing early in the morning, hence the early start. We eat breakfast in the forest before continuing the search for animals and also learn about some of the trees and other plants in the forest.
Take a well earned break back at camp and tuck into a delicious lunch, cooked by local Bunong girls. After luch, relax bfore heading back into the forest to try your luck at spotting some more wildlife. We return to Sen Monorom around 5pm where you can relax and take a refreshing shower. The evening is free for you to sample some more delicious Cambodian food at one of the local restaurants.
Take a well earned break back at camp and tuck into a delicious lunch, cooked by local Bunong girls. After luch, relax bfore heading back into the forest to try your luck at spotting some more wildlife. We return to Sen Monorom around 5pm where you can relax and take a refreshing shower. The evening is free for you to sample some more delicious Cambodian food at one of the local restaurants.
Accommodation
- Guesthouse
Included Activities
- Gibbon Spotting Trek
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Optional Activities
Day 5 - Sen Monorom
Highlights
After an early breakfast we visit an elephant sanctuary where you will spend the morning with a group of elephants in their natural habitat. The sanctuary does not allow the elephants to be ridden, instead you will watch the mahouts give them their morning wash and then meander through the jungle with them. After a delicious lunch at the sanctuary's base camp take a rest in a hammock before choosing your own afternoon adventure; more time with the elephants, volunteering to help around the sanctuary, or take a jungle trek to a waterfall. After an awesome day at the sanctuary we head back to town where your evening is free.
After an early breakfast this morning we will visit an elephant sanctuary where you will spend the morning with a group of elephants in their natural habitat. The sanctuary's main goal is to improve the health and welfare of captive elephants around Sen Monorom. As such they do not allow the elephants to be ridden or touched, instead you will watch as the mahouts give them their morning wash and then meander through the jungle with them as they go about their daily life, free from work and captivity. This wonderful experience allows you to see these magnificent creatures up close, without putting any stress on them.
After a wonderful morning with the elephants, head to the base camp for a delicious lunch. Take a rest in a hammock before the afternoon activities, where you get to choose your own adventure; more time with the elephants, volunteering to help around the sanctuary, or take a jungle trek to a waterfall. After an awesome day at the sanctuary we head back to town where your evening is free for you to do as you choose.
After a wonderful morning with the elephants, head to the base camp for a delicious lunch. Take a rest in a hammock before the afternoon activities, where you get to choose your own adventure; more time with the elephants, volunteering to help around the sanctuary, or take a jungle trek to a waterfall. After an awesome day at the sanctuary we head back to town where your evening is free for you to do as you choose.
Accommodation
- Guesthouse
Included Activities
- Elephant Experience
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Optional Activities
Day 6 - Sen Monorom - Ban Lung
Highlights
After an awesome 4 days in Sen Monorom we say goodbye and head north to Ban Lung, Ratanakiri Province. This is the least populated province in Cambodia and hosts some of the largest forests still standing in the country. After arriving and checking into the hotel the afternoon is yours to explore the town. Have some lunch and head just out of town to Lake Yeak Laom, a crater lake thought to be around 700,000 years old. Surrounded by forest the lake takes on an emerald green hue and is a stunning sight to see. You can walk around the lake, have a swim, or take a picnic lunch with you.
After an awesome four days in Sen Monorom we say goodbye and head north to Ban Lung, in Ratanakiri Province. Ratanakiri is the least populated province in Cambodia and hosts some of the largest forests still standing in the country. After arriving and checking into the hotel the afternoon is yours to explore the town.
Have some lunch and head just out of town to Lake Yeak Laom, a crater lake thought to be around 700,000 years old. Surrounded by forest the lake takes on an emerald green hue and is a stunning sight to see. You can walk around the lake in around an hour and the scenery is stunning. Make sure you take your bathers if you want to have a swim, and there's plenty of places to have a picnic if you want to take some food with you.
Have some lunch and head just out of town to Lake Yeak Laom, a crater lake thought to be around 700,000 years old. Surrounded by forest the lake takes on an emerald green hue and is a stunning sight to see. You can walk around the lake in around an hour and the scenery is stunning. Make sure you take your bathers if you want to have a swim, and there's plenty of places to have a picnic if you want to take some food with you.
Accommodation
- Guesthouse
Included Activities
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Lake Yeak Laom ($1 US)
Day 7 - Ban Lung - Virachey National Park
Highlights
This morning we head to Virachey National Park to trek on its outskirts through thick lush jungle, staying overnight at a jungle camp. Travel by minivan to Veun Sai District before boarding a longboat on the Tonle San River. After a lunch break at a local's home we set off on foot towards the jungle, passing farms and rice fields along the way. The jungle the terrain becomes steeper but we take several rest stops to take in the beautiful scenery. Arriving late afternoon at the camp we set up hammocks for sleeping and you can take a "jungle shower" in the stream. Our guides prepare a delicious dinner, which you can help with, or just sit back and relax after a long days hike.
This morning we are heading towards Virachey National Park where we will trek on the outskirts of the park through thick lush jungle for 2 days, staying overnight at a jungle camp. Travel by minivan to Veun Sai District before boarding a longboat to take us up the Tonle San River. We take a lunch break at a local's home before setting off on foot towards the jungle, passing farms and trekking through rice fields along the way. Once we get into the jungle the terrain becomes steeper but we take several rest stops to take in the dense beautiful scenery.
Arriving late afternoon at the awesome jungle camp we set up hammocks for sleeping and you can take a jungle shower in the stream next to the camp. Our guides prepare a delicious dinner, which you can help with, or just sit back and relax after a long days hike. After dinner you can sample some rice wine before heading to bed listening to the sounds of the jungle.
Arriving late afternoon at the awesome jungle camp we set up hammocks for sleeping and you can take a jungle shower in the stream next to the camp. Our guides prepare a delicious dinner, which you can help with, or just sit back and relax after a long days hike. After dinner you can sample some rice wine before heading to bed listening to the sounds of the jungle.
Accommodation
- Jungle Camp
Included Activities
- Overnight Jungle Trek
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Optional Activities
Day 8 - Virachey National Park - Ban Lung
Highlights
For early risers, there is an opportunity to take a guided morning trek around the forest for a chance to see gibbons and other wildlife. After breakfast we pack up camp and head off in a different direction, heading back to where we entered the jungle. We arrive back to the same village where we started, ready for lunch and then the boat ride back to the mini van. After arriving back in Ban Lung take a long hot shower and the evening is your to do as you please.
For those who want to wake up early there is an opportunity to take a guided morning trek around the forest for a chance to see gibbons and other wildlife, while breakfast is being prepared. After breakfast it is time to pack up camp and head off in a different direction back to where we entered the jungle. Keep your eyes peeled for any animals along the way.
We arrive back to the same village where we started, hungry and ready for lunch, prepared by the guides. After lunch we say goodbye to our wonderful local guides and take the longboats back to the waiting mini van. After arriving back in Ban Lung in the early evening, take a welcome long hot shower and the rest of the evening is your to do as you please.
We arrive back to the same village where we started, hungry and ready for lunch, prepared by the guides. After lunch we say goodbye to our wonderful local guides and take the longboats back to the waiting mini van. After arriving back in Ban Lung in the early evening, take a welcome long hot shower and the rest of the evening is your to do as you please.
Accommodation
- Hotel
Included Activities
- Jungle Trek
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Optional Activities
Day 9 -Ban Lung - Vuen Sai - Ban Lung
Highlights
This morning we visit a Tampuan village to learn about their culture and customs. Meet the locals as you wander around the village and see how they live their daily lives. Visit a gem mine where locals dig for sapphires and amethysts where you will see the mining process. After lunch in the Andoung Meas district we visit some Jarai indigenous villages and get the opportunity to see a cemetery. Our guide will explain the traditions, culture and beliefs about the tombs, which is a rare opportunity as most villages do not allow anyone to visit these sites. We head back to Ban Lung mid afternoon.
Ratanakiri Province is home to eight different hill tribes, in addition to some Lao and Chinese minority groups. This morning we visit a Tampuan village to learn about their culture ans customs. Meet some of the locals as you wander around the village and see how they live their daily lives.
Next we visit a gem mine where locals dig for sapphires and amethysts where you will see the mining process and even try your hand at it. After lunch in the Andoung Meas district we visit some Jarai indigenous villages and get the opportunity to see one of their cemeteries. Our guide will explain the traditions, culture and beliefs about the tombs, which is a rare opportunity as most villages do not allow travelers to visit these sites. We head back to Ban Lung mid afternoon where the your evening is free.
Next we visit a gem mine where locals dig for sapphires and amethysts where you will see the mining process and even try your hand at it. After lunch in the Andoung Meas district we visit some Jarai indigenous villages and get the opportunity to see one of their cemeteries. Our guide will explain the traditions, culture and beliefs about the tombs, which is a rare opportunity as most villages do not allow travelers to visit these sites. We head back to Ban Lung mid afternoon where the your evening is free.
Accommodation
- Hotel
Included Activities
- Minority Village Tour
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Optional Activities
Day 10 - Ban Lung - Kratie
Highlights
Leaving Ban Lung behind and taking some great memories we head to Kratie, a mellow town on the Mekong River, and home to a small population of the endangered Irrawaddy dolphins. After checking into the hotel you can try one of the local restaurants for lunch and take a stroll along the Mekong River. Or take a trip to the Mekong Turtle Conservation Centre which houses several species of turtles, including the nearly extinct Cantor’s Giant Softshell Turtle. Be ready for dinner tonight where we dine at a restaurant that supports disadvantaged youth by training them in different aspects of hospitality.
Leaving Ban Lung behind and taking some great memories we head to Kratie, a mellow town on the Mekong River, and home to a small population of the endangered Irrawaddy dolphins. After checking into the hotel you can try one of the local restaurants for lunch and take a stroll along the Mekong River. Or take a trip to the Mekong Turtle Conservation Centre which houses several species of turtles, including the nearly extinct Cantor’s Giant Softshell Turtle. Be ready for dinner tonight where we dine at a social enterprise restaurant that supports disadvantaged youth by training them in different aspects of hospitality.
Accommodation
- Hotel
Included Activities
- Social Enterprise Restaraunt
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Optional Activities
- Turtle Conservation Centre ($4 US)
Day 11 - Kratie
Highlights
This morning we embark on an exciting kayak tour on the Mekong River in search of the Irrawaddy dolphins. After being driven to the launch point, paddle across the river towards the west bank, then downstream through sand islands and the flooded forest, before crossing back and enjoying the unique perspective of seeing the rare dolphins. After an exhilarating morning we head back to town where your afternoon is free to explore the area. You could hire a bicycle and ride to several of the temples around town, or head across the river to Koh Trong, an island in the middle of the Mekong.
This morning we embark on an exciting kayak tour on the Mekong River in search of the Irrawaddy dolphins. After being driven to the launch point, paddle across the river towards the west bank of the Mekong, then downstream through sand islands stopping for a rest and a refreshing swim and snacks. Back in the kayaks, paddle through the picturesque flooded forest, before crossing back and enjoying the unique perspective of seeing the rare dolphins.
After an exhilarating morning we head back to town where your afternoon is free to explore the area. You could hire a bicycle and ride to several of the temples around town, or head across the river to Koh Trong, an island in the middle of the Mekong. Crossing on a boat with your bike you can enjoy a slice of rural life, visiting temples and a Vietnamese floating village. You may even get a glimpse of the soft shell turtles on the western shore.
After an exhilarating morning we head back to town where your afternoon is free to explore the area. You could hire a bicycle and ride to several of the temples around town, or head across the river to Koh Trong, an island in the middle of the Mekong. Crossing on a boat with your bike you can enjoy a slice of rural life, visiting temples and a Vietnamese floating village. You may even get a glimpse of the soft shell turtles on the western shore.
Accommodation
- Hotel
Included Activities
- Kayak Dolphin Spotting
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Visit temples
- Cycle Koh Trong
Day 12 - Kratie - Phnom Penh
Highlights
This morning we return to Phnom Penh where the afternoon is yours to explore the city. Ask about some great places for lunch or grab a bite at the Central Market. Check out the Independence Monument, Wat Phnom, or The Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda. Tonight for our farewell dinner, we dine at a social enterprise restaurant that gives opportunities to underprivileged young adults, teaching them skills in the hospitality industry.
This morning we return to Phnom Penh where the afternoon is yours to explore the city. Ask about some great places for lunch or grab a bite at the Central Market. Check out the Independence Monument, Wat Phnom, or The Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda. Tonight for our farewell dinner, we dine at a social enterprise restaurant that gives opportunities to underprivileged young adults, teaching them skills in the hospitality industry.
Accommodation
- Hotel
Included Activities
- Dinner
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Optional Activities
- Royal Palace (US$10) & Silver Pagoda (US$3)
- Central & Russian Markets (free)
- Wat Phnom (US$1)
Day 13 - Phnom Penh
Highlights
Your Cambodian adventure ends today after breakfast and you are free to depart at any time you wish as there are no activities planned for today. For those flying out of Phnom Penh today, arrangements can be made for transport to the airport if you require. If you would like to see Siem Reap and the temples at Angkor Archaeological Park, and you do, why not book our "Cambodia - Wildlife, Culture & Cuisine" tour, which is a combination of our "Wild Cambodia" and "Cambodian Culture & Cuisine" tours.
Your Cambodian adventure ends today after breakfast and you are free to depart at any time you wish as there are no activities planned for today. For those flying out of Phnom Penh today, arrangements can be made for transport to the airport if you require. If you would like to see Siem Reap and the temples at Angkor Archaeological Park, and you do, why not book our "Cambodia - Wildlife, Culture & Cuisine" tour, which is a combination of our "Wild Cambodia" and "Cambodian Culture & Cuisine" tours.
Accommodation
Included Activities
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW
Inclusions
- Accommodation 12 nights (6 hotel, 5 guesthouse, 1 jungle camp)
- Meals (23, as stated in itinerary)
- Transportation on the ground (except airport transfers)
- Entry to all included activities & tours
Exclusions
- Airfares to and from Cambodia
- Airport Transfers (can be arranged for additional fee)
- Meals (other than 23 included)
- Beverages/Drinks (except those included in breakfast)
- Tips, gratuities, and optional activities