Adventure Planet

Best Season

October - May

Highlights

Mekong River
Lom Crater Lake
Jungle Campsite
Irrawaddy Dolphins
Village Homestay
100 Pillars Pagoda
BBQ on Cruise boat down Mekong River
Silk Islands

Description

The Ratanakiri province is making a name for itself as a diverse region of outstanding natural beauty and minority tribes. This trip explores the back road of this North-eastern wild province and the scenic Mekong River. Trek through local tribe villages and immense yourself in their beautiful culture and surrounding jungles. A night will be spent by the campfire in the middle of the jungle and waking up to the sounds of the jungle. There will be plenty of opportunities to get away from the crowds and find yourself within nature.

Itinerary

Day 1: Phnom Penh – Ban Lung (-/-/-)
Travel by car to Ratanakiri stopping along the way for lunch and drinks. Arrive in Ban Lung and check in to a comfortable hotel with a private balcony overlooking the lake.

Day 2: Banlung (-/L/D)
Take a short 30min drive to a small tribal village and begin trekking into the jungle. The route brings you through interconnecting streams and low hills. In the late afternoon you will arrive at the Jungle Campsite which is by a scenic creek with rapids and a cascading waterfall. Enjoy a relaxing swim in the clear water before an evening by the campfire

Day 3: Banlung (B/L/-)
Trek through the hills via a different route back through the jungle to the village starting point and then return by car to Ban Lung. Overnight in Ban Lung

Day 4: Banlung - Stung Treng (-/L/-)
Visit Yak Lom Crater Lake in the late morning for a swim and a picnic lunch and then depart for Stung Treng, the town at the confluence of the Mekong and Sekong Rivers by car. Overnight at a scenic nature lodge with a private balcony overlooking the Mekong River


Day 5: Stung Treng (B/L/-)
Leave Stung Treng by bicycle along a scenic river route, passing through quiet villages and watching the people go about their daily chores. Cycle route is about 30km. We’ll arrive at a deep dolphin pool where you will stop for lunch in the village and watch the rare Mekong River Dolphins (Irrawaddy Dolphins). After lunch transfer by car to a primary forest eco-tourism site where you will stay in a village Homestay (basic facilities) and explore the old growth trails and scenic creeks and rapids winding through the jungle.

Day 6: Stung Treng – Sambor – Phnom Sombok - Kratie (B/L/-)
Transfer by car to the 100 Pillars Pagoda where we will explore the renowned pilgrimage site before crossing to an island by the boat at a scenic area of the Mekong River. After lunch on the island, begin cycling along the river route stopping to visit Sombok Hill which offers the best views across the Mekong. The ride will cover approximately 30 km. After the ride we will head towards Kratie, a French colonial town just in time for the sunset over the river. Overnight at a comfortable riverside hotel.

Day 7: Kratie – Phnom Penh (B/L/D)
Transfer by car to the Mekong River south of Kompong Cham and board a 2 deck cruise boat for a leisurely cruise down river and through the Silk Islands. Enjoy a picnic and swim at a sandy beach on the tip of the Northern-most island and make numerous excursions on the islands including visits to an island Pagoda, local silk weaving communities, farms, villages and schools. We will cycle across a small island meeting the boat on the other side and then continue the cruise into Phnom Penh enjoying the great views of the river life, fishing practices, a floating village, the four rivers region and Phnom Penh. Watch the sunset over the river while enjoying a BBQ dinner and drinks on board before arriving in Phnom Penh.

Includes:

• 6 Nights Accommodations
• Private car transfers
• Back-up vehicles
• Luggage transfer
• Equipment
• Local English-speaking guide
• Sightseeing and activities as noted in the itinerary
• Entrance fees and permit
• Meals as per itinerary

Excludes:

• International flights and taxes
• Travel Visa
• Travel Insurance
• Meals not mentioned in itinerary
• Emergency Charges (if any)
• All Drinks
• Tips to staff
• Personal expenses
• Expenses for any contingency events out of our control
• Any other expenses not mentioned in “cost include”