Road journey from Phnom Penh to Kratie with sightseeing: Leave Phnom Penh and travel northeast to the bustling provincial city of Kompong Cham. En route, there is the chance to pause at Skuon, affectionately known as 'Spiderville', where it is possible to sample the local delicacy of deep fried tarantula.

Phnom Srey and Phnom Pros

Arrive in Kompong Cham mid-morning and visit the sacred hills of Phnom Pros and Phnom Srei (man and woman hill).

Wat Nokor

Later you will stop at the 'fusion' temple of Wat Nokor, an 11th century sandstone temple with a colourful modern wat set in its central courtyard. There are some intricate carvings at this temple and the kitsch contrast between the Hindu past and the Buddhist present is almost unheard of elsewhere in Cambodia.

Kampong Cham

You will then enjoy a local lunch in Kompong Cham.

Kratie

Afterwards the road journey continues on the east bank, passing through the old river port of Chhlong, home to some of the best examples of French colonial architecture in the country. Continue to Kratie, a sleepy Mekong port and gateway to an encounter with the rare freshwater Irrawaddy dolphin that inhabit the upper reaches of the Mekong.

Kratie

Irrawaddy dolphin spotting trip: After breakfast travel to nearby Kampi and set off in search of the rare Irrawaddy dolphin which inhabits this stretch of river. Travel by motorised boat to access the deep pools where the dolphins are found before switching to local paddle boat to avoid disturbing these gentle creatures. Viewing is commonplace, although it is easier to see the dolphins in the shallower waters of the dry season, than in the swollen river of the wet season.

Senmonorom

Road Journey from Kratie to Sen Monorom: Later this morning travel south towards the small junction town of Snuol, our gateway to the wilds of Mondulkiri. After a (very) local lunch in the small town of Snuol, leave behind the surfaced roads of civilization and take on the red earth roads of hill country. The first half of the journey from Snuol is flat, passing through patches of lush forest and areas of cultivation and plantations. After Khau Si Ma district, the road snakes up through the mountains that give Mondulkiri its name of 'where the mountains meet'. There is lush jungle hugging the road and locals claim to see tigers on this stretch at night. Nearing Sen Monorom, the provincial capital, the scenery changes again, jungle giving way to clusters of pine trees and rolling grasslands. The scenery is unique for Cambodia and dotted with traditional Pnong villages, the main minority group in Mondulkiri.

Mondulkiri Province

Tour of Bou Sraa Falls and minority villages: Early morning, visit the local market where many of the Phnong people from the nearby villages are coming to trade with their distinctive baskets they carry on their back. Full day visit to the nearby hill tribes villages and the pretty waterfalls just a few kilometers away from the sleepy capital. There are hundreds of minority villages around Sen Monorom. One of the largest and easiest to access being Phlung village inhabited by Phnong chunchiets. The curious huts have woven wooden walls and thatched roofs almost to the floor. Three or more families often live in just one hut. You will be lucky to see more than a handful of people during daytime, as they are all out working in the fields.

Mondulkiri Province

Next, you’ll head east towards the double drop waterfall of Bou Sraa, one of the most famous in Cambodia. Stop along the way at a Phnong minority village to learn a little about their way of life. You may be invited to drink some rice wine, as Pnong villagers are extremely hospitable and welcoming of outsiders. Continue to Bou Sraa to explore the falls. It is possible to access both drops and there are swimming opportunities for those who want to take the plunge.

Mondulkiri Province

Shared visit to the Elephant Valley Project: This morning you will gather at a cafe in Sen Monorom and travel to the nearby Elephant Valley Project in a vehicle shared with other visitors. With the support of the Pnong villagers, the project rescues and treats domestic elephants who have suffered illness or injury. Hike out to the forest to meet the elephants and walk beside them in their natural forest habitat. You can watch them interact with each other in their newly bonded family groups, where they are relearning and showing real elephant behaviour again. Learn about the elephant's histories, the local people and the unique role they play in protecting these unique animals. Enjoy a deliciously prepared lunch and unwind with a cold drink from the welcoming lounge overlooking the forested valley. Later this afternoon return to Sen Monorom in a shared vehicle. Please be aware that this experience is only operated on a shared basis with other visitors to the Elephant Valley Project.

Kampong Cham

Road journey from Sen Monorom to Kompong Cham: This morning leave behind the wilds of Mondulkiri, dropping off the windswept, pine-clad hills through teaming jungle back to the lowlands of Cambodia. Arrive in the provincial city of Kompong Cham.

Phnom Penh

From here we transfer back to Phnom Penh direct to your hotel or Phnom Penh Airport in time for your flight to next destination. We wish you a safe and pleasant journey.