Leaving the hustle and bustle of the capital behind us, you will drive over a mix of dirt and paved roads towards Cambodia’s national park, Kirirom. The name ‘Kirirom’ means ‘Mountain of Joy’’ and was given to it by the King of Cambodia. The ancient name of the place was ‘Phnom Vorvong Sorvong’, named for the main two hills connected with the Cambodian popular legend about two heroic princely brothers, Vorvong and Sorvong. The National Park, an impressive high altitude plateau, is known for its unique high elevation pine forest, which provides the source for many streams which feed the surrounding Kampong Speu province. After experiencing the parks unique beauty, you will then have the unique experience of staying in the safari bungalow tents at vKirirom Pine resort in the heart of the forest. Here you can fall asleep in comfort with the sounds of nature surrounding you.
Day 2: Kirirom to Koh Kong
Only accessible by boat
We continue our 6 days self drive jeep tour and Leaving the rolling hills of Kirirom behind you, the picturesque drive will take you cross country toward the wilds of Koh Kong province. After crossing four rivers, you will arrive in the afternoon in Koh Kong. Here you will spend the night exploring the pristine waters and forests at the foot of the Kravanh and Cardamom Mountains. The more energetic among you can hike a little, or simple cool off in the clear waters if you prefer. In the evening you will have the truly special experience to escape to paradise, at one of the most luxurious and exclusive of Cambodia hotels, 4 Rivers Floating Lodge where you can relax in a serene floating bungalow on the Tatai River. The floating tents at the tranquil, overwater hotel, are the first of their kind, and a must-see destination, for anyone who loves to fully immerse themselves in nature, while still maintaining the ease and comfort of a luxury vacation.
Day 3: Koh Kong to Veal Veng
The unknown road: Koh Kong – Veal Veng
Today will provide you with some of the most adventurous, small road jeep driving of this tour. Early in the morning you will begin what will be a fascinating journey to Veal Veng, taking you on a very scenic and adventurous drive into the enchanting Cardamom Mountains. Special permission had to be sought to drive on this military road, and its special status means we will have a ride with virtually no traffic. This Cardamon Mountain range runs 300 km from the north-west to the south-east and 200 km from east to west spanning 4.4 million hectares of rainforest. It is one of Southeast Asia’s largest remaining rainforests and is home to a number of species of endangered wildlife such as elephants, sun bears, crocodiles, gibbons and the stunning clouded leopard. The extensive jungle and hills are also home to around 25,000 people, many of whom are ethnic minorities. Frequent rain makes it one of the wettest areas of Cambodia, but produces luxurious vegetation giving the whole area a fresh and vibrant feeling. Its sheer seclusion means you will take one of the few roads that penetrate into this beautiful mountain range. A challenging drive, but one that will offer you some of the most breath-taking scenery. Upon reaching your accommodation in Veal Veng you are sure to have experiences a jeep drive not easily forgotten.
Day 4: Veal Veng to Battambang
Veal Veng – Battambang Back to civiliation…
Today’s From the Cardamom Mountains you will drive through rough terrain to Battambang. On the way you recognize the real Cambodia with the difficulty way of living. Depending on the state of the road (it can be especially challenging during rainy season) we will either drive over Pursat or Sam Lot towards Battambang.
Day 5: Battambang
Admire the view from the Phnom Sompov Mountain
You will start your tour at 8am in the morning with a ride on the famous bamboo train. The bamboo train is a 2.5m x 4m raft-like device that is made from bamboo for local villagers to transport their goods. There is really no other way to describe it other than “simple but inspired”. There is only one track used for both directions so if you see someone coming in the other direction the drivers you will have to decide which train has the lightest load. The train with the lighter load or fewer passengers must be ready for a little exercise as you will have to unload the goods and people and remove the train from the track to let the other train go by. After this unique experience you will explore the north of Battambang and drive up to the historic 11th century Ek Phnom temple. On the way we will stop to visit the villagers and see how they produce local products such as fish paste, sticky rice, rice wine, rice papers, noodles, and clay pots which are commonly used in the countryside to collect rainwater. You will also get a chance to learn more about the Khmer Rouge when you visit the Well of Shadows, taking a monument to honour the people killed during the war. Near the monument you will get the opportunity to visit the hundreds of Fruit Bats that hang on trees producing a loud and interesting noise. During lunch you will have the opportunity for a cool and refreshing swim. After lunch the tuk-tuk ride traverses through small villages and criss-crosses between rice fields towards Phnom Sompov Mountain. The mountain is about 140 meters high and has more than 800 steps to reach the top. You will avoid climbing up all the steps by taking a motorbike up the first part of the mountain to visit the temples, shrines, and killing caves used during the Khmer Rouge period. Once at the top you will also have a beautiful view over all of Battambang and enjoy a truly vast and beautiful scenery. You will end your journey before sunset by walking down the mountain steps and visiting the “bat army” – thousands of bats flying out of their caves in the mountain side at dusk. Afterwards you will return to your hotel to eat, rest and reflect on what has been a full and fascinating tour.
Still one more day to go from our 6 days self drive jeep tour in the South west of Cambodia.
Day 6: Battambang to Siem Reap
Learn more about silk: Battambang – Siem Reap
From Battambang, our ride continues through the Cambodian nature and we visit the lovely Khmer Temple Ek Phnom. After a break for lunch, you will visit the local silk farm, where learn everything about the process which makes the world renowned Cambodian silk. Before entering the city we take a ride off the beaten path, and marvel the countryside of Cambodia for the last time.
If you require more information about this 6 days self drive jeep tour South West of Cambodia, please click on the More Info button
