Siem Reap – Phnom Penh: 4 day journey, The Mekong Explorer

We leave Siem Reap town with our vintage jeep and set out to the beautiful countryside .While the murky waters of Tonle Sap Lake and the Mekong River may hinder direct observation of fish, Angkor Wildlife's exclusive behind-the-scenes tour provides an immersive alternative. This unique experience will unveil the fascinating underwater world teeming with an incredible diversity of fish species. Prepare to be astonished by the sheer variety and sizes of these aquatic marvels.  Our adventure continues with a visit to Kampong Kleang, one of Cambodia's most impressive floating villages. Upon arrival, you'll board a traditional boat and explore the vibrant community, navigating a unique way of life on the Tonle Sap lake. Midday brings a delightful experience as we head to a stilt house within the village. Here, you'll be warmly welcomed by friendly locals and enjoy a delicious, traditional Khmer lunch, offering a taste of local flavors and culture. As the afternoon unfolds, we'll journey to Kampong Kdei, where a hidden gem awaits. Step back in time and explore a magnificent ancient Angkorian bridge, a testament to the region's rich history. Following our exploration, we'll arrive at your comfortable hotel in Kampong Thom, allowing you to unwind and reflect on the day's captivating experiences.

Fuel up for adventure with a delicious breakfast before embarking on a scenic jeep ride through the captivating Cambodian countryside. Our first stop unveils a testament to human ingenuity – towering stone carvings, some reaching an impressive 8 meters tall. Witness firsthand the meticulous detail etched by skilled stonemasons, leaving you awestruck by their incredible artistry. After soaking in the beauty of the carvings, we'll continue our scenic drive and delve into the heart of Cambodia's economic lifeblood.

Not far from the mainroad we will have a break at the Santuk silkfarm. This little project gives work to women and you will learn all about silk and how they make the silk products. We continue our scenic drive to our 3th stop for the day and visit a local rubber plantation. Here you will learn more about the workings of the local rubber industry, how the latex is collected, cleaned and dried before being shipped to an outside rubber factory.

Our adventure takes a thrilling turn as we board a ferry north of Stung Trong, embarking on a voyage across the Mekong River. Feel the power of the 12th longest river in the world, coursing from the Tibetan Plateau to the South China Sea. Witness its life-giving force firsthand, appreciating the awe-inspiring scale of this natural wonder. On the eastern banks of the Mekong lies a hidden gem – the peaceful town of Chloung. Here, we'll spend the night in a unique accommodation – the former governor's mansion, built in 1916. Immerse yourself in Cambodia's colonial past as you step back in time and experience the historic charm of this captivating town.

Our jeep adventure takes us along the mighty Mekong River, passing charming Muslim Cham villages. Established by refugees who fled Vietnamese conquest, these villages add a unique cultural tapestry to the landscape. Twelve kilometers north of Kratie, we reach Kampi, where our boat awaits. Here, the Mekong showcases its beauty as we embark on a quest to spot the Irrawaddy Dolphins. These rare and endangered freshwater dolphins inhabit this section near rapids, and the chance of witnessing their playful antics is high! Keep your camera at the ready to capture these magical creatures. After our exhilarating encounter with the dolphins, we head back to Kratie for a ferry ride to the idyllic Koh Trong Island. On this island paradise, you'll go for a leisurely bike tour. Immerse yourself in the island's way of life as you learn about the inhabitants, their traditions, and the local produce that thrives here. 
With a heart full of experiences, we'll hop back into our jeeps and cruise along the Mekong, returning to Chloung with unforgettable memories of this captivating day.

Leaving Chloung after breakfast, you will follow the path of the mighty Mekong towards the city of Kampong Cham. During the dry season when the water level in the Mekong River is low enough, a bamboo bridge is constructed to connect to Koh Pen Island. In the past, we were able to drive our jeeps across this bridge, but unfortunately this is no longer possible. However, you can still walk across it. We continue our way along the Mekong and drive through small quaint villages.

The last stretch to Phnom Penh is via small dirt roads and villages. Visit an old pagoda with a french colonial building. Just in front of Phnom Penh we will take a ferry boat to cross the Mekong fro the last time. In the later afternoon, you arrive in the capital where you say goodbye to your guide and support team. Being able to drive a jeep through Cambodia for 4 days is quite an experience and an adventure to remember.