Cambodia: Kingdom of Water
Come with us to the wonderful Kingdom of Cambodia for an unforgettable experience. Most of your time in Cambodia will be spent paddling the mighty Mekong River and the Tonle Sap Lake. You will paddle the back “streets” of a village built on stilts towering over the water, explore an otherworldly flooded forest, and see the endangered Irrawaddy Dolphin. You will be camping on islands, staying in remote villages, sleeping in floating houses, and of course spending a few nights in hotels and a lodge. In addition to the paddling sections of the trip, you will investigate Cambodia’s dark past with the Khmer Rouge, explore the awe inspiring Angkor Wat, and visit a bird sanctuary.
When:
- Dec. 30 2020 – Jan. 13 2021
Price: $3,800. Single occupancy is an additional $300
We only run this trip in the winter months when water levels, weather, and other conditions are favorable.
Where: Fly into Phnom Penh, Cambodia. For your flight home you have the option to fly out of Siem Reap on the last day (more expensive), or come with us on the 6 hour drive back to Phnom Penh.
What is Included: Lodging, most meals starting with dinner on day 1 and ending with lunch on day 15, boats, gear usage for paddling/and camping, most entrance fees, airport pick up and drop off, all ground transportation during the tour, local Cambodian guides/interpreters, and all day tours.
What is not included: Flights, entrance visa, alcoholic beverages, beverages between meals while in cities, 8 meals, entrance to Angkor Wat, personal travel insurance, laundry service, tips for local staff, and any unscheduled activities.
Level of Difficulty: Moderate, paddling up to 6 hours a day while going down river. You should be comfortable maneuvering your boat in a light current, getting in and out of your boat, walking up a fairly steep river bank, and being outside in any weather. You must be comfortable camping for up to 3 consecutive nights with no facilities.
Food: We will eat at a variety of restaurants in cities and villages. While camping, meals are prepared by staff. Most food is included but expect to purchase 6-8 meals while in cities.
Lodging: In cities, we will stay in a wide variety of hotels including very basic rooms that may not have air conditioning. Two person tents are provided for camp. We will spend one night as a group on our sleeping pads in a house during a homestay in a small village. Another night will be spent on a floating house on beds with approx. 4 to a room. There is an additional charge for single occupancy in hotels and tents, but is not available for home stays.
Visa: U.S. citizens to not need a visa in advance. You can purchase your visa at the airport after landing. You will need to pay $25-$30 USD in cash, and provide them with a passport photo or similar. This is a very easy process, just remember cash and a photo.
Vaccinations: For a list of recommended vaccinations visit your travel doctor or the CDC website.
(be sure to read our detailed itinerary)
Day 1: Arrive at the Phnom Penh airport, explore the Central Market, and discuss plans for the expedition.
Day 2: Explore the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek and visit Watt Phnom or Tuol Sleng.
Day 3: Travel to Stung Treng.
Day 4: Take a long tail boat to Khone Falls, look for dolphins, and camp on an island.
Day 5: First day paddling the Mekong. Navigate through islands and flooded forests. Camp.
Day 6: Explore more of the river, islands, and flooded forests. Spend the night at the Mekong Bird Resort.
Day 7: Enjoy a bicycle ride through nearby villages. Spend the night in a small village further down river.
Day 8: Say goodbye to your new village friends. Lunch on an island where dolphins can be seen. Camp.
Day 9: Drift past water buffalo and playing children as we explore more of the Mekong. Last night camping.
Day 10: Finish our paddle down the Mekong at Wat Sor Mouy Roy. Spend the night at a hotel in Kratie.
Day 11: Drive to Siem Reap and enjoy the city.
Day 12: Explore the awe inspiring Angkor Wat.
Day 13: Paddle into the stilt village of Kampong Pluk. Spend the night in a floating house in the Prek Toal floating village.
Day 14: Go by motor boat to a bird sanctuary, and paddle around the floating village and its crocodile farms. Return to Siem Reap and watch traditional Apasara dancers while enjoying our last dinner together.
Day 15: Catch your flight home or let us recommend activities for additional days.