Elephants Conservation & Angkor Discovery
Day 1: Welcome to Phnom Penh.
Upon your arrival at Phnom Penh international airport (PNH), Our tour leaders will welcome you and transfer to your hotel. Relax and get fresh up and head to your first Cambodian Cuisine, then have your orientation and introduction to Cambodian culture!
Day 2: Phnom Penh Tour, Cambodian Genocide history
Arrun Sursdai! This morning you will have your first Khmer language lessons as a good way to start immersing yourself in Khmer Culture. Today you will head to two historic museums to learn about the recent history of Cambodia, S21 Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields.
Later in the afternoon, visit a famous market, Central Market, built during the French colonization and is a good place to shop souvenirs for family and friends.
Day 3: Phnom Penh City Excursion.
Phnom Penh, the capital city, has a number of things to offers. Today you will visit the Royal Palace, learn about the history of monarchy, the architecture and religion revolution in the kingdom. Then head to Wat Phnom, the birthplace of Phnom Penh in the 14th century.
Day 4: Travel to Mondulkiri Province.
Begin your trip into the rugged mountains and jungle of Cambodia’s northeast! Mondulkiri Province is the home to the majority of Cambodia’s remaining elephant population. This will be a long drive but you’ll have a chance to take in the beautiful landscapes of this country along the way.
Day 5-7: Elephants Conservation Project/Trekking
After breakfast, head into the jungle and spend your time with the Elephant Valley Project. The Elephant Valley Project is a sanctuary that aims to improve the health and welfare of captive elephants while working to conserve wild elephant’s natural habitat and support the local people who share the land. Spend your day observing and learning about these gentle giants in their natural habitat, while also conducting service to help maintain and develop the site as an elephant care facility. Spend the night at the sanctuary’s base deep within the jungle as you get to know the mahouts who look after the elephants and gain insight into the daily life of the local ethnic Bunong communities that live there.
After your time learning about animal conservation work, discover this town’s hidden beauty. Off to Bousra Eco Park, the waterfall and local homestay with the indigenous community.
Day 8: Travel to Rattanakiri Province
Continue your journey further north to Rattanakiri, a remote province with preserved natural beauty. Take in the spectacular scenery of this area by exploring beautiful waterfalls and taking a refreshing dip in the lake, Yak Loam lake, that occupies a 4,000 years old volcanic crater.
Day 9-11: Drive from Rattanakiri to Siem Reap
Bid farewell to Rattanakiri and make your way to Siem Reap. Siem Reap is an easy town to fall in love with, especially while strolling through night markets for some shopping.
Enjoy great Khmer cuisine while in the city and participate in various activities.
Visit the Cambodian Circus, an inspiring acrobatic show performed by students from Phare Ponleu Selpak, an organization that works with youth on art-based education.
Explore the ancient city Angkor, witness the sunrise at Angkor Wat, learn about the intricate carvings of Angkor’s historic battle scenes, see the smiley face temple-Bayon Temple and the famous Tomb-rider temple, Ta Prom.
Day 12: Departure Day From Siem Reap International Airport (REP)
We truly hope your time spent in Cambodia allowed you to reflect on the experience and opportunity you shared with your friends and the local people in a positive way.
Say goodbye to Cambodia and your tour leader!