The Ultimate Adventure Through Wild Cambodia

Your host will meet you on arrival at Phnom Penh Airport, and transfer you to your hotel in the city. If you have time, wander a while amid the sights and hubbub of the capital. Meet up with the rest of the group in the early evening for a welcome dinner in a local restaurant and chat through the adventure to come.

Jump in the van and hit the road - National Road 8 to be exact, heading east. Roll past lush countryside which unfurls into a green patchwork of paddy fields, to the Mekong riverside town of Kratie. Here, you'll hop on a small ferry bound for sleepy Koh Trong Island. Stretch your legs with a pedal around this rustic island, fringed by fine sandy beaches. Spend the evening with your host family in a traditional stilted house, and enjoy the simple pleasures of conversation and a delicious home-cooked meal.

Fuelled by a healthy breakfast, hop into a kayak to paddle down the mighty Mekong River, past sandbar islands - eyes open for the rare and elusive Irrawaddy dolphin. There’s time for a dip and some local snacks before coming ashore for lunch at a local restaurant. Back in the van, you'll continue onwards to Ban Lung, known as the ‘Red City’ thanks to the iron-rich dirt roads in remote Ratanakiri province. This region boasts a wide range of biodiversity - as well as the odd forest genie, according to legend - and is home to many communities of minority ethnic Cambodians.

Lace up your boots for an adventure in the forested eastern province. You will take a van, a small ferry, an even smaller boat, and a ‘koyoun’ (motorised tractor) to the start point of your hike. Trek through the lush greenery until you reach a local indigenous community, where you'll share a dram of ‘srah thnam’ rice wine with lunch. Hit the trail again and learn about edible plants and jungle survival techniques, and soak up a stunning panoramic vista. Step aboard a traditional river raft to be transported downstream with time for a dip, before the return journey to the hotel.

Head north out of Ratanakiri, passing through the small town of Stung Treng - a remote place with charming wooden houses and an interesting history. Stop for lunch en route and continue onwards to the archaeological site of Koh Ker, recently designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, found close to the borders of Thailand and Laos. Spend the afternoon hiking around the compact, atmospheric and peaceful temples. The complex is nestled in forest, with the jungle slowly reclaiming its ancient structures.

Drive past the foot of Kulen Mountain, into Phnom Kulen National Park. After a briefing from the park ranger, head into the jungle to discover the enigmatic River of a Thousand Lingas - a holy site deep in the jungle with carvings (lingas) dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. You'll also visit the reclining Buddha statue at Preah Ang Thom, and take a refreshing dip at a waterfall. Keep your eyes open for wildlife as you hike through the thick forest, before you push on to your homestay. Meet your hosts and kick back for the evening.

Rise early to soak up the tranquil forest village amidst palm and coconut trees, and fuel up on breakfast. Head out to the Phnom Kulen plateau loop, where you'll wind your way through the forest and past tumbledown 10th century temples, to the Sra Damre holy elephant shrine. Enjoy lunch under a shady pagoda before moving on to the impressive Hindu stone carving of Phnom Tbal and the Prasat Rong Chen pyramid temple. Back in the van, your next stop is Siem Reap.

This morning you'll head out on two wheels, pedalling towards the captivating south gate of the Angkor Thom complex - the entrance to the great Khmer capital. Take in the Bayon’s 54 intricately carved faces of Buddha and the famous ruined temple of Ta Phrom, a tangled living mosaic of trees and stone. In the afternoon, enter the iconic temple of Angkor Wat via the central avenue, a symphony of stylised stone.

In the evening, roll up to Phare, The Cambodian Circus - an authentic and unique acrobatic journey through Khmer history and culture. The performers here are trained by Phare Ponleu Selpak, an NGO supporting disadvantaged young Cambodians.

Jump into a kayak on the largest lake in South East Asia, Tonlé Sap. Paddle gently across the calm water where you'll pass floating villages, meet the locals who live in them and enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the mangrove-fringed shores. In the afternoon, enjoy some downtime or explore vibrant Siem Reap town.

After breakfast, you can explore more of Siem Reap or just relax. You will be transferred to Siem Reap airport in time for your onward flight.