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Call us: +44 (0) 1453 844400Email us: info@mountainkingdoms.com

Worldwide Small Group and Tailor Made Adventure Travel

What’s included

  • A local English-speaking leader
  • Good standard hotel accommodation in main cities and best available hotels in outlying towns
  • Simple guest house and fixed camp in Areng
  • Two nights camping with all equipment and porter age
  • All accommodation on a full board,...

Cardamom Mountains Trails

Walking & Trekking

Cambodia | Walking & Trekking

Cardamom Mountains Trails Improved
  • Grade:
    • ?
      Gentle / Moderate

      Gentle: Suitable for people who enjoy easy-paced walks or exploring the countryside on foot.

      Moderate: Suitable for anyone who enjoys hill walking.

      Find out more...

    Gentle / Moderate

  • Duration: 16 days from the UK
  • On Trek/bike: 3 days Walks on: 3 days
  • Private Departures Available

Flight inclusive from £3440, Land only from £2445

An exciting adventure through the wild landscapes of the Cardamom Mountains together with an exploration of the cultural highlights of Angkor Wat, Kampot and Phnom Penh.

Highlights

  • Explore the forested landscape of the Cardamom Mountains by foot and mountain bike
  • Discover the diverse flora and fauna of the Cardamoms
  • Enjoy sunrise from the top of Mrech Kongkep Mountain
  • Take a tour of Phnom Penh and discover idyllic Rabbit Island
  • Spend three full days amid the architectural splendours of Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom

Reviews          

The whole Cambodia experience was exceptional and provided an intimate insight into the lives of its people, the wildlife, villages, landscape, history and culture as well as its shortcomings and problems. Mountain Kingdoms and their Cambodian partners are to be highly commended on producing such a beautifully balanced trip with so much packed into a short period of time without the group members...

Pat, Gloucestershire

Next

This was a well organised and wonderfully varied trip. The conversations with local people about their country were part of what made it special for me as well as the many amazing sights. There were some added delights that were a complete surprise, like seeing fireflies on the river at Kampot, delicious food and delightful hotels.

Ms M, Cumbria

Next

Small groups of like-minded people. Excellent rapport with office staff in UK, feels personal. Very good balance between adventure and culture. Good variety in activities and accommodation. Concern for the environment, respect for the country. I don't feel like a tourist, more like a visitor.

Mrs C, Cardiff

Next

As with all previous trips, an excellent holiday. Well thought out and in my opinion, excellent value for money for what was provided. Also very welcome is the opportunity to get beyond the usual tourist sites, and the chance to get to know a country.

Mr H, Middlesex

Next

We much enjoyed our holiday in Cambodia and were delighted to meet so many happy, friendly people along the way. The temples were astounding, the Killing Fields were chilling, the country side was lovely and filled with so many interesting sights and photographic opportunities - overall Cambodia was a delight to visit, and our guides were wonderful.

Mrs H, Northamptonshire

Next

Three older ladies had an adventure: We overheard our first guide inform the second one that we looked a lot younger than we were - I wonder if he knew we were listening? This holiday was full of experiences and movement across the country between sights and environments: We seemed constantly to be on the move (often in boats of varying size) without feeling any rush and without any boredom in...

Prof E B, Cumbria

Next

A very varied and enjoyable trip with excellent local staff and hotels. A good mix including all the main tourist sights - avoiding the worst of the crowds - local markets and areas that are off the beaten track but well worth visiting. However, the jungle trek from Chi Pat has changed significantly now that a road has been built. (Thank you for your very helpful feedback and we will be changing...

C&A H

Next

The whole Cambodia experience was exceptional and provided an intimate insight into the lives of its people, the wildlife, villages, landscape, history and culture as well as its shortcomings and problems. Mountain Kingdoms and their Cambodian partners are to be highly commended on producing such a beautifully balanced trip with so much packed into a short period of time without the group members...

Pat

Next

This was a well organised and wonderfully varied trip. The conversations with local people about their country were part of what made it special for me as well as the many amazing sights. There were some added delights that were a complete surprise, like seeing fireflies on the river at Kampot, delicious food and delightful hotels.

Ms M

Next

Three older ladies had an adventure: We overheard our first guide inform the second one that we looked a lot younger than we were - I wonder if he knew we were listening? This holiday was full of experiences and movement across the country between sights and environments: We seemed constantly to be on the move (often in boats of varying size) without feeling any rush and without any boredom in...

Prof E Beaty

Next

As with all previous trips, an excellent holiday. Well thought out and in my opinion, excellent value for money for what was provided. Also very welcome is the opportunity to get beyond the usual tourist sites, and the chance to get to know a country.

Mr H

Next

View All

Apart from the astonishing remnants of past civilisations in and around Siem Reap, the main asset of Cambodia must be its charming and hospitable people. You will experience both at close hand on this holiday which takes you walking and mountain biking through the Cardamom Rainforest as well as spending time visiting the main architectural sights of Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom.

From Cambodia’s capital, Phnom Penh, you will head southwest to the Cardamom Mountains which cover about 12,000 square miles of southwest Cambodia. These little-visited mountains are formed from gentle peaks, lined with trees and lush rainforest vegetation. The maximum height of the range is only 1,800m/5,905ft, so there are no altitude issues to worry about. You stay at the Areng Community-Based Eco Tourist Project and then set out for two nights under canvas, following forest trails by foot and mountain bike to reach the summit of Mrech Kongkep Mountain. You'll enjoy a beautiful sunrise with far reaching views from the mountain top, before making the return journey to Areng. Don't worry if biking isn't for you, alternative transport is available. The area is renowned for its bio-diversity and you may see silver langurs, long-tailed macaques, greater hornbills and other forest creatures as well as some scenic waterfalls.

While you are in Cambodia you will also be able to enjoy the French colonial architecture of Phnom Penh, one of Asia’s most laid-back capitals, which nestles on the banks of the Tonlé Sap River; you will be able to converse with saffron-robed monks going about their daily rituals. You will also visit Kampot - home of the famous Kampot pepper - and relax on the idyllic white sand beaches of Rabbit Island. On top of this, you will also see the lifestyles of the inhabitants of floating villages, play at being an explorer or ‘Tomb Raider’ by visiting ‘lost’ temples being ravaged by the surrounding jungle and finally you will be able to wonder at the majesty and mystery of the legendary Angkor Wat. Until you have seen it you cannot imagine how vast and impressive it is and there is no more memorable way to end your holiday in Cambodia.

Private Departures

Kirsty and Adam on Kala Pattar close up 800x750

Cardamom Mountains Trails - Private Departures

If you would prefer to travel just with your partner, friends or family, we can arrange a private departure of this holiday. You follow the same itinerary, but travel on dates that suit you. Alternatively we can include elements of this holiday in a bespoke Tailor Made itinerary. Contact our friendly team for details and prices, and to make a booking.


At a glance

Grade:

Gentle / Moderate

Duration: 16 days from the UK

On Trek/bike: 3 days Walks on: 3 days

Private Departures Available

Guaranteed to run for a minimum of 4 clients

Maximum group size: 12

Accommodation types: Hotels, Guesthouse, Camping (two nights), fixed camp

Meal arrangements: Full Board from dinner on arrival day to breakfast on departure day.

Itinerary overview
Day Activity
1-3 Fly to Phnom Penh. Sightseeing tour.
4 Drive to Steung Areng. Overnight at the Areng Community-Based Eco Tourist Project.
5-6 Walk and mountain bike to Mrech Kongkep Mountain via Chhay Tapang Waterfall.
7 Sunrise on the mountain. Return to Areng. Transfer to Eco Resort.
8 Drive to old French Colonial town of Kampot. Sunset boat trip.
9 Walk to Phnom Chhnork. Drive to Kep and boat trip to Rabbit Island. Return to Kampot.
10 Drive to Phnom Penh. Visit markets.
11 Drive to Siem Reap with visit to Kompong Kleang village.
12-14 Sun rise at Angkor Wat and in-depth exploration of Angkor Wat and surrounding temple complexes.
15-16 Depart Siem Reap for London and arrive UK
Leader: Local leader, Cambodia

We use English speaking local leaders - they are certified/registered guides, and in their company you will certainly gain an insight into the way of life, traditions and culture of Cambodia.

Local leader, Cambodia

Holiday Itinerary

Download a detailed itinerary
Day 1 - Depart London for Phnom Penh.

There are no direct flights from the UK to Cambodia, so you will fly via a hub such as Bangkok and then on to Phnom Penh.

Overnight icon Overnight: In flight

Day 2 - Arrive Phnom Penh.

You arrive in Phnom Penh today and will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel. Time permitting you will pay a late afternoon visit to Wat Phnom and experience the amazing confusion of Phnom Penh's streets. Traffic of all sorts moves in every direction, generally very slowly and quietly and most drivers display astonishing patience. Wat Phnom, which lies in the north of the city, is today a meeting place for many of the city's inhabitants and on top of the hill resides a lovely temple and stupa.

Overnight icon Overnight: La Rose Suites Or Similar, Phnom Penh

Day 3 - Sightseeing in Phnom Penh.

Today you will enjoy a fully guided tour of Phnom Penh including, this morning, the National Museum of Arts. This museum holds many of the country's rarest art works. Much of the country's art was either destroyed by the Khmer Rouge, or sold by unscrupulous dealers over the Thai border, and these impressive exhibits offer only a glimpse of what once was. Then, before lunch, you will see the Royal Palace with its Silver Pagoda. The Royal Palace (home to Cambodia's current King - Norodom Sihamoni) is a striking example of Thai-influenced Cambodian architecture. The Silver Palace (so called because of the 5,000 silver tiles which make up its floor) again contains many rare relics of the country's history.

After lunch you will visit the Toul Sleng Museum and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek. The Toul Sleng Museum (better known as the Genocide Museum) provided the base for the Khmer Rouge security force, prison and interrogation centre, S21. The building, formerly a primary school with the photographs of many of its victims displayed on the walls, now stands testament to the brutality and murderous actions of the Pol Pot regime. After the prisoners were interrogated here they were taken to Choeung Ek to be executed. Many of the country's intellectuals along with some Westerners were labelled 'enemies of the revolution' and killed in this complex. There now stands a stupa filled with human skulls as a memorial to the victims. The Killing Fields, situated just outside Phnom Penh now has a memorial Stupa and small museum dedicated to the memory of the 17,000 people killed in the extermination camp set up by the Khmer Rouge in the mid-1970s.

Overnight icon Overnight: La Rose Suites Or Similar, Phnom Penh

Day 4 - Drive to Steung Areng - 5-6 hours.

Today you will leave the hustle and bustle of Phnom Penh and travel south towards the south coast. As you leave behind the suburbs of Phnom Penh, the scenery becomes more interesting and diverse, passing through the Pich Nil Pass where the road cuts through Bokor and Kirirom National Parks. You’ll then swing west on National Highway 48 towards Koh Kong, going through the small port of Sre Ambel. The road soon passes through some beautiful stretches of Cambodian jungle, offering some expansive views over the Cardamom Mountains. You will stop for a lunch break before continuing on to the Steung Areng Community Based Eco-Tourism Project in the heart of the Cardamom Rainforest. This is your base for the night.

Overnight icon Overnight: Simple Guesthouse, Community Based Ecotourism Project

Day 5 - Mountain bike (20km) and walk (8km) to Chhay Tapang Waterfall.

After an early morning breakfast at your guethouse you saddle up and make your way by mountain bike towards the Chhay Tapang waterfall. The cycle ride is 20km and should take around an hour or so. Alternative transportation will be available for those who do not wish to cycle.

At Chomnar village, close to the Steung Areng River, you will disembark from your bikes and set off on foot. You will stop for a lunch break under the shade of the trees before you delve further into the forest to reach Chhay Tapang waterfall. At 150 meters tall the waterfall is the largest in the Areng area. Here you will have plenty of time to relax, take photos or even go for a dip! Your cook in the meantime will be preparing your dinner which you will enjoy by the falls before retiring to your tent for a good night’s rest.

Overnight icon Overnight: Camp

Day 6 - Walk to Chomnar Village - 8km. Cycle to Chrok Ruessey Village - 13km. Walk to Mrech Kongkep Mountain - 4km, 850m ascent.

After a peaceful nights sleep close to the waterfall you will have your breakfast before retracing your steps back to Chomnar Village. An early lunch will be had before saddling up again and riding to Chrok Ruessey. If you do not wish to cycle the 13km ride then alternative transport can again be provided.

Before reaching Chrok Ruessey you will leave your bike start and begin the uphill walk to the top of Mrech Kongkep Mountain - this will take around 2 hours. Mrech Kongkep Mountain is known as ‘Areng’s Paradise’ it is a wonderful place to relax taking in the blanket of mist that covers the valley below in the early morning. You may also see hornbills and other birds. The viewpoint is popular with local people so you may find yourself sharing the summit tonight.

Dinner will be had watching the sunset around the campfire - a fabulous way to end a great day.

Overnight icon Overnight: Camp

Day 7 - Walk and cycle back to Community Based Eco Tourism Project. Transfer to Areng Camping Eco Resort.

This morning you will have an early start to see the spectacular sunrise from your mountain-top campsite. You will then retrace your footsteps back to Chrok Ruessey. This should only take an hour or so as it's downhill all the way. From here it is a 7km cycle back to the CBET centre where you stop and enjoy some lunch. Afterwards you will be transferred to the Areng Camping Eco-resort for some relaxation and time at leisure.

Overnight icon Overnight: Areng Camping Eco-Resort

Day 8 - Drive to Kampot – 6 hours. Sunset boat trip.

Leaving Areng you will be driven to the charming town of Kampot. It's a long drive but there are interesting things to see along the way and your guide will ensure you have comfort stops. When you arrive in Kampot you will check into your hotel and then be free to explore the old town.

Kampot is a sleepy old French town, slightly crumbling, on the banks of the river. Once a bustling port before Sihanoukville was built, it is now known for its pepper plantations and salt fields. Many buildings date from the French colonial period, including the Governor's Mansion.

In the late afternoon, there will be a sunset boat trip down-steam to the river mouth. Most fishermen live in wooden houses on stilts set along the river banks and life is lived outside, on or around, the river. The fishing fleet sets off in the afternoon for the evening catch and the combination of the river, sea and Bokor Mountain in the background makes for a spectacular sunset.

Overnight icon Overnight: Rikitikitavi Hotel, Kampot

Day 9 - Walk to Phnom Chnork - 3 hours. Afternoon boat trip to Rabbit Island. Return to Kampot.

It is a short drive to the start of the walk at the village of Kbal Romeas. The small community is strung out along the dirt road and consists mainly of small farms. There is a small, bustling market set below a limestone outcrop and you can see your destination of Phnom Chnork in the distance. The farmers grow rice and vegetables in neat plots and all own cows and pigs. There are numerous photo opportunities and the villagers are extremely friendly. After arriving at Wat Ang Sdok, you cross some paddy fields to reach the foot of a limestone outcrop. Steps have been built to reach the cavern which houses the 7th century brick temple dedicated to Shiva. There are fabulous views of the surrounding rice paddies and farmland from outside the cavern.

You will be met by your vehicle and driven to the tiny seaside resort of Kep-Sur-Mer. Originally built by the French 100 years ago, it was a favourite spot for the Cambodian elite in the 1960's and the ruins of many pre-war villas dot the landscape. There is now some rebuilding, but it remains a slightly eerie place. The boat trip to Rabbit Island takes 20 minutes and after lunch on the beach there will be time to explore or simply swim in the warm sea. The island is home to about 20 fishing families and there is a small path around part of it. After a relaxing afternoon you will return to Kampot for the night.

Overnight icon Overnight: Rikitikitavi Hotel, Kampot

Day 10 - Drive to Phnom Penh - 3½ hours. Time at leisure.

Today you drive to Phnom Penh and after lunch in the hotel the afternoon is free. It is well worth visiting the Russian and Central markets. The Russian market is the best place for souvenir or clothes shopping, whilst the huge domed Central market is excellent for browsing, especially the food section.

Overnight icon Overnight: La Rose Suites Or Similar, Phnom Penh

Day 11 - Drive to Siem Reap - 5 hours. Visit Kompong Khleang village on way.

The drive north to Siem Reap initially takes you across the Tonle Sap on the huge Chruoy Changvar Bridge - rebuilt after being destroyed during fighting in 1975. The drive is full of interest and on route you will visit a floating village. Kompong Khleang is the most beautiful of these villages, typically being built on stilts to accommodate the differing water levels as the mighty Mekong river floods and recedes. There will also be a chance to visit Spean Praptos, one of the spectacular Angkorian era bridges built by Jayavarman VII.

Overnight icon Overnight: Montra Nivesha Or Similar, Siem Reap

Day 12 - Sunrise visit to Angkor Wat and visit Preah Khan. Afternoon at leisure.

This morning you will visit the legendary Angkor Wat for sunrise. It is a magical experience to enter the grounds of Angkor Wat in the dark, and gradually see the giant structure of the main temple emerging as the sun rises. It is a popular activity, but as most tourists return to their hotels for breakfast, you will eat a picnic breakfast next to the small lake and then be able to enjoy the temple in comparative peace and you will also be able to view the detailed bas-reliefs unhindered.

Angkor Wat was built in the first half of the 12th century by King Suryavarman II. There has been debate as to whether Angkor Wat was built as a temple, or a tomb, but it is now generally accepted that it was both; a temple of worship when the King was alive and a mausoleum after his death. It is surrounded by a wide moat and its architectural plan was designed to be symbolic. It was built to represent the universe with the five central towers symbolising the mythical Mount Meru, the outer wall the mountains on the edge of the world and the surrounding moat either the oceans beyond, or the universe. The first causeway is flanked by Naga - seven-headed snakes and the causeway represents the bridge between Earth and Heaven.

The temple consists of three rectangular or square platforms, each of which is progressively smaller and higher than the one below. The lower platform contains amazingly-detailed bas-reliefs, which depict battle scenes as well as scenes derived from Hindu epics such as the 'Churning of the Ocean of Milk'. At the heart of the temple is a tower, which rises 65m/213ft, surrounded by four other towers at each corner. It is estimated that the temple took 30-40 years to construct. It is believed that King Suryavarman II died before the temple's completion with some carving being unfinished. The name 'Suryavarman' also has symbolic meaning with Surya meaning sun and Varman meaning power, so in effect meaning 'the power of the sun'.

You will also visit Preah Khan. Preah Khan means 'Sacred Sword'. The temple was built by Jayavarman VII and was dedicated to his father. The afternoon is left free for you to relax, shop, or enjoy having a walk around the cosmopolitan town of Siem Reap.

Overnight icon Overnight: Montra Nivesha Or Similar, Siem Reap

Day 13 - Morning visit to Ta Prohm, Banteay Kdei and Sras Srang. Afternoon walking tour of Angkor Thom.

Today's morning walk is a great way to experience the impressive temples of the small Circuit, including everyone's favourite, Ta Prohm. You start the walk at the old French dam and take a short walk through the forest to Ta Nei, Ta Prohm, but without the tourists as we like to think of it. After exploring this charming temple, you continue to walk through the forest to emerge on the imposing temple of Ta Keo. After enjoying the views from on high, you wind your way around the old dykes of the Eastern Baray to the romantic northern entrance to Ta Prohm, free of other visitors. The four faces of the Bodhisattva are smothered by a large tree. Taking your time to soak up the atmosphere in Ta Prohm, you emerge from the East Gate and enter Banteay Kdei through the West Gate. You leave Banteay Kdei from the South Gate and make your way to the royal bathing pond of Sras Srang where there is the opportunity to enjoy a well-earned drink.

Trekking through the jungle provides a fantastic way to experience the best of Angkor Thom and offers a real insight into the size and scale of this ancient city. You begin your walk at the impressive South Gate of the walled city of Angkor Thom. You walk on the immense ancient walls towards the southwest corner where there is a small temple. You also discover the irrigation and drainage system that enabled the waters of the Siem Reap River to flow through the city from the northeast to southwest. You continue walking around to the West Gate, where the causeway has collapsed leaving a muddle of stone bodies looking like victims of some terrible historic accident. From the West Gate you weave your way towards the principal temples, exploring the Baphuon, the Royal Palace complex and Phimean Akas before arriving at atmospheric Preah Palilay. You then emerge on the central square of Angkor Thom, winding your way along the Terrace of the Leper King and Terrace of Elephants on the way to the enigmatic Bayon.

Overnight icon Overnight: Montra Nivesha Or Similar, Siem Reap

Day 14 - Visit Kbal Spean, Banteay Srei, and Beng Mealea.

After breakfast you drive north to visit Kbal Spean. 50kms north of Siem Reap and commonly known as 'the River of a Thousand Lingas', it is an area of riverbed carvings and lush jungle. After about an hour's walk up through the forest you reach the small river. It is well worth spending an hour, or more wandering up and down the streambed where you will see the rich colours of the brown and green lichens. All the gods and goddesses depicted here are Hindu - Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, Lakshmi, and Krishna. Hermits once occupied the area's many caves and it is still a place of meditation with people coming here to achieve enlightenment. It is thought that the temple was built and the Lingas carved in and around 900AD. This site was only 'rediscovered' in 1969 and is a tranquil place with an attractive waterfall.

By the time you reach the elegant temple of Banteay Srei, about 10kms from Kbal Spean, the main early morning crowds should have left. Built by a Brahman in the 10th Century, the temple was dedicated to Shiva. The famous pink sandstone structure bears a series of beautiful sculptures, lintels, pediments and friezes. These it is said must have been carved by women as the detail is too fine for the hands of a man. This gives us the origin of the Khmer name, 'Fortress of the Women'. After lunch you drive through an area of small villages to the remote temple of Beng Melea. Built on the same plan as Angkor Wat, this massive temple was enclosed by a giant moat, part of which survives. The central tower of the temple has completely collapsed and the jungle has encroached on the remaining structures. Clambering around the giant blocks is a fantastic experience.

You will make a visit to Srah Srang, the "Royal Bathing Pool", for stunning sunset views.

Overnight icon Overnight: Montra Nivesha Or Similar, Siem Reap

Day 15 - Fly to London.

After breakfast there will be a group transfer to the airport for your flight back to London.

Overnight icon Overnight: In flight

Day 16 - Arrive London.

Today you will arrive in the UK.

Map

Map Key

  • Airport Airport
  • Point of interest Point of interest
  • Mountain Peak Mountain Peak
  • Day walk in this area Day walk in this area
  • Flights Flights
  • Internal Transfers Internal Transfers
  • Trek Trek

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Optional supplements
  • Single room supplement
    From £585
No Surcharge Guarantee

No surcharges will be applied to your holiday after you book. Prices on this website are updated regularly. The Flight Inclusive holiday price, or Land Only holiday price, will be confirmed to you at the time you make your booking. There will be no surcharges after your booking has been confirmed.

Flight inclusive holidays

The 'flight inclusive' holiday prices shown on this website are based upon our preferred airlines and the best priced economy class fares we are able to secure at the time of publication.

We will be able to advise on fares with alternative airlines, upgrades to Business Class, and the options for flights from regional UK airports, please contact us for more details.

Booking your holiday
  • Deposit
    From £400.00

For the majority of our holidays, a deposit payment of £400.00 per person is required to secure your place(s), however a small number of holidays require a higher deposit - please refer to the holiday itinerary for more details. If the holiday departs within 60 days, a deposit of £1,000.00 per person is required.

Book now!
  1. Book your small group holiday securely online – click the ‘Book’ button next to your chosen departure or visit our How to Book page
  2. Complete and return a Booking Form available to download here.
  3. Call us on +44 (0)1453 844400 and one of our travel specialists will talk you through the booking process.

What’s included

  • A local English-speaking leader
  • Good standard hotel accommodation in main cities and best available hotels in outlying towns
  • Simple guest house and fixed camp in Areng
  • Two nights camping with all equipment and porter age
  • All accommodation on a full board, twin share basis
  • All road transport by private vehicles
  • Sightseeing where specified
  • Economy class return air fares from the UK & UK Departure Tax (flight inclusive only)
  • Single, timed, group airport transfers for international flights on arrival and departure
  • Carbon offsetting with the Ecoan Tree Planting Project (for clients taking our flight inclusive option)
  • A free Mountain Kingdoms Water-to-Go bottle

What’s not included

  • Travel insurance
  • Visa fees
  • Airport departure taxes, excepting UK Departure Tax
  • Optional trips
  • Tips


Read holiday reviews by Mountain Kingdoms travellers.

Overall score:           (Based on 12 reviews)

Cardamom Mountains Tailor Made Trip          

A very varied and enjoyable trip with excellent local staff and hotels. A good mix including all the main tourist sights - avoiding the worst of the crowds - local markets and areas that are off the beaten track but well worth visiting. However, the jungle trek from Chi Pat has changed significantly now that a road has been built. (Thank you for your very helpful feedback and we will be changing the Chi Pat jungle walk for future departures - the MK team).

Cardamom Mountain Trails          

The whole Cambodia experience was exceptional and provided an intimate insight into the lives of its people, the wildlife, villages, landscape, history and culture as well as its shortcomings and problems. Mountain Kingdoms and their Cambodian partners are to be highly commended on producing such a beautifully balanced trip with so much packed into a short period of time without the group members feeling rushed or overwhelmed. The hotels were outstanding and the staff and guides gracious, helpful, patient and so very friendly as were other Cambodians we met. It was touching to be often thanked for visiting their country.

Wonderful holiday to Cambodia          

This was a well organised and wonderfully varied trip. The conversations with local people about their country were part of what made it special for me as well as the many amazing sights. There were some added delights that were a complete surprise, like seeing fireflies on the river at Kampot, delicious food and delightful hotels.

Mini adventures in Cambodia          

Three older ladies had an adventure: We overheard our first guide inform the second one that we looked a lot younger than we were - I wonder if he knew we were listening? This holiday was full of experiences and movement across the country between sights and environments: We seemed constantly to be on the move (often in boats of varying size) without feeling any rush and without any boredom in the travelling. The walks we did were never as strenuous as those we do regularly in Lakeland and so we were comfortable if a little warm. The trip included so many aspects of this country and its past - the recent history of the killing fields and ancient history of the old Capital at Siem Reap, the old and new in cities, forests, along rivers and on the coast. So much to see and appreciate. We expected to be wowed by the sights but we didn't expect to love the food and the people so much. We were so well looked after and yet every day was an adventure: Sunrise at Angkor Wat, sunset and fireflies in Kampot, chips and chilli for breakfast rowing down the river from Chi Phat, coconuts on Rabbit Island beach and pancakes for breakfast at the wildlife release station. Did I mention the carvings in the river and on the temples? Wonderful Cambodia!

Value for money          

As with all previous trips, an excellent holiday. Well thought out and in my opinion, excellent value for money for what was provided. Also very welcome is the opportunity to get beyond the usual tourist sites, and the chance to get to know a country.


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