Wilds of Southern Cambodia: Outdoor Adventures & Luxury Glamping - 8 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Phnom Penh, Transfer to Kampot via Takeo Boat Cruise

Welcome to Cambodia! Meet your driver outside Phnom Penh International Airport and transfer four hours south to the charming riverside town of Krong Kampot. On the way, stop in the tranquil village of Takeo, where you can board a fiberglass boat to explore the area's waterways. Depending on the time of year and water levels, you may glide across open water or canals and rivers to get to Angkor Borei, an archaeological site that was once a political metropolis dating back to the Funan period. Wander through the site to see the remnants of ancient temples, canals, and shrines.

Don't miss the on-site museum, home to unearthed relics, including sculptures, pottery, and inscriptions. Back on the boat, continue to Phnom Da, one of Cambodia's oldest religious sites that dates back to the sixth century. Climb up to the temple, passing small caves that were used by the Viet Cong as hideouts during the war, and take in panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. After discovering the temple's pre-Angkorian architecture, return to Takeo by boat and indulge in some freshwater lobster at a local restaurant. Then, complete the journey to your hotel in Krong Kampot and enjoy a free evening.

Day 2: Standup Paddleboarding, Tour La Plantation, Buffalo Cart Ride

Start your day with a standup paddleboarding lesson on the serene Kampot River. First, your experienced instructor will tell you how to navigate the river and its tame currents. When you're ready, step onto your board and start gliding through the water surrounded by lush greenery and the Bokor Mountains in the distance. As you paddle, you'll pass traditional villages and plentiful wildlife, like otters playing in the water or herons perching on branches. After two hours on the water, transfer back to your hotel. 

In the afternoon, you'll head 40 minutes outside town to La Plantation, a Kampot pepper farm nestled amid picturesque fields and rolling hills. Tour the plantation and pepper fields, where you can observe the traditional cultivation and harvesting techniques that have been passed down through generations. Learn about the Kampot pepper, celebrated for its exceptional quality and unique flavors, and the difference between the green, black, white, and red peppercorns. Then, enjoy a 90-minute buffalo cart ride through the countryside, stopping at the serene Secret Lake before returning to your hotel.

Day 3: Transfer to Cardamom Tented Camp in Botum Sakor National Park

Say goodbye to Kampot this morning as you transfer three hours northwest to Trapeang Rung, where you'll find the departure lounge for Cardamom Tented Camp, an eco-friendly, luxurious camp within Botum Sakor National Park. The camp is a three-way initiative between conservation alliances to ensure the land and its biodiversity aren't affected by loggers, poachers, or sand dredging operations. Check in, then enjoy a 45-minute boat ride up the Preak Tachan River, looking out for wildlife like monkeys foraging on the riverbanks or eagles soaring overhead. 

When you arrive, you'll complete a brief introduction to the camp's conservation and protection efforts so you can adhere to the implemented sustainable measures. After settling into your comfortable safari-style tent, set off on an exploratory hike in the surrounding jungle. Return in time to relax at the riverside restaurant and watch the sunset over the river, transforming the landscape into warm hues of red and orange. As darkness falls, choose from an array of local Khmer and international dishes paired with beer, wine, or a refreshing cocktail to end your first night at camp.

Day 4: Kayak & Hike in Botum Sakor National Park

After an early breakfast, set off on a kayaking excursion to the national park's old ranger station. Paddle along the winding river, keeping an eye out for riverine wildlife, such as waterbirds, and the occasional glimpse of larger mammals like elephants or wild boars. When you arrive, disembark and follow your guide down one of the nearby trails, spending a few hours traversing the dense jungle and learning about the park's rich flora and fauna.

Return to the camp in time for lunch, then enjoy a free afternoon. You can explore the nearby trails, swim in the tranquil river, search for wildlife on another kayaking trip, or ride the zipline across the river before returning to camp for a hearty dinner overlooking the water. When darkness falls, don't forget to look up at the sky full of stars uninterrupted by city lights.

Day 5: Free Day at Cardamom Tented Camp 

Spend your last full day at Cardamom Tented Camp however you please. You can start with an early morning kayak or grab a pair of binoculars to do some bird-watching, as the park is home to over 300 species. You may spot the great hornbill, white-winged duck, spot-billed pelican, or green magpie; just remain patient on the floating pier. If you're up for a more active adventure, set off on a guided trek through the national park. Those who want a cultural experience can partake in a Khmer cooking class. No matter how you spend the day, you'll enjoy lunch and dinner at the riverside restaurant. 

Day 6: Transfer to Canvas & Orchids Retreat on Koh Andet

If you're an early riser, go on one last self-guided hike or kayaking trip around the camp, then bid farewell as you take a boat back to Trapaeng Rung at 10:00 am. There, you'll meet your driver for a 30-minute transfer to Tatai, where you can board another boat to Koh Andet, a miniature island home to Canvas & Orchids Retreat. This environmentally friendly lodge hires local villagers and former poachers and hunters to utilize their traditional skills and knowledge of the region that have been passed through generations.

When you arrive, check into your luxurious tent floating atop the Tatai River, then explore the ecolodge at your own pace. Go for a swim in the tranquil water, try your hand at fishing, or book a sunset cruise with a local guide. If you opt for the cruise, you'll watch the surrounding jungle, mangroves, and river transform from day to night. When darkness falls, you can go on a guided walk into the jungle to look for fireflies lighting up the trees. For dinner, head to the on-site restaurant to enjoy locally inspired cuisine or Western options made with fresh, seasonal produce.

Day 7: Boat Cruise to Tatai Waterfall or a Mangrove Forest

Wake to panoramic views of the Tatai River straight from your tent, then enjoy a delicious breakfast overlooking the water. The ecolodge offers two tours that operate on alternate days, so you may be going on a boat cruise to Tatai Waterfall or a nearby mangrove forest. Either way, you're sure to enjoy your penultimate day in the wild. If you're visiting the waterfall, set off on a 45-minute ride along the Tatai River, flanked by verdant mangroves and dense jungle. As you turn into a tributary and head into the rainforest, you'll reach the waterfall's base in minutes. 

Disembark and go for a refreshing swim under the cascade before finding some shade for a picnic. Switch to a kayak to explore more of the area, or continue the cruise to the mouth of a small river, where you can kayak to a traditional Cambodian farm. Those heading to the mangroves will start with a cruise to the coast, where the dense canopy of mangrove trees forms a tunnel of green. Relax on a sand barge that appears during low tide, then enjoy lunch on the boat. When you're back on Koh Andet, visit a local village, where you'll discover a pagoda and small school supported by Canvas & Orchids.

Day 8: Transfer to Phnom Penh, Depart

Your eight-day exploration of southern Cambodia is coming to an end. Enjoy your last morning at Canvas & Orchids Retreat, swimming in the river or hiking the nearby trails. Then, take a shared boat back to Tatai, where you can meet your driver and transfer five hours to the airport in Phnom Penh. Enjoy your final glimpses of the lush countryside dotted with rice paddies and small villages. When you arrive, say goodbye to the driver and head inside. Safe travels!