Overview
Journey through the cultural, natural, and historical heart of Cambodia on this 14-day immersive itinerary. Begin in Phnom Penh, exploring royal architecture, bustling markets, and riverside charm. Travel north along the Mekong to Kampong Cham and Kratie, meeting rural communities on Koh Trong Island and observing the rare Irrawaddy dolphins in their natural habitat. Continue into the remote highlands of Mondulkiri, home to cascading waterfalls, Phnong minority villages, and ethical elephant conservation experiences. Head west through rubber plantations toward Kampong Thom, gateway to pre-Angkorian temple sites and ancient Angkorian bridges. Conclude your journey in Siem Reap, where cycling adventures, tuk-tuk temple circuits, countryside exploration, Beng Mealea, Banteay Srei, and iconic Angkor temples create the perfect finale. A diverse journey combining heritage, landscapes, wildlife, culture, and local encounters.
Highlights
- Comprehensive discovery of Phnom Penh, Kratie, Mondulkiri, Kampong Thom & Siem Reap
- Unique wildlife encounters: Irrawaddy dolphins and ethical elephant experiences in Mondulkiri
- Cultural immersion: Koh Trong Island, Khmer villages, countryside cycling & community visits
- Angkor’s greatest temples by tuk-tuk and bicycle: Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Ta Prohm, Beng Mealea & Banteay Srei
- Natural beauty: Bou Sra Waterfall, jungle trails, Tonlé Sap floating villages & Eastern Baray
Itinerary List
Day 01: Phnom Penh Arrival
Day 02: Phnom Penh – City Tour
Day 03: Phnom Penh – Kompong Cham – Kratie
Day 04: Kratie – Koh Trong Island & Mekong Dolphins
Day 05: Kratie – Mondulkiri (Sen Monorom)
Day 06: Mondulkiri – Waterfalls & Ethnic Villages
Day 07: Mondulkiri – Elephant Experience
Day 08: Mondulkiri – Kampong Thom
Day 09: Kampong Thom – Tonlé Sap Floating Village – Siem Reap
Day 10: Siem Reap – Angkor Temples
Day 11: Siem Reap – Angkor Thom & Ta Prohm
Day 12: Siem Reap – Outer Temples & Phare Circus
Day 13: Siem Reap – Countryside Cycling
Day 14: Siem Reap – Departure
How Our Trips Work
- Mekong Mosaic specializes exclusively in private, tailor-made journeys for small groups of two or more. Each package includes all on-site services from the moment you arrive until your departure.
- The itinerary presented is a suggested outline for inspiration. Depending on your preferences and budget, it can be fully customized and adjusted in terms of duration, content, and travel period.
- We offer a wide range of trip styles and experiences. If this program doesn’t fully match your expectations, we invite you to explore additional options available through our advisors.
- For any quote requests, simply contact our travel experts. They will work closely with you to ensure your tailor-made itinerary reflects your vision of the perfect journey. Expect a personalized response within 24 hours—guaranteed.
Arrival at Phnom Penh airport. Welcome by our guide and driver. Then transfer to the city to drop off your luggage at the hotel.
Free time for your personal discovery or relaxation.
Overnight: Phnom Penh
Breakfast at the hotel
Start with a cyclo ride along the Mekong before discovering the Royal Palace of Phnom Penh, where the royal family's home is also a symbol of the kingdom.
Reach the Silver Pagoda, whose name comes from the 5000 silver tiles that cover its floor
Next, visit the National Museum of Fine Arts in Phnom Penh showcases the Khmer architecture that was officially inaugurated in 1920.
In the afternoon, discover the Russian Market in Phnom Penh, one of the best places for shopping in the capital, then the Central Market, which is also one of the city’s must-see attractions
In the late afternoon, discover Wat Phnom, a pagoda erected on an artificial hill topped by a magnificent monastery housing sacred relics and an enormous stupa of the ancient king Ponhea Yat.
Overnight: Phnom Penh
Leave Phnom Penh in the morning and head northeast to the bustling city of Kompong Cham, the provincial capital located on the banks of the Mekong River.
Along the way, you'll stop at Skuon, or Spiderville, where you can try the local specialty: fried tarantula.
Arrive in Kompong Cham mid-morning and visit the sacred hills of Phnom Pro and Phnom Srei (Hills of Men and Women).
Next, visit the fusion temple of Wat Nokor, an 11th-century sandstone temple with a colourful, modern pagoda in its central courtyard. There are some intriguing carvings in this temple, and the striking contrast between the Hindu past and the Buddhist present is almost unique in the entire country.
Continue northeast toward the town of Kratie, a peaceful, sleepy port located on the banks of the Mekong River. At the end of the day, stroll along the quays of this town with its well-preserved colonial architecture.
Overnight: Kratie (Hotel)
Note: Option to plan a night with a local on the island of Koh Trong for a better immersion in local life.
Depart from the pier to take the local ferry to reach the island of Koh Trong. You will have the opportunity to take a bike ride around the island to discover the local life. Meet the locals and learn about their local products (charcoal, cassava, and wooden boat building).
Lunch with a local on the island.
Return to the town of Kratie by local ferry and then meet the rare Irrawaddy freshwater dolphins.
You'll board a wooden boat and set off for Kampi, just a few kilometres from Kratie, a deep pool in the Mekong River where rare freshwater Irrawaddy dolphins gather to feed. You'll sail down the legendary Mekong River to meet the cetaceans. After more than an hour in the company of the dolphins, you'll reach the river's banks.
End of the day, free time for your relaxation or personal discovery.
Overnight: Kratie
Discover the local market of Kratie.
Then you will drive south to the small town of Snuol, the last bastion before the wild lands of Mondulkiri.
Gradually leave civilization and take the red trails that disappear into the mountains and the thick tropical forest. Once past the district of Khau Si Ma, the road winds through the hills of a region whose name means “where the mountains meet”.
Lush jungle laps the road, and locals claim you can spot tigers after dark. Along the road, you'll see villages belonging to the Phnong minority group, the main minority group in Mondulkiri.
Arrive in Sen Monorom in the late afternoon, and check into the hotel.
Walking tour for an orientation and discovery of the city.
Overnight: Sen Monorom (hotel)
Leave Sen Monorom after breakfast and head east towards the double waterfall of Bou Sra, one of the most famous waterfalls in Cambodia.
Along the way, you'll stop at a Phnong minority village and learn about their way of life. You'll likely be invited to share some local rice wine, as the Phnong villagers are exceptionally hospitable.
Then you'll hit the road again, eventually arriving at Bou Sra, where you'll discover two remarkable waterfalls. You'll be able to access the two pools at the foot of the falls, and of course, cool off and swim there. You can be close to these gigantic walls of water, then head east to the village of Pichenda, on the other side of the river.
You will return to Sen Monorom in the late afternoon and spend the night there.
Overnight: Mondulkiri
Breakfast at the hotel
Leave the city to discover an elephant community which, with the support of Phnong villagers, collects and cares for injured or mistreated elephants.
You'll have the opportunity to experience "herd walking" during your day trip. You'll be introduced to the center's elephant herd and learn about their history, personalities, behaviours, and body language.
Feed the elephants, begin to tame them as they gradually get used to your presence, and then watch them roll in the mud.
After lunch, you'll set off on a trek with the elephants through the dense Mondulkiri rainforest, eventually arriving at a refreshing waterfall where you can take your enormous companions for a swim.
You won't be on their backs at any point, but will be walking alongside them.
Free time for the rest of the day.
Overnight: Mondulkiri
In the morning, you'll leave the wilds of Mondulkiri and the jungle-covered mountains behind you for the plains of Cambodia.
Head south toward the provincial capital of Kompong Cham, located on the banks of the Mekong River.
Along the way, you will pass through vast rubber plantations established by the French during the protectorate years, and now once again in use, and learn how the latex is extracted from the tree.
Then you will continue your journey to Kompong Thom, a small provincial capital located 150km south of Siem Reap. This will be your base for the night.
Overnight: Kompong Thom
In the morning, continue northwest along the RN6. This ancient road, already used by the Khmer centuries ago, will take you to Kompong Kdei, where you'll discover a magnificent Angkorian bridge: Spean Praptos, or Praptos Bridge.
Along the way, we pass through the largest and least visited floating village on Tonlé Sap Lake, Kompong Khleang, located about 50 km from Siem Reap.
Explore the canals (in the rainy season, by boat) and the streets (in the dry season) of this incredible floating city. During the wet season from August to February, the houses seem to rest on the lake, the water lapping the doors of the dwellings, but in the dry season, the immense stilts appear and reveal a unique landscape of wooden skyscrapers.
Continue your navigation and stop at one of the village houses to learn more about the life of the fishermen of the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, a true inland sea.
Arrive in Siem Reap mid-afternoon and check into your hotel.
The rest of the day is free to relax at your hotel or explore Siem Reap on your own.
Overnight: Siem Reap
In the morning, transfer by tuk tuk to the isolated temple of Bantey Samre, visit this temple and walk on the dike of the Eastern Baray to discover the villages, Benteay Kdei. Arrival at the royal basin of Srah Srang.
Lunch at a local's home, where you'll enjoy local specialties.
Join the painting class, where young and old alike can express their artistic souls!
In the afternoon, discover the most emblematic of all temples: Angkor Wat. Construction began during the reign of Suryavarman in the 12th century. The complex covers nearly 210 hectares and reveals to visitors all the majesty and beauty of its impressive architecture, its sandstone bas-reliefs, and its representations of Vishnu and other Buddhist deities.
Discover Angkor from the sky. A short hot air balloon ride (captive balloon, this excursion is possible if weather conditions permit) to admire Angkor Wat and the Western Baray.
Overnight: Siem Reap
In the morning, you will leave the hotel for the Angkor Reach restaurant. This is where we begin the bike ride through the Angkor ruins and the dense forest.
Upon arrival at the city of Angkor Thom, continue exploring the wall that offers a beautiful view of the moat.
Walk to reach the temple of the four-faced towers, the Bayon. Visit Angkor Thom, "the great royal city."
Then depart for Preah Khan. Walk through the forest along small paths to the small, isolated temple of Ta Nei.
Continue to Takeo to go to Ta Prohm, the famous temple invaded by immense cheese trees – giant trees with sprawling roots.
Overnight: Siem Reap
Depart early in the morning to the temple of Beng Mealea along Mount Koulèn before reaching the isolated temple of Boeng Mealea, invaded by the jungle similar to Angkor Wat.
Return to the site of Kbal Spean for lunch
Kbal Spean, or the river of a thousand lingas, whose bed is carved with several bas-reliefs with a multitude of lingas. Access is on foot for about 45 minutes through the forest. You reach the site where the riverbed is covered with large sculpted sandstone slabs on which flows the clear, fresh water of a small waterfall.
Return to the famous temple of Banteay Srei (Citadel of Women), a temple built during the reign of King Jayavarman V, dedicated to Shiva, whose architecture and its pink sandstone sculptures present a masterpiece of Khmer art.
End the day with an unforgettable Phare circus show featuring incredibly talented artists!
Overnight: Siem Reap
After breakfast, you will depart for the starting point of your cycling day.
Begin your journey through the small rural villages on the outskirts of Siem Reap, heading towards Bakong Temple. During the rainy season, the rice paddies stretch as far as the eye can see, offering sublime views of the lush Khmer countryside.
Arriving at Bakong, you will explore the temple before continuing your excursion to the temple of Prasat Preah Ko (Sacred Cow temple).
After crossing the RN6 national road, you will finally visit the Lolei Temple. From the main entrance of Bakong, the road continues towards Psar Bakong in the commune of Meanchey.
Lunch with locals
Then, transfer back to Siem Reap by road a little later in the day. Visit Wat Inkosei, built on the ruins of an ancient temple.
Continue to Wat Bo Pagoda with its well-preserved paintings, and the opportunity to observe the monks making various mouldings to adorn the pagodas.
Stop at a traditional puppet workshop followed by a shadow theatre show.
Overnight: Siem Reap
Free time until transfer to Siem Reap airport for the return flight
Price Includes
- Accommodation in the planned category (or similar) subject to availability.
- Escort by experienced English-speaking local guides at each stage.
- Meals mentioned in the program.
- Entrance fees for all tourist sites listed in the program.
- All activities and cruises clearly specified in the itinerary.
- Domestic economy, including applicable airport taxes.
Price Excludes
- International flights and associated airport taxes.
- Visa fees.
- Travelers’ personal insurance.
- Drinks and personal expenses.
- Tips/gratuities.
- Anything not listed under “Price Includes.”
- Any service not clearly mentioned in the program.
At Mekong Mosaic, we specialize in tailor-made journeys across Vietnam and Indochina. Every trip is designed exclusively for you, ensuring complete privacy and flexibility.
- Private Experience – Travel only with your family or friends, without being grouped with other tourists.
- From Arrival to Departure – A dedicated guide and driver accompany you throughout your journey.
- Your Trip, Your Way – Visits and activities can be adapted to your pace, preferences, and interests.
- Personalized Services – From dietary preferences to special celebrations (honeymoon, birthday, anniversary), we create unique touches tailored to you.
Our pricing is personalized and depends on:
- Number of Travellers – The more people in your group, the lower the cost per person.
- Hotel Category – A 5-star hotel can cost significantly more than a 2- or 3-star option.
- Activities Chosen – Two similar itineraries may differ in price depending on included excursions.
- Travel Period – High season (October–April) is generally more expensive than low season (May–September).
- Booking Date – Early booking often secures better rates and availability.
Accommodation is a key factor in your trip’s cost, often accounting for up to three-quarters of the total.
- We offer a wide selection of 2- to 5-star hotels, always negotiated at preferential rates.
- For a truly authentic experience, you may opt for a “Night at a local’s home”—simple yet welcoming, and highly recommended for at least one night.
Our guides are the cornerstone of your experience. Each one is:
- Professional, knowledgeable, and fluent in French or English.
- Licensed by the National Tourism Administration.
- Passionate locals eager to share the cultural richness of their region.
1. Private Vehicles
All transfers are in modern, air-conditioned vehicles with experienced drivers.
- Cars for 2 passengers
- Minibuses for 4–14 passengers
- Buses for 15–20 passengers
Bottled water and refreshing towels are provided. Fuel, tolls, and driver expenses are included.
2. Domestic Flights
Flights within Vietnam are operated by Vietnam Airlines, using a modern Airbus and Boeing fleet.
3. Rail Journeys
Some itineraries include train travel (e.g., Hanoi–Hue, Hanoi–Lao Cai) in air-conditioned cabins with comfortable berths. A slower pace than flying, but a memorable cultural experience.
International airfare to/from Vietnam is not included. We recommend booking from your departure country, as prices are usually more competitive. Many airlines operate to Vietnam, with direct flights from Paris, Toronto, and other major hubs.
Step 1. Customize Your Journey
- Choose an existing itinerary or request a tailor-made program.
- A travel expert will contact you within 24 hours with a personalized proposal.
Step 2. Confirm Your Booking
- Validate the final quote with your advisor.
- Secure your trip with a deposit of 25–30% (depending on services).
- Receive confirmation within 7 days once reservations are completed.
Note: During peak season (November–March), early booking is strongly recommended to guarantee hotel availability.
At Mekong Mosaic, we believe peace of mind is part of a truly seamless travel experience. Our flexible modification and cancellation policy ensures that, should your plans change, we’ll handle every detail with fairness and transparency.
Modification Requests
- You may request to modify your booking up to 14 days before departure, subject to availability.
- Any additional costs resulting from changes (e.g., hotel or airline adjustments) are payable by the traveler.
Cancellation Policy
Should you need to cancel your trip, the following fees apply based on the number of days before departure:
- 30+ days: 10% of total trip price
- 15–30 days: 20%
- 8–14 days: 30%
- 4–7 days: 40%
- Less than 72 hours: 50%
Refunds, if applicable, will be processed within 14 business days, minus bank or transaction fees.
