Western Cambodia Trail Expedition – 11 days

We begin our journey at 9:00 AM with a delicious breakfast at the hotel, followed by a tuk-tuk ride to our first sightseeing stop. Our first destination is the S-21 Prison (Tuol Sleng) – a former school turned by the Khmer Rouge into a place of torture, where thousands of people endured brutal interrogations before being sentenced to death. Next, we visit the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek, one of many mass execution sites where victims of Pol Pot’s regime were brutally murdered, and their remains lie in unmarked graves.

After this difficult but important history lesson, we will relax over a nice lunch before continuing our city tour. We will visit the Royal Palace, admired for its Khmer architecture, and the Independence Monument, symbolizing Cambodia’s liberation from French colonization.

In the evening, we will enjoy a relaxing boat cruise along the Mekong River. With the sounds of traditional Khmer music, we will admire the vibrant Phnom Penh, sparkling with lights along the river. We will take a walk along the famous Riverside Street, where you can taste local delicacies and watch how the residents of the capital spend their leisure time. To end the day, we will visit the well-known red-light district. It will be the perfect conclusion to the first day full of experiences.

After a delicious breakfast, we head towards Kampot – a peaceful town in southern Cambodia, where we arrive in a luxurious taxi. We check into a comfortable hotel with a swimming pool, and after a short rest, we move on to learn how to ride motorcycles. If everyone masters the basics quickly, we will go on a relaxing kayaking trip along the lazy river, surrounded by exotic vegetation. This is a day dedicated to relaxation before the upcoming adventure that will remain in your memory forever.

Kampot is known for having the best pepper in the world, which has been prized by chefs for centuries. The region is also famous for its colonial French architecture, giving the town a unique charm. In Kampot, you can also meet a large expat community that has chosen this place for a peaceful retirement surrounded by friendly Khmers. A distinctive landmark of the town is the roundabout with a giant durian, a reminder that Kampot is also a region known for growing this controversial fruit. The more daring will have the opportunity to try the taste of this “delicacy.”

The evening is free to further explore the cuisine of Kampot province or take a stroll along the main river, enjoying the charming promenade, which offers views of the majestic Bokor Mountains and the sight of a seahorse statue spitting tons of water into the river.

After a day of rest, we set off at 9:00 on our Yamaha PG1 motorcycles to explore the beauty of Kampot province. We will pass through picturesque Khmer villages and salt fields, where one of the best salts in Asia is traditionally harvested.

Our first stop will be a lake created during the regime of Pol Pot – the dictator who led to the death of nearly 2 million people between 1975 and 1979. From a viewpoint, we will look out over the lake, and then visit a cave where locals hid during that time. Inside the cave, we will see bats, spiders, and remarkable rock formations.

Next, we will visit a Kampot pepper plantation, renowned worldwide for its exceptional aroma and microclimate, before heading to Kep National Park. As we trek along tropical trails among dipterocarpus trees, we will admire the local fauna, including hornbills and lizards.

After a relaxing time at the beach in Kep, we will visit the Krab Market, a famous seafood market offering fresh catches. Then, we will tour an ancient temple hidden in a cave, older than Angkor Wat, where monks still meditate in stone niches.

In the evening, we return to our hotel with a swimming pool to rest and recharge for the next exciting day.

Today is a true feast for the senses! We depart from Kampot, heading towards Kirirom National Park, traversing some of the most picturesque routes Cambodia has to offer. The road winds through charming villages where time seems to slow down. Dirt paths snake through mango plantations – the main source of livelihood for the locals in these areas. The fruit trees stretch to the horizon, and the air is filled with the sweet scent of ripe fruit.

As we follow the majestic Bokor Mountains, we stop at a friendly host’s place, where we are treated to a traditional meal (we’ll have to get used to rice dishes as it will accompany us almost every day). This is a perfect opportunity to try local food and relax in hammocks, enjoying the tranquility of the Cambodian countryside. After a short rest, we continue our journey, driving along gravel roads toward Kirirom.

Once we arrive, we visit the Buddhist Cultural Center in the heart of the park – a place that exudes calm and spirituality. A few kilometers further, traveling along a paved road, we reach a popular Khmer recreation spot amidst beautiful natural surroundings. Very few foreign tourists visit this place. Kirirom National Park, which means “Mountain of Happiness,” is known for its unique flora, such as pine trees, giving it a distinct character for Cambodia. The dense forests are home to exotic animals, including gibbons, civets, and numerous bird species. Walking through this magical place, one can feel the closeness to nature and appreciate its diversity.

Our next stop is a beautiful temple, its golden structure shimmering in the sunlight. This is a peaceful and inspiring place, perfect for a moment of reflection. To finish the day, we have something absolutely special – a panoramic view of Kirirom National Park, one of the most beautiful sights we will see during this trip. The sunset paints the landscape in warm shades, and the surrounding nature takes your breath away.

We will spend the night at a luxurious resort, where in the morning, we will wake up to a view of the rising sun over the dense forests. This is the perfect ending to an intense yet peaceful day that will leave unforgettable memories.

Today’s route takes us through the fascinating Koh Kong province, famous for its pristine nature and rich traditional culture. This is one of Cambodia’s most picturesque and wild regions, where the locals’ lives are still in harmony with nature. The people here primarily make a living through agriculture, rice cultivation, tropical fruits, and the gathering of herbs and forest fruits. Every day in this province is a continuous encounter with nature, providing everything they need.

Our route is about 150 km long, and its nature may vary. From paved sections to gravel or muddy roads – it’s this unpredictability that adds an adventurous flavor to our journey. We will choose the final route on-site, in consultation with the locals who know the current state of the roads and can point us to the safest path.

Along the way, we will stop at a picturesque resting spot, where hammocks and shady palms will offer us a moment of respite. We’ll relax, enjoy refreshing drinks, and take in the beautiful views. It’s the perfect moment to recharge and prepare for the next part of the journey.

One of the most exciting moments of the day will be crossing the river on a raft, where we’ll load our motorcycles. Once we reach the other shore, we will arrive at our destination for the day – the village of Chi Path. This crossing will provide unforgettable experiences – the surrounding nature creates a unique backdrop, and the opportunity to take beautiful photos will ensure this moment stays with us for a long time. It’s the perfect time to use a drone and capture the beauty of this place from the sky.

After reaching Chi Path, we will discover the charm of this small, atmospheric village. Located in the heart of Koh Kong province, it is surrounded by lush jungles, which are home to many unique animal species, such as the Indochinese tiger, the clouded leopard, and the leopard. Although these wild cats are now extremely rare, the awareness that we are moving through their natural habitat adds magic and mystery to this place.

Chi Path village is a true gem, where time moves more slowly, and life is in harmony with nature. Walking along its charming paths, you can see locals going about their daily tasks – children playing near traditional huts, older women preparing local delicacies, and men working in the fields and fishing. The villagers are incredibly friendly and hospitable, making every traveler feel at home here.

After a day full of experiences, we will rest in atmospheric bamboo bungalows, where we will be greeted by the menacing-looking dog, Rocky. You’ll also hear an incredibly funny story about his life : )… This charming resort perfectly reflects the character of the place. Surrounded by the sounds of nature, it’s a perfect place to relax after an intense day. Unforgettable views, the peaceful river, and picturesque Khmer huts by the river create a setting that will stay in your memory for a long time. Khum Chi Path village allows you to stop for a moment in time and feel the true harmony of life.

At 8:00 AM, we depart from the picturesque eco-village of Chi Phat and begin our journey to one of the most extraordinary places in Cambodia – the Tatai waterfall region. This part of the country is known for its dense, pristine rainforests, which are among the largest in Southeast Asia.

The road to our destination is full of surprises – in Cambodia, routes can change dramatically due to construction and the rainy season, which can destroy parts of the roads in just one day. Therefore, before continuing, we ask local residents for the best route.

Upon arrival, we visit our warm-hearted hosts, who lead a modest yet cozy life. They sleep outdoors in an open restaurant combined with a shop, which for many of us can be an inspiring experience and prompt reflection on the simplicity of life.

After this unique visit, we hop onto a boat and head toward the majestic Tatai waterfall. From the boat, we marvel at the power of nature – the cascading waterfalls, lush vegetation, and the omnipresent wildness of the place.

We end the day at a uniquely located resort, where we will rest and recharge for the next adventures.

After a morning spent admiring the picturesque mangrove forests around Tatai, we set off toward the capital of Koh Kong province. After a brief stop in this charming town, we continue our journey, heading deeper into the heart of the Cardamom Mountains. Today’s route is more challenging, with gravel and mountainous sections that will provide unforgettable experiences even for experienced motorcyclists.

Along the way, we pass checkpoints where friendly Khmer soldiers offer us valuable advice. Riding alongside a mighty river home to crocodiles, we admire the untamed nature and pristine landscapes. After approximately 90 kilometers, we reach our friendly hosts, where we will spend the night. This time, we sleep in hammocks, fully immersing ourselves in the atmosphere of the Cardamom Mountains. Our hosts prepare traditional meals for us and share stories about life in this remote region.

The residents of the borderlands of Thailand in the Cardamom Mountains mainly engage in agriculture, growing cardamom and pepper, as well as teakwood exploitation.

After an adventurous night spent in hammocks, we start the morning with our local hosts, enjoying a simple yet satisfying breakfast of aromatic coffee and rice with eggs. We’re slowly getting accustomed to the fact that rice is the staple of the local cuisine.

We set off along the river, passing the mighty Cardamom Mountains, whose majestic landscapes take our breath away. We observe the daily life of residents in the border villages, and the road begins to climb higher and higher, turning into a spectacular winding route with unforgettable views. We’ve named this place Phnom 1500. Along the way, we stop at one of the most beautiful waterfalls we’ve had the pleasure of seeing.

In the late afternoon, we arrive in Battambang – a city known for its French colonial architecture. We check into a hotel with a pool to rest and recharge before the final, culminating stage of our journey to Siem Reap and the Kulen National Park.

We start the day with a shared breakfast at one of the best hotels in Battambang, and then set off on our journey along the paved road to Siem Reap. The 130 km route ahead offers us a chance to admire the peaceful life of the residents of Battambang and Siem Reap provinces – stilt houses, locals trying to sell goods in roadside shops, and the idyllic daily life of the Khmer people.

In the afternoon, we reach Siem Reap, from where we embark on a boat trip to one of Southeast Asia’s most unique attractions – the floating villages on Tonle Sap Lake. This place is extraordinary because its inhabitants live entirely on the water, adapting to the seasonal changes in the lake’s water level.

During our visit, we will explore a floating house and learn about the daily lives of its residents. We’ll also visit a floating school and a crocodile farm, where we’ll see both these powerful reptiles and an impressive python. It’s a fascinating journey into the lives of people who have been living in harmony with the aquatic world of Tonle Sap for generations.

In the evening, we arrive at a beautiful hotel located in one of the most popular tourist cities in the world. Free time is available to visit the night market or stroll along the famous Pub Street.

On the tenth day of our journey, we depart from Siem Reap to Phnom Kulen National Park, located about 70 km away. The route takes us through picturesque landscapes, leading us to one of Cambodia’s most beautiful national parks.

Phnom Kulen, known as the birthplace of the Khmer Empire, offers many attractions. One of them is a waterfall about 20 meters high, where you can take a refreshing swim. We will also visit the Preah Ang Thom pagoda, home to an impressive 8-meter-long reclining Buddha statue, which is the most important pilgrimage site for the Khmer people. Every Cambodian dreams of visiting this place at least once in their lifetime.

During our visit, we’ll have the opportunity to encounter wild elephants and see traditional homes of the locals, which have remained unchanged for centuries, reflecting the harmonious coexistence of humans and nature.

In the dense forests, we may encounter unique species such as pangolins and newly discovered lizard species like Calotes goetzi and the gecko with bent toes. The rich flora includes various species of tropical trees, orchids, and medicinal plants, which have been used by the local population for centuries, and we’ll see many shamans and healers along the way.

After a day full of experiences, we return to Siem Reap, carrying with us the incredible sights and experiences from Phnom Kulen National Park. Everyone will have free time to explore the many attractions of Siem Reap.

Rested and refreshed, we head out by tuk-tuk to Angkor Wat – the largest and most famous temple complex in the world, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Not only is it a symbol of Cambodia, but it also represents one of the greatest achievements in architecture and spirituality in human history. The majestic towers, adorned with galleries full of intricate reliefs, remind us of the power of the ancient Khmer Empire. Among the hundreds of temples, we will explore not only Angkor Wat itself but also the mysterious Ta Prohm, entangled in tree roots, and Bayon, known for its hundreds of stone faces. We will spend eight unforgettable hours here, soaking in the atmosphere of this extraordinary place.

After a day full of impressions, each participant will have free time to rest and relax in Siem Reap. We recommend a traditional Khmer massage, a fish spa treatment where fish nibble at dead skin, or a visit to the Phare Circus, which delights with incredible acrobatic performances. For those interested, there is also the opportunity to visit the extraordinary mine-detecting rats, one of Cambodia’s more unique humanitarian projects.

In the evening, we will gather for a final, celebratory farewell. This will be the moment to reflect on the entire journey and share experiences from these unforgettable days. We will assist each of our guests with organizing their next steps – some may choose to stay longer in Siem Reap to explore more corners of Angkor, others will head to Phnom Penh for their return flight to Poland, while some will journey to paradise islands for a restful post-adventure retreat.

No matter the next destination, one thing is certain – Cambodia will forever remain in the hearts of all those who have discovered it.