6 Days - Backroads Of Cambodia

Depart Phnom Penh and begin your overland journey north towards Chhlong, a charming riverside town steeped in history and set along a scenic stretch of the Mekong River. The total drive takes around 2.5 hours, but the journey is enriched with two key stops that offer a deeper connection to Cambodia’s culture and landscape.

Your first stop is Kampong Cham, a bustling provincial town known for its impressive seasonal bamboo bridge. This remarkable structure is rebuilt each year by local artisans using traditional techniques and serves as a vital connection for nearby island communities during the dry season. Walk across the bridge and take in the ingenuity and resourcefulness behind this feat of local engineering.

Continue your drive to Wat Hanchey, a hilltop temple complex perched high above the Mekong River. Dating back to the pre-Angkorian Chenla period, this sacred site offers striking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and river below. Explore the colourful pagodas and ancient brick structures while learning about the temple’s long-standing spiritual significance.

After arriving in Chhlong, check in to your beautifully restored heritage accommodation and enjoy the remainder of the afternoon at leisure. You might choose to take a stroll through the quiet town, where colonial-era buildings and a relaxed pace offer a glimpse into a different side of Cambodian life.

Depart Chhlong in the morning and set off for Ratanakiri, a remote and rugged province known for its dense forests, crater lakes, and ethnic diversity. The full journey takes approximately five hours by road, but is broken up with a memorable stop along the Mekong River for a scenic boat excursion.

Board a traditional wooden boat and cruise along one of the calmest stretches of the Mekong, surrounded by lush riverbanks and thriving ecosystems. Keep watch for the elusive Irrawaddy dolphins, one of Southeast Asia’s rarest freshwater species. With luck, you’ll spot these shy and gentle creatures surfacing briefly for air. The tranquil setting is alive with birdcalls, flashes of butterfly wings, and the occasional sighting of river fish darting beneath the water’s surface. This peaceful interlude offers a welcome break from the drive and a chance to appreciate the natural rhythms of the river.

After the boat trip, enjoy a picnic-style lunch at a local restaurant, sampling regional flavours in a relaxed rural setting. From here, continue the drive into the heart of Ratanakiri, where the landscape becomes increasingly forested and remote. Upon arrival in Banlung, the provincial capital, check in to the characterful Terres Rouges Lodge - an atmospheric retreat set beside a lake and surrounded by greenery.

Spend the evening at leisure, perhaps relaxing by the lodge’s pool or enjoying a quiet drink on the veranda as you prepare for the cultural and natural discoveries ahead.

Today offers a deep and varied exploration of Ratanakiri, where culture, nature and history come together in compelling ways. After breakfast, set out from your lodge in Banlung and begin your drive through the quiet countryside of northeastern Cambodia. The journey takes you through shaded bamboo groves, small farms and rubber plantations, offering a glimpse into the rhythms of rural life.

Your first stop is the riverside village of Voeune Sai, located on the left bank of the Sé San River. Just across the water lies a distinct Chinese village, home to a community that has preserved its language and customs across generations. Most of the residents speak only Chinese, not Khmer, and the area has the atmosphere of a small enclave within Cambodian territory. From the riverbank, the view of wooden houses and village life on the opposite shore is both peaceful and striking.

Continue upstream to Kaoh Peak, a village belonging to the Kachok ethnic group. The Kachok people are known for their funeral statuary - wooden carvings placed around burial sites to honour the dead. This tradition is a powerful expression of cultural identity and spiritual belief. While visiting the village, you will also encounter stark reminders of Cambodia’s recent past. Scattered nearby are the remains of a Khmer Rouge-era dam and a mass grave intended for villagers. Remarkably, the local community escaped execution and continues to live here today, maintaining their way of life in the face of an intense historical legacy.

As you make your way back toward Banlung, pause at Teuk Cha Ong waterfall, a scenic spot surrounded by forest. The waterfall offers a chance to stretch your legs and enjoy the natural setting before the final visit of the day.

Your last stop is Yaklaom Lake, a beautifully round volcanic crater lake set within dense forest. Its clear, cool waters are perfect for a refreshing swim, or you may prefer to walk along the shaded trail that circles the lake. The peaceful setting makes it easy to see why this is one of Ratanakiri’s most beloved natural attractions.

Return to Terres Rouges Lodge in the late afternoon. Spend the evening at your leisure, perhaps enjoying the lodge’s peaceful lakeside setting or reflecting on the many powerful stories and landscapes encountered throughout the day.

After breakfast, check out from your lodge in Banlung and begin the journey south toward Stung Treng, a quiet riverside town nestled along the upper reaches of the Mekong River. The drive takes approximately 2.5 hours and winds through remote highland terrain, passing patches of dense forest, scattered farms, and small villages that reflect the slower pace of life in Cambodia’s northeast.

As you descend from the Ratanakiri plateau, the landscape begins to open up, with glimpses of rice paddies and river plains coming into view. This transition from upland forests to the wide floodplains of the Mekong signals your approach to Stung Treng, a town known for its peaceful setting and natural beauty.

Upon arrival, check in to your accommodation and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. You may choose to relax at the hotel, take a short walk along the riverfront, or explore the local markets and cafés that line the quiet streets. With its laid-back atmosphere and scenic surroundings, Stung Treng offers a welcome pause before the adventures ahead.

Today is dedicated to exploring the rich natural and cultural landscapes of the Mekong River through a full-day experience based at the peaceful Mekong Bird Resort. After breakfast, make your way to the resort where you'll be welcomed with cool drinks and an introduction to the day’s activities. Following a safety briefing, you’ll be fitted with life jackets and kayaking gear before setting out on a private boat excursion.

Cruise along a calm stretch of the Mekong, passing through narrow channels lined with mangrove forest and past stilted floating villages that reveal the rhythms of life along the river. As you drift through this scenic environment, your guide will offer fascinating insights into the region’s ecology, local communities and cultural practices. Keep an eye out for native and migratory birds - binoculars are provided to help spot kingfishers, herons, and other wetland species along the way.

Later in the morning, switch from boat to kayak for a more intimate experience of the waterways. Paddle at a relaxed pace through lush vegetation, gliding quietly past riverbanks that teem with life. This part of the day offers a chance to connect with the landscape on a personal level, as you navigate shallow channels and sheltered inlets often inaccessible by motorboat.

After your kayaking session, stop at a nearby island for a traditional Mekong-style lunch served outdoors. Enjoy a fresh and flavourful meal featuring locally caught fish, seasonal vegetables and tropical fruit. After lunch, stretch your legs with a short walk to meet local artisans and explore the island’s small communities, where time seems to move more slowly.

In the afternoon, board the boat once again for a visit to a protected bird sanctuary. Here, you’ll have a chance to observe rare and exotic species in their natural habitat while learning about local conservation efforts. Continue on to a floating fishing farm, where your guide will explain the techniques used by families who rely on the river for their livelihoods. If you’re interested, an optional nature walk through the surrounding forest offers more opportunities to learn about native plant life and local ecological initiatives.

As the day winds down, return to the water for a special evening kayaking session. Glide across the river as the sun sets and the sky fills with warm colours, creating a peaceful and memorable end to your adventure. Your final experience is a candlelit dinner served on a secluded river island. Dine under the stars as lanterns flicker around you, enjoying a multi-course feast that celebrates the flavours of the Mekong. Afterwards, return to the resort with a full heart and unforgettable memories of a day spent immersed in one of Cambodia’s most beautiful regions.

This morning is yours to enjoy at a relaxed pace. After breakfast, spend some free time at your leisure - perhaps enjoying a quiet moment by the river, reflecting on your journey so far, or taking a final stroll through the peaceful surrounds of Stung Treng. When the time comes, your driver will meet you for the next stage of your adventure.

From here, you have two main options for continuing your travels. You may choose to head north along the Mekong River and cross the nearby border into Laos, where new landscapes and cultural experiences await. Alternatively, you can travel west toward Siem Reap, a 4.5-hour drive, to explore the legendary Angkorian temples in more depth. If you are returning to the capital, the drive to Phnom Penh takes approximately seven hours, offering another chance to take in Cambodia’s varied countryside.

Whichever direction you choose, this marks the continuation of a journey filled with discovery, and the perfect transition from the remote beauty of the northeast to whatever lies ahead.