Southern Cambodia Wilds: Kampot, Botum Sakor & Cardamom

Depart from Phnom Penh, the capital city, for Kampot, on the Gulf of Thailand. En route, experience an exciting boat ride through wetlands and rice fields to the small town of Angkor Borei to visit the local archaeological museum. Then continue by boat to the 6th-century Phnom Da temple, close to the Vietnamese border. Enjoy picture-perfect views over the chartreuse rice fields toward Vietnam from the hilltop. You’ll have lunch on freshwater lobster in Takeo before continuing to Kampot by road.

Arriving in the late afternoon, you’re free to explore Kampot, which boasts some of the finest examples of French colonial architecture in Cambodia. Stroll the riverside promenade, find a café to soak up the atmosphere, or perhaps take a remork (tuk-tuk) for the short ride to the Gulf of Thailand to watch the fishing boats head out to overnight fish.

This morning, enjoy a stand-up paddleboarding excursion on a calm stretch of the serene Kampot River, passing durian plantations, small hamlets, and mangrove forests. After lunch, you’ll drive a short distance inland to La Plantation, a spice farm that grows aromatic plants like ginger, turmeric, chilies, and peppercorns. During your visit, you’ll stroll the Five Senses Garden and learn to discern the difference between various peppers.

Later, enjoy a ride in a buffalo-drawn cart through the local countryside around scenic Secret Lake. The buffaloes often stop at the lake to cool off in the water, while your guide explains rice cultivation and local farming practices.

You’ll depart Kampot this morning for Trapaeng Rung, a remote village that is a gateway to Botum Sakor National Park. Board a boat and journey down the Preak Tachan River to Cardamom Tented Camp, in the heart of the rainforest. The camp specialises in guided nature treks and wildlife experiences within this protected wilderness.

On arrival, you’ll receive an introduction to conservation efforts before heading out on a late afternoon hike into the jungle surrounding the camp. Then, enjoy the sunset from your riverside safari camp.

Today offers an excellent chance to spot wildlife within Botum Sakor National Park. Join a Wildlife Alliance ranger patrol in the morning and trek through the dense jungle along abandoned poaching and logging trails. You may assist with conservation activities such as setting up camera traps or recording wildlife footprints.

In the afternoon, kayak up the Preak Tachan River and its tributaries with a guide. The journey to the ranger station is filled with potential wildlife sightings, including macaques, otters, hornbills, and gibbons along the riverbanks.

You’ll have time for a self-guided hike or early morning wildlife-viewing boat ride before returning to Trapaeng Rung. Then drive through the foothills of the Cardamom Mountains for a short boat ride to Canvas & Orchids Retreat for two nights of luxury glamping on the Tatai River.

Upon arrival, relax on your sundeck, swim in the river, or paddle a kayak in search of wildlife. You may also take an optional sunset cruise before watching fireflies light up the trees at night.

Today’s activity will be either a boat cruise or a hike through the ecosystems of the Cardamom Mountains. The region includes mangroves, swamps, and dense rainforest and is home to endangered species such as Asian elephants, sun bears, and Irrawaddy dolphins.

Your boat cruise takes you upriver to Tatai Waterfall, where you can swim in the pools at the base of the cascade. Alternatively, a guided hike offers opportunities to meet local fishing families and spot wildlife across the region.

Enjoy your last few hours relaxing at Canvas & Orchids Retreat, with a final chance to swim in the river before departing for Phnom Penh by boat, followed by a six-hour road journey. The remainder of the day is free to experience the capital city at leisure.