Explore Cambodia’s wild northeast through kayaking, wildlife encounters, and community-led adventures rooted in conservation and discovery.
Cambodia’s North East is where travel becomes exploration and purpose replaces predictability. Remote, rugged, and richly biodiverse, this region invites travelers to go beyond the familiar and engage with landscapes and communities rarely seen.
Departing Phnom Penh, the journey heads north-east to Kampong Cham, a relaxed Mekong town framed by elegant pagodas and daily riverside life. From here, the road cuts through Cambodia’s rural heartland—vast rice fields, fruit orchards, and rubber plantations—before arriving in Kratie, set along the banks of the mighty Mekong River.
Here, adventure begins on the water. Kayaking quietly along the Mekong, you enter protected habitat where the rare Irrawaddy dolphins still survive. With no engines and minimal impact, this intimate encounter places you at eye level with one of Southeast Asia’s most endangered freshwater species—an experience that reinforces the importance of river conservation and community-led protection.
The journey continues into the forested highlands of Mondulkiri, where cooler temperatures, rolling hills, and dense jungle define Cambodia’s wild frontier. Regenerative tourism here plays a vital role in protecting wildlife and sustaining indigenous culture.
A full day of exploration leads to Bou Sraa Waterfall, one of Cambodia’s most dramatic natural landmarks. En route, visit a traditional Pnong village, where you are welcomed into daily life and introduced to ancestral customs, forest stewardship, and locally produced rice wine. At Bou Sraa, powerful double cascades plunge into clear pools, inviting exploration and a refreshing swim. A picnic lunch by the falls and a river crossing to the village of Pichenda complete a day rooted in nature and cultural exchange.
Wildlife encounters deepen at the Elephant Valley Project, where a full day is spent on foot alongside rescued elephant families roaming freely through protected forest. There is no riding—only observation, learning, and respect—guided by Bunong mahouts committed to long-term conservation.
For an even deeper immersion, venture into Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary with a stay at Jahoo Gibbon Camp. Rise before dawn to track yellow-cheeked crested gibbons with researchers, trek through pristine forest home to black-shanked douc langurs, and encounter exceptional birdlife. Every stay directly supports wildlife research and Bunong community livelihoods.
From Mondulkiri, travel north to Stung Treng, where kayaking through flooded forests reveals a surreal wetland ecosystem of submerged trees and mirrored skies. Positioned at the crossroads of Cambodia and Laos, Stung Treng offers a seamless overland gateway into southern Laos—extending the journey beyond borders while remaining deeply connected to the Mekong basin and its shared natural heritage.
This is adventure travel with intention—where exploration strengthens ecosystems, empowers communities, and leaves a positive trace behind.
Ready to go beyond the map? Contact us at sales.cambodia@khiri.com and step into the adventure of Cambodia’s wild northeast.