Cambodia with Kristen & Brandi

Dates

Nov 16–23, 2024

Group Size

8–25 Travelers

Duration

8 days, 7 nights

Activity Level

Challenge

About This Trip

Join the Daughters of the Road, Kristen and Brandi, for this EPIC 8-day adventure through Cambodia. You'll spend 4 days trekking through and camping in the jungles of the sacred mountains of Phnom Kulen. Then you'll head back to Siem Reap for a bit more laid-back exploration. Along the trek, you'll visit many of Cambodia's temples, swim in the Kulen waterfall, enjoy a jungle bonfire and dance celebration, and so much more. You'll also get to experience the famous Angkor Wat at sunrise by bicycle. **TRIP DISCLAIMER: A moderate level of fitness and prior hiking experience is advised to join this adventure.**
$1,823USD
$1,983USD
Nov 16–23, 2024
8 days
Trip Closed

Meet Your Host

Kristen Lassen
Kristen Lassen

Brandi and Kristen are avid motorcyclists and adventure-seekers. We have been riding for over a decade each and have logged countless miles on the road exploring the nation on 2 and 4 wheels. Campfires and hot springs are our favorite experiences to have. We love to gather around like-minded people and share life stories and make memories together!

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Trip Activities

  • Kulen Mountain Base to Phum Sangker Lak Trek

  • Trekking Pit Stop: Wat Chas Buddhist Temple

  • Sangker Lak Village to Preah Kral Pagoda Trek

  • Trekking Pit Stop: Damrei Krab Temple

  • Preah Kral Pagoda to Po Pel Village Trek

  • Bonfire w/ Traditional Music & Dancing

  • Po Pel Village - Phnom Kulen Waterfall Trek

  • Phnom Kulen Waterfall

  • Angkor Wat Sunrise Cycling Tour

Optional Activities*

  • Evening Foodie Tour by Vespa

*Add-ons available at checkout for an additional fee.

Included in Your Trip

  • Double occupancy in 4-star hotels and tent camping (limited single rooms available for hotel only)

  • Local guide throughout trip

  • All city transfers

Not Included

  • Flights (except as noted)

  • Food and alcohol (except as noted)

  • Visas and travel insurance

  • Airport transfers

  • Tips for guides

Itinerary

*All durations are approximate

Day 1

Info

Welcome to Siem Reap! Welcome! Please be prepared to meet in the lobby at 5:30pm to depart for your welcome dinner. The dinner reservation time will be finalized closer to your trip date. If you plan on arriving today, we recommend flying into Siem Reap International Airport (SAI).

dinner

Welcome dinner at a local restaurant is included.

Lotus Blanc Resort

Night 1/1

Keep in mind that hotel accommodations vary! The Lotus Blanc Resort is an example of one hotel we use in Siem Reap, and your exact hotel will be confirmed before your trip.

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Day 2

Info

Today, you're off on an early 7 am start to Kulen Mountain where your trek will begin! Phnom Kulen is one of Cambodia’s most revered sites. According to legend, it was here that King Jayavarman II declared independence from Java in 802 CE and thus began the Khmer Empire – as an independent nation.

breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel restaurant

Siem Reap to Kulen Mountain

1 Hour 58 Mins

Pick up from hotel in Siem Reap, then transfer to the base of the Kulen mountain to begin your trek. Phnom Kulen mountain, located about 50 kilometers, is approximately a 1.5 - 2 hr drive from the city of Siem Reap.

Kulen Mountain Base to Phum Sangker Lak Trek

6 Hours

You'll set off this morning at 7 am for the drive to Svay Leu, then we'll arrive at Kulen Mountain. Kulen Mountain is considered the most sacred mountain in Cambodia. It played a significant role in the history of the Khmer Empire (around 800 AD). You will begin your trek through dense forests making your way to the summit of the mountain where you will enjoy a great view from the top. You will make plenty of stops along your way to the peak of Kulen Mountain. You will make a stop at Wat Chas Buddhist temple, before continuing hiking to Sangke Lake village where the team will stop for a lunch break. After lunch, you will continue trekking another 3 kilometers through local village houses to the campsite. Trekking Level: Moderate | Distance: ~13km (8.1mi) | Trekking Conditions: Uphill on forest trail through the jungle.

Trekking Pit Stop: Wat Chas Buddhist Temple

30 Mins

On your way to the peak of Kulen Mountain, you will make a pit stop at Wat Chas Buddhist Temple.

lunch

Lunch is included at the stop in Sangke Lake Village.

dinner

Dinner at the campsite

Tent camping at Sangke Lake Village campsite

Night 1/1

Keep in mind that campsite accommodations vary! The Sangke Lake Village campsite is an example of one campsite we use in Sangke Lake Village, and your exact campsite will be confirmed before your trip.

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Day 3

Info

Today after breakfast you will continue hiking through the dense jungle and passing by Wat Anglong Thom pagoda and the nearby village as it is one of the biggest and oldest villages on Kulen Mountain.

breakfast

Breakfast at the campsite is included.

Sangker Lak Village to Preah Kral Pagoda Trek

6 Hours

Preah Kral Pagoda is one of the most picturesque pagodas on Kulen Mountain with its incredible view of the rice fields in the distance. Trekking Level: Moderate | Trekking Distance: 15km (9.31mi) | Approx Trekking Time: ~5-6hrs | Trekking Condition: dense forest trail through the jungle.

Trekking Pit Stop: Damrei Krab Temple

30 Mins

You will trek to Damrei Krab Temple, which was built in honor of Shiva. What remains of the site are two small libraries and a solitary tower that may have belonged to a nearby temple.

lunch

Your lunch stop today is at one of the pre-Angkorian era temples called Elephant Pond, which is hidden deep in Kulen National Park. It is surrounded by stone animal sculptures such as elephants, tigers, and monkeys. Packed lunch is included.

dinner

Dinner at the campsite is included.

Tent camping at Preah Kral Pagoda campsite or similar (or similar)

Accommodations may vary based on availability or group size, but no matter what, you can expect the same comfort and quality.

Night 1/1

Keep in mind that campsite accommodations vary! The Preah Kral Pagoda campsite is an example of one campsite we use in Preah Kral Pagoda, and your exact campsite will be confirmed before your trip.

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Day 4

Info

This morning, you will depart from the Preah Kral Pagoda campsite and trek to Po Pel Village. You will walk through a series of cashew plantations and visit a few temples along the way! You'll spend your last night camping and celebrating your trek with a bonfire while enjoying traditional music and dancing.

breakfast

Breakfast at the campsite is included.

Preah Kral Pagoda to Po Pel Village Trek

5 Hours

You will walk in forested areas through a series of cashew plantations and stop by more temples along the way. After trekking for a few kilometers, you will have a short break to explore Rong Chen, the first pyramid or mountain temple constructed in the Angkor area. Then you'll continue trekking to two other temples, Koki and Aur Pha On temples, both of which were built pre-Angkorian. After the lunch stop, you will continue walking toward Pol Pel village, where your campsite is located tonight. Take some time to rest and refresh before exploring the village on your own. Hiking Level: Moderate | Trekking Distance: 10 km (6.2 mi) | Trekking Time: ~ 4-5 hrs | Trekking condition: forest tail road through the jungle.

lunch

Packed lunch is included on the trek.

Bonfire w/ Traditional Music & Dancing

2 Hours

On your last night camping in Kulen Mountain, you'll celebrate with a bonfire and enjoy local traditional music and dance.

dinner

Dinner at the campsite is included.

Tent camping at Po Pel Village campsite

Night 1/1

Keep in mind that campsite accommodations vary! The Po Pel Village campsite is an example of one campsite we use in Po Pel Village, and your exact campsite will be confirmed before your trip.

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Day 5

Info

The final day of the trek takes you back into civilization. But before that, you will trek to a large Buddha as well well as swim in the basin of the sacred Phnom Kulen Waterfalls.

breakfast

Breakfast at the campsite.

Po Pel Village - Phnom Kulen Waterfall Trek

3 Hours

You're off on your final trek after breakfast. In the first 2km of the trek, you'll discover a large reclining Buddha from the 16th century (shoes must be taken off before walking up the small sets of steps to view the Buddha). After lunch, you'll continue another 5km trekking downhill to Preah Ang Thum temple. The final section of the trek is on very steep steps along the ancient trail. Upon arrival at the base of Kulen Mountain, your bus is waiting to transfer you back to Siem Reap. Hiking Level: Moderate | Trekking Distance: 7km (4.35) | Trekking condition: forest trail road through the jungle with steep steps at the end.

Phnom Kulen Waterfall

45 Mins

You'll trek to the sacred Phnom Kulen Waterfalls. Calm your senses under these magnificent falls. You will have time to wade in its basin and cool off from the midday sun by swimming in the pool.

lunch

Packed lunch is included on the trek.

Lotus Blanc Resort (or similar)

Accommodations may vary based on availability or group size, but no matter what, you can expect the same comfort and quality.

Night 1/3

Keep in mind that hotel accommodations vary! The Lotus Blanc Resort is an example of one hotel we use in Siem Reap, and your exact hotel will be confirmed before your trip.

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Day 6

Info

After trekking and camping through the jungle, you deserve to sleep in and either take the rest of the day to relax and explore on your own or join the optional evening Vespa foodie tour!

breakfast

Breakfast at a private venue in Angkor Archaeological Park is included.

Evening Foodie Tour by Vespa (optional)

4 Hours

You’ll hop on board a Vespa scooter where you will have a back seat look into the hustle and bustle of Siem Reap’s nightlife and street food. You’ll cruise down ancient heritage back streets and along the riverside and your guide will introduce you to all aspects of Khmer cuisine from the street markets to the food stalls. Optional tour will run from 6:00 PM -10:30 PM.

Lotus Blanc Resort (or similar)

Accommodations may vary based on availability or group size, but no matter what, you can expect the same comfort and quality.

Night 2/3

Keep in mind that hotel accommodations vary! The Lotus Blanc Resort is an example of one hotel we use in Siem Reap, and your exact hotel will be confirmed before your trip.

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Day 7

Info

On your last full day in Siem Reap, you'll start this morning's adventures early with a sunrise cycle at Angkor Wat. Then feel free to explore on your own or do any last minute shopping before the farewell dinner.

Angkor Wat Sunrise Cycling Tour

8 Hours

Rise and shine! At 4:30 am, the van will take you through the busy streets around town right to the Angkor Archaeological Park and the Angkor Wat temple where your guide will pick out the perfect position to watch the dawn break. If the weather gods are with you, the sun will rise behind the majestic spires of Angkor Wat and provide the most stunning of silhouettes for a truly profound experience. As the crowds of tourists disperse, you will have Angkor to yourselves in the best temperature and light of the day. Your guide will take you through this ancient wonder to give you an overview of Angkor Wat after which you will enjoy breakfast, just outside the temple area. The rest of the day is spent cycling the back trails through thick forest to ancient ruins, stopping at both iconic and lesser-known temples. Among others, we park our bikes at the many faces of Bayon and the jungle swallowed Ta Prohm, both must-sees. Enjoy pedaling through the mysterious jungle surrounding the temples before we stop for lunch by the small reservoir called Sra Srang. As the day heats up, we drive back to town and to your hotel. You can expect to arrive back around 2pm.

breakfast

Breakfast is included during the Angkor Wat Sunrise Cycling Tour.

lunch

Lunch at a local restaurant near Srah Srang temple is included during the cycling tour.

dinner

Farewell dinner and local restaurant is included.

Lotus Blanc Resort (or similar)

Accommodations may vary based on availability or group size, but no matter what, you can expect the same comfort and quality.

Night 3/3

Keep in mind that hotel accommodations vary! The Lotus Blanc Resort is an example of one hotel we use in Siem Reap, and your exact hotel will be confirmed before your trip.

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Day 8

Info

All good things must come to an end, but only until your next adventure! Enjoy a final breakfast and then make your own way onward. If departing directly from the hotel, we recommend flying out of Siem Reap International Airport (SAI).

breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel is included.

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Physical Activity Level:Challenge

These trips are designed to increase your heart rate. You can expect daily hikes or swims, long-distance bike rides and a good amount of sweat. These itineraries are meant for adventure and are perfect for those with a higher level of physical fitness. Some training may be required to prepare for these trips.

Cancellation Policy

We get it—life happens. Here's how cancellations work depending on where you're at in the process:

Spot Pending

100% refundable
Not confirmed yet? No worries. You can cancel at any time for a full refund.

Spot Confirmed With 91 or More Days Before Your Trip

Partially refundable + credit towards a future trip
You'll receive a future trip credit for the amount of your down payment (minus a $100 cancellation fee per Traveler). This trip credit is valid for one year from the date it is issued. Additionally, any payments made beyond the original 25% down payment will be refunded to your original form of payment.

Spot Confirmed With 90 or Fewer Days Before Your Trip

Non-refundable
At this point, all payments are non-refundable because your experience is already in motion behind the scenes. By this time, our operating partners will be working with local businesses to secure your accommodations and finalize your activities.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: Protect Your Adventure-Invest in Peace of Mind

We strongly encourage purchasing travel insurance with trip cancellation coverage to safeguard your investment. With travel insurance, you're covered in case of unexpected events—from illness to emergencies—that could affect your plans. Life is unpredictable, but your dream trip doesn't have to be.

After booking, you'll receive a personalized recommendation for coverage tailored to your trip. For full details on our cancellation policy, please refer to our Terms & Conditions.

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Traveling with TrovaTrip

What's it like to travel on a Trova Trip?

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What's the difference between the Host, the Operator, and Trova?

Great question! Each plays a key role in bringing your experience to life:

  • The Host is your community leader who brings the group together, fosters connection, and perhaps leads a workshop or two. They're there to bring the vibes, not the logistics. That's the Tour Operator's job.
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In short: The Host brings the vibe, the Operator runs the trip, and we make it all happen. Read more about who does what here.

I'm nervous to book. How can I feel more confident?

First, let us say—it's totally understandable, and you're not alone! Travel can feel intimidating, but we built Trova to take the guesswork out of group travel and earn your trust every step of the way:

    • Every trip is run by licensed Tour Operators with vetted local Guides.
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We know it takes trust to book a trip with new people, and we're here to make sure you feel ready, supported, and excited!”

Can I book solo?

Absolutely! As of 2025, almost 84% of TrovaTrip Travelers go solo. (And yes, we may be a little biased, but we think group travel is one of the best ways to meet new people!) You'll have your own bed and the option to book a private room on most trips. Plus you'll be traveling with others who are just as excited to explore and connect.

What if I need to cancel?

We understand that life happens. Our cancellation policy is designed to provide flexibility while balancing the logistics of group travel:

  • Spot pending100% refundable. Not confirmed yet? No worries. You can cancel at any time for a full refund.
  • Spot confirmed with 91 or more days before your tripPartially refundable + credit towards a future trip. You'll receive a future trip credit for the amount of your down payment (minus a $100 cancellation fee per Traveler). This trip credit is valid for one year from the date it is issued. Additionally, any payments made beyond the original 25% down payment will be refunded to your original form of payment. 
  • Spot confirmed with 90 days or fewer before your tripNon-refundable. At this point, all payments are non-refundable because your experience is already in motion behind the scenes. By this time, our operating partners will be working with local businesses to secure your accommodations and finalize your activities.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: Protect Your Adventure–Invest in Peace of Mind
We strongly encourage purchasing travel insurance with trip cancellation coverage to safeguard your investment. With travel insurance, you're covered in case of unexpected events–from illness to emergencies–that could affect your plans. Life is unpredictable, but your dream trip doesn't have to be.

After booking, you'll receive a personalized recommendation for coverage tailored to your trip. For full details on our cancellation policy, please refer to our Terms & Conditions.

What's included in the trip cost?

Most trips include accommodations, daily activities, ground transportation, some meals, and a dedicated local Guide. Because Travelers are coming from all around the world, flights to and from your destination are not included. Each trip page breaks it all down for you.

Will I have free time?

Yes! While we pack in incredible experiences, most itineraries include built-in free time so you can relax, wander, or check out personal must-sees.

What do the activity levels mean?

Every trip has a physical Activity Level from 1 to 5 so you can find the right fit for your travel style:

  • Level 1 – Relax + Unwind: Minimal movement (spa days, beach lounging, local markets)
  • Level 2 – Low-Key Movement: Light, easy-paced activity (snorkeling, boat tours, gentle hikes)
  • Level 3 – Moderate Activity: Ready to move (multi-day hikes, skiing, camping)
  • Level 4 – Get Your Heart Rate Up: More intense movement (long hikes, biking, active days)
  • Level 5 – Extreme Adventure: High-adrenaline travel (challenging hikes, dives, technical climbs – experience may be required)

You'll find the Activity Level clearly listed on each trip page, and a more in-depth explanation of each level here.

Who can I contact with more questions?

Our support team is here to help! Visit trovatrip.com/company/contact-us to reach out. You can expect to hear back within 2 business days, but probably sooner—our Trova elves are pretty speedy!

Accommodations

What does "or similar" mean next to the accommodations?

When we say “or similar,” it means the hotel listed is an example of what you can expect—not always the exact spot you'll be staying. Sometimes Operators adjust accommodations due to seasonal availability or group size. But rest assured: the quality and comfort will match what's shown.

Why would the accommodations change from time of booking?

Flexibility allows Operators to choose the best-fit accommodations closer to your trip—based on availability, logistics, and what works best for the group (like the number of Travelers and room configurations). This ensures a smooth experience without sacrificing comfort or quality.

Finalized hotel info is typically shared about 30 days before departure in your Traveler Portal, along with your final itinerary.

Trip Operations & Compliance

Who actually runs my trip, and how does Trova keep things safe?

Your trip is operated by licensed, certified Tour Operators who manage all trip logistics and safety—from accommodations and local Guides and day-to-day logistics. All trips comply with local legal and regulatory standards. We vet each Operating partner carefully so you can travel with confidence.

Who do I talk to if I have questions about safety or compliance?

If you have any questions about safety protocols or trip compliance, reach out to us at safety@trovatrip.com. We're here to help.

General Travel Questions

Do I need any documentation to travel?

It depends on where you're headed. Though it is not a universal requirement, many countries require that your passport be valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date. This ensures Travelers have sufficient time to return home even if their visas are extended or if unexpected circumstances arise. 

Some destinations may also require a visa. Check our visa page to consult your country's travel resources.

Do I need any vaccines?

It's always best to check with your healthcare provider or a travel doctor before your trip. You can also visit the CDC website (or your local government's travel health resource) for destination-specific vaccine guidance. Health and safety first!

Are flights included in the trip cost?

Because our Hosts and Travelers are coming from all around the world, flights to and from your destination are not included. Some trips include internal flights (like a short domestic hop), and those details will always be listed on the trip page if applicable.

Can you accommodate my dietary needs?

We’ll do our very best! Our Operators aim to accommodate dietary restrictions, though availability varies by destination. For example, some places offer plenty of vegan and vegetarian choices, while others might be quite limited. The earlier you let us know—through your trip form or by contacting our support team—the better we can prepare. Once you arrive, be sure to remind your local Guide about any allergies or restrictions so they can help you enjoy your meals safely and comfortably.