Where the Wild Things Roam
A Journey Through Cambodia’s Ethical Wildlife Encounters
Cambodia isn’t just about temples and tuk-tuks—it’s home to some of Southeast Asia’s most extraordinary wildlife, much of it rescued, protected, and thriving thanks to inspiring conservation efforts. Our 10-day journey, Where the Wild Things Roam, invites you to meet these animals on their terms—no cages, no gimmicks, just real encounters in ethical environments.
This tour takes you across the country, from riverbanks to rainforests, all while supporting the people and projects working to protect Cambodia’s most vulnerable species. It’s travel with heart, and stories you’ll carry long after the journey ends.
Behind the Scenes with the Bears
The adventure begins outside Phnom Penh, where you'll step into the forest sanctuary of Free the Bears—home to dozens of rescued sun and moon bears saved from the illegal wildlife trade. This isn’t just a visit—it’s a full Bear Keeper Experience. You'll help prepare enrichment activities, learn how the bears are cared for, and get a behind-the-scenes look at one of Southeast Asia’s most respected rescue centres.
It’s hands-on, heartwarming, and the perfect introduction to the kind of travel that makes a difference.
Paddling with River Spirits
Next, we head to the sleepy town of Kratie, perched on the edge of the Mekong. Here, we swap wheels for paddles and head out with Sorya Kayaking for a peaceful journey through flooded forests and along hidden stretches of the river. The goal? To spot the endangered Irrawaddy dolphins that live here in one of the last remaining populations in the world.
Quiet, slow travel means a better chance to connect with nature—and when a dolphin surfaces just metres from your kayak, the silence is golden.
Meet the Hero Rats
Back in Siem Reap, we pay a visit to some unlikely heroes at the APOPO Visitor Centre. These clever African giant pouched rats are trained to detect landmines still buried in the countryside—a legacy of Cambodia’s past. Watching them in action is nothing short of amazing. They’re fast, accurate, and completely unharmed by the explosives they help clear, saving countless lives with every sweep of their tiny paws.
It’s an experience that’s as fascinating as it is inspiring.
Elephants in the Forest, Where They Belong
Then it’s on to the Kulen Elephant Forest, a peaceful sanctuary where Cambodia’s last working elephants have been retired from logging and riding. No chains, no tricks—just a natural forest where the elephants are free to roam, forage, and reconnect with their instincts.
You’ll walk alongside them, observe them in their element, and get a rare, respectful glimpse into what it really means to protect—not exploit—these gentle giants.
Temples, Gibbons & the Cambodian Circus
By Day 9, the wild meets the ancient. We rise early to catch sunrise at Angkor Wat, before heading deeper into the jungle to explore the iconic ruins of Ta Prohm (yes, the Tomb Raider temple) and the enigmatic faces of Bayon. But we’re not just here for the stonework—this area is also home to pileated gibbons, and with a bit of luck (and help from our expert guides), we might catch a glimpse of them swinging through the canopy.
As the sun sets, we head to Phare, the Cambodian Circus, where talented young performers from challenging backgrounds light up the stage with powerful storytelling, acrobatics, and music. It’s an unforgettable evening that rounds out the tour with energy and heart.
Where the Wild Things Roam isn’t just a tour—it’s a journey through Cambodia’s natural soul. From bear rescues to forest elephants, dolphins to gibbons, and even the tiniest landmine-sniffing rats, you’ll meet the wild things that call this country home—and the people working to protect them.
Travel responsibly. Encounter ethically. Leave inspired.
Check out the full itinerary here
