Cambodia, Wild And Unspoilt, Off The Beaten Track

Sihanoukville Holiday

Sihanoukville is Cambodia’s premier beach town, with some of the most unspoilt beaches in all of Southeast Asia. It is also the location of Cambodia’s only deep-sea port, which has received much international investment to improve the infrastructure in the province. The town is a prefect tropical escape, its lovely beaches well equipped with facilities for swimming, snorkelling, scuba diving or just sunbathing. You can take boat trips to many of the nearby islands and throughout the day you can savour delicious seafood such as crab, prawns and ocean fish served on the beach by several hotels and restaurants. It’s a favourite spot for visitors from Phnom Penh to relax, especially at the weekend. These days, thanks to its popularity with tourist, Sihanoukville also has a vibrant night life, with bars and clubs staying open into the early hours of the morning. At the same time, it’s endearingly ‘ethnic’ and close to its origins: cows sometimes wander along the main road and locals still often cast smiles and curious glances at foreigners.

Koh Poos resort

This is a quiet island with white sand beaches. If you’re after somewhere gorgeous but undeveloped, this is for you. Tourists who visit the island usually have to bring along their own food.

Bofung Yeak Loam: For Eco Holiday

For the eco-tourist there’s Boeung Yeak Loam, a natural lake almost square in shape situated within a mountain in Ban Lung District, about 5 km from Rattanakiri provincial town. The lake, which is about 48 metres deep during the dry season and about 800 metres in diameter and is situated amid picturesque mountain scenery, was created by volcanic movements centuries ago. In addition to a delightful bird sanctuary, the visitor can experience the everyday lives of people from the local hill-tribes.

Bou Sra Waterfall:

Located n Pich Chinda District, 43 km north of the provincial town, Bou Sra, is the most beautiful waterfall in the province of Mondulkiri. It drops gracefully on to multiple tiers of boulders and rocks, creating showers of spray. Here beside the waterfall, well shaded by the leafy green canopy of the jungle, picnickers can enjoy the cool, relaxing atmosphere.

Dolophin Watching In Cambodia

For sightings of dolphins, travel the rivers and waterways of Kratie and Stung Treng provinces, particularly between June and August, when the females usually give birth to young. There are estimated to be between 40 and 60 dolphins here, often seen travelling in small groups of between six and ten individuals. Dolphins are about a metre long at birth; by adulthood, sustained by a diet of small fish, shellfish and snails, they can attain a length of over 2.5m and weigh up to 180kg. The dolphins can swim at speeds of up to 40km/hour and stay submerged for between five and ten minutes.
To see the rare freshwater Meking dolphins, head for Kampi Resort, situated by Prek Kampi bridge on National Road no. 7 about 15km north of Kratie provincial town. From here you will get wonderful views of the Mekong and its thousands of tiny islands covered with green water plants. Kampi is at its best from January to May, when it attracts many local and foreign visitors.

Sen Monorom Waterfall

In Rum Near district, 5km from Mondulkiri Province, is the famous Sen Monorom Waterfall, bordered on either side by rubber, coffee and cashew nut plantations. It’s a place much frequented by local people during public holidays and festivals.

Wildlife Watching In Cambodia

Throughout the country, some of the most significant populations of mammals in Asia are found, including endangered species such as leopards, tigers, bantams, gaur, barking deer and the near-extinct kouprey – Cambodia’s national animal and the world’s rarest large mammal. In addition, wild elephants still roam the remote forests and monkeys and snakes abound in mountainous areas. Although illegal international trade in endangered species poses a great threat to the kingdom’s wildlife, conservationists keenly research, document and attempt to preserve it. For a chance to see this unique wildlife, you need to get off the beaten track.

To find your dream holiday to Cambodia and other South and SE Asia destinations, look for the UK-based operator AwimAway (020 7430 1766, www.awimaway.com) that offers adventure & activity holidays and family holidays around the world, customised to suit your desires and your budget.

Article Source: http://www.travelarticles.org

© 2006 Harish Kohli.
Harish Kohli is an avid traveller who likes to share good adventure travel ideas with others. He is also CEO of AwimAway.com where he can help tailor-make an experiential or adventure holidays for you. Visit www.awimaway.com to see what's new on line.