The Mekong River forms the lifeblood for many Cambodians, who rely on the fish it provides to feed and its water for crops. Slicing through the country, the mighty Mekong is a must on visitors’ lists, because it gives a glimpse into local life. Kratie is a top spot to visit the river, because this stretch is home to a cluster of endangered Irrawaddy dolphins as well as a hive of community-based tourism projects.
If the Mekong is the main lifeblood, then the Tonle Sap comes in a close second. The giant freshwater lake in Siem Reap province feeds through to the Mekong River in Phnom Penh via the Tonle Sap River. This huge expanse of water increases five-fold, from 2,500 square kilometres to 12,500 square kilometres, with the water depth in some areas rising from 1 to 10 metres. The lake is home to floating villages, nature reserves and bird watching.
If the Mekong is the main lifeblood, then the Tonle Sap comes in a close second. The giant freshwater lake in Siem Reap province feeds through to the Mekong River in Phnom Penh via the Tonle Sap River. This huge expanse of water increases five-fold, from 2,500 square kilometres to 12,500 square kilometres, with the water depth in some areas rising from 1 to 10 metres. The lake is home to floating villages, nature reserves and bird watching.
Prasat Preah Vihear, or temple of the sacred mountain, has been at the centre of conflict for decades. Sitting on the edge of the Cambodian-Thai border, ferocious fighting between the two countries over ownership of the sacred site continued until recent years. In 2015, the destination was deemed safe and taken off many foreign offices’ watch lists. While military presence remains strong, the temple is well worth a visit. With none of the crowds that plague Angkor, Prasat Preah Vihear is a series of impressive structures, built between the 9th and 12th century by several kings, with unparalleled views from its peak.
For true tranquillity, nothing beats slumping into a hammock or swing, ordering a beer and looking out onto mangrove-lined Kampot River, on the outskirts of Kampottown. Bird song rings in the air, followed by the faint call of monkeys, the cock-a-doodle-do of roosters and the chug of fishing boat engines in the distance. Great places to hang out include GreenHouse and Champa Lodge. If you want to take the party into the early hours, then Bodhi Villa and Naga House often play host to DJs and live music.
Cambodia is also home to dense tropical jungle that hugs gently rising mountains in the form of Mondulkiri. The area is also known for its elephants, with various projects operating in the area to try and boost the mammals’ population, while offering respite to over-worked and rescued elephants. Elephant Valley Project gives visitors the chance to spend the day alongside the elephants as they roam through the jungle, tearing up trees – well, saplings – with their trunks along the way.
