KIRIROM NATIONAL PARK

Kirirom National Park

Soramarith Kosamak National Park was called by Cambodian people as Kirirom National Park located in Cambodia country which 112 km from Phnom Penh city on national road number 4 to Sihanoukville Province. Kirirom National Park stays in village Damrey Phos, commune Kirirom, district Phnom Sruoch, Kompong Speu Province. It extends on forest land 80 000 meter square. Kirirom Mountain high 700 meter is the first National Park in Cambodia.

Kirirom National Park is one of the famous Eco-tourism in Cambodia and well-known as well in Socialism Moment . It cover on green forest amazing and attractive pine tree, a lot of kind of birds, fishes, wild life and more beautiful with falling water.

Kirirom National Park is one of the highland tourist place high from 300 meter to 1000 meter of sea rate. It stays on the south-west of Phnom Penh city.There are a lot of kind of forest like pine forest, Dipterocarpaceas, Gallery Forest, and Moist dense dipterocarp forest.

How to reach there?
Tourists can go there by buses, share taxis and also by touring motorcycle. You can look around to find all those bus station at Central Market (Phsar Thmey) in Phnom Penh because there are a lot of engagement of bus stations. All the bus stations go there available in the early morning to late afternoon. You can not find any bus at 4:00 pm and so on. The journey may be take around 4 hours to 5 hours.

What to play there?
All the tourists they can take fresh air from the nature waterfall. You can take the most beautiful photo from nature around there in portrait and landscape mode. Cambodia people some of them spend their wedding time to take the photo there too which remain them best memory. Enjoying swimming of the cool waterfall from the nature. You may be joy the cycling around the this park.

What to eat?
It is not difficult anymore for you now at Kirirom National Park you can rent one of the beautiful hut which the reasonable price around $10 to $25. Each of hut they build to suit the nature view and across the flow of water. At there you can order a lot of delicious cuisines for your breakfast and lunch time. Most of cuisines are local in Khmer cuisines. It is very simple you can also bring your favorite cuisine to enjoy there also.

What to buy?
After you got the best memories there you also may enjoy the shopping like local produce, hand crafting, sugar palm wine, fruits, vegetables, meats, packed products and a lot of souvenirs which made from silver, stone, and creative woods.

Kirirom National Park is one most the famous tour place in Cambodia which so attractive local and foreigner tourists to visit and caught the best memories back. It is one of the nature and Eco-tourists in Cambodia Country.

THE SE SAN RIVER

Sesan River in the Morning

The SE SAN River is one of the most important ecology systems amid the green forestry in the northeast region of Stung Treng and Ratanak Kiri provinces. The river is like shining diamonds and emeralds with white sand beaches while the clear water along the river reflect the mountains and jungle even during the dry season.

Forty (40) km. away from northern part of Banlung, the capital of Ratanak Kiri, the Se San river is an all season river flowing east to west with long, white sand beaches. Along the river, these numerous beaches have many spots for bathing, swimming and fishing where both local and international tourists can relax.

 Cross over the Se San River by boat and you see the Veon Sai commune. That is the territory of several ethnic groups such as Khmer, Chinese, Kroeng, and Laotian, all living there for many generations. The Chinese follow their own Chinese traditional culture while the other ethic groups follow their own ancestral identities. All communicate in Chinese, Hill Tribe, and Laotian as well as well as the national language of Cambodia, Khmer. Most of them are farmers, fishermen and local traders.

VIRACHEY NATIONAL PARK

Virakchey National Park

Picturesque natural forest, stunning mountains, plateaus, valleys, local ethnic communities and a diverse wildlife all await visitors at Virachey National Park.

Virachey National Park covers an area of 3,325 square kilometers in Veun Sai and Taveng district of Ratanak Kiri province. It’s about 60 km north of Banlung town in Ratanak Kiri province. The Virachey Park serves as the largest national park in Cambodia.

In Virachey National Park, there are thousand-year-old trees, prairies, a hundred bird species including the Create Hornbill and Red-collared Woodpecker, and other diverse wildlife species.

The vast forests, grasslands, mountains and valleys remain largely unexplored and undisturbed by human settlement and may still harbor new and undiscovered wildlife species.

They provided important habitats for tigers, elephants, wild cattle and a number of spectacular, globally threatened primate and bird species. The northeast of Cambodia has been the home to many indigenous hill tribe people for centuries and remains a center for cultural diversity in the region.

Indigenous Brau and Kavet people continue to depend on the natural resources of Virachey for their survival and several communities are now participating in the park’s ecotourism program. Virachey has a rich, albeit tragic, historical heritage through its association with the American Vietnam war, the legacy of which can still be readily observed along the infamous Ho Chi Minh Trail that traverse the park.

Virachey National Park was designated as an Asean Heritage Park in 2003 in recognition of its outstanding contribution to regional and international biodiversity conservation.

Admission fee is $10 for a tourist, the price including a guide. Community guesthouses are also available at $5 per night.

CHI PHAT, COMMUNITY – BASED ECO-TOURISM –CB (ET) CAMBODIA

Chi Phat

Community-Based Ecotourism or CB (ET) for short is the newest way to see a country and get immersed in its culture. And Chi Phat is among the newest CB (ET) places to go to in Cambodia. Chi Phat is a name of one commune in Thmor Bang District in Koh Kong Province.

Right now, Chi Phat became a Community – Based – Ecotourism, situated on the Piphot River in the foothills of the Cardamon Mountains, 140 km from Phnom Penh. It is reached by road N^o 4 and then by highway 48 (the road to Koh Kong) to Andoung Teuk commune. One gets get off the bus at Andoung Teuk Bridge and then rides a boat to Chi Phat, which takes around 2 hours.

Visitors to Chi Phat can make use of comfortable and safe community accommodation in guesthouses, family homes or camping tents. A community accommodation will provide mosquito nets, clean bathrooms and laundry service. The traditional food is delicious and beverages provided on request.

Chi Phat Activities

Biking Tours – A fleet of Trek 4300 mountain bikes is maintained and one can hire a bike. Eco guides can lead the visitors around and they are experienced mountain bikers who can provide on-tour repairs and bike maintenance. They also have intimate knowledge of the area. One tour takes the visitor to see the bat cave, or the wildlife watering area of Veal Ta Prak and beautiful Ou Teuk Vet waterfall. To get to the waterfall one travelers the village and then Stung Kbal Chhay or Stung Chamkar Turen by boat. Along the way one can visit an archeological site to see the funerary jars and coffins from the past the village biking tour allows the visitor to tour around the village to see people’s life style, fruit farms and waste management in Komlot village.

KEP

KEP

This former playground for Cambodia’s rich and powerful is situated in the southeastern corner of Cambodia and is surrounded by 5000 hectares of National Park. Kep is quiet, breezy and green with several boutique and luxury guesthouses. If you are seeking a unique and peaceful getaway, Kep is your destination of choice.

New border open

The Cambodia-Vietnam border crossing at Prek Chak/Xaxia (45km from Kep) is now open to foreigners. Cambodia and Vietnam visas are not issued on entry.

Kep Activities

Visiting the limestone caves and mountain areas of Kampong Trach is a great day trip from Kep. The area is famous for being one of the last Khmer Rouge-controlled regions in Cambodia.

Boat trips are offered to Rabbit Island (Koh Tonsay in Khmer), where you’ll find tranquil white sand beaches and coconut trees to hang a hammock. Accommodation available. Any guesthouse can arrange transport.

Have lunch at the Crab Market overlooking the ocean. Enjoy some fresh seafood while watching the locals bring in the catch.

KAMPOT

If Sihanoukville is too fast-paced for you liking, spend a few days in the charming riverside town of Kampot. From the early morning crowd at the market to the sunset gatherings along the river, Kampot offers a snapshot of Cambodian daily life that is hard to find in larger places. The town has great dining options and a wide-range of guesthouses.

Several mini buses run daily to Kampot departing early morning. Private and shared taxis can also be arranged. The journey is approximately 2 hours.

Kampot Activities

The Tek Chhou rapids, up the river from Kampot town, are a nice afternoon trip that is popular with Khmers. The direction of the river changes twice a day with the tide. Many guesthouses and tour companies rent out tubes to float down the river in. The Tek Chhou Zoo is also en-route to the rapids.

River View in Kep

Bokor Mountain, the site of the abandoned French hill station is a very popular day trip. It is currently being developed into a 500-rooms luxury resort but visitors are able to see the site, although it sis not open everyday. Check with a tour operator in Kampot to see if the road is open and what type of transportation is available.

Water-skiing along the Kampot River is an option. More Info at Bodhi Villa.

The caves of Kampot Trach, near the Vietnam border is a nice day trip. Visiting the fishing village for a fresh seafood lunch is also an option for a day trip.

Visit the Epic Arts Café for a morning coffee. The café supports disables people to learn self-expression through arts and earn a sustainable income.

KOH KONG

Koh Kong is the gateway in and out of Cambodia on the Thai eastern seaboard. It is home to rainforests, waterfalls, mangroves and islands. The region is becoming a popular tourist destination in Cambodia, especially for anyone interested in ec-tourism.

Border Crossing

The Cham Yeam border is open 7am – 8pm. Overstay charges are $5 per day. Unfortunately, officials at this border are notorious for overcharging visitors however they can. If you are overcharged, ask for receipt.

Koh Kong Activities

Koh Kong is the best province for waterfalls in Cambodia. Tatai Waterfall, set in a jungle gorge, has a spectacular 6M shelf falling into rapids below. The stunning Koh Por Waterfall is located in an isolated jungle gorge and is reached only by boat.

Boating and tubing along the Tatai River is possible with great places for swimming and beautiful views of the landscape. Trips by canoe (Approx. $10/day) can be arranged and mountain bikes can be hired ($2-4/day) with unlimited tracks to explore.

The mangrove system in Koh Kong is one of the world’s finest examples of this endangered Eco-system. Full or half-day boat or trekking trips can be arranged. There are regular sightings of eagles, monkeys and the rare Irrawaddy dolphin.

Koh Kong Island has untouched white sandy beaches and clear shallow waters. Many guesthouses offer day-trips from Koh Kong aboard small fishing boats.

Two Dive Centers have opened in Koh Kong and offer PADI courses, day trips and overnight trip to the surrounding islands. The area is quiet with much marine life to see and little traffic from other tourists.

ISLANDS AND BOAT TRIPS IN SIHANOUKVILLE

Bungalows in Koh Russie, Sihanouville

The coast of Southern Cambodia has almost a dozen undeveloped tropical islands to explore. Presently the islands are still quiet, lush and green with beautiful beaches. All of the islands have been sold and are slated for development of luxury resort.

Koh Russei (Bamboo Island)

A 45 minutes boat ride from Sihanoukville with one bungalow development, quiet beaches and nice snorkeling. Boats run daily from Ochheuteal beach and Ream National Park. Any travel agency can arrange transportation to Bamboo Island. The larger island of Koh Ta Kiev is right next door and also has accommodation.

Koh Rong and Rong Samloem

A two hours boat ride from Sihanoukville, both islands are quiet, pristine and have beautiful beaches and fantastic snorkeling. Don’t miss the hike to the old lighthouse on Koh Rong Samloem.

There are several other islands that can be visited by hiring a boat and driver, on a local day-trip boat cruise, or on a dive or snorkel trip. These islands do not have accommodation but camping is possible.

BEACHES IN SIHANOUKVILLE

Serendipity / Ochheuteal

Beautiful Beach in Sihanouville

The longest and most popular beach with lost of bars, nightly BBQs, beach parties and hawkers selling everything from fruit to books. The beach gets very busy during weekends and holidays. The south end (towards Otres) has been cleared for development and is generally quiet. The far north end (Serendipity Beach) has bungalow accommodation available.

Victory

Located at the north end of town, Victory beach has a handful of businesses serving up cold drinks and meals. It is quiet than other areas with calm, shallow waters for swimming.

Otres

Located south of Ochheuteal beach, Otres is less busy than Ochheuteal and offers bungalows, restaurants, windsurfing and a sailing club. The beach is breezy with a nice view of the islands. A few hawkers walk the beach but it is generally quiet and peaceful. It is best to head back to town before nightfall, or take a trusted moto-taxi driver, as the road is very quiet.

Independence

The beach was cleared for development of a resort in 2008 but there is a small patch in front of Sea breeze Hotel that is open to the public. The beach is quiet and great for swimming.

Hawaii

A popular weekend hangout for Khmer families, this beach between Independence and Victory has a few beach shacks and is quiet on weekdays. It is also the site of the new bridge to Koh Pos Island.

Sokha

Located between Independence and Ochheuteal beaches, Sokha beach is reserved for guests of the Sokha Beach Resort. There is a small stretch open to the public where locals gather in the evenings. Non-guests of the resort can use the private beach for $1.50/day (weekdays). It is a pleasant escape from the sellers and crowds on Ochheuteal.

Ream National Park

Located 23km from Sihanoukville, Ream has beaches that are quiet with nice views of the islands. Past the airport, there is a quiet beach lined with coconut trees that is a good place to spend a few hours. Further on, past the oil storage facility in the center of the park, is a beautiful beach that was the filming location for French-Khmer director Rithy Pahn’s 2008 film Un barrage contre le pacifique.

Dealing with hawkers and kids

Many Cambodians earn a living by selling to tourists on the beach. No doubt when you are relaxing on the beach you will be asked repeatedly if you’d like a massage, to buy fruit, bracelets or books, or for money. If you would rather be left alone, a polite but firm “no, thank you” is usually sufficient. As soon as you express any interest in what is being sold, he/she will sit beside you and try to get you to buy. You will often be asked to “promise to buy later”. Please do not buy from children or adults using children to beg. This encourages children to stay on the beach and not attend school.

The Best of Southern Cambodia

The Best of Southern Cambodia

Watch the sunset over the Gulf of Thailand

Hawaii and Victory Beach are two great places to watch the sunset in Sihanoukville. Better yet, get to a higher elevation like Bokor Mountain or Wat Leu. Unlike Angkor Wat, you can enjoy it without the crowds.

Visit an Island

Sihanoukville has a handful of undeveloped tropical islands that have beautiful stretches of vacant beach that is hard to find anywhere in Southeast Asia. All of the islands have been sold for development so visit them now in their natural beauty before development changes them forever.

Eat Khmer-style seafood

Locals are very proud of the seafood selection in coastal Cambodia and are happy to share some traditional recipes with visitors. Try squid fried with Kaput pepper, sweet and sour fish or steamed crab from a local Khmer-style seafood restaurant.

Visit the mangroves in Koh Kong

Before crossing into Thailand, spend some time exploring the many species of wildlife and fauna in this endangered eco-system.

Stay in Kep

The breeze from the ocean and peaceful surroundings make Kep the ideal location for anyone looking fro some peace and tranquility by the sea. Kep is currently experiencing a tourist “revival“ with many new mid to upscale boutique-style guesthouses opening up in the last couple of years.

Float down the Kaput River

Absorb the beautiful, lush scenery and laid-back feel of Kampot. This quaint town offers a great escape from the busy beach scene in Sihanoukville.

Drink very cheap happy-hour beer

The best deal is currently 1000 Riel in Sihanoukville (25 cents).

Taste top-notch international cuisine

Restaurants with chefs from all over the world can be found in Southern Cambodia. Try fine Japanese, Italian, French and other cuisines at a fraction of the price that you would pay elsewhere.