Monday, November 15, 2010

SPORTS AND ADVENTURE IN SIHANOUKVILLE


Sailing and Water Sports - Take a hobie-cat or kayak out on your own and explore some of the surrounding islands. Boats are available for rent at Otres Nautica on Otres Beach. A larger sail boat can be chartered from Sail Cambodia that includes a small crew and lunch. The Sailing Club in Kep also has water sports available and beautiful surroundings to explore.

Fishing – A small boat with driver can be hired at a travel agency for a day of fishing off the islands of Sihanoukville. Some places, including La Casa on Otres Beach, do regular fishing excursions aboard larger boats. Most of the bungalow developments on the islands also offer fishing trips. Otres Nautica rents small outboard catamarans for fishing as well.

Boxing – Khmer Boxing is very popular in Cambodia. Sihanoukville has a training center with a qualified instructor. Fitness classes, cardio equipment and weights are also available at the center.

Trekking – Ream and Bokor National Parks have options for a day of trekking, although it is not a very popular activity for visitors to Sihanoukville. Ream has some scenic trails of low elevation and several tour companies in Sihanoukville sell packaged tours that usually include a boat trip and some trekking in the park. Bokor Mountain has a challenging 30km uphill trek to an abandoned hill station. A jeep to bring you back down can be arranged through a travel agent in Kaput. From Koh Kong, the Cardamon Mountains offer adventure trekking through dense, virgin forest to beautiful, secluded waterfalls. Some of the larger islands like Koh Tonsay and Koh Rong Samloem also have nice areas to trek.
Dirt Bike Riding – With unlimited tracks to explore, Cambodia is a haven for dirt bike riders. Day-trips to Ream or Bokor National Park are possible on your own or with a guide. The Cardamon Mountains between Sihanoukville and Koh Kong offer a challenging ride over scenic terrain. Proper gear including a helmet, strong boots and knee/elbow pads are essential.

Windsurfing – A windsurfing club is now open in Sihanoukville at Hurricane Windsurfing on Otres Beach. Rentals and lessons available.

 Mini Golf – Mini Golf Sihanoukville is available on Tola St. Ochheuteal behind Pim’s Restaurant.

Skim Boarding – Many expats skim board on Otres Beach. Boards are available for rent at Utopia Travel. Hurricane Windsurfing has started “bungee skim boarding” on Otres Beach.

Trips through the Prey Nup mangrove are an opportunity to see the complex eco-system of the mangrove both by boat and on foot.

The iBall Adventure Park has two 3M wide Zorb balls that roll downhill with up to 2 people inside. Beach volleyball and a zip line are also available. The park is under renovations ane will re-open in Oct-Nov 2009.

Volleyball – Many Khmers gather in the evenings and play volleyball in empty lots around town. Anyone is welcome to play. Entry fee is 1000 Riel per person with the winning team splitting the money.

Ping Pong and Snooker is popular in Sihanoukville. The table Tennis Club on CT Street has many tables where people play for a wager. The Snooker Club near Apsara Photoshop, downtown, is popular with locals.