Cambodia Adventure Travel Guide

Introducing Cambodia (Continued...)

The coastline is 270 miles in length and boasts sublime beaches and tropical waters.
Cambodia’s terrain is a vibrant mix of low, flat plains, mountain regions in the southwest and north, tall grass savannahs in the transitional, evergreen forests, rolling hillsides, virgin rainforests with 45-metre tall trees and dense jungle’s.

The highest point in the country is Phnum Aoral at 1,810 metres and the lowest point the sea. The mountainous regions are concentrated around the countries borders, the Dângrêk Mountains are found in the north and the Cardamom and Elephant mountain ranges are found in the south, along the coastline. Cambodia has a fine reputation for biodiversity and has a rich natural abundance, ecotourism is a popular holiday choice.
Major geographic features in Cambodia include the Tonlé Sap Lake (Great Lake) in the centre of the country, and the Tonlé Sap River which runs from it to the south and the Mekong River coming from Laos and running through Cambodia on the eastern side. The Tonlé Sap River meets with the Mekong River before they converge at Phnom Penh and continue their winding path southeast and into Vietnam.
Cambodia has a varied, yet tropical climate with the year split in to two main seasons. Monsoon rains from mid-May to early October bring strong prevailing winds from the southwest, heavy rains and high humidity. From early November to mid-March, lighter and drier winds of the northeast monsoon bring cloudiness, infrequent rain and lower humidity. The weather between these seasons is transitional. Maximum temperatures are high throughout the year, ranging from 28°C in January to 35°C in April.
Cambodia has all the transport facilities needed for any traveler to easily access the countryside and cities. There are two international airports, in Phnom Penh and Siem, a large sea port at Sihanoukville (Kampong Som), with further ports and terminals in the capital. Railway, road and waterway networks snake through the rest of the country and although many routes are basic by western standards, this just adds to the character.

Multi-Activity

For intrepid explorers, adventurers and those who like to get their blood pumping, there is a treasure chest full of ideas on activities to do in Cambodia. Trekking and hiking opportunities should be taken advantage of while there are still so few tourists about. Bokor National Park in Kampot Province and the waterfall at Kirirom National Park in Kampong Speu Province make great backdrops to such ventures. Exploring the jungles in the Angkor and Cardamom areas are other options. The only hard thing to do is make choices!
If you prefer water to land, you could try canoeing or boating among the flooded forest at the Tonlé Sap Lake. The Ream National Park in Sihanouk Ville displays beautiful mangrove forests, a threatened ecosystem in Cambodia. In the same area there are opportunities to scuba dive and explore coral reefs. If you need even further inspiration, then stick around in Sihanoukville and take to the air as a paraglider.

Mountain Biking

Mountain biking is a seductive way to explore the countryside in Cambodia. Dirt roads brush alongside rice fields, lakes guard beautiful displays of flowering lilies and lotus and while cycling past stilted, wooden villages, one can still witness impressive displays of Khmer culture.
The Oudong trail reveals Cambodia’s ancient beauty. Magnificent temples dotted across the hillsides and the distant mountains relay the scale of the natural environment. Day-long rides with experienced cycle guides are suitable for any level of fitness. A relaxed pace ensures powerful and dominating areas of natural and manmade beauty are experienced in a safe way. A mix of road conditions should be expected and can be bumpy after the rains, which adds to the adventure!
While on your biking tour you will find authentic Cambodian culture, rich traditions such as women weaving delicate silks and brightly dressed monks collecting morning alms.
Villagers and island communities exude an enviable simplistic lifestyle which is a privilege to witness. Cycle tours are broken when lunching on local specialties and swimming from shallow, white beaches.

Overland Tours

Overland tours are a popular way to explore parts of Cambodia. Phnom Penh is a good place to start or finish a trip due to the efficient transport links in to and around the country.
The ancient Chenla capital of Sambor Prei Kuk is a great place to visit for those wanting to experience a unique area completely off the tourist trail. With over a hundred temples dedicated to Shiva, this serene seventh century site is hidden away in the jungle.
In areas such as Angkor Wat, Ta Phrom and Angkor Thom, and lesser known areas such as Banteay Srei, there are magnificent examples of the Angkorian Kings’ Temples. Some were constructed over periods of 600 years and can be found scattered through the expanses of Cambodian jungle. The temples are breathtaking examples of Cambodia’s history and should be visited if possible, although it should be noted that the tourist infrastructure is basic here and one should be in reasonable health if undertaking the high climbs, up huge stone staircases in what can be a very hot and humid environment.

Classic Itineraries

The first stop in your visit to Cambodia will almost certainly be the capital city Phnom Penh. It’s packed with fascinating cultural sites such as the extravagantly beautiful Royal Palace. The somber museums and Killing Fields of Choeung Ek give you an insight in Cambodia’s past.
If you want to explore the great outdoors there’s no better place than the Angkor region in the north. This archaeological park is the setting for the captivating ruins of the ancient Khmer civilisation. Mountainbiking around here is a special experience.

Other Activities

While Cambodia is not typically known as a beach destination, Sihanoukville in the south-west has wonderful white sands. It’s a great place for scuba diving and snorkeling, but equally peaceful for relaxation.
For the thrill seekers, there are also opportunities for windsurfing and paragliding. And at the end of the day, why not try fishing at dusk? Sunsets here set their own standard of beauty.