Unique Vacations in Cambodia’s Outdoors
Cambodian adventure travel holidays have been slowly gaining popularity in the last few decades. This south Asian country has seen an extremely rich and colorful history, which has left an indelible imprint upon it’s people and their heritage. Angkor Wat Temple, its most fabled site and the adjoining Angkor Archaeological Park, are the most prominent examples of this heritage, but the Cambodian landscape offers adventure travelers a wealth of opportunities – the provinces of Siem Reap, Koh Ker, and Preah Vihear afford a gateway to Cambodia’s rich history, with their temples and shrines. The Mekong lowlands which Include the areas Of Phnom Penh, Tonle Sap Lake, Kampong Thom and Kratie and extend to the beaches and islands in the elephant and Cardamom mountain regions in the west are another great area for explorers. For those seeking excitement and adventure there are plenty of heart stopping, pulse racing activities that Cambodia has on offer.
Cambodia is a very verdant country, and has several thousand acres of virgin wilderness, especially at the base of the Cardamom Mountains. These forests, though once the hub of dangerous Khmer Rouge activity, are now the den of less militant life forms, like the flying squirrel, the gawking monkey, and the elephant. In order to prevent the rapid erosion of the forest land by illegal poachers and the villagers who live on its fringes, the Cambodian government has introduced several guided excursions into the heart of Cambodian Cardamom forests, which enable outsiders to get a unique view of this country, and provide gainful employment to the locals. On these trips, the intrepid traveler will trek through tropical trees, braving the damp and leeches, to encounter every type and size of fauna – the wood spider, the rhino, the boar, and of course, the Asiatic elephant. On the way, trekkers will view occasional roaring waterfalls and picturesque bamboo huts at the forest fringes, while enjoying meals typical of the region – traditional rice and meat wrapped in bamboo leaves.
Cycle tours- If the quirks of nature are not your cup of tea another great Cambodian adventure outdoors is a cycling tour across the country. An activity geared to the entire family and individuals of all ages, this is a wonderful way of experiencing the untainted beauty of rural Cambodia, joining in with other cyclers and, staying at local taverns en route. As well, you’ll have the chance to see Cambodian artisans at work and acquire hand-made handicrafts and textile typical of the region as you travel along the countryside
Rafting and mountain biking – are popular on the mountainous northwest Cambodian regions and the Mekong River. Biking up the hillsides or rafting in the steamy streams are part and parcel of activities that go hand in hand in this region in an area unlike any found in the west.
After strenuous activity and adventure, birdwatchers will appreciate the Prek Toa Bird Sanctuary on the banks of Tonle Sap Lake, and home to large waterbirds and fowl. Kratie River is great place for rest and relaxation, as well as the place to spot the Irrawady Dolphins. Additionally, Cambodian beaches offer plenty of leisure activities to end a great adventure travel holiday in Cambodia.