Wild animals you need to see in Cambodia

If you are planning your Cambodia tour package in the mountainous regions, you will see the wide range of beautiful mammals, birds and reptiles in this area.

Cambodia is home to an incredible collection of wildlife. As for this, there are many sanctuaries and projects helping the survival of rare and endangered animals within Cambodia. There are many activities and sights to see on magnificent variety of the Cambodia trekking tour.

1. Irrawaddy Dolphin

Kratie is located 200km west of Mondulkiri on the banks of the Mekong River. The main reason for a visit to Kratie is to spot the elusive Irrawaddy Dolphin. They are an endangered species throughout Asia, with shrinking numbers inhabiting stretches of the Mekong in Cambodia and Laos, and isolated pockets in Bangladesh and Myanmar. They are dark-blue to grey, can grow to 2.75m long, and are recognisable by their small dorsal fins and bulging foreheads. Despite drastic measures to try and protect them, these numbers continue to plummet, and experts now estimate there are only around 80 Irrawaddy dolphins left in the Mekong between Kratie and the border with Laos.

The Mekong River Irrawaddy dolphin (Orcaella brevirostris) population inhabits a 190km stretch of the Mekong River between Cambodia and Lao PDR. The latest population is estimated between 64 and 76 members (2008 figures). The Irrawaddy dolphin is identified by a bulging forehead, a short beak, and 12-19 teeth on each side of each jaw. The pectoral fin is broadly triangular. There is a small dorsal fin, on the posterior end of the back.

2. Banteng

The banteng (Bos javanicus javanicus) is also known as the tembadau and is a species of wild cattle found in southeast Asia; They are social creatures that spend most of their time in herds of between 2 and 40 individuals, usually led by an older cow and a single mature male. Other males live either alone or in bachelor groups. This single male of the group breeds with all the females which means that competition for dominance is fierce. Usually a single calf is born after a 285 day gestation, they are then weaned at between six to nine months old.

They are found throughout southeast Asia including Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam. They prefer to live in dry deciduous forests, feeding in open clearings.

Considered to be one of the most beautiful and graceful of all wild cattle in Cambodia, banteng populations  declined by about 95 percent between the late 1960s and early 1990s, according to WWF Cambodia. Today, the Eastern Plains of Cambodia is home to the most banteng, where work to preserve them has led to the population’s stabilisation. However, habitat loss and illegal poaching remain the animals’ main threats, as well as disease from wild livestock.

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3. Clouded Leopard

The Leopard Cat is a small wild cat in the size of the domestic cat that lives in South and East Asia. Due to its large distribution area, several subspecies are distinguished that may exist in different kind of habitats. The overall population is not endangered, but regionally the species has become rare.

This beautiful wild cat inhabits lowland primary and secondary forest. It is mainly nocturnal in habits, but may be active during cooler parts of the day. The Clouded Leopard is considered to be 'the smallest of the big cats' more closely related to larger species such as the true Leopard and Tiger than smaller species, such as the Leopard Cat .

They can also be seen at Wildlife Alliance’s Phnom Tamao Rescue Center, on the outskirts of Phnom Penh, where animals are rescued from the clutches of illegal trade and poaching, and rehabilitated before being released into their natural habitat. The clouded leopard is under threat due to wildlife hunting and loss of habitat.

4. Germain’s Silver Langur

The Germain’s langur has a grey coat and black hands and forearms. It’s face is black as well, and because of the high eyebrow-ridge, the monkey has a permanently surprised look on its face. Now there are a lot of leaf-eating Asian primates that look alike the Germain’s langur, but the feature that makes this monkey stand out are the long white whiskers that form a triangle around its face.

These slender monkeys inhabit semi-evergreen and evergreen forest, as well as forests along rivers. The adults are silvery grey and their young are a distinctive ginger. Langurs are still relatively common in Cambodia, with many centred in Mondulkiri’s Eastern Plains. Despite still being spotted, WWF Cambodia estimates that the population has halved in recent years, thanks to hunting and their use in traditional medicine.

==<> day tour in Siem Riep Cambodia

5. Sun Bear

Cambodia is home to the largest population of sun bears left in the wild. As the world’s smallest bear species, they are now facing a high risk of extinction due to the twin threat of habitat loss and illegal hunting. They are called Sun bears, or honey bears, named after their long slender tongue used to extract honey from beehives.These are the world’s smallest bear species. They are easily recognisable by a horseshoe-shaped yellow marking on their chest.

Sun Bears have dark black or brown-black fur with a orange-yellow horseshoe shape in the chest characteristic of this species. They fur is short and sleek to adapt to the hot temperatures of the lowland it inhabits. Some of the regions where the Sun Bear lives include Cambodia, Malaysia, Burma, and Bangladesh, reaching some parts of northeast India. Small numbers of them also live in Vietnam, Borneo and China. Their habitat ranges has been drastically reduced due to the destruction of the forest areas.

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Koh Rong island – a heaven of Cambodia

Move to the south of Cambodia and just 25km from Sihanoukville, travelers will immerse in
the sublime natural beauty and serenity of Koh Rong, one of the most idyllic and beautiful
islands in Cambodia.

Koh Rong has so much to offer, from 43 kilometres of impossibly gorgeous, pristine beach
front, along seven bays, all teeming with corals, marine life and fluorescent plankton, as well
as dense forests covering much of the 78 square-kilometre interior. There are seven bays on
Koh Rong and 28 beaches. Because this island is so big, traveling from one beach to another
beach is not easy and can be quite expensive.

Currently, the rapid development has mostly affected this stretch of yellow-white and
southeast-facing sand. However,  cambodia myanmar holidays you still feel the tranquil and fresh atmosphere here. You
can spend all day long here soaking up some sunshine on the beach, wallow in the sparkling
and turquoise waters, taking part in some water activities and watching the sun set over the
beach.

Wake up in the morning you will feel to live in paradise with white sand, long beach, many
fishes and coral, and all inside the island, the real jungle. Also in the water every night you
can see the luminous trails the phytoplankton. It is so amazing.

It is worth to note that there is notelectricity in the island, but only current generator that give
current more and less from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. There are also no roads, but only beaten tracks,
you can walk into the amazing jungle or reach the beach you prefer, by foot or by boat.

Koh Rong can be reached by a ferry ride from Sihanoukville. You can take a ferry
boat leaving Ochheuteal pier in Sihanoukville and heading to Koh Touch on Koh
Rong. It takes about 40 minutes. The tickets are around $20 return, though prices
can vary depending on time of year, special offers, etc. You can spend one night or
two to explore this beautiful island with many stunning beaches below.

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1. Long Set Beach

With 4-kilometer coastline and long white sand beach, Long Set is an ideal place for
sunbathing, collecting shells and crabbing. . It’s named after the farmer who grows cashew,
mango, and coconut trees behind the beach on land bisected by a river and surrounded by
lush jungle.

Here you also have a chance to explore the marine life and rich coral under the sea with some
water activities like snorkeling and diving in Cambodia. And, if you really want to see
something special, hang around until nightfall; an evening dip in moonlight unveils a host of
bio-luminescent plankton twinkling like an underwater Milky Way. From Sihanoukville, you
can catch a boat riding to Koh Rong, heading to Long Set beach and taking 2 to 3 hours.

==> Angkor Wat travel package 

2. Long Beach

Long Beach (known as Sok San and 7km Beach) is one of the most popular beaches on Koh
Rong - an island off Sihanoukville that boasts miles of scenic coastline and pristine beaches.
With its perfect white sand beaches, swaying palm trees, and clear blue-green waters, this
beach is actually a tropical paradise, albeit one with biting sandflies.

It is a beautiful and uncrowded place to enjoy the water or go snorkeling to spot busy marine
life and a rich variety of flora and fauna, jump in a kayak to glide through some of the more
remote areas. At night, you can immerse in the bright lights of the beach party for the
underwater luminous glow of plankton when it is disturbed, which is a spectacular reason to
visit after sunset.

==> siem reap to phnom penh cruise 

3. Coconut Beach

Coconut beach is one of the sweetest beaches on the southwestern side of Koh Rong with
white sand beaches and aquamarine water. There are a handful of places to stay on Coconut
Beach, including one of the swishest options on the island, Koh Rong Resort. Coconut Beach
(originally called Ow Long Sour in Khmer) is quickly being developed with the famous
Coconut Beach Bungalows. They wind around the hill to the left of the beach, with great
views across the bay and out to sea. It’s just a 10-minute walk from nearby Daem Thkov
Village.

( cambodia tours)

The most fascinating towns in Cambodia you must visit [Part 2]

If you are bored with the natural sights of Thailand or Vietnam, Cambodia is definitely a perfect choice for exploring the culture and natural beauty in here.

While the larger cities are rapidly modernizing, the towns are more quiet and it also comprises many interesting things that hasn’t been discovered. This Cambodia travel destination brings you a chance to experience a more traditional way of life, including treks into the jungle or to see more fascinating ancient ruins.

6. Tonle Sap

Tonle Sap is Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake. Also called Boeung Tonle Sap, it hosts one of the world’s most vibrant ecosystems, with massive numbers of many different species of wildlife in and around the lake, which helped to sustain and grow the ancient Khmer civilisation and continues to supply Siem Reap restaurants. It is also famous for its fascinating local communities and their floating villages.

The massive lake is as much as 250 km in length and 100 km across at its widest point, making it seem like an inland ocean because it is impossible to see the opposite shore from ground level. Surprisingly, it is actually fairly shallow, with a maximum depth of only 10 metres, but the sheer size of it means that it can hold up to 80 km3 of water.

The Tonle Sap provides numerous opportunities for visitors to travel to one of the stilted or floating villages of Cambodia and experience the vibrant communities and diverse animals that inhabit the great Cambodian lake.  Either via day trips to flooded forests and floating villages from Siem Reap, Kompong Chhnang, and Pursat or while traveling between Siem Reap and either Phnom Penh or Batdambang aboard a ferry or luxury riverboat, even a glimpse of a Cambodian floating village is an experience to remember.

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7. Siem Reap

Siem Reap, Cambodia is located on the north-eastern side of the Tonle Sap Lake and is the main access to visit Angkor Wat. This is the gateway to the temples of Angkor and also a mix of traditional and colonial architecture set on the banks of the Siem Reap River. This once sleepy-town has seen a huge increase in the number of visitors keen to discover the temples, and its centre is a daily (and nightly) throng of activity.

The modern town is like nowhere else in Cambodia, packed with wall-to-wall hotels, restaurants, bars, boutiques, tour operators and massage parlours; its streets thronged day and night with tourists, touts and tuk-tuk drivers in a giddy bedlam of incessant activity, with endless quantities of hot food and cheap beer, and a nonstop party atmosphere.


8. Chi Phat

Chi Phat is located in Koh Kong province, which is in the Southwest of Cambodia. Chi Phat is mainland South East Asia’s largest remaining tract of rainforest situated directly in the heart of the Cardamom Mountains. Life is very simple with few facilities and pristine nature. There, you can cycle, kayak, trek, and mingle with residents alike. These intrepid travelers, who are avid to stay in a village where the villagers themselves protect the environment, control tourism and act as guides, will find it an ideal place.

The natural beauty of this area is unsoiled and you can enjoy many active pursuits in the great outdoors including cycling and kayaking. It is also a good place to come to see how traditional rural communities live in Cambodia. With mountains, mangroves and low land swamps on the one hand and many cultural artifacts such as burial jars and wooden coffins on the other hand, Chi Phat and its surrounding area has a variety of attractions to offer both to local and international tourists. Tourists can take a walk through the forest trails and meet warm and friendly village people.

==> Tour from siem reap to phnom penh

9. Battambang

Battambang province lies in the far western region of Cambodia; it’s bounded to the west by Thailand, the south by the Cardamom mountains, the east by Tonle Sap lake and Pursat, and to the north by Banteay Meanchey province. While Phnom Penh is eaten by traffic and Siem Reap is defined by the pressures of mass tourism, Battambang thrives on its own terms. It is an affluent town, the center of the "rice bowl" of Cambodia. While it is increasing in popularity, it is still a wonderful place to see the real Cambodia.

This colonial riverside town is a popular destination for those who want to unwind and take in the beauty of nature and rural daily life, while experiencing the best of artsy boutique hotels, original restaurants and quirky cafés. A very relaxed place to visit Battambang offers access to numerous pre-Angkorian and Angkorian sites and some of the most interesting are the 7th century Wat Toul Baset, 11th century Wat Ek and 10th century Phnom Banon which sits on the top of a hill and affords great views of the surrounding countryside.

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10. Kep

Kep was  once Cambodia’s most popular beach vacation for the colonial French elite and wealthy Khmer. Today the town feels like a backpacker’s heaven that has just about turn over. It’s a quieter and more authentic alternative to Cambodia’s other popular seaside holiday destination, Sihanoukville, to the west, which has a casino-on-the-beach atmosphere.

Unlike the white sand beaches in Sihanoukville, here it is black rocks and mangroves which dominate the beach scenery.  Seafood is tasty and cheap, and the pristine island of Koh Tunsay is easily accessible. There isn’t much to do in Kep except lounge around Knai Bang Chatt, the top hotel in the area; hike or bike in Kep National Park; go to the crab market; or watch the sun set over Vietnam, which is 12 miles away.

==> Source: https://cambodiatours.com/

28 Things you absolutely must know before you visit Cambodia-part 4

22. It gets very, very hot and humid

Like, really, really humid. There were some days where I felt like my face would melt off, join the puddle inside my t-shirt and form a waterfall. I come from a hot climate, but it’s the thick, dank humidity that’ll get you in Cambodia Tours . So, make sure you get up and get exploring early to avoid the hottest part of the day. Drink lots of water, wear sunscreen, avoid the midday sun and wear very light, breathable clothing.

23. It’s very safe in Siem Reap

I found Siem Reap to be a super nice, safe place. I’d say because it’s much smaller than Phnom Penh and there seemed to be more tourists, so it has a bit of a ‘tourist town’ thing going on. The locals depend on tourism to make money, so they look out for them a bit more I guess. Either way, it was very safe for us to get around on foot, even at night. Just be aware of scammers, but bag snatchers and pick-pockets didn’t appear to be an issue in Siem Reap.

 28 Things you absolutely must know before you visit Cambodia  28 Things you absolutely must know before you visit Cambodia
24. Take tissues and hand sanitiser with you everywhere

When you use the toilet, there’s no guarantee of there being toilet paper or a basin with soap. Be prepared. Stay alive.

25. The mosquitos are very hungry

For real though, there are some insanely hungry mosquitos in Cambodia. While I didn’t get bitten once, my travel mates were absolutely ravaged. Pack some heavy duty bug spray and use it liberally and regularly. Dengue is the real deal! Avoid at all costs. #

==> trip in cambodia 

26. Visit temples early in the day

Avoid the crowds by visiting temples earlier in the day, this is particularly important for things like the Grand Palace. Go at opening time! In regards to Angkor Wat, it’s crowded all the time, more so at sunrise and sunset, so I guess you should just go there whenever you can.

 27. They really do eat bugs and spiders

I thought this was just a tourist thing, but I asked my local guide about it and he said they really do eat all those weird things you see around town. Spiders, crickets, snakes. The works! Just be aware, if you try to take a photo of these things at Pub Street, you’ll need to pay the vendor.

 ==> siem reap to phnom penh cruise 

28. You’ll fall in love with the people

Just be prepared…. Cambodians are dang gorgeous. They’re a people who have suffered unspeakable amounts of horror and pain throughout their history and yet, when you meet them and see them on the street, they’ll greet you with love and respect. Little kids will wave and smile at you, their mums will welcome you warmly and their dads will treat you with nothing but the upmost respect. I LOVE the Cambodian people. They have the best smiles in Asia! So, be prepared to fall in love with them, because they’re amazing and they’re a huge part of what makes Cambodia so special.

For more information, please visit  https://cambodiatours.com/cambodia-tours.html

5 Curiosities of Southeast Asia

Things that amaze you from the beginning, details that make a difference from what you know. Curiosities that grab your attention.

1) No matter how early you wake up, there will be always people in the streets. ALWAYS. People that go to work, some that live in the streets or a few that have set their stands in order to start selling any kind of product.

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DSCF2037In most of the countries I visited in Asia people start to wake up around 5 am. Heavy traffic, slow transportations and early sunrise are factors that indeed contribute to this fact. Remember Southeast Asia is the crowdest place on earth!

2) You will be asked personal questions all the time (get used to it, ladies!) I was asked hundreds of times if I was married or if I had kids as the first question in a conversation. It became so normal to me that at some point I didn’t feel intimidated.

3) Locals will want to take pictures with you probably as much (or more) as you want with/of them.

Curiosidades culturales en Vietnam - Cultural curiosities in Vietnam
Vietnamese guys that followed me to take a picture in every corner
Thai smily people
Smiley Thai girls in the Shutdown in February 2014, Bangkok.
4) Street food is vital, essential and delicious!

Food stand in Hanoi
When I was in Da Nang my cousin and me were even randomly invited to a Vietnamese picnic! It was so unexpected and nice!

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Or you will even find some delicious food on boats!

Street food in Hanoi
These fried ‘things’ (sorry I forgot the name) I ate them both in Thailand and in Vietnam. In Thailand I ate it with sweet things and in Vietnam with a hot sauce. It reminded me a bit of churros, a Spanish delicious dessert which consists of fried flour and something else that we normally eat with hot chocolate. Yummy! =)

Bo bia ngot is a Hanoi snack made out of two very thin pancakes with a sheet of honeycomb on top. Not only that but it’s sprinkled with desiccated coconut and sesame seeds!

It’s really, really good! What appears on the picture is the small stand that you will find in the streets of Hanoi. Their owners carry them in their bikes (like almost anything else in Vietnam :P)

Bread in Vietnam
Bread vendor in Vietnam. Vietnam has a big influence from the French occupancy that lasted for some years. It’s the Asian country where I saw a bigger consumption of this product (normally in the neighboring countries they eat rice instead of bread)
5) Chaos is in the end, the only order you will find in Asia. Of course it depends on the country you visit but the tendency is to find cities a bit chaotic.

==> cambodia laos visit

For more information, please visit https://cambodiatours.com/ 

28 Things you absolutely must know before you visit Cambodia( part 1)

Planning your first trip to Cambodia ? Well, my friend, you are in for a real treat. Cambodia is an absolutely beautiful country, home to stunning scenery, beautiful beaches, incredible history and some of the most lovely locals you could hope to meet anywhere. If this is your first time, there are a few essential pieces of information you need to know. Luckily, I’ve pulled them together for you into one super convenient blog post. Woohoo! So, here are 28 things you absolutely, most definitely, really need to know before you visit Cambodia.

1. Don’t buy from local children or give them money or food

With their beautiful little faces, it can be very hard to resist buying trinkets from local children. You’ll find them begging in the streets or selling goods outside temples. Please, don’t give them money or food and don’t buy from them. It may sound harsh, but hear me out. When they get food or money from you, it devalues an education. Rather than going to school, they and their parents may see it as more viable for them to continue working over tourists.  The Cambodian Government agrees and openly and actively encourages tourists who want to do good to donate to local schools and charity organisations instead. Read more about it here.

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2. You’ll need a mix of currencies

It’s time to get Riel. No, that’s not a type-o, Riel is the official currency of Cambodia. That said, the currency you’ll want to take with you is US Dollars. For anything that costs more than $1, you’ll be paying in US Dollars. For any change less than $1, you’ll be given Riel. When you withdraw money from a local ATM in Cambodia, it’ll come out in US Dollars or, in some cases, give you the option to choose US or Riel. Always choose US, it’s widely accepted and easier to understand when you’re converting things. Also, you’ll have FAR fewer notes in your wallet, much easier all around.

3. They’re funny about the bills though…

If you get a note with a rip or tear in it, they won’t accept it. Like, flat-out, hardcore no. It’s actually kinda shocking when it first happens to you. They also don’t like ‘old’ bills. I bought a book at the airport and the guy refused to take my $5US bill because it was ‘an old bill’…. Mostly though, if you dig in and are calm but confident and state you have no other bills to pay with, they will take it. Save yourself the hassle though, make sure all your bills are pristine.

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4. A little Khmer goes a long way

Khmer is the name of the Cambodia language. It goes a long way to learn a few basic phrases, so please do! Here are a few that are super easy to learn and you can use them every day:

28 Things you absolutely must know before you visit Cambodia - part 3

11. Prepare for some questionable toilets

Before your departure date, do some extra squats to build up the strength required to hover ya big white butt above a toilet seat. We visited some very questionable toilets in Cambodia, mostly so because they are public toilets used by thousands of tourists each day. Seriously, they’re gross. Closed-in shoes will go a long way.

12. English is widely spoken

If you don’t speak Khmer, don’t worry! English is widely spoken in Cambodia and, honestly, some of the locals speak English far better than I do. You’ll have no trouble getting around town, ordering food or communicating with local vendors.

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13. You need to be mindful around Monks

In Cambodian culture, Monks are revered and respected. It’s essential you treat them with the same level of respect. Women, in particular, need to be mindful around Monks. Please do not touch them or sit too close to them. Also, you should always ask before taking a photo of a Monk.

14. Bag snatching in Phnom Penh is a very real thing

This is a very real danger, so pay close attention! Do not get around town with all your valuables in your backpack, hanging off ya shoulder like ya back in high-school. Any valuables you cannot afford to lose, like a passport, need to be kept in the safe at your hotel. When you go out, put your backpack on and do up any straps you can around your middle. Make sure your zips are secure. In crowded places, put your backpack to the front of your body. There are a lot of instances where, even in the back of a Tuk Tuk, a local thug runs up and rips your bag off you, jumps on the back of a scooter and is off before you can react.

I’m not trying to scare you, but if you take the right precautions, you minimise this risk significantly. Similarly, don’t stand on the side of the street with ya phone and wallet in your hand. Put these things out of sight. This threat is real enough that locals and Tuk Tuk drivers all warned me several times, making me strap my day pack to myself and rolling down the shades in the Tuk Tuk so I was less visible to would-be thieves. Be alert, not alarmed okay!

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15. You may need sunglasses and a face mask

But only if you plan on attending a Michael Jackson costume party. Just Joking. But in all seriousness, you may need both items. When you’re whizzing through Phnom Penh and Siem Reap in the back of a Tuk Tuk, in the city areas, there’s a LOT of pollution, dust and grit. It tends to go in your eyes, nose and mouth. Embarrassing as it is, if you have allergies or asthma, you may need to use a face mask. The sunglasses will keep the grit out of your eyes.

16. It’s cheap and easy to get a SIM card

When you arrive at the airport, you’ll find a few vendors outside selling SIM cards. It should cost around $3US for 2GB of data, to be used over 7 days. It’s easy to get one, so you may as well. It means you can look up good restaurants while you’re out and about use Google Maps if you get lost. Just remember, as above, don’t go waving your phone around on the streets of Phnom Penh.

17. You’ll need a few ‘temple’ outfits

When visiting Angkor Wat and the Grand Palace, for example, you’ll need to cover up. This means shoulders and knees covered, no deep-plunging necklines, no midriff tops. Cover it up, you guys, keep it respectful. It’s important to note, scarves won’t cut it. So your best bet is to pack two temple-appropriate outfits. Pants or a skirt that goes below the knees and a couple of t-shirts.

18. If you visit Siem Reap, you’ll need a temple pass

You can’t just roll up to Angkor Wat and stroll on in, same with other temples around the place. You’ll need to get a temple pass sorted out, also known as an Angkor Pass. You can buy it from a processing centre, located on the road to Angkor Wat. They’re sold in one-day ($20), three-day ($40) and seven-day ($60) blocks that must be used on consecutive days. They’ll take your photo at the place then issue you with your pass. Keep it on you at ALL times and be careful with it because you’ll need to re-purchase if you lose it boo!

19. The internet ain’t great

Before anyone gets their knickers in a knot and reminds me holidays are for holiday-ing, not wifi-ing, it’s important to remember I work online and when I travel I’m always working, so I am somewhat of an interest connoisseur. I found the wifi in Cambodia to be pretty poor and not the best for working. So, if you’re in the same boat as me, just prepare for that in advance. I had to take a week off from posting on the blog because I just couldn’t get good enough wifi for all my wheelings and dealings.

==> siem reap adventure tours 

20. You may need an umbrella

Rain aside, the sun has got some serious bite to it. I’d recommend popping a small umbrella in your daypack, it’ll shade you from the scorching heat at places like Angkor Wat but also save you from those mid-afternoon storms in rainy season.

21. The high season is November to March

It sure is! This is when Cambodia’s weather is on fleek. It’s cooler than the rest of the year, slightly, but offers lots of gorgeous sunny days for you to explore, swim and sweat like a good tourist should. Given it’s the high season, you’ll want to make sure you pre-plan your accommodation so you don’t find yourself without a place to crash.

For more information, please visit https://cambodiatours.com/tips/news/118-5-most-interesting-day-tours-in-siem-reap.html

28 Things you absolutely must know before you visit Cambodia -part 2

5. Don’t ride the elephants

You will see elephant rides being offered, with huge swarms of tourists gathered around waiting their turn. Don’t do it,  cambodia tours no matter how much you want to, don’t do it. Those animals suffer unbelievably and contributing to the demand is unacceptable. Young elephants are torn away from their mothers, kept in confinement and tortured to break their spirit and make them appropriate to be ridden. It is disgusting. The way elephants are ‘broken in’ for tourists to ride is truly horrific. I cannot convey this strongly enough, please, do not ride them. Education is the key here, so learn about why it’s not okay and then share it with others so they can learn the truth about this horrible industry for themselves. Want to see what really goes on? Watch this.

6. You can’t drink the tap water

Unless, of course, you want to have a very very upset stomach, be able to poop through the eye of a needle and potentially die. But, it’s your call. Instead, buy big bottles of water from the supermarket or mini-mart and carry them around with you. I suggest the big bottles because it’s a better choice environmentally to purchase fewer bottles (i.e. buying a small bottle every hour is bad).

7. Tuk Tuk is the way to get around

The easiest and most enjoyable way to get yourself around town is in the back of a Tuk Tuk! As soon as you step on the street you’ll have local guys yelling out to you, offering you a lift. I found it to be safe, fun and easy to get around this way. Be sure to negotiate the price before you get in though. It should cost around $1US  per person for a trip that takes around 5 minutes. The price goes up from there. I found Tuk Tuks more expensive in Phnom Penh than they are in Siem Reap. Don’t be afraid to barter with the guy. Pro tip: Always carry the business card for your hotel on you, so you can show your Tuk Tuk driver the exact address.

==> Cambodia holiday tour 

8. Beware of the food scam

Everyone’s got a hustle and you’ll find them alive and well on the streets of Siem Reap and Phnom Penh. One popular scam involves a hot meal. I had a beautiful young-ish girl approach me in Siem Reap, a small, suspiciously sleepy baby in her arms. She told me she didn’t want money, that she was starving and needed a meal, she then pointed to a restaurant. Seems reasonable, right? Home-girl just needs a feed. NO, you fool! Wake up to yourself! It’s a trap! If you say yes, you’ll go to that restaurant and be hit with a massive bill at the end and, being in a foreign country, have no choice but to pay it out of fear. The restaurant and girl split the profits.

9. Beware of the baby milk scam

Yeah, there’s another popular scam! You’ll be approached by a woman with a baby, she’ll tell you she doesn’t need money, just formula for her suspiciously docile baby. You’ll be taken to a suspiciously close mini-mart, pay $20 – $30US for a tin of formula then leave feeling like you should be part of the UN, you’re such a humanitarian! What really happens is the girl returns the tin and the profits are split between the store owner and the girl. The very real danger with both these scams is they are both allegedly overseen by organised crime in Cambodia. Please, please, please be aware of scams. They do happen and you need to be prepared to say no and walk away calmly. (Read more about the baby milk scam in this awesome blog post).

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10. You’ll need a visa

To enter Cambodia, you’ll need a Visa. You can do that before you go or sort it out when you arrive, which costs $30US per person for a tourist Visa and takes around 5-10 minutes to get sorted (if the queue is empty). If you do plan to get your Visa on arrival, make sure you have a spare passport photo with you, they’ll need it to issue your Visa. Some countries in ASEAN do not need a visa.

For more information, please visit https://cambodiatours.com/

Best Time to Visit Asia Pacific Countries

Every destination has its season. Bad weather, monsoon, heat wave and freezing days can ruin a vacation. But worry no more, you can now use this cheat sheet to plan a hassle-free vacation around Asia Pacific for any times of the year!

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April-September period sees the least amount of rain in this region.
The only exception is the west coast of Malaysia (most prominently Penang and Langkawi), which sees less rain around November-March.
Best Time to Visit Indochina & Rest of Southeast Asia:
Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar, Vietnam, Laos, Philippines

November-February is a good time to head slightly north to Indochina, when the weather is relatively “cooler” than usual and there are less rainy days to be expected.
Best Time to Visit North Asia:
Japan, South Korea, North Korea, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Mongolia

Generally, spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) is the best time to visit this region, with colorful flowers or red leaves decorating the landscape. Summer tends to be humid and monsoonal, while dinner can get a little too cold with less activities here.
However, places like Hokkaido and Harbin are bustling with activities during the winter month of December-February.
Mongolia can only be visited during the summer months of June-September, as otherwise most of the attractions will be below freezing at other times of the year!
Best Time to Visit Australia & New Zealand

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September-March is ideal for warm, sunny days with clear blue skies, which complement the picturesque beauty of this region best.
However, the tropical north and some parts of western Australia (most notably Uluru, Kakadu, Great Barrier Reef) is best visited during the drier winter months of May-August. Gentler tidal during this season is also conducive for snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef and surrounding areas.
The unique phenomenon of Christmas Island’s red crab migration may vary between years, but it is usually expected to occur between October-December.
Best Time to Visit the Pacific Islands:
Papua New Guinea, Fiji, etc.

June-September is dry season for most of the Pacific Islands. Otherwise, temperature is pleasant all year round.
Best Time to Visit the Himalayas:
Nepal, Bhutan, Northern Pakistan

Generally, spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) is the best time to visit this mountainous region, which is otherwise too cold during winter or too rainy during summer.
Exception applies for Pakistan, where traveling is highly affected by snow condition along its Northern mountain ranges. As such, May-October is the ideal time to explore Northern Pakistan once the snows have completely melted.
Best Time to Visit the Rest of South Asia:
India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Southern Pakistan

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Summer can be burning hot in South Asia, not to mention endless raining. The cooler and drier November-March period is a much more acceptable time to explore this region.
The Kashmir region, with prominent Himalayan mountain features, is an exception. March-June is the best time to visit Kashmir, right after the cold winter days are gone but just before the monsoonal summer starts.

Some parts of Sri Lanka along its northern and eastern side (including the Cultural Triangle) is affected by a slightly different monsoonal pattern, with April-September being the drier period.
Feel free to share this infographic with your friends and families. If you find this guide useful, like our Facebook page to receive more useful tips and Best Time to Visit Europe/Africa/Rest of the World/etc. in the future!

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private tours vietnam and cambodia- Cambodia’s gondola-like train

Cambodia’s gondola-like train is a monument to human ingenuity in a time of necessity and to entrepreneurship in a time of tourism.
The motor choked twice, then issued a full-throated roar. Our driver Vanny’s relief showed around the edges of his constant smile. He  private tours vietnam and cambodia steered us away from O Dambong Station with its roaming poultry and lounging drivers. We moved faster until the air was an oven blast of hot wind; banana trees and coconut palms became a green blur. We sailed above the warping railroad tracks, slowing to cross ramshackle bridges. Kids reached out for high-fives as we passed.

We were on Cambodia’s Bamboo Train: a monument to human ingenuity in a time of necessity and to entrepreneurship in a time of tourism. And we were possibly among its final passengers. The bamboo train’s prophesied demise has become like the story of Bigfoot – famous, unverifiable, and to cynics, improbable. It has circulated since 2006, when a project was unveiled to restore Cambodia’s rail system.
The bamboo train’s prophesied demise has become like the story of Bigfoot.
Years of delay followed, caused by budget issues and a controversial resettlement programme. The country’s southern line from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville was completed in 2013. But international funding waned, and many believed that plans for the northern line, where the Bamboo Train runs, would be quietly shelved.
“Can we go further?” I asked as we pulled into O Sra Lau Station, the turn-around for our ride. Our driver, Vanny, never stopped smiling, cruise phnom penh to siem reap  even to deliver bad news. The next stretch of track was too decrepit for our bamboo cart to handle. But he suggested a bright side: there was Coca Cola at O Sra Lau.

Cambodia’s national railroad was abandoned in the 1970s during the civil war and infamous Khmer Rouge years. Trains started running again in the 1980s, but persistent guerrilla fighting left the country’s infrastructure in ruins. Local roads were deplorable, and many communities became isolated as train service diminished and finally died.
The Bamboo Train was a grassroots solution. Wooden platforms, called norries, were built from materials on hand and driven down the overgrown rail tracks using poles, like gondolas. They carried everything: people, produce, goods for trade. Engines were added in the 1990s, powering the carts with a rubber belt around the back axle.
But norries have been dying a natural death. While roads have improved, the train tracks continue to decay. Now Cambodia’s highways are crammed with motorbikes and cars, and all that’s left of the Bamboo Train is a 7km scrap of track outside the city of Battambang. It is maintained as a carnival ride for tourists; a piece of history still struggling for relevance.
Cambodia’s national railroad was abandoned in the 1970s during the civil war and infamous Khmer Rouge years. Trains started running again in the 1980s, but persistent guerrilla fighting left the country’s infrastructure in ruins. Local roads were deplorable, and many communities became isolated as train service diminished and finally died.
The Bamboo Train was a grassroots solution. Wooden platforms, called norries, were built from materials on hand and driven down the overgrown rail tracks using poles, like gondolas. They carried everything: people, produce, goods for trade. Engines were added in the 1990s, powering the carts with a rubber belt around the back axle.
But norries have been dying a natural death. While roads have improved, the train tracks continue to decay. Now Cambodia’s highways are crammed with motorbikes and cars, and all that’s left of the Bamboo Train is a 7km scrap of track outside the city of Battambang. It is maintained as a carnival ride for tourists; a piece of history still struggling for relevance.
Travellers catch the Bamboo Train at O Dambong Station (Credit: Credit: Samuel Bergstrom)
Travellers catch the Bamboo Train at O Dambong Station (Credit: Samuel Bergstrom)
The ruined platform of O Sra Lau Station was covered with makeshift stands selling cold drinks and elephant-print trousers. We sat with Darren and Paul, travellers from Glasgow. They’d visited Cambodia before, but this was their first time on the Bamboo Train. Instead of sitting on the cushions, they decided to ride face-first on their stomachs. Norries skim the broken tracks at 30kmph. The tooth-chomping bumps can be exhilarating.
“Probably not safe,” Darren said judiciously, “but pretty cool.”
They finished their drinks and returned to their norry. We watched them bodyboard past, inches off the bucking rails.
The Bamboo Train flies by (Credit: Credit: Hakbong Kwon/Alamy)
The Bamboo Train flies by (Credit: Hakbong Kwon/Alamy)
The Bamboo Train elicits mixed feelings among travellers. It’s a tourist draw, but that doesn’t necessarily undermine the ride. On the way back to O Dambong, the start and end point of the route, we encountered a norry coming toward us on the single track. A quick head count – four on our cart, five on theirs – and we climbed off to let them through. Vanny moved our bamboo platform off the rails, then dropped the wheels and axels in the grass beside it.
When the other cart had rolled past, the driver hopped off to help Vanny rebuild our norry. While we waited, we chatted with the delighted Slovenian passengers. They loved the views, the jolts, even the relentless sun.
“This is crazy!” one woman yelled as they revved away.
Placing the norry (Credit: Credit: Samuel Bergstrom)
Placing the norry (Credit: Samuel Bergstrom)
Last July, the government announced plans to rebuild the national rail’s 386km northern line between Phnom Penh and the Thai border. According to Sok-Tharath Chreung, deputy director of the railway department, the first priority is to restore service from the border to Sisophon, the nearest station to Angkor Wat. After that, plans call for rejuvenating the rest of the line.
The Bamboo Train will end whenever the workmen reach O Dambong Station. The vendors around O Sra Lau and O Dambong won’t just lose their customers but probably their stands – a 3.5m corridor must be cleared on either side of the track. No one can give an exact date, but it won’t be long: Chreung expects to have freight trains rolling by 2017.
A refreshment stand at O Sra Lau (Credit: Credit: Samuel Bergstrom)
A refreshment stand at O Sra Lau (Credit: Samuel Bergstrom)
At O Dambong, we met Visal Daid, who builds norries and drives them when business is slow. He took us through the process, from assembling the frame to cutting bamboo slats for the seating platform. Finished norries, day tour in Siem Riep Cambodia  including the engine and wheels, can cost up to 1,600,000 riel – several months salary for the average driver – though the engine can also be used to power sidelines, like a sugar cane juicer.

I asked Daid if he was worried business will flag after the Bamboo Train closes. He shrugged; there’s always work for carpenters.
Visal Daid makes norries by hand (Credit: Credit: Samuel Bergstrom)
Visal Daid makes norries by hand (Credit: Samuel Bergstrom)
But most drivers don’t have another trade. Vanny offered to show us his home. It was just off the tracks near O Dambong Station, a tarp and bamboo extension off a relative’s house. He’s been a norry driver for 10 years, and when the Bamboo Train stops he’ll look for work elsewhere, maybe in Thailand.
A group of drivers have petitioned the local government to keep the Bamboo Train alive. Sinnara Mak, deputy director of Battambang’s tourism department, thinks that’s unlikely. When the track is fully restored, trains will run at 50kmph. Having norries on the same track would be dangerous, to say the least. Mak told me some private companies are looking to move the Bamboo Train to its own 15km-long track. But he warned not to count on it: a specialised track would be very expensive, and the land would have to be purchased from farmers.
For the moment, the Bamboo Train will continue to carry travellers on the clattery journey from O Dambong to O Sra Lau. It will ride the rails right up until it stops.
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Cycle the Angkor Temples -phnom penh to siem reap tour

The first temple we visit is the amazing Angkor Wat. We then cycle the main circuit road and just as we enter Angkor Thom, we leave the road and spend the rest of the day on charming, quiet trails through these majestic structures. We visit The Bayon, famous for its serene faces and The Elephant Terrace while our lunch is prepared.  After lunch we visit Tha Prom, known commonly as the jungle temple, with tree roots attempting to reclaim the ruins. From  Cambodia holiday tour here we ride a red dirt road and then some great small tracks back to town. You can expect to return to town around 4:30 pm.

1. Riding with Clipless MTB pedals and shoes

Riding with clipless pedals (shoes attached), can increase your efficiency, power, control and comfort on the bike which is great for touring, but it's very important to choose the right combination of pedal and shoe. Mountain bike specific pedals (like SPD, Crank Bros) offer durability, easy entry/exit and some movement in the pedal which can ease stress on your knees on rougher terrain.

Our Guide Heang recommends riding with sun sleeves, these sleeves protect your arms from the sun and actually have a cooling effect on your arms as they wick away sweat. Saving you applying sunscreen multiple times a day.  There is nothing worse than re-applying sunscreen mid-day to then have sweat and dust stick to your arms. Cambodia has some beautiful red, hard-pack, dirt roads, although we all love to ride them, cambodia tour package  at certain times of year they can get dusty.
Favorite Tour: Angkor to the Sea

Explore the three countries, each with its own unique culture, history and traditions, that share the Indochinese Peninsula between China and India on Tauck’s most comprehensive of Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam tours. The French influence is still felt in the cities while life in the countryside, a world of rice paddies, small villages and floating markets along the banks of the Mekong River, continues on much as it did before the French arrived. Multiple-night stays in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and historic Hoi An – plus an overnight cruise on Ha Long Bay and explorations in the Mekong Delta – complete the portrait of Vietnam, then and now. From your arrival in Phnom Penh to days spent exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Angkor and its treasures, Cambodia casts its own spell.  In Laos, only welcoming tourists since the late 1990s, 49 ethnic groups put their own spin on life and living, providing a cultural richness as seen in the cuisine, the customs, the temples and the markets. These 16 days in Indochina will  siem reap adventure tours expand your horizons, deepen your insights and transform your view of the world.

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Island- hooping off Cambodia's coast- cambodia vacation packages

The picturesque islands that lie scattered across the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Thailand are some of Cambodia‘s last pristine spots.  None have paved roads, cash machines or 24-hour electricity cambodia vacation packages , but what the islands lack in amenities they more than make up for in natural beauty. Unfortunately, development is just around the corner, so you will have to move fast to get there before the laid-back atmosphere is destroyed by an influx of planned luxury resorts.
Related article: Cambodia's endangered paradise

Located two and a half hours from the mainland, the island of Koh Rong is stunning, with picture-perfect white sand beaches and placid aquamarine surf. The 78sqkm island, home to 43km of beaches, is packed with diving, snorkelling and jungle trekking opportunities. The most developed of the islands off port city Sihanoukville‘s shore, Koh Rong has more than a dozen guesthouses and bungalows, and small local restaurants serve cold beer and freshly caught seafood. The popular Monkey Island bar stays open late and has fire-dance performances every night. Paradise Bungalows, next door, offers accommodation with a laid-back vibe and a remarkably good wine selection at their bar. However, you can still find tranquil solitude in the many other parts of the island that remain almost completely untouched by development.
To the south of Koh Rong sits the island’s smaller, quieter sister, Koh Rong Samloem, dotted with beautiful, nearly empty beaches. The Dive Shop runs a boat between the two islands and has recently opened Robinson’s Bungalows – simple, inexpensive wooden cottages nestled in the jungle next to a windswept beach where the sunset paints each evening in vivid pinks and purples. In the next bay over is Lazy Beach, siem reap to vietnam  the island’s oldest resort and a perennial favourite. Its private beach, plentiful hammocks and full cocktail menu make it the perfect spot to laze away a weekend.

Off the shore of Ream National Park sits Koh Thmei, an almost uninhabited island flanked by mangrove forests. Koh Thmei Resort is the only place to stay on the island, and its peaceful, ecologically minded set up is perfect if you are looking to unwind. Solar power means the bungalows have electricity almost all day – a rarity on the islands – although there is no reason to spend much time indoors when there are beaches littered with exotic shells, a coral reef ripe for snorkelling and more than a hundred species of rare birds to observe.
Closer to Sihanoukville is Koh ta Kiev, a small island just an hour offshore with rustic accommodation and camping options. Ten 103 Treehouse Bay has simple treehouses in the jungle, which makes their homemade bread, fresh pasta and other gourmet fare all the more unexpected. Down the beach, Crusoe Island offers inexpensive beachside camping and activities such as spear fishing, squid fishing and jungle treks.
Further north is the tiny island of Koh Totang, where Nomads Land, a collection of simple, ecologically friendly bungalows, offers sunset cruises, organic meals and hammocks best situated to savour the view of the spectacular blue-green waters.

Practicalities
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Although none of these islands are more than three hours from the mainland, island-hopping off Cambodia’s coast can require patience – getting from one to the other may require going back to shore or hiring a private boat for the journey. But it is worth the effort to see some of Cambodia’s most gorgeous, untouched spots before they disappear forever.
For more information, please visit https://cambodiatours.com/
(source: bbc)