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Cambodia off the beaten track

By ACTIVETRAVEL ASIA (ATA)

Cambodia off the beaten track

06/16/2011 Mention you’re going to Cambodia and chances are you’ll end up comparing notes on the glorious temples of Angkor, among the most awe-inspiring – indeed, mind-blowing – monuments ever conceived by the human mind.

It is hardly surprising that so many travelers from around the globe dream of gazing upon the towers of Angkor Wat, walking through the root-strangled gateways of Angkor Thom, and staring back at the enigmatic smiling faces that have made the Bayon famous.

But Cambodia has a great deal more to offer than its headline sights. Travelers at first drawn by the spectacular temples around Siem Reap often end up enchanted – and determined to return – thanks to the friendliness of the Khmer people, the sublime beauty of the countryside and the botanical exuberance of the country’s still-pristine tropical rainforests.

Parts of Cambodia’s south coast are fairly well-known to travelers. Beaches, nightlife, restaurants and a backpacker vibe make Sihanoukville, Cambodia’s main port, the country’s third-most-popular tourist destination. Kampot, with its run-down French-era buildings and mellow spirit, is popular as a starting point for Bokor National Park and its grand, colonial-era Casino, now an eerie ruin.

But head northwest towards the Thai frontier and you come to Koh Kong Province, an area of breathtaking beauty and incredible biodiversity that was almost inaccessible until the completion of Highway 48 just three years ago. As a result, the one-time smugglers’ port of Krong Koh Kong is transforming itself into a centre of ecotourism.

The deserted beaches of Koh Kong Island are a major draw, as are the mangrove forests lining the coastline and the ecolodges sprouting along the Tatai River. More adventurous travelers can head upriver to the remote hamlet of Chi Phat, home to a pioneering ecotourism initiative, and the truly intrepid can hire a guide to trek deep into the Cardamom Mountains, one of Southeast Asia’s last great wildernesses.

You can also experience untamed wilderness in Cambodia’s far northeast corner, in the highlands bordering Laos and Vietnam. In far-off Ratanakiri Province, the red-earth town of Ban Lung is an excellent place to organize a trek to nearby ‘hill tribe’ villages or to Virachey National Park, home to endangered elephants, gibbons and hornbills. Before you set out, make sure that your guide is both culturally sensitive and ecologically aware (it’s a new industry so, unfortunately, not all are).

Until just a few years ago, the grasslands and forests north of Angkor, up towards Thailand and Laos, were hard to get to in the dry season and virtually inaccessible in the wet. But thanks to a network of new roads – paved in part because of the ongoing military confrontation with Thailand – the superb temples of Banteay Chhmar, the former Khmer Rouge stronghold of Anlong Veng, the spectacular cliff-top temple of Prasat Preah Vihear and some remote wildlife sanctuaries can now be reached with relative ease and in reasonable comfort. Before heading to potential hotspots such as Prasat Preah Vihear, however, check with local news sources to make sure the frontier is quiet.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor to Cambodia or heading back for another encounter with Khmer culture, it’s off the beaten tourist track that you’re likely to find some of the kingdom’s best-kept and most enchanting secrets. Not only are you assured of a warm welcome and the kind of adventures that make travel so magical, but by spending time in out-of-the-way villages and remote wilderness parks, you’ll be helping to bring tourist dollars to parts of the country rarely touched by traditional tourism.

Source: Lonelyplanet



About This Author

ACTIVETRAVEL ASIA (ATA)

ACTIVETRAVEL ASIA (ATA)

ActiveTravelAsia (ATA) offers a wide selection of Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar adventure tours, including hiking and trekking, biking, motorcycling, overland touring and family travel packages.In 2006 four outdoor enthusiasts who are close friends, Kien (Tony), Bich (Bobby), Bao and Jimmy, …

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12/20/2012 Imagine a country where the major cities are dynamic but not polluted, the people are genuinely friendly and the rural areas are still unspoilt? Vietnam with unique climate, fascinating history, stunning coastal getaways, majestic mountains and tempting food is definitely the country for you !Your f... Read More »

ACTIVETRAVEL ASIA launches “Big Save for Great Indochina Vacation” promotion for Christmas and New Year 2013.

12/12/2012 Christmas and New Year Eve is in air, ACTIVETRAVEL ASIA’s promotion now is available for all travels who book the adventure tour of ATA. For the sight, the sounds and the taste of an unique and special Christmas and New Year Eve in Indochina (Viet Nam, Laos and Cambodia) , ACTI... Read More »

The reason why come to Viet nam

12/05/2012 Known with many famous tourist sites with natural beauties, tranquil villages, ancient pagodas, beautiful lakes, Vietnam has been a popular tourist destination in the world. Not convinced as yet? Here are the top reasons why Vietnam should be your next destination. Magnificent terrace... Read More »

Quang Nam's ethnic villages top attraction for motorbike tourists

11/22/2012 The mountainous district of Tay Giang, 190km west of Tam Ky City in the central province of Quang Nam, is increasingly becoming known as a prime destination for motorbike adventures. The area offers amazing scenery and the opportunity to glimpse the lifestyle of members of the ethnic minority gro... Read More »

ACTIVETRAVEL ASIA announces to launch Vietnam travel photo contest 2012 for travelers from across the world.

11/16/2012 ACTIVETRAVEL ASIA (ATA), one of the leading adventure travel companies in Indochina, has launched the Vietnam photo contest 2012 for travelers all over the world named “Vietnam in your heart is…” The participants will have chance to win attractive awards by submitting the b... Read More »

Trying medicinal bathing with the Dao people

11/07/2012 Medicinal bathing is a local feature of the indigenous Red Dao in the northern mountainous province of Lao Cai. In Ta Phin Commune (Sa Pa District), tourists can spot many families drying herbs in their front yards. Legend has it that on the last day of the year the Dao... Read More »

Some essential tips in Motorbike tour

11/01/2012 1. Reasons for choosing motorbike Motorbike is considered the best means of transportation for traveling mountainous areas due to its convenience and initiative. With a motorbike, one is free to go wherever he loves, despite all kinds of road’s condition. He can stop whenever he feels like to... Read More »

What is adventure travel?

10/23/2012 Adventure travel often conjures up images of mountain climbing, whitewater rafting, scuba diving and four wheel driving. While these are certainly activities associated with adventure travel, adventure travel may involve something as sedate as a wine tasting Motorcycling tour in Ho Chi Minh trail, V... Read More »

ACTIVETRAVEL ASIA offers new cycling tours in Vietnam for 2013

10/12/2012 ACTIVETRAVEL ASIA (ATA), one of the leading adventure travel companies in Indochina, announces to offers new cycling tours in Vietnam for 2013. These cycling tours will focus on itineraries of Ba Khan Rustic – Mai Chau Valley, Pu Luong Nature Reserve, Cuc Phuong National Park, Hoa Binh L... Read More »

Responsible Travel Club of Viet Nam

Responsible Travel Club of Viet Nam

10/01/2012 The Responsible Travel Club (RTC) of Viet Nam is an informal group of tour operators dedicated to building responsible travel and sustainable tourism in all regions in Viet Nam.What to experience? If you want your travel to create real positive impact and value in the destinations, and at the same... Read More »

Vietnam in top 10 cycle routes recommended by National Geographic

Vietnam in top 10 cycle routes recommended by National Geographic

09/27/2012 The road from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City of Vietnam is recently listed as one of the best cycle routes in the world by the National Geographic. The prestigious National Geographic travel guide, Journeys of a Lifetime: 500 of the World’s Greatest Trips, cataloguing the most famous and lesser k... Read More »

Destination must-see in Vietnam

07/11/2012 VietNamNet Bridge – globalgrasshopper, a popular site for international tourists, has listed the top ten must-see destinations in Vietnam. 1. Son Tra peninsula Son Tra Peninsula, about 10km from the center of Da Nang City to the north-east, is a special gift of the god... Read More »

Adventure Travel on a Motorcycle

07/11/2012 An exotic, mystical and enchanting land with remote hill tribe villages, ancient ruins, beautiful coastlines and spectacular mountain views. Now imagine how much better it is to be visiting on a motorcycle, with the wind blowing against your face, sights, sounds and smells unmuffled by rolled up, ti... Read More »

ACTIVETRAVEL ASIA kicks off summer promotion 2012 - Book and get 1 night FREE at 3 star hotel

03/02/2012 Accommodation is one of biggest concerns before traveling? It is turning to dust now with ATA’s Summer Promotion 2012 Travelers will get 1 night at 3 star Hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter (Calypso Boutique Hotel) for FREE. Double room with luxury equipments and services are designed to ensure tha... Read More »

The expression of Peter about the way he became a pirate of Halong Bay

03/01/2012 Arriving at the pier in Halong Bay to board our beautiful teak Junk was an exciting moment. I felt like I was a pirate boarding a mighty vessel to drink some rum and find me some loot.. Once we received the welcome spiel and our complementary fruity drink, we were assigned to our cabins. Our a/c ca... Read More »

ACTIVETRAVEL ASIA completed the survey of responsible tourism project in Pu Hu Nature Reserve, Vietnam

ACTIVETRAVEL ASIA completed the survey of responsible tourism project in Pu Hu Nature Reserve, Vietnam

02/08/2012 The survey team spent 3 days 2 nights on exploring the jungle Pu Hu by trekking. This marked the first steps to discover and develop the potential tourism in this area. This is the next step of responsible tourism project called “Protection of the forest and wildlife” implemented by GIZ... Read More »

Vietnam is a land full of adventurous riches

Vietnam is a land full of adventurous riches

01/12/2012 Vietnam is a place full of adventure - from cultural experiences or mountain treks, there's always some destination waiting to be explored. According to Lonely Planet, the Southeast Asian nation is a prime location for some adrenaline-inducing thrills. "Whether you prefer to scale the heights of j... Read More »

Mekong Delta region rated among top ten destinations in 2012

Mekong Delta region rated among top ten destinations in 2012

01/03/2012 The Mekong Delta region, famous fruits gardens and romantic waterways, may be host to more visitors this year. Lonely Planet , the largest travel guide book, has rated the Mekong Delta region among the “Best-Value Destinations for 2012 (destinations where your dollar gets you even further!)&... Read More »

ACTIVETRAVEL ASIA launches New Year Promotion 2012

ACTIVETRAVEL ASIA launches New Year Promotion 2012

12/21/2011 Human Christmas and New Year approaching, ACTIVETRAVEL ASIA (ATA) sends to all travelers of the faithful, heartfelt words to wish a peaceful Christmas and New Year exuberant grace of God. With the approaching of Christmas and New Year 2012, ATA is providing discount up to 7 % for all loyalty... Read More »

EXPERIENCE SAPA

EXPERIENCE SAPA

12/09/2011 Attractive eco-friendly valleys, terraced slope attributes as well as tribes nevertheless subsequent their own historic customs — encouraged in order to Sapa. Situated 350kms north-west associated with Hanoi, simply timid from Chinese language the edge may be the Lao Cai Land exactly w... Read More »

Active Travel Asia Explores Pu Hu Nature Reserve In Vietnam

12/04/2011 ACTIVETRAVEL ASIA and GIZ (Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit in Vietnam) working together in a survey of responsible tourism project in Pu Hu Nature Reserve, Thanh hoa province, Vietnam. The survey trip will be held in middle of December, 2011 by ATA team with suppo... Read More »

Vietnam - A cultural feast

Vietnam - A cultural feast

11/24/2011 I envisioned hiking to remote villages to find mountain hill tribes; people living in indigenous villages, untouched by outside influences.Instead, as we pulled into Sapa, in the northern part of Vietnam, a group of Black Hmong women gathered on the side of the road as our shuttle pulled i... Read More »

Luang Prabang: the jewel of Indochina

Luang Prabang: the jewel of Indochina

11/09/2011 Just about anywhere else in the world, a trip to the local Red Cross office would probably be a sign that your holiday had gone badly wrong. But not in the former Laotian royal capital of Luang Prabang, where the unprepossessing wooden structure tucked away behind Mount Phousi offers a sur... Read More »

Vietnam: gems of the north

Vietnam: gems of the north

11/08/2011 Vietnam is increasingly becoming a popular destination for travellers each year. Its large chaotic cities are popular stop-offs for young travellers, and a great place to spend a few days. However, it can be nice to get away from the hustle and bustle, and northern Vietnam boasts fantastic... Read More »

The first expedition to Son Doong Cave with ATA – Unrevealed stories!

The first expedition to Son Doong Cave with ATA – Unrevealed stories!

10/25/2011 On 28th Sep, 2011, carrying the eager to explore the grandeur of nature, the first travelers together with ATA’s product manager – Mr. Tony Tran had launched the discovery to Son Doong Cave, the biggest cave in the world. Accompany with the group is Mr. Ho Khanh who found the S... Read More »

Mai Chau Homestay Trek Was So Much Better Than I Ever Imagined

Mai Chau Homestay Trek Was So Much Better Than I Ever Imagined

10/13/2011 "A buddy and I did 10 days in Northern Vietnam and wanted to get a few days of hiking in. We opted for ATA's 4-day Mai Chau Homestay. Mr. Hai picked us up at our backpacker's hostel with a private car and driver. Mr. Hai was very knowledgeable, had a great sense of humor, and spoke great Eng... Read More »

Vietnam: ethnic tourism among the valleys with no name

Vietnam: ethnic tourism among the valleys with no name

10/06/2011 A typhoon had blown in during the day. White rain clouds lay like a boiling sea in the valleys, creating the illusion that the twisting mountain pass was an ocean road. As our vehicle turned a blind corner we came across a gaggle of motorcyclists, caped against the rain and gawping over the... Read More »

Four seasons in Sapa, Vietnam

Four seasons in Sapa, Vietnam

09/28/2011 The four seasons are distinctly felt in Sa Pa, Vietnam when nature changes her costume. The four seasons are distinctly felt in Sa Pa when Nature changes her costume. Spring in the season of pear, peach and plum flowers. Summer comes blooming with Gladioli, Pancies, Dahlias, Sun-flowers... Read More »

Bike Tour of Vietnam

Bike Tour of Vietnam

09/25/2011 On the first day of our bike tour of Vietnam, we took them for a spin to brave the chaotic traffic of Hanoi. It was pretty intense riding alongside dozens of motor bikes and cars and other bicycles. Plus the inhaling of constant exhaust fumes kinda makes you feel like you’ve smoked a p... Read More »

Temple hopping in Cambodia: Stories in stone

Temple hopping in Cambodia: Stories in stone

09/18/2011 A sigh of relief and excitement enveloped me as the plane touched down in Ho Chi Minh. I didn’t have a concrete plan other than getting to Siem Reap. But I knew I was going to have the grandest time. I was with my friends and we were in search of a memorable adventure. We dropped the... Read More »

A very good trip with Active Travel Asia

A very good trip with Active Travel Asia

09/01/2011 Our first trip with Active travel was the Sapa valley trek homestay with ecolodge option. Everything was handled very professionally for this by Active Travel Asia. We were picked up by an agent at our hotel exactly on time and they actually escorted us right onto our train for our night trip... Read More »

ACTIVETRAVEL ASIA announced to launch travel writing contest 2011 for travelers from across the world

08/29/2011 The participants will have a chance to win special out-door trips by sharing their best holiday experiences in Indochina (Vietnam, Laos & Cambodia). ACTIVETRAVEL ASIA, a leading adventure tour operator in Indochina, has launched a travel writing contest 2011 for travelers fro... Read More »

Vietnam Cat Tien National Park Recognized Global Biosphere Reserve

Vietnam Cat Tien National Park Recognized Global Biosphere Reserve

08/17/2011 On 30 June 2011, the United Nations added 18 new sites to its global list of biosphere reserves, bringing the total to 581 in 114 different countries, the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) reported. Cat Tien is the new name of the former Dong Nai Biosphere Re... Read More »

Riding Vietnam's Ho Chi Minh trail

Riding Vietnam's Ho Chi Minh trail

08/08/2011 The mountain paths of the legendary Ho Chi Minh Trail offer visitors to Vietnam an adventurous alternative to the well-worn coastal route - especially if you travel on the back of a motorbike It was more like a hamlet than a village. A simple collection of stilted wooden houses perched on the... Read More »

ACTIVETRAVEL ASIA organizes the first trip to discover Son Doong cave for travelers

ACTIVETRAVEL ASIA organizes the first trip to discover Son Doong cave for travelers

07/29/2011 At the end of Sep, 2011, the first trip for travelers to discover SON DOONG, the world’s largest cave will be implemented by ACTIVETRAVEL ASIA. Mr. Ho Khanh, who is the first person to find the entrance to cave will be the tour leader of this adventure group. The lucky tourist group... Read More »

Tram Chim National Park – a green island of red-headed cranes

Tram Chim National Park – a green island of red-headed cranes

06/24/2011 If you visit Tram Chim National Park in the Mekong Delta province of Dong Thap during the time of day when the highest tides occur, normally from August to November, you can take a motorboat ride through forests rich with plants and flowers and green cajeput trees. Tram Chim National Park is an... Read More »

Seduced by Luang Prabang, Laos

Seduced by Luang Prabang, Laos

06/23/2011 We traveled here for four days: my wife and the girls plus my wife’s mom and husband, visiting from America. It was the last leg of their three-week visit to Southeast Asia and it didn’t disappoint. Speaking with Andrew, the owner (who’s originally from Melbourne) he told me... Read More »

NHK TV to broadcast Son Doong cave reportage - The largest cave in the world

NHK TV to broadcast Son Doong cave reportage - The largest cave in the world

06/08/2011 Japan’s NHK World TV will broadcast on June 25 a 3D scientific reportage on Vietnam ’s Son Doong cave, which is classified as the largest cave in the world. NHK TV’s broadcast will reach 60 countries around the world, according to the Foreign Affairs Department of the... Read More »

Green stamp on jungle style

Green stamp on jungle style

06/03/2011 In a country best known for its temples, Jane Dunford finds a floating ecolodge that's a gateway to a pristine environment. I am, it's fair to say, in the middle of nowhere. This is the Tatai River, east of Koh Kong, in the southern reaches of Cambodia's Cardamom Mountains. Halfway between Bangkok... Read More »

Vietnam where I saw the most beautiful

Vietnam where I saw the most beautiful

06/02/2011 In your eyes, where the place Vietnam most beautiful? Our questions are foreign photographer responded with these images upset: the picture angle is so simple that with them – people from a distance – that’s where most Vietnam features. And more beautiful images are to carr... Read More »

Active Travel Asia Launches Great Vietnam & Cambodia Summer Promotion 2011

Active Travel Asia Launches Great Vietnam & Cambodia Summer Promotion 2011

05/29/2011 Active Travel Asia (ATA) is offering Great Summer Promotion 2011 in Vietnam and Cambodia. These promotions are guaranteed by luxurious adventure tours, add-on values and reasonable prices.Active Travel Asia kicks off Special Summer Promotion 2011 covering all kinds of adventure tours inclu... Read More »

A 'Junk' Trip in Vietnam

A 'Junk' Trip in Vietnam

05/23/2011 I hunkered in the doorway of an office building as gray clouds moved in, threatening to break open above me. Piles of luggage were stacked in the doorway, but I held tightly to my backpack. As a solo traveler making my way through Vietnam, I had yet to let someone else touch my bag, the esse... Read More »

From the Back Seat: Memories on a Motorcycle in Vietnam

From the Back Seat: Memories on a Motorcycle in Vietnam

05/15/2011 Riding a motorbike from the North to the South of Vietnam was an amazing experience. Now, while I didn’t ride the motorcycle on myself (Anthony did an amazing job!) it is still something that will remain with me for the rest of my life. Each day we were faced with new challenges and a... Read More »

Luang Prabang: The Epithet of Laotian History, Culture and Nature

Luang Prabang: The Epithet of Laotian History, Culture and Nature

05/13/2011 Formed at the convergence of the famous Mekong and Kahn rivers in Laos, the town of Luang Prabang is the archetypal product of when colonial and traditional architecture collide. Groomed in pristine fashion, one would think he is the first to discover this exotic landscape.Palm trees line the... Read More »

A Look into Beautiful Halong Bay, Vietnam

A Look into Beautiful Halong Bay, Vietnam

05/06/2011 Halong Bay has been declared a UNESCO World heritage site and it really deserves the designation. It is one of the most exciting unusual places I have been to in my life.Halong Bay -Halong meaning “Descending Dragon”- is named after the thousands of island with bizarre rock for... Read More »

Sapa ranked among top ten places to walk

Sapa ranked among top ten places to walk

05/05/2011 Sapa Town in the northern mountainous province of Lao Cai has been voted one of the world’s top ten spots for walking by popular travel guide Lonely Planet. The other greatest places for walkers are the Grand Canyon in the US, Aoraki/Mount Cook Village in New Zealand, Lake Distric... Read More »

Journey down the Mighty Mekong

Journey down the Mighty Mekong

04/27/2011 The Mekong is one of the world’s major rivers, weaving together the land and indigenous cultures of Tibet, southern China, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam and Laos. It’s also one of the best ways to get around in Southeast Asia. In Laos (http://www.activetravellaos.com/), a journey dow... Read More »

Trekking in Laos, the Forgotten Land

Trekking in Laos, the Forgotten Land

04/22/2011 Leaving behind overwhelming and often brusque China, we were delighted to find pure, green, untouched Laos awaiting us. Laos is a forgotten land. Like most, I didn’t know much about it before setting foot in the country. I knew it was at one time French occupied and that it usually earn... Read More »

Walking through Vietnam

Walking through Vietnam

04/21/2011 In December 2010, my 12-year old son Oliver and I went to Vietnam - the first outside Europe to a destination in a developing country. The arrangements were excellent throughout and the planning nothing short of brilliant. There were no mishaps or last minute changes of plan, all eight hote... Read More »

Vietnam: A journey from past to present

Vietnam: A journey from past to present

04/14/2011 If Hanoi is the grand old dame of Vietnam and Ho Chi Minh City is the brash young floozy, then Halong Bay, Hue and Hoi An are the alluring mistresses you encounter along the way. Here landscape, architecture, culture and cuisine work their seduction via subtle charms rather than sensory over... Read More »

Active Travel Asia promote tours to Sapa - the Cloud city of Vietnam

Active Travel Asia promote tours to Sapa - the Cloud city of Vietnam

04/10/2011 Nestled among the Hoang Son Lien Mountains, Sapa is an excellent gateway to the H'mong and Dao villages that dot the landscape of VietnamThe first thing travelers should know about Sapa is that it is one of highlands in Vietnam - 1,600m above sea level. That means a leisurely stroll to the nea... Read More »