Chi Pat is a remote riverside village in the little explored Cardamom Mountains, with no running water and electricity is by generator only. It is an incredibly bucolic place, and being almost surrounded by rivers it is a playground of waterfalls and swimming holes carved out of the clean black rock. It is certainly laidback and has a distinct feel quite unlike any other place in Cambodia. With very limited land access the village is reached after a 2 hour long-tail boat journey up the Preak Piphot river. Sailing through mangrove forests, the relaxing journey passes occasional river edge villages and homes, and it is possible to spot birds and mammals coming to the waters edge to drink and feed.

Chi Pat is nestled in the southern valleys of the Cardamom Mountains which are South East Asia’s last true and most important wilderness area. With hidden valleys and lofty peaks that reach over 1,500m it is a landscape consisting of large expanses of intact lowland rainforest, where contiguous forest connects mountaintop to ocean, where pristine rivers cascade to the sea, and wildlife is still in relative abundance. The mountains and forests are home to many globally endangered species such as, Asian elephants, tigers, sun bears, monkeys, hornbills, flying squirrels, and the last remaining Siamese crocodiles.

On arrival in Chi Pat as you disembark from the boat you will notice a single dirt road through the village heading off into the forested hills, and a cluster of wooden shop-houses with a couple of small restaurants. As you walk along the road towards the village’s Community Eco-tourism Office you will pass cows, dogs and chickens wandering around, and receive a chorus of ‘Hellos’ from the inquisitive children. The Chi Pat Community Eco-tourism Project was set-up in early 2008 with assistance from Wildlife Alliance (formerly WildAid). The villagers traditionally made a living from logging and hunting. However, as these activities have now been outlawed the community is taking advantage of the wonderful natural resource on its doorstep to earn an alternative income from ecotourism. It is hoped this will enhance the long term conservation of the forest and pressure those who continue illegally logging and hunting the endangered wildlife.

Using Chi Pat as a base, single and multi-day trekking and mountain bike adventures into the pristine, forested Cardamom Mountains can be experienced. As well as the forests there are various other natural and cultural sites such as refreshing waterfalls, recently discovered mysterious ancient burial jars, bat caves, and wildlife. Taking row-boats along the surrounding rivers in the early morning stillness is ideal for bird watching. Staying overnight in Chi Pat, in basic guesthouses or homestays allows you to enjoy the wonderful hospitality of the villagers, and witness the rural Cambodian way of life. Whereas the multi-day tours go deep into the forest and include sleeping under the stars and eating camp food. This is a unique adventure in Cambodia!

A visit to the Chi Pat Community Eco-tourism project can last from 3 days up to a week or more. Round trips can be arranged from Phnom Penh, or as a stopover if you are traveling between Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville, or onto to Koh Kong and the border crossing with Thailand.

To arrange wonderful tours to and around Chi Pat contact: info@asia-adventutres.com

As a result of the world financial crisis and the Bangkok aiport blockade Cambodia has set up at Tourism Task Force to address falling visitor numbers.

Ho Vandy, president of the Cambodian Association of Travel Agents, said the task force would consist of 10 institutions, including airlines, travel agencies, hotels, restaurants and government departments, and would develop a national strategy to attract foreign tourists.

The Thai crisis has hit Cambodia’s tourism industry hard, as about a third of the Kingdom’s visitors arrive via Thailand. Tourism is one of the country’s few economic engines, with 1.7 million people visiting the Kingdom in the first 10 months of this year. At the end of 2007, the government predicted international visitor arrivals to reach 2.2 million in 2008 and 2.7 million in 2009. It has since curbed its expectations following the global financial crisis, border disputes with Thailand and the current turmoil in Bangkok.

But Ho Vandy said the task force hopes to shift Cambodia’s tourist arrivals away from Thailand and make use of other gateways such as Malaysia, Singapore, China, South Korea and Vietnam.

Edited from the Phnom Penh Post (Dec 4 08)

Marine Conservation Cambodia is an independent project that is entirely devoted to protect and conserve Cambodia’s marine environment. They strive for clean seas and beaches, sustainable fisheries, and protection of marine life throughout Cambodia.

Cambodia is a country with rich marine resources that are fundamental to many livelihoods and simultaneously vital to coastal protection, tourism and biodiversity. However, these natural marine resources are in jeopardy, threatened by an increasing array of impacts from recent and upcoming development, and increased population and tourism.

Due to Cambodia’s unfortunate recent history, its government has very limited human resources, infrastructure and finance to regularly and permanently conduct scientific research and monitoring of their marine environment. As a result, further decline of Cambodia’s marine resources is expected. Worryingly, Cambodia’s seas are home to rare and endangered species, an example being the diversity of seahorses, Dugong, green turtles, and horseshoe crabs which remain on the IUCN Red List of Threatened species. In addition intensive fishing through unsustainable means and encroachment by fisherman on coastal reefs and susceptible breeding grounds are threatening the biodiversity and health of species and habitats. Anecdotal data collection continues to show the rapid loss of species rich sites.

To address these issues and offer comprehensive protection for biodiversity, site protection is imperative. Marine Conservation Cambodia, in conjunction with Cambodia’s Fisheries Administration, aims to conserve these natural marine resources for the benefit of all.

For diving trips in Cambodia contact: info@asia-adventures.com

For more information see: http://marineconservationcambodia.org

Thailand’s Thongchai Jaidee made it two straight wins in a row when he claimed victory at the Johnnie Walker Cambodian Open, last weekend at the Phokeethra Country Club in Siem Reap.

Thongchai produced another superb round of six-under-par 66 for a 24-under-par 264 total to end his Cambodian campaign six shots ahead of closest rival, Lam Chih Bing of Singapore. Lam produced his best finish of his career so far when he signed off with a 65 for a 270 total to take second place ahead of Thailand’s Chawalit Plaphol, who was two shots back on 272. Wales’s rookie Rhys Davies and Anthony Kang of the United States took a share of fourth place when they returned with matching 274s.

The Cambodian Open was hosted by Siem Reap’s Phokeethra Country Club, which is ranked among the top five of the Best New Courses in Asia by Asian Golf Monthly.

To arrange golfing tours to Cambodia please contact: info@asia-adventures.com

Edited from the Phnom Penh Post (15-12-08)

Kratie, a sleepy colonial town on the banks of the Mekong River, is located in north-eastern Cambodia. The town was developed by the French colonialists in the late 19th century as a port for various goods being transported along the Mekong River. With its remaining French colonial buildings and traditional Cambodian wooden houses Kratie retains an atmospheric charm. Add in the shady riverside boulevard, the smiling locals with their laid back nature, the stunning sunsets, and it’s easy to understand why Kratie has a compulsive charm which causes many visitors to linger.

The main attraction in Kratie is undoubtedly the Irrawaddy dolphins. Despite facing extinction, there are less than 100 left in this part of the Mekong, they are surprisingly easy to spot in a stretch of river north of the town. These dolphins are not as playful as their seawater cousins, however being out on the Mekong with these delightful creatures spotting them breaking the water as the sun begins to set is a magical experience…

Further north is the remote pagoda of Sasar Moy Roy, so called as it is claimed 100 pillars hold up its roof. In the grounds of the pagoda is a stupa containing the ashes of a Princess who, according to legend, was killed by a crocodile more than 500 years ago. Spending a night at the pagoda can be arranged as can traditional blessings and musical performances. Closer to town is Phnom Sambok where after climbing several flights of steps, snuggled between two hilltops, you will find another pagoda which affords beautiful views over the Mekong river and lush countryside beyond.

Kratie town itself is a delight to wander around, discovering its early morning bustling market where fish and fruit vendors line the surrounding pavements creating a dynamic atmosphere, and taking in the variety of building styles. Buy some Krolan, sticky rice mixed with coconut and beans and cooked in bamboo tubes, Kratie is renowned for this snack. Horse carts are a traditional from of transport in the town, and you can take one to visit nearby Wat Roka Kandal, a beautifully restored 18th century pagoda, the only one of its type in Cambodia. Take a trip along the banks of the mighty Mekong river and you will see many small fishing boats plying their trade as well as a number of floating villages. Then as the sun begins to set why not join the locals and sit out near the river with a refreshing fruit shake whilst savouring the atmosphere…

This stretch of the Mekong contains many islands and the one visible from the town is Koh Trong, catch the ferry and take a bicycle ride to sample traditional rural Cambodian village life. Further upstream is the large island of Kho Pdao, where a community based tourism project has been established, stay overnight and join in with village life.

In addition Kratie offers bird watching opportunities and the surrounding countryside is a cyclist’s dream. It is also the southern ‘gateway’ to the Mekong Discovery Trail where you can experience a range of transport modes as you choose between a variety of trips that take you along the river through spectacular scenery and unhurried villages, staying in a variety of accommodation, as you make your way north to the town of Stung Treng.

For delightful tours of Kratie contact: info@asia-adventures.com

A series of meetings of academics, ambassador, and government members in Siem Reap this week focussed on to best preserve the ancient site of Angkor in the face of rising tourism.

Georgina Lloyd of UNESCO lectured on how intangible cultural heritage, or the knowledge, beliefs, rituals and traditional practices of a culture, are often ignored when a site is planned, restored, and presented to tourists. She gave examples of tourists who, completely oblivious to the contemporary spiritual significance of Angkor, fail to remove their shoes and hats, and who step over Cambodians making offerings.

She explained that there is a perceived conflict between tourism and the activities of the local community. As a result, certain cultural practices have been banned, such as monks being told not to disturb tourist by entering the temple to pray and study. Other Cambodian’s have reported that they feel they are in the way of tourists when they pray and burn incense at the temples.

Edited from the Phnom Penh Post (4 Dec 08)

Currently there are two international standard golf courses in Siem Reap, Cambodia. The Phokkethra Country Club course and the Nick Faldo designed Angkor Golf Resort. However, later this month the Siem Reap Lake Resort Golf Club is set to open. Initially it will have a soft opening launching its opening nine holes with the second nine following early next year.

If you want to play golf in Siem Reap contact: info@asia-adventures.com

Located on Sivatha Street diagonally opposite Hotel de la Paix, Phsar Kandal (also known as Center Market) is geared almost exclusively to tourists.

Unlike the Old Market (Phsar Chas), or any of the others in town, you won’t find much in the way of house wares, electrical goods or automobile parts, nor will you find a bustling food market with the usual array of oddities. So if you are looking for some great photographic opportunities this may disappoint. However if you are after some souvenirs or gifts for friends and family back home, this may make a pleasant alternative to the heat and stuffiness of Phsar Chas. Its high ceilings and relatively wide aisles lends an airy atmosphere uncommon in most Cambodian markets.

You will find a huge array of silks in pretty much any colour you can imagine, gold and silver jewellery, various locally produced handicrafts, Buddha figures and so forth… There are several stalls selling t-shirts, traditionally styled Cambodian clothing, watches, glasses and footwear. And if you are finding yourself short of luggage space there are backpacks in all sorts of styles, sizes and colours. This being Asia, be prepared to haggle and compare prices from different vendors before committing to a purchase.

For interesting tours of Siem Reap contact: info@asia-adventures.com

Edited from the Cambodia Pocket Guide (Nov 08)

The Mekong riverside towns of Kratie and Stung Treng have retained their sleepy charm and receive only limited numbers of foreign visitors, but the Cambodian government has hopes that all this will change with the recent renovation of Highway 7 which connects them to the Laos border and the country’s capital, Phnom Penh.

Recent visitor numbers indicate both towns are set for a sharp increase now the road has been improved and a major bridge over the Sekong River completed. During the first 5 months of 2008 Stung Treng alone received more than 80% more visitors than it did in the same period in 2007. Local officials say with the increasing numbers comes an increase in better quality facilities for the visitors, with new accommodation already being constructed.

To organise a tour to visit these charming towns contact: info@asia-adventures.com

In a land of paddy fields and seasonal flooding frogs are familiar creatures to most Cambodians. Few people, however, realise just how varied and abundant Cambodia’s amphibian fauna is, numbering over 60 species – some of which occur nowhere else.

Recently Flora & Fauna International has published the first guide book to the amphibians of Cambodia, in an effort to raise the awareness of the current plight of amphibians which are in terminal decline across the world. During research for the guide some species new to science were discovered including one tiny species which has been named after Samkos Mountain in the Cardamom Mountains where it was found. The frog is unique in having green blood and turquoise coloured bones.

Koh Tonsay (Rabbit Island) lies 5km off the south coast of Cambodia, just off the tourist destination of Kep. It is a popular destination for those who visit Kep either for a day on the beach or an overnight stay.

The boat trip from the Kep pier takes a leisurely 25 mins and anchors at the main beach facing Kep, here you will find a number of thatched huts selling cold drinks / beers and Khmer food. The water is warm and great fro swimming, and if you want to snorkel around the rocky areas, there are many colourful tropical fish.

Tree covered hills run from one end of the island to the other, there are several secluded beaches and an interesting 6km trail that leads around the island, along the way you’ll probably meet friendly fishermen and local islanders harvesting seaweed. The trail starts at the end of the main beach past the small boat pier and is generally easy to follow. However, after about 4km you may have to paddle about 200m around a stretch of mangrove forest, a fun diversion. Another trail leads to the top of one of the islands hills where you will find the remains of a US Vietnam War era anti-aircraft gun bunker, but you may need a local islander to show you the way.

There is no motorised traffic on the island so a trip to Koh Tonsay truly makes for relaxing get-a-way…

To arrange a trip to Kep & Koh Tonsay contact: info@asia-adventures.com

Edited from: The Kep Revival (Nov 08)