INSPIRATION

Play ‘Tomb raider’ at the strange root-entangled ruins of Ta Phrom, in the Angkor archeological zone. Enter the ancient and near-mythical past of a lost civilisation at this stunningly visual blending of sinuous jungle and stone altars of ancient ritual, so evocatively used in Angelina Jolie’s tale of mystic intrigue.

Explore the profound world of the ecosystem of Tonle Sap Lake, driven by the unimaginably powerful forces of the monsoon and the Mekong River. Witness the awesome challenges of its inhabitants who adapt to the dramatic changes in water levels as the river annually reverses its flow and fills the normally shallow lake into a vast watery world, filled with floating culture.

Combine a visit to Angkor Wat, the mightiest creation of the ancient Khmer empire, with an amazing round of golf at one or all of the three stunning championship courses situated close to the magnificent iconic temple.

Whether playing the beautiful and challenging Nick Faldo design at Angkor Golf Resort, the delightful Sofitel Phokeethra Country Club, which has hosted the Cambodian Open and Jonnie Walker Classic, or the immaculate Kentaro Sato layout of the Booyoung Country Club, for the sophisticated sightseeing golfer, this has absolutely everything.

One of the world’s major biospheres for water birds, the sanctuary at Prek Toal covers 31,282 hectares at the north end of Tonle Sap Lake and, for the birding enthusiast, provides an excellent opportunity to combine an exploration of the floating lake land lifestyles and the Angkor civilisation with an opportunity to see its inhabitants including Masked Finfoot, Spot billed Pelican, Milky and painted storks, Greater Adjutant, Black headed Ibis, Oriental Darters and Grey headed Fish Eagles among over one hundred and fifty species found here.

Enjoy the Cambodian Islands.

Less well known than the other islands of the Gulf of Thailand, the Cambodian Islands and their fine beaches are a good reason to linger longer in the country. 

Koh Rong and its neighbour Koh Rong Sanloem are the most visited, and impart a party atmosphere. If you want peaceful luxury, the private Island of Song Saa provides in style, while Koh Tang is a haven for divers. For those able to take the rustic accommodation, the islands of Koh Thmei, Koh Ta Kiev and Koh Totang are good escapes.

For some fun activity, the ‘Flight of the Gibbon’ in Angkor Park, close to great monuments of Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom, features 10 zip lines and 4 hanging bridges over the jungle canopy, and is a great way to add to your enjoyment of the historic sites.

Visit the Elephant Valley Project.

Although many visitors to Southeast Asia enjoy the opportunity to ride an elephant, it is a sad fact that in many cases, the elephants can be subject to abuse.

This laudable eco facility incentivises mahouts to ‘retire’ their elephants from arduous labour and liberates them in the reserve. Naturally, you won’t be able to ride an elephant here, but it’s a wonderful place to watch them roaming around and playing.

Challenge your inner courage to face the disturbing realities of human potential by visiting the Tuol Sleng Genicide Museum, the Killing Fields of Choeng Ek in Phnom Penh and the Cambodian Landmines Museum in Siem Reap for a heartfelt understanding of the history of Cambodia’s not so distant past.

Get behind the mighty monuments of the ancient city and discover the aqua-engineering marvel of the Barays near Angkor, the elaborate hydrological miracle that allowed Angkor to flourish as the then world’s largest city, providing irrigation to significantly increase the agricultural growing period.

If you’re the kind of person who enjoys rough and tumble of jungle trekking, spotting rare animals and birds, the Wildlife Alliances facility at the eco village of Chi Phat in the Cardamom Mountains is the best place in Cambodia for getting out into the natural world and exploring its treasures.

During your stay, you can plant a tree in the Million Tree Nursery, leaving an important legacy into the future, a beautiful contribution toward the struggle to reverse Cambodia’s environmental decline and save its rare and precious wildlife.

If you think you know pepper, but haven’t tried Kampot pepper, you will find a real treat in visiting one of the small scale organic pepper farms of the Kampot region to sample the World’s very finest, regarded in international culinary circles as the Champagne of peppers.

The extraordinary subtlety of slightly sweet floral notes of the peppercorns lingers delightfully on the tongue with a flavour quite simply unmatched by any other variety. Many of the farms offer meals prepared with fresh pepper, a rare delight for anyone who enjoys the spicy side of life.