(Cambodia) - Things to do

The naturally beautiful landscape and distinct history of Cambodia have made the country one of the top Asian destinations, which never fails to arouse tourists’ interest and curiosity.

With the strong efforts and attention being given by the local government towards the development of the country’s tourist trade, Cambodia’s potential as tourist draw is rapidly becoming realized.

While it may take a few more years before the land can be safe enough for tourists with small children to wander around freely in, there is still an endless stream of activities from which visitors may choose to indulge in while visiting the country.

Sightseeing is one of the main activities in Cambodia. The lush greenery with occasional silvery white streams and the ribbon like roads provide a sight that appeals to the visual and aesthetic senses.

The panorama of distant hills topped with local cottages give an over-all rustic charm to the area.

Bird watchers will also have a ball trying to catch sight of the various exotic birds with their brilliant, colorful plumage who have made the country their home. For animal lovers, deer, pigs, and playful monkeys may be found frolicking on the farmlands and roadsides.

An eco-friendly tour of the whole place is promised to all tourists. A trip to Bokor National Park gives visitors the chance to walk in the footprints of tigers and other wild animals, on the tracks of the dense forest.

A tour of the local countryside, during the daytime, affords tourists the chance for interaction with the local Cambodians, lunch on local Cambodian fare with the villagers, and give tourists a chance to observe the local lifestyle.

There are also plenty of opportunities for hiking, trekking, and guided elephant safaris in Ratanakiri and Mondulkiri. Lazy afternoons may be spent on boat rides on the silvery waters of Tonle Sap lake where pretty river dolphins may occasionally be seen at Karatie along the Mekong River.

For beach lovers, Sihanoukville (also called Kompong Som) has some of the finest beaches in Cambodia. Here, visitors can go snorkeling, diving, or go on quiet walks along the seashore to the music of the gently lapping waves.

Shopping is also another activity visitors to the country particularly enjoy. Local handicraft, silver jewelry, antiques, paintings of local scenery done by local artists, and elaborate kramas (cotton scarves) may be found at most local markets and town centers. Typical travel souvenir fare may be found in abundance at major tourist places like Phnom Penh and Siem Reap

And of course, what tourist could ever visit Cambodia without seeing its most famous attraction, the Angkor Wat complex. Tourists may opt to bypass the usual bus or car tour and instead go on a bicycle ride through the beautiful countryside surrounding the complex.

Reminder: While there are still some fears of landmines that haven’t been fully recovered, visits to Cambodia are relatively safe and can be enjoyable as long as tourists remember to observe rules and guidelines set by the local government and stay on clearly marked trails and walkways.

Tourism in Cambodia is rapidly progressing with aggressive government efforts and planning geared towards the promotion of tourism and services for visitors coming in to the country.

(Debbie Salcedo)