GET WILD IN THE EAST
Reasons to visit
Focus on the different ethnic groups in Cambodia
Best periods to visit
What to do in these regions
Travel with children
Reasons to visit
Far from major cities and poorly served by land, the eastern regions of the Mekong remain among the most unknown and wild in the country. The vast and high plateaux are natural boundaries for the natives who live there, called “hill tribes” or “upland dwellers”. For travelers who love adventure and nature, they will fulfill their desires.
Though the trips to reach these beautiful regions may sometimes seem a bit long, visitors who decide to confront them never regret their choice.
Completely out of time, cities such as Kratie, Sen Monorom and Kampong Cham will make you discover an even more authentic Cambodia.
Focus on the different ethnic groups in Cambodia
While most Cambodians are Khmer, there are more ethnic minorities in these parts of the country. In particular, the Chams, Sunni Muslims living in the Kampong Cham area and living on the banks of the Mekong River.
And, with 1% of the total population, indigenous people living mostly in the regions of Rattanakiri and Mondulkiri who can be divided into several groups according to their dialect. These “upland dwellers” live on agriculture, livestock, gathering, hunting and fishing or, more recently and to a lesser extent, tourism development, and have a specific cultural identity.
Best periods to visit
You can discover the cities along the Mekong – Kampong Cham, Kratie, Chhlong or Stung Treng – throughout the year, taking into account the advantages and disadvantages of each season.
If you want to discover the jungle Mondulkiri or Rattanakiri, prefer the dry and mild season from November to February. Indeed, during the rainy season from June to October, the treks may be less pleasant. This season is indeed synonymous with heavy rains and therefore muddy trails. From March to May, temperatures rise and are not always conducive to long walks.
What to do in these regions
Encounter with elephants
In the jungle of Rattanakiri and Mondulkiri, meet Asian elephants and enjoy a swim with these great pachyderms protected in sanctuaries.
Charming little towns
Come and enjoy the hustle and bustle of provincial towns and discover the timeless lifestyle of the inhabitants of these regions as well as their many temples and pagodas.
Trekking in the heart of nature
These regions offer landscapes that will delight all adventurers fond of hiking in nature and swimming in white water.
Ride over the water with dolphins
After the elephants of Mondulkiri, board a boat in Kratie or Stung Treng and sail on the Mekong to see the freshwater dolphins of Irrawaddy, unfortunately a species in danger of extinction.
Travel with children
Between the elephants of Mondulkiri, the waterfalls of the natural parks and reserves, the freshwater dolphins of the Mekong, the boat rides at sunset and the discovery by bicycle of the native villages, the wild regions in the East of Cambodia often make the unanimity among our little adventurers.