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Mekong Safaris In Cambodia
The Mekong. It’s a name so exotic and evocative that it conjures up images of forbidding tropical jungle, the crumbling ruins of forgotten empires, remote minority tribes in looming mountains and streets steaming after monsoon rains. Winding its way down from the Tibetan Plateau to the South China Sea, the Mekong River binds together the best of Asia. One of the world's great rivers, its dramatic journey southwards includes towering gorges in China, immense waterfalls in Laos, freshwater dolphins in Cambodia and a patchwork of emerald greens in the Mekong Delta.
Until now, authentic experiences on the Mekong in Cambodia have been limited to dolphin viewing and boat cruises, but Hanuman will bring the river to life with its new Mekong Safaris. Using our signature safari tents, we offer a unique camping experience on isolated islands in the mighty river. These pretty sandbars are located on a bend in the river near Kampi, close to rare river dolphins and diverse birdlife, but hidden from view from the majority of tourists. Our camps are accessible by covered boat and include a local dugout to explore in solitude with the help of an experienced boatman. The camp is set on pristine white sands under the shade of a tree. Our camp team will prepare a small bonfire by night and in the morning it is possible to observe the river dolphins at close quarters before any other tourists arrive at the river.
Kratie and Kampi lie on an important overland crossroads between Phnom Penh and Cambodia’s northeast or Southern Laos. Accommodation has always been a weak link on this route, with very basic hotels along the way. Mekong Safaris will address this problem by providing a comfortable and atmospheric alternative to places like the Oudom Sambath Hotel. This has been exacerbated by the closure of Le Relais de Chhlong for one year for renovations. When Le Relais reopens, Hanuman also plans to offer two-night Mekong Safari trips with a night in Le Relais and a Mekong Safari.
For now, Hanuman is concentrating its efforts on the Kampi area, as dolphin viewing is guaranteed and it is close to Kratie, a well-known destination to break the overland journeys between Phnom Penh and Ratanakiri or Southern Laos. However, we also planning some more adventurous itineraries to involve kayaking and mountain biking that will take several days from the Lao border to Phnom Penh and include homestays and pagoda stays for more adventurous travellers.
Experience the Mekong from a different angle, staying on a private island in the wetlands of Kampi. See flooded forest, nesting river birds and rare Irrawaddy dolphin. Escape the crowds. The Mekong Safari is a stylish adventure that opens up overland travel between Cambodia and Laos to a whole new market. Embrace the Mother River and her lesser known charms. |
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