DAY 1: Phnom Penh to Kampi via the Mekong River
We leave Phnom Penh and travel northeast to the bustling provincial city of Kompong Cham. En route, there is the chance to pause at Skuon, affectionately known as 'Spiderville', where it is possible to sample the local delicacy of deep fried tarantula. We visit the 'fusion' temple of Wat Nokor, an 11th century sandstone temple with a colourful modern wat set in its central courtyard. There are some intricate carvings at this temple and the kitsch contrast between the Hindu past and the Buddhist present is almost unheard of elsewhere in Cambodia. We then enjoy a local lunch in Kompong Cham.
We follow the Mekong River on the west bank, pausing to visit the pre-Angkorian hilltop temple of Wat Hanchey, offering superb views over the river and surrounding landscape. We continue north until we reach a local ferry crossing to traverse the Mekong. Our road journey continues on east bank, passing through the old river port of Chhlong, home to some of the best examples of French colonial architecture in the country. We then reach Kratie, a sleepy Mekong port and gateway to an encounter with the rare freshwater Irrawaddy dolphin that inhabit the upper reaches of the Mekong in Cambodia. We board a boat and travel out to our island camp in the Mekong. The camp is set on a beautiful sandbar, surrounded by flooded forest and abundant birdlife. We enjoy a private dinner on the island with the light of a bonfire and traditional torches.
DAY 2: : Kampi and the river dolphins, return to Phnom Penh
We enjoy a private breakfast on our island before heading off to encounter the rare Irrawaddy dolphin which inhabits this stretch of river. We use our motorized boat to access the deep pools where the dolphins are found before switching to local paddle boat to avoid disturbing these gentle creatures. Viewing is commonplace, although it is easier to see the dolphins in the shallower waters of the dry season, than in the swollen river of the wet season. After spending some time alone with these rare creatures, we return to the mainland for our onward journey. We stop in Kratie to explore the local market and the historic temple of Wat Roka Kandal, home to a handicrafts cooperative. We can enjoy a cold drink on the banks of the Mekong before heading southeast towards Kompong Cham where we break for lunch. We arrive back in the Cambodian capital before nightfall.
Hanuman is a member of the Cambodian Association of Travel Agents and the Cambodian Community-based Ecotourism Network. Hanuman was cited in ‘The Guide to Responsible Tourism in Cambodia, Laos & Vietnam'.
