| Koh Rong - Cambodia |
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Cambodia is located in Southeast Asia. It is bordered by Thailand, Laos and Vietnam and face the Gulf of Siam. The capital is Phnom Penh. The official language is Khmer. The inhabitants are about 14 millions and mainly practice Buddhism. The best time to visit Cambodia is winter when the temperature is warm but not hot and the rains are very few. Most of the visitors go to Cambodia just to admire the temples of Angkor, the masterpieces of Khmer culture located in the north of the country near the city of Siem Reap. Angkor Wat is the largest religious complex in the world and was declared a World Heritage Site in 1992. It 's the symbol of Cambodia and is depicted on the national flag. Also worth a visit the Great Lake Tonle Sap, which expands considerably during the rainy season so that the houses within a few kilometers are standing on high stilts, and of course the capital Phnom Penh, where you can visit the Royal Palace, partially open to the public, the silver pagoda, some museums, or take a sunset cruise on the Mekong River. Among the islands in front of the port city of Sihanoukville we chose Koh Rong. The island is 15 km long and wide from 3 to 9, it is almost uninhabited, and has been preserved intact (until when?). There is lack of roads, medical services, electricity (only in few houses generators provide electricity for a few hours in the evening) and hot water (but perhaps it would be better to say that there is lack of cold since the water which flows from the tubes is at least lukewarm). To reach the island we can use two ferries and the journey takes about 2 and half hours to cover the distance of about 25 km that separate it from Sihanoukville. Next to the harbor there is a small fishing village with wooden and bamboo huts where the majority of the locals live. On the right of this village lies a beach, which even if interrupted by some coves, is at least a couple of miles long and overlooked by some "resort", huge word to indicate the simple huts of wood and bamboo accompanied by a larger one where we can find a small restaurant. On this side of the island circulates undisturbed a buffalo which, if left alone, does not create problems. To cross the island to Long Beach, approximately eight kilometers long beach on the opposite side, we have to climb over the ridge that crosses the island which in its interior is completely covered by a lush jungle. The climb behind the village is not difficult. Still, once reached the highest point we must descend steeply on the other side with the support of ropes and lianas and a sign warns about the possible presence of cobras and other snakes. The alternative of course is to make the circumnavigation by boat. Long Beach is the largest and also the most beautiful beach for the pristine and clear waters. Its most remote corner has been chosen as a set for the French version of “Survivor”. The only real problems are sand flies present on the beaches whose bites leave its mark for several days. |
