IDYLLIC ISLANDS OF CAMBODIA

Cambodia is less well known for its tropical islands than it is for its ancient temples. But as tourism has flourished in Cambodia because of its magnificent ancient past, the present traveller is soughting more from their Cambodian experience and expanding away from the jungles. Backpackers generally blaze new trails in tourism & that trail generally heads for the beach. And so it is with the islands of Cambodia.

Facilities on the islands are backpacker basic. But it is one of the last island areas in SE Asia still undeveloped. So the time to experience an untarnished & untampered natural & idyllic environment is NOW. Things are about to ch
ange and luxury development is on its way & it will never be the same again.

When l first visited Cambodia about 10 years ago, the islands & beaches of Cambodia were over-looked in favour of the Thai islands. Even my travel bible at the time, Lonely Planet, hinted that they were not really worth visiting. But over the years, l have heard so much more positive feedback. So after spending much time in Siem Reap, I had been promising to venture down to Sihanoukville, named after the king Sihanouk. Its the main seaside city about 200km south of the capital, Phnom Penh. Catching an overnight bus from Siem Reap & changing buses in Phnom Penh in the morning, there is no direct bus regardless of what is spieled in Siem Reap. Arrived in town in torrential rain & paid for a motorbike to take me to Serendipity Beach. The rain was persistent & it was impossible to get out & about. So what do alot of backpackers do when it rains in Sihanoukville?  Hang out in a hammock & get stoned!
Not that l have a problem with that but I am silly enough with just alcohol. But marijuana is a conversation queller & l dont get the joke. I travel alone & it's more fun for me to enjoy a few laughs over a few Angkor beers. And I lap up hearing regaling tales from all over the world.

After several days of feeling less than serendipity, l headed for the island of KOH RONG which was SO WRONG. There is nothing more tragic than a beautiful tropical island in a tropical deluge. Dope is sold over the bar & a joint costs about 3 bucks and they roll it for you! Reggae is the standard music fare.

Well after one night, I packed my pack & headed back. I could see how extraordinary it all could be and plan on going back in a couple of months. This time to Kep, Rabbit Island & Bamboo Island. And I'm told there is some excellent diving. Apparently there are 2 wrecks of the island of Koh Tang where the last official battle of the Vietnam War involving the United States, took place.
Overall it was difficult to give judgement on Sihanoukville (Snooky). I can definitely see why it has become so popular and ear-marked on the backpacking trail. But I did feel like it was trying too hard to copy some of the famous Thai islands, there was nothing uniquely Cambodian. I am happy to give it another go!

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