Aug 122 min read

Cambodia & Tourism: Discover the wonders of Mekong at Koh Samseb - The 30 Islands

The non-wood forest products exchange programme (PFNL-PE Cambodia) and the provincial department of tourism are proposing to discover the most picturesque landscape of the Mekong basin, Koh Samseb, in the province of Kratié.

The wonders of Mekong at Koh Samseb - The 30 Islands. Photo Piak Learning Photography

The wide water basin filled with green islands, rich in flooded forests, giant fish and endangered bird species, is a real happiness to discover.

The Koh Samseb eco-tourism project was established in 2018. Visiting this site allows tourists not only to discover the most beautiful Mekong basin, but also to contribute to social development and conservation activities.

Ecotourism activities are managed by local community groups whose income is intended for their livelihoods, and part of which will be devoted to the protection of the biodiversity of the basin.

Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities while visiting Koh Samseb's community eco-tourism:

The bird paradise of Mekong

Koh Samseb is the natural habitat of approximately 218 bird species, including more than 50 species from wetlands and other rare and endangered species such as the shouldered ibis, the adjuvant, the river pine, the green paon, the Mekong turtle, river vanilla, the small glareole, the wool-tailed cygnus, the royal milan and many others...

Discover the beaches of Mekong

The white sandy beaches along the Mekong during the dry season (November-May) are another ideal setting for sunbathing, camping and swimming.

Cycling

Bicycle is one of the best options to discover Koh Samseb, both in the village and on the largest and longest island (Koh Rongeav) in the middle of Mekong in Cambodia (45 km de long).

The flat terrain and the breeze of the river provide a pleasant experience and offer exceptional landscapes and scenes of the life of the coastal communities.

Boat trip on the Mekong

Spending some time on a community boat to enjoy the banks of the Mekong while admiring the flooded forest and sunset will probably be an unforgettable travel memory.

Spend some time on a community boat. Photo provided

Forest hiking

Forest hiking in the community forest on the largest and longest island (Koh Rongeav) in the middle of Mekong is the best way to discover the green forest, birds, flowers and other wildlife.

Accommodation at the resident

Experiencing authentic rural life while staying with the inhabitants is another way to learn and understand the culture, tradition and lifestyle of the community.

Camping

In addition to community accommodation, tourists can experience another real experience by camping on Mekong Island in the middle of the river. It is possible to relax on the white sandy beach, swim, admire the beautiful sunset, the full moon and the thousands of stars.