One of Cambodia’s best kept (and stunningly beautiful) secrets is the Ream national Park. Whilst many tourists flock to the city of Phnom Penh and witness the hustle and bustle of life there, some lucky visitors make it to Ream National Park and witness a totally different side to Cambodia.

This National Park (for there are a few in Cambodia) is located approximately 18 kilometres north from the southern city of Sihanoukville on the south-eastern side of the country. It has been operational since 1993 when the Cambodian government decided to take steps to preserve its ecosystems and threatened areas of the country. There are about 200 people who live within the boundaries of the park (they lived in the area before 1993 and have been allowed by the government to remain) – and they are some of the luckiest people on this planet! No new residents are allowed within the boundaries of the park so that the ecosystem remains balanced.

The park covers a staggering 21,000 hectares and is home to both land dwelling and marine species. There are nearly 200 species of bird living here as well as several species of monkey. The lucky visitor to Ream National park may also be able to catch a glimpse of White Fresh Water Dolphins in the Prek Tuk Sap estuary between the months of December and February. Other animals that you may encounter include Rhesus monkeys, various jungle and water fowl and perhaps even a peek of a rare Mouse Deer or a Pangolin (an animal likened to a scaly ant-eater). Snakes such as King Cobras and Pythons are known to frequent the forested areas in the park and so it is best to be on your guard if you are hiking or trekking!

The park is filled with different geographical features that will appeal to every taste. There are mangrove forests, two coral reefs, idyllic sandy beaches, two islands to explore and tropical forests to venture through. There are many paths and trails to explore and any nature lover or hiker will relish the beauty and tranquillity that Ream National Park has to offer.

Although you do not have to be part of an organised tour to be able to visit the park, it is recommended that you make use of the experienced rangers to tour the different areas. There are approximately 35 rangers who work within the boundaries of the park and many of them speak English. They can also take you to areas of the park that you may have otherwise missed such as the Keng Kong Waterfall or Meditation Mountain, which offers breathtaking views of the park. Their rate is a very reasonable US$2 per hour and the tours can last anything from 2 hours to 4 hours.

There is also the opportunity to take a river boat trip on the Prek Tuk River, a saltwater river, where you may be able to snorkel or witness some fish flying through the air and landing back into the water (and of course the rare chance to see the dolphins). The river trips generally last about 6 hours and cost approximately US$35 for a group of up to 5 people.

The easiest way to reach this spectacular hidden gem is to take a taxi or moto from Sihanoukville. If you intend to spend most of the day or even camp overnight in the park then it is worth considering hiring a car or motorbike to get you around (it is possible to arrange to camp overnight in this stunning location by contacting the National Park office beforehand).