Visit Koh Kong, Cambodia

The southwest province of Koh Kong is home to some of Cambodia's most remarkable natural landscapes and habitats including deserted islands and beaches, thundering waterfalls, mangrove-lined rivers, as well as the dense jungle of the Cardamom Mountains, deemed the second-largest virgin rainforest in mainland Southeast Asia.

The Cardamoms have remained ecologically-sound due largely to their remoteness and provide territory for at least 59 globally threatened animal species including the Asian elephant, bears, tigers and the Siamese crocodile.

Much of the area is recognized as protected forest and many NGOs work to secure the area's distinct ecosystems from loggers and poachers. Some areas have already opened up to ecotourism ventures to encourage sustainable development.

The most accessible habitats and therefore in the province are accessed from the main city of Khrong Koh Kong. From here to the Gulf of Kompong Som stretches the Koh Kong Conservation Corridor, encompassing not just the vast protected areas of the Cardamom's but the mangroves of Peam Krasaop Wildlife Sanctuary.

A few days at a base near Khrong Koh Kong provide an insight into Cambodia's natural beauty with opportunities to kayak among pristine mangrove forest, swim in waterfalls and visit remote fishing communities.

Accessible from Phnom Penh and only a short distance from a straightforward border crossing with Thailand, a visit to this region is a must for those wishing to discover more of Cambodia as well as Southeast Asia.