BASED ECOTOURISM IN KOH HAN, CAMBODIA

The Stung Treng Ramsar site, a 1,460ha wetland in Cambodia, is an out-of-the-way treasure trove of biodiversity. Its trees and waters house a wide variety of rare wildlife, from Irrawaddy dolphins to white-shouldered ibis.

The local people have oriented their lives around the rhythms of the Mekong River, which rises and falls dramatically as wet season gives way to dry. In the dry season from November to April, the river waters recede, revealing unique tree roots. In the wet season from May to October, the waters flood the forests, inviting kayakers and tourist boats to cruise through the shaded waters.

To capitalise on the area’s natural beauty, the Samros Koh Han Ecotourism Community was established in Koh Sneng Village. Koh Han, an elongated island on the Mekong, offers visitors a serene and biodiverse environment, while also providing sustainable income opportunities for its small local community.