khmer sources

Thmor Thom Village is a gem hidden within Preah Sihanouk National Park. Here in tranquil idyllic settings are local resident's houses built along the beach. The village is located in the eastern part of the park, in O’Oknha Heng commune, Prey Nop district, Sihanoukville. It can be reached either by boat and via a small road winding its way though the tropical jungle. Most of the villagers are either fishermen or farmers; some now have added a second career of selling food and soft drinks to the visiting tourists.
(roup 1)Over the past year, more and more tourists have discovered the beauty of Prek Teuk Sap in Ream National Park, especially to go to Thmo Thom village. It has deservedly earned a reputation for its natural beauty, its beach and the area's clean environment: It's also a haven for the wildlife watcher. Mr. Liv Socheat is the Chief of Tourist and Education Sector of Ream National Park. "The potential of Preah Sihanouk National Park comes from its unspoilt nature and landscape ideal for tourism. Today, the park is becoming a popular destination for eco-tourists who are interested in the region's natural beauty," he said.
"One of the exclusive features of Preah Sihanouk National Park is the green mango forests along the Prek Teuk Sap River, just off National Road No. 4. The river provides a 14km long link to the sea. Visitors traveling along the river by boat will see many kinds of bird and other wildlife living amongst the mango forest, animals such as the crane, king-fisher, red eagle-kite, monkey, and rarely, a glance of the sea dolphins too."
Viewing the dolphins is not easy. "If one wants to see dolphins, it takes time for the right conditions, little or no wind and usually during the evening time. When there are no waves, the dolphin will come out," Mr. Cheat said. "Some lucky visitors have been fortunate enough to witness groups of 20-30 sea dolphins swimming together."
"Preah Sihanouk National Park was registered as a National Park in 1993, and is located 18 km east of Sihanoukville. It covers over 21,000 hectares, being separated into two major conservation areas - 6,000 hectares of mango forestry and 15,000 hectares of tropical jungle. The park boundary extends to Keng Kang Airport in one direction and Prek Teuk Sap river in the other. It includes 3 islands."

One visitor to Thmor Thom Village was Mr. Bernard Giker, a tourist from Switzerland. He was walking along the beach, taking photographs. "I am interested to capture the images of the local houses built here on the beach. I think these people are the lucky ones since they have had the good fortune to build their homes in such beautiful and tranquil surroundings ... there seems a real happiness to life here," he suggested. "In the beach places I have been visited in Vietnam and Thailand, the areas are dominated by large commercial touristy buildings: Here, here the beach has just the local resident's houses," Mr. Bernard said. "There is such natural scenery here, so hard to find anywhere else."
Mr. So Min, general director of Somin-Angkor Horizons Travel, said "Today many visitors are interested in seeing Prek Teuk Sap of Ream. Most tours never miss Thmo Thom village or Koh Sam Puach island. My experience with our guests shows they are very interesting in viewing the beautiful river mango forests. Sometimes when the river level drops, the scenery is magnificent, the wild roots of the trees emerging from the water," he said.

"There is much local fishing activity along the river and on the sea margin, adding to the enjoyment of our visitors and quality of their trip," says So Min. "When we arrive at Koh Sam Puach beach, it'a a wonder destination for relaxing or bathing on the clean white sandy beach."

"Some of our guest are very interested in taking trekking tours on the island, because they can walk through the green tropical jungle and see the wildlife. There are great opportunities here for bird watching and viewing monkeys and other species in the wild," Mr. Min said. "The locals have told me of a tiger still living in the wild around these area ... but it's very rare to see it today."
Visits to the area can be with a guide or as part of a tour package which including meal, boat transportation and no entry fee. If you prefer your own arranged trip, the return boat will cost $35 to the ranger if the party is less than 5 people, or $5 per head for large groups. There are no restaurants on the island but the local villagers can prepare a simple order.

The legal status of Ream National Park as a conservation area will hopefully preserve this natural gem of Preah Sihanouk National Park for future generations to come. For those who have already enjoyed its natural wonder, it is a destination not easily forgotten.