Cambodia offers tourists the unprecedented opportunity to travel its extensive waterways to obtain a unique view of this emerging tourist behemoth. With rivers stretching from the North East to the south and extending to the east via a network of rivers and lakes, water-wise tourists can plan an exciting trip. But for you to start making detailed plans, it is important that you make sure that your travel insurance plan will cover any health problems that may arise.

That is not to say that Cambodia is a dangerous destination, it is just common sense to make sure that when travelling on all land of limited health resources that you have the peace of mind you need to undertake a journey into some remote locations.

So, with the formalities out of the way let’s take a look at some of the things you should know about water travel in Cambodia.

• Ferries. Government run ferries operate between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, a journey which takes around five hours. This is a popular trip was tourists as Siem Reap is close to Angkor Wat, probably the most popular tourist destination in all Cambodia. At various times of the year some parts of the river may be too shallow for the ferry to traverse and so travelling is very limited. Check with your travel agent about when the dry season is likely to affect ferry services say to make alternative plans before you depart.
• Tonle Sap Lake. This is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia and is home to the famous floating villages of the area. Here you will see floating classrooms with children receiving instructions as they float around the lake, as well as a police station and many other food sellers. The occupants of this flotilla always travel together and will relocate according to tide and water levels. It is an extraordinary sight that is bound to live long in your memory.
• The Mekong River Cruise. There are several cruises you can take along the Mekong River. You can travel around Phnom Penh or you can go further and visit the islands further upstream. The flooded forests are considered a natural wonder of Cambodia and have to be seen to be believed. You can actually sail over the top of the remains of a forest whilst all around you on the shores the same forest still flourishes. You can stop along the way and visit villages that are far from the beaten track. There you will find ancient temples that many tourists have never seen.

Travelling by water in Cambodia is an unrivalled tourist experience that many fail to plan for. As long as you have adequate holiday insurance there is no need to worry about getting off the beaten track in Cambodia.

As far as water travel goes, you are better to stay with a guided tour as independent travel can be unreliable and sometimes totally unpredictable and let’s face it, you don’t want to be explaining why you overextended your Visa because you are lost at the Mekong Delta!