The Significant Birds of Cambodia: Phnom Penh & Phnom Aural Mountain

Food

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Cambodian cuisine, where spicy notes take a backseat to the freshness of vegetables and the succulence of fish. As you traverse this culinary journey, expect to savor a delightful array of dishes, from the beloved Chinese noodle soup found at bustling street stalls to the comforting staple of steamed rice. Feast your senses on tantalizing specialties like Chicken sour soup, stir-fried chicken with pineapple, and aromatic green herb soup. Be prepared to tantalize your taste buds with local delicacies such as ‘charcoal chicken,’ ‘sticky rice,’ and ‘fried fish’ that are sure to leave a lasting impression of Cambodia’s rich culinary heritage. 

Hiking Trails 

Embark on a mesmerizing journey along our hiking trails, winding through a tapestry of landscapes that transition from gentle flats to undulating hills and lush forests. As you traverse the majestic Aural Mountain, nestled in the eastern reaches of the Cardamom range, be prepared to be enchanted by the symphony of nature. From the graceful flight of birds like the Great Hornbill and the Cambodian Laughingthrush to the elusive presence of wildlife such as the Fly Gibbon and Wild Pig, every step unveils a new wonder of the wilderness. Traverse bamboo forests, venture into the heart of the jungle, and navigate the terrain with climbs and descents that promise an exhilarating experience for every footstep taken.

Accommodations 

You will spend three nights in the jungle, either in tents with sleeping bags or hammocks equipped with insect nets. Our jungle campsites are strategically located near water sources, providing convenient access for bathing and cooking during your stay. 

Transport on the journey 

We utilize an SUV or minivan equipped with air conditioning for our entire birding trip. Our experienced driver is also passionate about nature and wildlife.

Team Supported

Our experienced team is dedicated to ensuring your adventure is enjoyable, allowing you to immerse yourself in the mountains, birds, and nature. An English-speaking bird guide will accompany us throughout the trip, organizing the entire journey. Porters will lead us from the villages to the peak, carrying essential items such as tents, hammocks, group meals, cooking supplies, and assisting in setting up sleeping arrangements and cooking facilities.

Gift 

As a token of appreciation to our clients who book a Vana Adventure holiday, we offer a complimentary gift. All our gifts originate from community-based ecotourism sites, benefiting local people and farmers. You can choose from a handcrafted scarf or bag, honey produced by local beekeepers, kitchen materials made from bamboo sourced from the community, and much more.

Equipment List:

For this holiday, you’ll need comfortable hiking clothing, suitable hiking boots or shoes, and a warm cloth. Here, we recommend essential items and additional helpful equipment for the journey:

Essentials:

• Day backpack and hiking bag (35L to 45L) with rain cover
• Water bladder with a minimum capacity of 3 liters or refillable water bottle
• Comfortable hiking clothing, hiking boots or shoes, and hiking poles (bamboo stick can be used instead)
• Eating utensils, personal medication, and a small first aid kit

Nice to Have:

• Personal food items and coffee
• Insect repellent
• Sunscreen, lip balm, sunhat, and sunglasses
• Electrolyte supplements
• Flip flops
• Binoculars (if available)
• Smartphone or camera for taking pictures
• Wash bag, towel, and toiletries, including antibacterial hand wash

Climate

Cambodia has a tropical climate, with a rainy season from June to September. The hottest months are just before the monsoon, in April and May. From October through to April there is little rain and from December through to March is the `cool` season although it rarely gets cold. Daytime temperatures will hover around a humid 25 degrees centigrade, falling to the low 16’s at night. Please check, when is a good time to visit Cambodia.

https://www.mountain-forecast.com/peaks/Phnom-Aural/forecasts/1813