Ream National Park

Ream covers a stretch of coast east of Sihanoukville taking in mangrove along the Prek Toek Sap river, beaches, evergreen forest on the hills and several offshore islands, and the standard visit is a boat up the river through the mangroves, out to a beach for lunch and swimming, with birdwatching along the way: kingfishers, egrets, sea eagles and, in the mangroves, macaques. Dolphins are occasionally seen offshore. The park has come under severe pressure in recent years, with large areas of its territory reallocated for development and construction reaching the boundaries, which is visible on any visit and is the honest context for it. Trips are arranged in Sihanoukville or at the ranger station.

What you actually see

• Mangrove channels - the boat route up the Prek Toek Sap.
• Coastal forest - evergreen woodland on the hills behind the shore.
• Beaches and islands - the swimming stops on the boat trip.
• Development pressure - construction reaching the park's edges.

When to go

November to April is the dry season with the calmest sea for boat trips. May to October brings heavy rain and rough water. Birds are most active early in the morning.

Honest expectations

Much of the park has been lost to development and what remains is squeezed; visitors expecting protected wilderness will be disappointed. Boat trips are hired whole and prices negotiated. Ranger presence and facilities are minimal. Sihanoukville itself is a construction site in many parts.

Nearby

Sihanoukville lies west; Koh Ta Kiev is offshore.