Cambodia’s remote Koh Kong province is a jungle paradise filled with endangered elephants, tigers, crocodiles, monkeys and more, plus pristine sandy beaches with nary a condo in sight.

The province is also home to some of the last remaining virgin rainforests in the country, and it is quickly becoming model of sustainable development as conservation groups and conservation-minded businesspeople partner with local villagers to build eco-friendly lodges and tourist establishments.

The increased income provided by tourism has given local villagers the incentive and the breathing room to preserve the surrounding forests. Instead of hunting, they now guide tourists. The money that visitors bring in means that families no longer have to engage in destructive practices like illegal logging or slash-and-burn farming to survive.

John Maloy, a spokesman for Wildlife Alliance, told the New York Times that the impact has been profound, especially in the village of Chi Pat:

“Chi Phat was home to the most destructive inhabitants in the whole of Koh Kong province. By participating in the eco-tourism project, community members would not only receive income that would greatly improve their situation, they would be provided with incentives to protect the forest rather than exploit it in an unsustainable manner.” (more…)

Each year, more and more international tourists discover Cambodia for the first time. Here are 5 great reasons to get a Cambodian visa and explore this magical country yourself:

1. Angkor Wat

The national symbol of Cambodia, Angkor Wat is a massive Hindu temple/Buddhist shrine. Built in the early 12th century, it towers over the surrounding jungle, richly decorated with reliefs, sculptures and statues.

2. Phnom Penh

Cambodia’s capital is another must-see. Bustling and vibrant, Phnom Penh is a great place to shop, eat, or just contemplate Cambodian history, whether in a gilded Buddhist temple or at a somber memorial to the people who died in Cambodia’s killing fields.

3. Siem Reap

Siem Reap is a great base for visiting the temples at Angkor Wat, but it’s also an interesting city in its own right. Located on the banks of the Siem Reap river, the town center is full of picture-perfect French colonial architecture. Traffic to the temples of Angkor Wat has a sparked a tourism boom, with lots of excellent places to stay and world-class restaurants.

4. Preah Vihear

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the temple of Preah Vihear is located along Cambodia’s border with Thailand. It dates back to the 9th century, and like Angkor Wat, it was originally built as a Hindu temple and later converted to Buddhism.

5. Ratanakiri Province

Remote Ratanakiri Province is an excellent destination for adventure tourism. Here’s how the Lonely Planet’s guide to Cambodia describes it:

Adrenaline activities are plentiful. Swim in clear volcanic lakes, shower under waterfalls, glimpse an elephant or trek in the vast Virachay National Park – it’s all here.

To visit Cambodia, Americans need a Cambodian visa. If you’re flying in, you can apply on arrival at the Phnom Penh and Siem Reap airports. However, you can also get your visa before you leave the US, and this will allow you to escape the airport more quickly.

To learn more about getting a Cambodian tourist visa, see Cambodian Visa Requirements for Tourists.

Remember, RushmyTravelVisa.com can make the visa application process easier by offering assistance with the application, helping you avoid common mistakes, and getting the fastest possible processing.

Apply for your Cambodian visa today!