Most people visit Cambodia to see the iconic Angkor Wat temple complex.
While it is for sure one of the most impressive temple sights we have seen on our travels there is so much more to Cambodia than temples. Venture further and go kayaking with kids on Tatai River for a unique take on the country.
Tatai is located in the South West of the country, not far from the Thailand border. It is quite remote and off the beaten path but don’t let that put you off. If you like rivers, waterfalls, jungle and chilling out you will love the Tatai River region. We were excited to have the chance to explore the waterfalls and river by kayak with the kids when we were there.
Getting to the Tatai River
As happens so often when travelling in 3rd world countries, the journey was a bit of an adventure. We travelled to the sleepy town of Tatai by road from Phnom Penh in a minivan with a private driver. After many hours of driving we arrived, crossing an enormous concrete bridge spanning the Tatai River.
Our driver pulled off the main road and drove down under the bridge by the edge of the river and parked. Here we found a little thatched hut with a small jetty but no-one around. It seemed a pretty sleep place. The driver called the lodge where we were staying to arrange a boat pickup and we waited.
Across the river a boat at the village jetty fired up its outboard engine and chugged across the river towards us and docked at the jetty. Our driver spoke with the boat captain and I could not understand what was said but it was clear this was not our boat – just a guy trying it on to earn a few bucks.
Anyway, after a couple more calls and some waiting our boat showed up and we said farewell to our driver and headed upstream. There were a few huts on the side of the river in set amongst palm trees in cleared sections of the jungle. Mangy dogs and chickens roamed around. Several kids were having a great time climbing the trunk of a tree overhanging the river and jumping into the river.
After a kilometre or two we stopped at another little jetty. We were met by a couple of guys from Rainbow Lodge, our home for the next few nights. They carried our heavy bags (thanks!) and led us up a narrow dirt path up into the jungle.
It soon turned into a boardwalk that led to a large open thatched roof common lounge area. One of the lodge owners welcomed us with a cold drink and showed us to our little thatched bungalow. It was basic but clean. No windows, but mosquito nets over the beds and fans – thank goodness because it was pretty hot.
Tatai Waterfall
The next day the lodge arranged a boat trip to the nearby Tatai Waterfalls. Several others who were staying at the lodge plus a guide and dog from the lodge accompanied us.
The boat trip took about 30 mins and we could see that development was gradually coming. There were several clearances in the jungle on the bank of the river where it ran close to the main road. On the other side of the river, though, it looked like impenetrable jungle.