Unplug & Recharge at haven next door

The weekend is tomorrow. But you are not craving for a fancy beach resort. Nor the sea or a remote mountain top. For now, after days of backbreaking work, just a low-profile place to unwind with your family, somewhere with less humans and more natural elements. Taing Rinith recommends the nearby Phumi Pkar Trakoun, which is ‘where you can unplug and recharge at the same time’.

PHUMI Pkar Trokoun, a private getaway resort, is located in Sa’ang district of Kandal province, about 25 km from Phnom Penh.

The shortest and most enjoyable way to reach the resort is to travel south from Phnom Penh on Street 369, passing through Bassac River and Anlong Chen Island. After about 40 minutes, go on Street 21B and go straight. In about half an hour, you will reach a sign telling you are almost there. Turn left at the sign and go on a dirt road for another 10 minute, and bingo! (you can also find the location on Google Map)

Occupying an area of 10 hectares, Phumi Pkar Trokoun is not suited for those lying on the sofa in an air-conditioned hotel room, head hung looking at smartphones. Instead, it was created for the outdoor type who adores physical activities and nature lovers who embrace the pure physical environment.

The natural features of Phumi Pkar Trokoun, in addition to fresh air and breeze, includes tropical trees, plants and flowers, as well as a natural lake. But, before going for those things, you’d better find one of the many huts on the property to take a break after a long trek. The huts built high from the ground give a good view of the surroundings, but may already be occupied if you don’t get there early enough.

A restaurant serves several country dishes, which are brought to you by the waiters. The ones recommended are the whole chicken roasted with countryside recipes and Samlor Mchou Kroeung, a sweet, tangy, spicy herb soup, with white rice. A few beers would be a nice addition, since you are not driving.

Obviously, the natural elements and the beautiful structures at Phumi Pkar Trokoun such as bridges spanning over the lake form a perfect landscape for picture or selfie-taking, but it would be a waste you spend the whole taking vacation photos. There are many things to do unless you want to simply laze around until the evening.

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