Nestled in the Cardamom Mountains amid forests and rivers, the village of Chi Phat is a community-based eco-tourism village. Dedicated to protecting Cambodia's forests and wildlife, it's the ideal destination to discover an authentic Cambodia far from the beaten path. Here's everything to do and see during a stay in Chi Phat.

Chi Phat in a nutshell...

Located in the southwestern part of the Cardamom Mountains, Southeast Asia's largest contiguous tropical forest expanse, Chi Phat is a small, isolated Cambodian village that has preserved its authenticity.

Once plagued by illegal logging and poaching, the town is now a CBET (community-based eco-tourism center), a village developed for responsible tourism. Indeed, the non-governmental organization Wildlife Alliance launched a program in 2007 to educate and help the community earn a living from tourism rather than animal trafficking and forest exploitation.

Once poachers or employed in logging operations, today's guides and rangers have a single mission: protect the forest. To achieve this, teams are deployed to search for and report illegal activities.

Thanks to environmental preservation and community development efforts, the village has transformed from a hunting and smuggling region into a community eco-tourism village that works to protect Cambodia's forest and wildlife.

What to do during a stay in Chi Phat?

Here are all the activities to enjoy during a stay in Chi Phat:

Trek through the jungle on foot or by bike

Treks and hikes are the region's flagship activities. Over 200 km of hiking trails wind through the jungle of the region. An opportunity to discover all the area's treasures with the following highlights: swimming in waterfalls and river crossings, wildlife and flora observation, visits to mountain communities and banana plantations...

Accompanied by local guides who know the region like no one else, travelers can choose a one-day trek or multi-day excursions sleeping in hammocks (with mosquito netting) in the heart of the forest. No equipment is necessary as everything is provided by the community, including traditional Khmer meals.

For the more adventurous, mountain biking treks are also available.

Navigate the river by kayak or traditional boat

Chi Phat village offers several excursions to explore the region's rivers (including the Piphot River and the Steung Pratt tributary) by kayak or traditional boat. This activity can be combined with the following one.

Observe birds and local wildlife

The forests around Chi Phat are home to numerous animals including: primates (gibbons, langurs...), insects, reptiles, and many bird species (such as toucans).

Excursions on foot, by bike, by kayak, or traditional rowing boat allow you to approach them for observation. To increase your chances of spotting wildlife, we recommend departing early morning or taking a night safari.

Bathe in waterfalls

The Chi Phat region has numerous water points and waterfalls where you can swim without crowds and cool off after a trek.

Among the water points in the region, you can find:

• The O'Kroich River (Wild Orange),

• the O'Da River (Flagstone),

• the Dragon Fish River waterfall,

• the Holy River waterfall,

• the Betel Nut waterfall,

• the High Waterfall or Bodhi Tree rapids.

Explore caves and burial sites

During an adventure into Chi Phat's forest, you can explore caves including a bat cave. History enthusiasts can also discover ancient burial sites. Indeed, the jungle hides 500-year-old burial jars from a post-Angkorian civilization.

Again, these visits can be included during a trek.

Sleep with a local family

A stay in Chi Phat means experiencing abundant nature, far from mass tourism. But it's also an opportunity to live a unique experience close to locals. Since it's a community village, visitors can stay with local families or in guesthouses.

Staying with a family offers perfect immersion in local culture. You can live at their pace, exchange, learn more about their way of life, help prepare meals, and learn Khmer cuisine...

Note that not all families speak English, but communication is always possible through drawings or gestures! Obviously, these moments will make your stay even more unforgettable...

More information on the official website of Chi Phat eco-tourism village