The Cardamom region is an isolated territory, dotted with small fishing villages and eco-lodges – ideal for trekking enthusiasts and adventurers in search of authenticity. Between hiking and discovering local life, follow us to the heart of this magnificent mountain range in Cambodia!

Where is the Cardamom Range Located?

The Cardamom Range (also known as the Krâvanh Mountains) extends over 20,000 km², from Cambodia to southern Thailand. With peaks exceeding 1,800 meters in altitude (Phnom Aural reaches 1,813 meters), the Cardamom Range ranks among the country's major mountain systems.

This mountainous region is renowned for its vast mangrove forests, which cover more than 800,000 hectares! The presence of these mangroves is due to the monsoon forest of the range: a splendid humid tropical rainforest – known as the second largest rainforest in Southeast Asia.

The Cardamom Range is not easy to integrate into a Cambodia trip, as it is located in a remote and wild area. To explore it, you should dedicate several days. To reach it, expect around 6 hours of driving from Phnom Penh or Sihanoukville.

Far from typical tourist destinations, the Cardamom Range offers a chance to discover an authentic Cambodia, preserved from mass tourism. Indeed, the only urban area in the region is the Koh Kong province.

What to Do in the Cardamom Region?

Discover Chi Phat

Nestled in the heart of lush and pristine nature, Chi Phat is an unmissable stop in the Cardamom Range. It is a village oriented toward ecotourism, allowing visitors to discover the region while respecting nature. However, this was not always the case…

Indeed, Chi Phat was long plagued by poaching and deforestation. Thanks to Wildlife Alliance, an NGO committed to preserving the region – a vast awareness program has been conducted with the local population. The goal? To highlight the fragility of their natural environment…

Today, the village of Chi Phat offers numerous activities, all conducted with respect for natural resources and wildlife… Among them:

● Strolling through the jungle (on foot or by mountain bike): while it's possible to explore the jungle alone, the presence of a guide is recommended. Why? Some of them are villagers from Chi Phat, so they know the forest like the back of their hand! Certain excursions offer swimming breaks around small waterfalls.

● Observing endemic wildlife: the Cardamom Mountains are home to numerous animal species, some of which are threatened with extinction. During a jungle trek, you may be fortunate enough to glimpse pangolins, wild boars, gibbons (primates), or the Cambodian Laughingthrush – an endemic bird species.

● Kayaking: canoe-kayaking excursions are organized on the Steung Pratt and Piphot rivers. An opportunity to observe nature from another perspective and better spot certain reptiles, such as the Siamese crocodile.

● Staying with local families: eager to share their culture, several families in the village welcome visitors (between one and four people per household). You'll have the chance to taste Khmer cuisine. A portion of accommodation costs (approximately €5) is returned to the community.

● Swimming in waterfalls: the village of Chi Phat has numerous water sources and waterfalls where you can swim – very welcome after several hours of trekking in the jungle! Among them: Ou Mlou Waterfall!

Discover the Fishing Villages of Koh Andet and Koh Sralao

Located on the banks of the Tatai River, the villages of Koh Andet and Koh Sralao are two authentic destinations where you can live at the pace of the local population.

● Koh Sralao: the community actively participates in preserving forests and coastal areas. It is a very small village (with about 300 households). Their main sources of income are marine resources, from fishing and mussel farming.

● Koh Andet: the village is located approximately 4 hours from Phnom Penh. As the main departure point to Peam Krasop Sanctuary, the village sits on the banks of the Tatai River. An opportunity to enjoy canoeing-kayaking and admire the spectacular Tatai waterfall! Nestled in an idyllic setting, it is open for swimming, thanks to its gentle flow.

Trekking in Botum Sakor National Park

Cambodia is a perfect destination for hiking enthusiasts… but also distinctly unique. Indeed, unlike some other mountainous countries, it is home to thick, lush jungles!

The Cardamom Range is no exception, with its magnificent Botum Sakor National Park, featuring waterfalls, rivers, and bamboo groves… Long difficult to access, the site is now accessible by Highway 48, which connects the city of Koh Kong to Phnom Penh.

Situated in the heights of the Cardamom Mountains, the park is an extremely wild area spanning over 1,710 km² (and three districts). Located near the Gulf of Thailand, it has numerous mangroves and wetlands. The main hiking trail departs from the Cardamom Tented Camp eco-lodge.

Where to Stay in the Cardamom Region?

Several lodges allow you to stay in the Cardamom Range. Most of these accommodations are luxury tents. Nevertheless, regardless of their structure, all these properties have been designed on an eco-tourism model, respecting the environment.

Situated in the heart of nature, these lodges offer unexpected comfort, with well-equipped bathrooms, good bedding, mosquito nets, and sometimes even a private terrace where you can quietly observe the beauty of the surrounding landscapes. Some floating hotels (on stilts) are only accessible by boat!

Among the most reputable lodges in the Cardamoms:

● Koh Andet Eco Resort : located in the north of the national park, this lodge is ideal if you plan to visit Peam Krasop Sanctuary.

● Cardamom Tented Camp : situated in the heart of the jungle, this camp is perfect during trekking in the national park. For safety reasons (related to wildlife), stays are not permitted for children under seven years old (inclusive).