Chi Phat: The village of Chi Phat, on the Preak Piphot River, is the main gateway to the Cardamoms. Once populated by poachers, the village has undergone a remarkable transformation thanks to an ecotourism program supported by the NGO Wildlife Alliance. Former poachers have become guides and rangers.

Chi Phat — the Ecotourism Hub

Chi Phat is accessible from Andoung Tuek (2 hours from Koh Kong by bus, or 4 hours from Phnom Penh). A system of local boats travels up the river to the village (1-2 hours, $5-8). From Chi Phat, a network of marked trails and rivers allows for treks ranging from 1 to 7 days.

The CBET (Community-Based Ecotourism) of Chi Phat offers official programs: guided hikes, kayaking, overnight stays in the forest with rangers, and nocturnal wildlife observation. All money stays within the community. Reservation is mandatory and highly recommended on their website (chi-phat.org).

Main Access Andoung Tuek → Chi Phat by boat (1-2 hours)
From Phnom Penh 4-5 hours by bus (towards Koh Kong), then by boat
Available Treks 1 to 7 days (overnights in the forest possible)
Best Season November to April (dry season)

Wildlife of the Cardamoms

The Cardamoms are home to exceptional biodiversity: wild Asian elephants (about 250 individuals), sun bears, leopards, gaurs (wild cattle), pileated gibbons, and 500 species of birds. The chances of encountering large wildlife are real but not guaranteed — the essence hides in the dense forest. However, birds and reptiles are omnipresent.

Itinerary Combinations

The Cardamoms fit well into a route from Phnom Penh → Koh Kong → islands of Cambodia (or Thailand). Coming from Bangkok, it is the first stop after crossing the Hat Lek/Cham Yeam border.

Rainy Season: From June to October, some trails become impassable and the river may overflow. Multi-day treks are not recommended. However, the waterfalls are at their most beautiful, and wildlife is more active.
GetYourGuide — Cardamom & Chi Phat Treks
Guided forest treks, river kayaking, overnight stays in the forest · Certified local guides
On nous pose souvent ces questions

Questions fréquentes

It depends on the chosen program. The 1-2 day treks around Chi Phat are accessible to an average fitness level. The 5-7 day treks with nights in the forest require good physical condition and tolerance for discomfort (hammocks, heat, insects). Specify your fitness level to the organizers.

Yes and no. The Cardamoms are the best-protected forest area in Cambodia thanks to a coalition of NGOs (Wildlife Alliance, WWF) and the ecotourism program of Chi Phat. Deforestation there is significantly lower than in other regions of the country. Ecotourism is one of the reasons why the forest is still standing.