Do you know the Cardamoms? This mountain range in southeastern Cambodia stretches for some 300 kilometers.
Cambodia is a fascinating country in Southeast Asia, best known for the grandeur and beauty of its Angkor temples. However, the country also offers other sights, and will appeal in particular to nature-loving travelers! Today, we’re heading for the Cardamom jungle in the south of the country.
The Cardamom Forest
Photo credit: Facebook – Cardamom Tented Camp
This green lung stretches for some 300 kilometers and is located in the south of Cambodia, on the border with Thailand. It’s a region that doesn’t attract many tourists, yet offers a wide range of activities. The region’s main town is Koh Kong: it’s the only urban part of the region. To reach Koh Kong, it takes around 5 hours by road from the capital, Phnom Penh. Depending on the season, however, the road may be in more or less good condition.
What to do in the Cardamom region
Among the many activities on offer, trekking is certainly the main reason for attracting visitors to the Cardamom region. Indeed, it is possible to sleep in the middle of the jungle, thanks in particular to the help of local travel agencies, which organize treks lasting several days in the heart of this tropical forest. The program includes observation of gibbons, wild pigs and deer, all in an unspoilt environment.
Another attraction is the eco-tourist community of Chi-phat, located near Tatai. The locals have created this space to enable travelers to experience local life. It’s possible to sleep with local people, and enjoy original activities such as fishing, cycling and hiking. Revenues are used to improve the living conditions of the local people.
Finally, the Cardamom jungle is also home to several rivers, so it’s possible to organize boat trips via your hotel or local agencies, notably on the Ta Op or Tatai rivers, which will take you to various waterfalls where swimming is possible.
Where to stay in the Cardamom chain?
The Cardamom jungle conceals a few secret addresses ideal for enjoying a stay in total intimacy. In particular, it’s possible to sleep on floating hotels on the Tatai River: an unspoilt place where nature has its rightful place. Two lodgings offer this unusual experience: the Four River Floating Lodge for a luxurious stay, or the Tatai River Lodge for a slightly more basic, but nonetheless very comfortable accommodation. Both hotels are accessed exclusively by boat: no mains power, just the sound of the river and surrounding nature.
For a more conventional hotel option, you can sleep in Koh Kong town, which offers a handful of downtown accommodations. These hotels can be a good starting point for various day trips.
What to pack before visiting the Cardamoms
Before setting off for the Cardamom Mountains, you need to know what you’re getting into: the jungle. No luxury hotels, no wifi, no hot showers or hospitals. There’s minimal electricity generated by generators, and your phone won’t get a signal. There are insects, malaria-infected mosquitoes in some areas, strange crawling bugs, spiders and other bizarre creatures.
Evening meal in the Cardamoms – Photo credit: Facebook – Cardamom Tented Camp
Don’t let any of this discourage you, but get ready for basic living. So pack accordingly. Mosquito spray is a must, as is sunscreen, and a first-aid kit. Take a torch and a fully charged power pack, and be sure to pack a light raincoat and something to keep you warm at night.
Stock up on snacks and ditch your flip-flops for sturdier walking shoes. Take toilet paper – there are no toilets in the middle of the jungle and most host families only have bidets – and wet wipes, and don’t forget to charge your electrical devices when you can so you can take photos or film the stunning natural beauty around you.
The Cardamoms are an unspoilt part of Cambodia, perfect for reconnecting with nature and avoiding mass tourism. Don’t miss out on this region if you’re a keen hiker, or simply want to travel off the beaten track!
Main photo credit: Flickr – Cardamom Tented Camp