Cardamom Mountains
Elephants and Tigers and Bears
(and lots of birds too)
16 interlocking ecosystems
Covering 6% of Cambodia, the Cardamom Mountains are home to most of the country’s large mammal species and half of its birds, reptiles and amphibians, including globally endangered and threatened species like Asian elephants, Indochinese tigers, Malayan Sun Bears, Pileated Gibbons, and Siamese crocodiles as well as the Irrawaddy and humpback dolphins in coastal areas.
The Cardamoms are a vast mosaic of sixteen interlocking ecosystems, from dense evergreen rainforest to lowland swamps and coastal mangroves. The Cardamom Mountains of southwest Cambodia are part of the Indo-Burma hotspot, an internationally recognized biodiversity hotspot and house one of the last remaining elephant corridors and large predator ranges in the region. They host more than half of Cambodia’s 2,300 bird species and are home to 14 globally threatened mammal species.
Approximately 10,000 people living in the Southern Cardamoms depend either directly or indirectly on the forests and wildlife of the area for food security and other needs, with the majority of households earning less than $1.50 per day. This is precisely why Wildlife Alliance has been working with the villages of Chi Phat and Trapeang Rung, to ensure that the communities have sustainable livelihoods through ecotourism while protecting their natural heritage.
Following are the activities provided by Eco Adventures Cambodia. All pictures are from actual tours through the Cardamom Mountains.
Chi Phat Activities
IT#01 Boating and Trekking on Veal Ta Prak Trail 2 Days and 1 Night Tour Itinerary
Highlights
• Tour on a traditional row boat Difficulty: Medium
• Bird watching and sunrise on the jungle Distance: 22km boating + 26km trekking
• Sleeping in the jungle
• Trekking through the jungle
Cruise along the Stung Prot River on a traditional rowing boat, whilst the sun rises on the lush jungle. As the wildlife slowly wakes up, spot some of the magnificent and often endangered bird species hovering above. Feel the dense forest from up close while your guide leads you through the Cardamoms. Sample wild fruits and discover animal tracks. Sway in a hammock and be lulled to sleep surrounded by a symphony of the forest at night. Wake up to trek to Veal Ta Prak – The Silver Field – and wait for the wild deer’s and pigs to forage for food before returning to a warm breakfast. Head back to Chi Phat at your own pace taking in to jungle in its pristine beauty.
IT#02 Boating and Trekking on Veal Ta Prak Trail + O’Key Mountain Community
3 Days and 2 Nights Tour Itinerary
Highlights
• Tour on a traditional row boat Difficulty: Medium
• Bird watching and sunrise on the jungle Distance: 22km by boat + 35km trekking
• Sleeping in the jungle
• Trekking through the jungle
• Swimming at a Waterfall
Cruise along the Stung Prot River on a traditional rowing boat, whilst the sun rises on the lush jungle. Witness some of the magnificent and often endangered bird species hovering above and spot some wildlife coming to Veal Ta Prak pond at dawn while the nature slowly wakes up. Feel the dense forest from up close while your guide leads you through the Cardamom. Sample wild fruits and discover animal trails. Sway in a hammock and be lulled to sleep surrounded by a symphony of the forest at night. Visit the small Hamlet of O’Key and the banana plantation where elephants come often to enjoy them. Swim in the clear waters of the beautiful natural pool bellow the magnificent O’Malu Waterfall, surrounded on all sides by green hills and lush trees.
IT#03 Mountain biking on Veal Ta Prak and O’Kay Trails +O’Malu
2 Days and 1 Nights Tour Itinerary
Highlights
• Mountain Bike through the jungle Difficulty: Medium
• Sleeping in the jungle Distance: 33.5km
• Swimming at two Waterfalls
• O’Key hamlet and banana plantation
Cycle through the Cambodian country side and feel the life style of the Cardamoms passing beautiful sceneries. Visit the small Hamlet of O’Key and the banana plantation where elephants come often to enjoy them. Swim in the clear waters of the beautiful natural pool bellow the magnificent O’Malu Waterfall, surrounded on all sides by green hills and lush trees. Camp overnight to the sounds of rushing water.
IT#04 Trekking on Veal Ta Prak Trail + O’Key Mountain Community
2 Days and 1 Nights Tour Itinerary
Highlights
• Swimming at Chhay O’Khpos waterfall Difficulty: Medium
• Swimming at O’Malu waterfall Distance: 34km
• Sleeping in the jungle
• O`key hamlet and banana plantation
• Trek through the country side
Trek through the Cambodian country side and feel the life style of the Cardamoms passing beautiful sceneries. Visit the small Hamlet of O’Key and the banana plantation where elephants come often to enjoy them. Swim in the clear waters of the beautiful natural pool bellow the magnificent O’Malu Waterfall, surrounded on all sides by green hills and lush trees. Camp overnight to the sounds of rushing water.
IT#05 Mountain Biking to the Jar Site
1 Day Tour Itinerary
Highlights
• Mountain bike through forest and countryside Difficulty: Hard
• 500 y/o Jar site Distance: 42km
Cycle through the Cardamoms and feel the forest from up-close passing a diversity of landscape. Climb to the 500 years old Jar burial site discovered only in 2007 on this cliff (More information about this jars are available in our exhibition room).
IT#06 Mountain Biking on the Jar Trail
3 Days and 2 Nights Tour Itinerary
Highlights
• Mountain biking through the forest and the countryside Difficulty: Medium
• Discovering the 500 y/o Jar site Distance : 55km
• Swimming at 3 waterfalls
• Coming across a bat cave
• Sleeping in the Jungle
Cycle through the Cardamoms and feel the forest from up-close passing a diversity of landscape. Climb to the 500 years old Jar burial site discovered only in 2007 on this cliff (More information about this jars are available in our exhibition room). Visit the small Hamlet of O’Key and the banana plantation where elephants come often to enjoy them. Swim in the clear waters of the beautiful natural pool bellow the magnificent O’Malu Waterfall, surrounded on all sides by green hills and lush trees. Gaze at a variety of waterfalls including O’Spott and its bat cave and the stunning Teuk Vet.
IT#07 Trekking on the Jar Trail
2 Days and 1 Nights Tour Itinerary
Highlights
• Trekking through countryside and jungle Difficulty: Hard
• Sleeping in the jungle Distance: 42 km
• Discovering a 500 y/o Jar site
Feel the dense forest from up close while your guide leads you through the Cardamoms. Sample wild fruits and discover animal tracks. Sway in a hammock and be lulled to sleep surrounded by a symphony of the forest at night. Visit the 500 years old Jar burial site discovered only in 2007 on this cliff (More information about this jars are available in our exhibition room).
IT#08 Trekking on Jar Trail
4 Days and 3 Nights Tour Itinerary
Highlights
• Trekking through the jungle Difficulty: Hard
• Discovering a 500 y/o Jar site Distance : 55 km
• Swimming at 3 waterfalls
• Coming across a bat cave
• Sleeping in the Jungle
• Visiting O’Key hamlet and banana plantation
Feel the dense forest from up close while your guide leads you through the Cardamom. Sample wild fruits and discover animal trails. Gaze at a variety of waterfalls including O’Spott and its bat cave and the stunning Teuk Vet.
Sway in a hammock and be lulled to sleep surrounded by a symphony of the forest at night. Visit the 500 years old Jar burial site discovered only in 2007 on this cliff (More information about this jars are available in our exhibition room). Swim in the clear waters of the beautiful natural pool bellow the magnificent O’Malu Waterfall, surrounded on all sides by green hills and lush trees. Visit the small Hamlet of O’Key and the banana plantation where elephants come often to enjoy them
IT#09 O’Malu Waterfall, Veal Ta Prak Trail and Sunrise Boat trip
3 Days and 2 Nights Tour Itinerary
Highlights
• Tour on a traditional row boat Difficulty: Medium
• Bird watching and sunrise on the jungle Distance: 35km trekking + 22km by boat
• Sleeping in the jungle
• Trekking through jungle
• Swimming at Waterfall
Feel the dense forest from up close while your guide leads you through the Cardamoms. Sample wild fruits and discover animal tracks. Sway in a hammock and be lulled to sleep surrounded by a symphony of the forest at night. Visit the small Hamlet of O’Key and the banana plantation where elephants come often to enjoy them. Swim in the clear waters of the beautiful natural pool bellow the magnificent O’Malu Waterfall, surrounded on all sides by green hills and lush trees.
Cruise along the Stung Prot River on a traditional rowing boat, whilst the sun rises on the lush jungle. Witness some of the magnificent and often endangered bird species hovering above and spot some wildlife coming to Veal Ta Prak pond at dawn while the nature slowly wakes up.
IT#10 Trekking to O’Malu Waterfall and Veal Ta Prak Trail
2 Days and 1 Night Tour Itinerary
Highlights
• Swimming at O’Malu and Chhay O’Khpos waterfall Difficulty: Medium
• Sleeping in the jungle Distance: 34km
• Visiting O’key hamlet and banana plantation
• Trekking through the country side
Trek through the Cambodian country side and feel the life style of the Cardamoms passing beautiful sceneries. Walk through Veal Ta Prak pond where wildlife comes in the morning to drink. Visit the small Hamlet of O’Key and the banana plantation where elephants come often to enjoy them. Swim in the clear waters of the beautiful natural pool bellow the magnificent O’Malu Waterfall, surrounded on all sides by green hills and lush trees. Camp overnight to the sounds of rushing water.
IT#11 Mountain Biking to Veal Ta Prak
1 Day Tour
Highlights
• Mountain biking through the forest and the countryside Difficulty: Easy
• Staring at Veal Ta Prak pond Distance: 26km
Cycle through the Cardamoms country passing a diversity of landscape. Gaze at Veal Ta Prak pond where wildlife often comes to drink.
IT#12 Trekking to O’Malu Waterfall
1 Day Tour
Highlights
• Trekking through the country side Difficulty: Medium
• Swimming at O’Malu waterfall Distance: 28km
• Visiting O`key hamlet and banana plantation
Trek through the Cambodian country side and feel the life style of the Cardamoms passing beautiful sceneries. Visit the small Hamlet of O’Key and the banana plantation where elephants come often to enjoy them. Swim in the clear waters of the beautiful natural pool bellow the magnificent O’Malu Waterfall, surrounded on all sides by green hills and lush trees.
IT#13 Mountain Biking to O’Malu Waterfall
1 Day Tour
Highlights
• Mountain biking through the country side Difficulty: Medium
• Swimming at O’Malu waterfall Distance: 28km
• Visiting O`key hamlet and banana plantation
Cycle through the Cambodian country side and feel the life style of the Cardamoms passing beautiful sceneries. Visit the small Hamlet of O’Key and the banana plantation where elephants come often to enjoy them. Swim in the clear waters of the beautiful natural pool bellow the magnificent O’Malu Waterfall, surrounded on all sides by green hills and lush trees.
IT#14 Trekking to Veal Ta Prak
1 Day Tour
Highlights
• Trekking through forest and countryside Difficulty: Easy
• Staring at Veal Ta Prak pond Distance: 26km
Trek through the Cardamoms country passing a diversity of landscape. Gaze at Veal Ta Prak pond where wildlife often comes to drink.
IT#15 Trekking to O’Spott Bat Cave and Teuk Vet Waterfall
1 Day Tour Itinerary
Highlights
• Trekking through forest and countryside Difficulty: Easy
• Swimming at O’Spott and Teuk Vet Waterfalls Distance: 19km
• Enjoying the Chhay Chhrey rapids
Trek through the Cardamoms country side passing a diversity of landscape. Swim at the stunning Teuk Vet waterfall, gaze at the beautiful O’Spott waterfall and its bat cave before relaxing by the Chhay Chhrey rapids.
IT#16 Mountain Biking to Teuk Vet Waterfall and O’Spott Bat Cave
1 Day Tour
Highlights
• Mountain biking through forest and countryside Difficulty: Easy
• Swimming at O’Spott and Teuk Vet Waterfalls Distance: 19km
• Enjoying the Chhay Chhrey rapids
Cycle through the Cardamoms country side passing a diversity of landscape. Swim at the stunning Teuk Vet waterfall, gaze at the beautiful O’Spott waterfall and its bat cave before relaxing by the Chhay Chhrey rapids.
IT#17 Trekking to reforestation project and Chhay O’Khpos waterfall
1/2 Day Tour itinerary
Highlights
• Planting a tree Difficulty: Easy
• Trekking through country side Distance: 12km
Enjoy a nice walk through the country side of the Cardamom mountains, passing through Chi Phat and Chamlsa. Visit Wildlife Alliance’s nursery where we work ongoing to replant the area that suffered massive deforestation and logging until very recently.
IT#18 Mountain Biking to Reforestation project and Chhay O’Khpos Waterfall
Half Day Tour itinerary
Highlights
• Planting a tree Difficulty: Easy
• Trekking through country side Distance: 12km
Enjoy a nice ride through the country side of the Cardamom mountains, passing through Chi Phat and Chamlsa. Visit Wildlife Alliance’s nursery where we work ongoing to replant the area that suffered massive deforestation and logging until very recently. And finish by a refreshing swim at Chhay O’Kphos Waterfall.
IT#21 Mountain Biking to Veal Ta Prak and O’Malu
1 Day Tour
Highlights
• Mountain Biking through the jungle Difficulty: Medium/hard
• Swimming at Waterfall Distance: 34km
• Visiting O’Key hamlet and banana plantation
Cycle through the Cardamoms and feel the forest from up-close to Veal Ta Prak, a big field with a pond surrounded by jungle. Visit the small hamlet of O’Key and the banana plantation where elephants come often to enjoy them. Swim in the clear waters of the beautiful natural pool bellow the magnificent O’Malu Waterfall, surrounded on all sides by green hills and lush trees.
1. Fireflies Night Cruise
Activity: Sunset Boat cruise
Length: 4h from 6pm to 10pm
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 4km
Cruise along the river as the sun sets and spot colorful lights from fireflies on both sides of the river. Enjoy a few drinks while drifting on the clam water surrounded by the overwhelming sound of the jungle at night.
Ask our office for your drinks on the boat.
(big boat $25 two ways and medium boat $20 two ways) medium boat can take up to 6 tourists and big boat can take up to 20 tourists
2. From Dusk to Dawn in the Jungle
Activity: Boat cruise, overnight in jungle, wildlife spotting
Length: 1 night
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 18km
Have a romantic boat ride along the river, watching people fishing lobster and seeing firefly on both sides of the river. Enjoy a night at the campsite overseeing the river surrounded by the jungle. Wake up at the sound of the jungle and by the smell of your 3 in 1 coffee! Leave the campsite for Chi Phat as the sun stunningly rises. It is also a great opportunity to spot wildlife along the river such as monkeys, gibbons and birds.
3. Sunset dinner boat cruise.
Activity: Dinner cruise
Length: From 17:45
Difficulty: N/A
Distance: N/A
Possibly our most romantic experience! Enjoy a Khmer dinner right on the magnificent Pi Phot River. Drift along on a small barge lit by lanterns while the sun sets on the jungle. Return ashore at your will.
The boat driver will stay on the banks of the river a will await your signal when you wish to return. Drinks are available on the boat. Please ask the office.
Max 6 people.
4. Traditional Night Fishing Excursion
Activity: Lobster Fishing
Length: From 19:00
Difficulty: Medium
Distance: 5km
Join a fisherman on a boat trip to fish lobster. With a flashlight and a spear learn from the experts before trying it yourself. See if you get the skills!
Enjoy your catch of the night with a BBQ on the river bank.
2 persons per boat.
$12 per person.
Trapeang Roung Activities
IT#1 Kayaking the Rocky Rapid Trail – Chhay O’Andath
Activity: Boating and Kayaking Difficulty: Medium
Length: one day Distance: 8.5-12.5km of kayaking
A great way to explore the wonderful flora and fauna of the area in one day. Try to spot animals such as wild pigs and barking deer in Chen Yum Field (Chinese Crying Field), then visit the beautiful Chhay O’ Andath (Rocky Rapid) for some relaxing and swimming, followed by a leisurely kayak to our bird watching spot – The Teal Lake. Do some bird watching then choose to stay for longer or visit the local beach, where you can swim, relax or visit a farm and plantation near the beach, then why not add a tasty BBQ to finish off your day to remember!
IT#2 Kayaking the Rocky Rapid Trail – Chhay O’Andath Rapid
Activity: Biking, Boating and Kayaking Difficulty: Medium +
Length: one day
Distance: 8.5-12.5km of kayaking, 25kms of cycling
Explore the Cardamom’s by bike and Kayak! Take a scenic bike ride to the Chinese Crying field where you can try and spot some wildlife, then head to the beautiful Chhay O’ Andanth Rapids. Take in the gorgeous surroundings, and cool off in the water, relax, then start the next leg of your adventure from one of our new kayaks. There’s more rapid fun ahead when we get to the Black Rapids (Chhay Preak Khmoa), then after some relaxing time, it’s more kayaking and animals to spot at the beautiful Teal Lake. When you’ve had your fill of the birds, it’s time to kayak to Dei Tum Neab Beach, for more swimming and relaxing – then why not add a yummy BBQ to reward yourself for an active day of exploration!?
IT#3 Sunrise to Sunset Kbal Kampong Rapid Tour
Activity: Boating and trekking Difficulty: Easy
Length: one day Distance: 35kms of boating, 1km of trekking
This relaxing one day trip to the Kbal Kampong Rapids is a great way to enjoy the river, see a magnificent sunset and sunrise on the way, the perfect times for spotting birds, monkeys and hearing the calls of the gibbon. Time permitting, you can also visit the remote village of Veal Tapoo, maybe visit a local school, and see the strange pineapples that grow from rocks, sampling wild fruit along the way. At the rapids you can explore the area, looking out for butterflies, fishes, wildflowers and the spoors of animals such as civets and monkeys.
IT#4 The Mangrove Village Adventure – Koh Kong Khnong Village
Activity: Boating and Kayaking
Distance: 1km of kayaking (option to kayak for longer)
Difficulty: Easy
This exciting 1 night and 2 day tour, takes you by motor boat to the remote village of Koh Kong Knong where you can explore the area, look for wildlife along the way, kayak to the fascinating nearby Mangrove forest (Kong Kang in Khmer!), and experience village life and sleep the night at a cozy home-stay. There’s time to relax at a nearby beach and enjoy the sunset, before a yummy barbeque dinner, then you have the option to kayak or go by boat to see the glowing fireflies, or to try out traditional night fishing with the locals.
IT#5 Kbal Kampong Rapid and Preak Prong Waterfall Explorer
Activity: Motorbike Difficulty: easy
Length: one day Distance: 47 kms (motor taxi)
This exciting day trip takes you to the top of the Thmar Da Mountain by moto-taxi, giving you amazing views of the forest and countryside, and giving you chances to spot wild birds and animals. You’ll also visit the beautiful Kbal Kampong Rapid, for more exploration and nature watching and enjoy a refreshing swim. You will also see the impressive 15m high Preak Prong Waterfall, and visit the remote village of Veal Tapoo
IT#6 Mountain biking trip to Phnom Roung (Cave Mountain)-Damnak Phgniev-Trapeang Kraing Pond-Praek Prong Waterfall-Veal Tapoo Area (remote area)–Trapeang Roung
Activity: Mountain biking Difficulty: Medium+
Length: Three days two nights Distance: 50km of mountain biking
A great way to explore the wonderful flora and fauna of the area in 3days/2night. Try to spot animals at Phnom Roung Mountain like bats, lesser oriental chevrotain, baring deer and sightseeing, see wild fruits, wild flower whilst enjoying a stunning view all the way to the sea. At Damnak Phnhiev, you can taste the good wild fruits called Burmese grape. You will have chance to spot the wildlife at Trapeang Kraing Pond like barking deer, lesser oriental chevrotain, wild pig.
Moreover, you can explore the nature at Praek Prong waterfall, relax and hear the sound of the waterfall, swim, see the horn bills, see the big and beautiful rock, see wretched horn bill, see fish pools, hear the sound of gibbon, and wild chicken crying. On the other hand, you can enjoy your time with remote villagers at Veal Tapoo area by visiting them, visiting the remote school or teach remote students the English, learn about their living, taste the remote tea, and especially you can see the strange rocky pineapple (the pineapple grow on the rock) in this area.
IT#7 Trekking Trip to Phnom Roung (Cave Mountain)- Damnak Phgniev-Trapeang Kraing Pond-Praek Prong Waterfall-Veal Tapoo Area (remote area) – Trapeang Roung
Activity: Trekking Difficulty: Medium+
Length: Three days two nights Distance: 50km of mountain biking
A great way to explore the wonderful flora and fauna of the area in 3days/2night. Try to spot animals at Phnom Roung Mountain like bats, lesser oriental chevrotain, wild chicken, barking deer and sightseeing, see wild fruits, wild flower or see the sea view. At Damnak Phnhiev, you can taste the good wild fruits called Burmese grape. You will have chance to spot the wildlife at Trapeang Kraing Pond like barking deer, lesser oriental chevrotain and wild pig.
Moreover, you can explore the nature at Praek Prong waterfall, relax and hear the sound of the waterfall, swim, see the horn bills, see the big and beautiful rock, see wretched horn bill, see fish pools, hear the sound of gibbon, and wild chicken crying. On the other hand, you can enjoy your time with remote villagers at Veal Tapoo area by visiting them, visiting the remote school, learn about their living, taste the remote tea, and especially you can see the strange rocky pineapple( the pineapple grow on the rock) in this area.
IT#8 The Cave Mountain Explorer Trail – Phlov Ruk Rok Phnom Roung
Activity: Cycling and Trekking Distance: Cycling-20km, Trekking-8km
Difficulty: Challenging
This challenging but exciting one day mountain biking and trekking tour takes you to the top of Phnom Roung Mountain, (Cave Mountain), with gorgeous scenery along the way, and lots of things to see and explore at the top, including bat caves, wildlife and a waterfall IT#9 9 –
The Spectacular Py Chhan Waterfall Trip Activity: Trekking Length: one day Difficulty: Easy Distance: 5kms Visit the Cardamom’s most impressive Waterfall – Py Chhan, meaning two floors waterfall, as the water there cascades over two tiers, totaling a height of about 40 meters. Get there by motor-taxi, stopping at an amazing viewpoint and Kbal O’Py Chhan rapid, then enjoy a relatively easy jungle trek to see Py Chhan waterfall itself, with your local guide pointing out interesting things along the way.Workshop:
Cambodian noodle making
Num Chak cooking
Handicraft making
