While Phnom Penh is a cacophony of noise, pollution, dust and construction, not so far away sit the Cardamom Mountains.
Not so recently, the lush tropical forest that sits in the southwest of the country were off limits to visitors. However, improved roads coupled with the introduction of more community-based activities have made it quicker and easier for visitors to dive into real jungle life.
Sitting a world away from the capital’s urban jungle, the Cardamoms offer the perfect trekking terrain, with several tour operators offering trips, ranging from half- to multi-day excursions.
These include camping, kayaking, mountain biking and walking through jungle that is home to a variety of endangered flora and fauna.
Chi Phat is one option, with the village welcoming visitors at one of the many homestays. You can go for guided walks through the forest, take cooking classes, go on bird-watching walks, or try kayaking and other river adventures.
Or try out the recently opened Cardamom Tented Camp, which offers glamping in an isolated patch of the jungle. Here, money is pumped back into conserving a section of the forest, which is plagued by illegal poaching and logging.
