Chambok — Community Tourism
Waterfall eco-community near Kirirom National Park
Province Guide Available
Overview
Chambok is a community-managed ecotourism site nestled at the foot of the Cardamom Mountains near Kirirom National Park, just 2.5 hours from Phnom Penh. The community protects 400 hectares of forest surrounding a beautiful multi-tiered waterfall, offering visitors a refreshing escape from the capital with ox-cart rides, forest walks, and bird trails.
Established with support from MLup Baitong (a Cambodian environmental NGO), Chambok demonstrates how rural communities can earn income from protecting their forest rather than clearing it. The project has become one of Cambodia's most accessible CBET experiences — close enough to Phnom Penh for a comfortable day trip.
Activities & Experiences
Chambok Waterfall
Beautiful multi-tiered waterfall reached by a 30-minute forest walk. Swimming pools at the base, surrounded by lush vegetation. Most impressive in wet season.
Ox-Cart Rides
Traditional ox-cart rides through the village and forest edge — a relaxing and photogenic experience unique to rural Cambodia.
Forest Walks & Bird Trails
Guided walks through 400 hectares of community-protected forest with birdwatching opportunities. Over 100 bird species recorded.
Community Homestays
Stay overnight in traditional wooden houses with local families. Authentic meals, evening conversations, and dawn birdwatching.
Traditional Cooking
Learn to prepare Khmer countryside dishes using locally grown ingredients — herbs, vegetables, and freshwater fish.
Palm Sugar Production
Watch families climb sugar palms at dawn to collect sap, then boil it into palm sugar — a centuries-old tradition.
How to Book & Participate
- The Chambok CBET office is at the site entrance — walk-ins welcome.
- Entry fee: $3 per person. Guide fee: $5–8 for forest walks.
- Homestays ($5–8/night including meals) should be arranged in advance through the CBET office.
- Contact MLup Baitong NGO for organized group visits.
- Popular with Phnom Penh day-trippers on weekends — weekdays are quieter.
Benefits for the Community
- Over 30 families earn income from tourism activities — guiding, homestays, ox-cart rides, and food service.
- Forest protection fees fund community forest patrols preventing illegal logging.
- Tourism income has reduced deforestation pressure on the community forest.
- Revenue supports a community savings group and micro-loan program.
- Children learn about forest conservation through school programs linked to the CBET.
Conservation Notes
- Chambok community protects 400 hectares of forest that would otherwise face logging pressure.
- Community forest patrols operate regularly, funded by tourism entrance fees.
- The forest serves as a buffer zone for Kirirom National Park, enhancing its ecological connectivity.
- Over 100 bird species and numerous mammal species benefit from the protected habitat.
- Sustainable harvest of forest products (honey, mushrooms, herbs) is permitted under community rules.
Practical Information
Duration
Half-day to overnight
Cost
$3 entry + $5–8 guide + $5–8 homestay
Difficulty
Easy
Best Time
Year-round (waterfall best July–November)
Getting There
- Located 112 km from Phnom Penh on the road to Kirirom National Park.
- Drive south on National Road 4 toward Sihanoukville, turn off at the Kirirom junction.
- No public transport directly to Chambok — private car or motorbike needed.
- Can be combined with Kirirom National Park for a full day trip.
- Some Phnom Penh tour operators offer Chambok day trips.
What to Bring
- Comfortable walking shoes for the waterfall trail.
- Swimsuit if you want to swim at the waterfall.
- Insect repellent and sunscreen.
- Cash — no ATMs at the site.
- Camera — ox-carts and the waterfall are very photogenic.
- Rain jacket in wet season.
Chambok FAQ
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