Chi Phat — Community Tourism
Jungle trekking and homestays in the Cardamom Mountains
Province Guide Available
Overview
Chi Phat is Cambodia's most celebrated community-based ecotourism success story, located deep in the Cardamom Mountains of Koh Kong Province. Once a village sustained by poaching and illegal logging, Chi Phat transformed itself into a thriving ecotourism cooperative that now serves as a global model for conservation-through-tourism.
The village sits on the Preak Piphot River, surrounded by some of Southeast Asia's most biodiverse primary rainforest. Visitors can trek through jungle trails, mountain bike on forest paths, kayak rivers, spot rare wildlife, and stay with local families — all while directly funding forest patrols that protect the Cardamom ecosystem.
Activities & Experiences
Multi-Day Jungle Treks
1–4 day guided treks through primary Cardamom rainforest. Camp in hammocks, spot gibbons and hornbills, swim in waterfalls. Guides are former hunters who know every trail.
Mountain Biking
Half-day and full-day rides on forest trails and village paths through the Cardamom foothills. Bikes provided by the CBET office.
River Kayaking
Paddle the Preak Piphot River through jungle scenery. Half-day trips pass through tranquil stretches with wildlife sighting opportunities.
Wildlife Spotting
Camera traps have recorded clouded leopards, sun bears, Asian elephants, and pangolins. Night walks and dawn forest hikes maximize sighting chances.
Waterfall Hikes
Day hikes to remote waterfalls in the Cardamom ranges. Swimming at the base, picnic lunches prepared by local families.
Village Life Experience
Stay with families, help with cooking, visit the community school, and learn about the village's transformation from poaching to conservation.
How to Book & Participate
- Contact the Chi Phat CBET office directly — they manage all bookings, guides, and homestays.
- Walk-ins are welcome but advance booking (1–2 days) is recommended for multi-day treks.
- All-inclusive packages include guide, meals, accommodation, and activities ($25–60/day depending on trek).
- The CBET office is in the village center — staff speak basic English and can arrange everything.
- Book through community channels, not external tour operators, to ensure maximum benefit to the village.
Benefits for the Community
- Over 200 families earn income from tourism — more than they ever earned from poaching or logging.
- Revenue funds community forest patrols that protect 75,000 hectares of Cardamom rainforest.
- Tourism income supports the village school, health center, and clean water infrastructure.
- Former poachers are retrained as trek guides, translating their forest knowledge into legitimate livelihoods.
- The model has been replicated across Cambodia and studied by conservation organizations worldwide.
Conservation Notes
- The Chi Phat CBET area protects one of the largest intact rainforest corridors in mainland Southeast Asia.
- Camera trap surveys have documented over 50 mammal species including clouded leopards, sun bears, and Asian elephants.
- Poaching incidents have dropped by over 80% since the CBET program launched in 2007.
- Community forest patrols, funded by tourism revenue, operate daily to prevent illegal logging and hunting.
- The Cardamom Mountains are a critical carbon sink — protecting this forest has global climate significance.
Practical Information
Duration
1–4 days
Cost
$25–60/day all-inclusive
Difficulty
Moderate to challenging
Best Time
November–May (dry season)
Getting There
- From Koh Kong town, take a shared taxi or motorbike to Andong Tuek (1.5 hours).
- From Andong Tuek, take a community boat upriver to Chi Phat (1 hour, $5).
- The boat journey through the river canyon is part of the experience.
- From Phnom Penh: bus to Koh Kong (5h), then taxi + boat (2.5h total).
- Alternatively, some tour operators arrange direct transport from Phnom Penh or Sihanoukville.
What to Bring
- Sturdy hiking boots or trail shoes (essential for jungle treks).
- Long pants and long sleeves for leech and insect protection.
- Rain jacket (wet season) or light waterproof layer (dry season mornings can be misty).
- Insect repellent (DEET-based) and sunscreen.
- Headlamp or flashlight for night walks and evenings.
- Cash in small denominations — no ATMs in Chi Phat.
- Reusable water bottle — the village has refill stations.
Chi Phat FAQ
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