Chi Phat: from poaching village to ecotourism base
Chi Phat, in the Cardamom Mountains, turned from logging and hunting to community-run ecotourism. Here's what you can do there and how to plan a visit.
Chi Phat is a village on the edge of the Cardamom Mountains, reached by boat or road from the coast. It is one of Cambodia's best-known examples of community-based ecotourism, where villagers who once relied on logging and hunting now earn a living by guiding visitors through the forest.
The story
For years, people in Chi Phat depended on cutting timber and hunting wildlife to survive. In the late 2000s, with support from the conservation organisation Wildlife Alliance, the community set up an ecotourism project. Residents trained as guides, cooks and hosts, and income from visitors was shared among families and invested in village projects. The idea was simple: if the forest and its wildlife brought in more money alive than dead, people would protect them.
What to do
- Day treks through forest and farmland to waterfalls, viewpoints and rivers.
- Overnight treks with camping in hammocks or simple jungle camps.
- Mountain biking on dirt trails around the village and into the hills.
- Boat trips on the Preak Piphot river, especially beautiful early in the morning.
- Birdwatching for hornbills and other forest species.
- Wildlife release site visits, where rescued animals are returned to the wild, when arranged.
Where to stay
Accommodation ranges from homestays with local families to simple guesthouses and bungalows. Facilities are basic, but rooms usually have mosquito nets and shared bathrooms. Staying in a homestay is the best way to experience village life.
Getting there
Chi Phat is reached from Andoung Tuek, a village on the main road between Koh Kong and Phnom Penh. From there, you can take a boat up the river or travel by road. Allow plenty of time, and book transfers through the community-based ecotourism office.
How long to stay
Two nights lets you do a day trek and a boat trip. Three or more nights allows for an overnight trek.
Tips
- Book activities through the community office so income reaches local families.
- Bring cash for your entire stay.
- Pack long sleeves, insect repellent and leech socks in the rainy season.
- Expect limited phone signal and electricity.