Ecotourism in Cambodia: a beginner's guide
Cambodia's forests, wetlands, rivers and coast offer rewarding ecotourism, from birdwatching on the Tonle Sap to rainforest treks. Here's where to start and how to do it responsibly.
In this guide
Most people visit Cambodia for its temples, but the country also has rainforests, grasslands, huge wetlands, a long stretch of the Mekong and an island-dotted coast. Ecotourism here is still small-scale, which makes it rewarding for travellers who are willing to plan a little more.
Cambodia's main natural regions
- The Tonle Sap: a vast lake and floodplain that swells in the rainy season, with flooded forests and important bird colonies.
- The Cardamom Mountains: a large rainforest in the southwest, home to elephants, gibbons and many rare species.
- The northern and eastern plains: dry forests and grasslands where rare birds such as ibises and cranes live.
- The eastern highlands: Mondulkiri and Ratanakiri, with rolling hills, waterfalls and forest.
- The Mekong: home to the endangered Irrawaddy dolphin and rich fisheries.
- The coast: mangroves, seagrass meadows and islands.
Good places to start
- Chi Phat in the Cardamoms, a community-run ecotourism base with treks and mountain biking.
- Prek Toal on the Tonle Sap, for large waterbird colonies in the dry season.
- Kratie for Mekong river dolphins.
- Mondulkiri for ethical elephant projects and primate trekking.
- Bokor and Kirirom national parks for cooler hill landscapes close to the main tourist routes.
- Peam Krasop in Koh Kong for mangrove boardwalks.
Community-based ecotourism
Many of Cambodia's best nature experiences are run by local communities. Villagers act as guides, cooks and hosts, and income from visitors gives them a reason to protect forests and wildlife rather than clear or hunt them. Booking through these projects is one of the most direct ways to support conservation.
Choosing responsible experiences
- Avoid any activity that involves riding, feeding or handling wild animals for photos.
- Keep a respectful distance from wildlife and follow your guide's lead.
- Use established operators and community projects with clear conservation goals.
- Leave nothing behind, especially plastic.
When to go
The dry season, from around November to April, makes trails and roads easier and concentrates birds around remaining water. The rainy season brings lush scenery, fuller waterfalls and flooded forests, though access can be harder.
What to bring
Lightweight long clothing, insect repellent, good walking shoes, binoculars, a refillable water bottle and cash for remote areas.