English
French
Spanish
Italian
The Cardamom Mountains, also known as the Cardamom Range, are a vast mountain range located in the southwest of Cambodia, extending slightly into eastern Thailand. This is one of the largest remaining tropical rainforests in Southeast Asia and holds immense ecological and biodiversity value.
Apart from its natural beauty, the Cardamom Mountains are also home to indigenous communities that have lived sustainably in the region for generations. Cardamom Mountains trek is an adventure activity that attracts many visitors come here to experience the pristine wilderness while supporting eco-friendly tourism initiatives that help preserve this fragile ecosystem.
Join a trek today with Asia King Travel and be part of the movement to protect one of Southeast Asia’s last great rainforests with these trekking tips below.
Spanning over 4 million hectares, this vast and largely unexplored wilderness is a haven for rare wildlife, lush jungle, winding rivers, and hidden waterfalls. Unlike more developed regions, the Cardamoms remain untouched by mass tourism, offering a glimpse into what much of Southeast Asia might have looked like centuries ago.
Cardamom Mountains - a popular destination for trekking in Cambodia
There is a vast variety of wildlife residing in the hills, marshes, mangroves and plains of the Cardamom Mountain region, such as the Asian elephant, clouded leopard, pangolin, sun bear, Siamese crocodile, gibbon and plenty of insects and reptiles. Spotting a leopard or elephant is very rare, as is the kouprey, a rare species of the wild ox.
You do stand a good chance of seeing the pileated gibbons swinging through the trees, though, as there is a healthy estimated population of around 20,000 residing in the mountains.
.jpg)
You can see the Asian elephants when trekking in Cambodia
The Cardamom is a natural playground, with opportunities for kayaking, hiking, waterfall excursions, and wildlife observation walks. Most of these activities are suitable for anyone with a baseline fitness level, including older children. Longer Cardamom Mountains treks are available on request for those seeking more challenge. During their stay, guests can learn about challenges the region faces and the solutions being implemented to preserve the natural surroundings.
.jpg)
A lot of adventure activities to do in Cardamom
This is the best time to visit, as the weather is cooler and drier, making outdoor activities like trekking and kayaking more enjoyable. Rivers are calmer, trails are easier to navigate, and wildlife spotting is more likely. December and January are particularly ideal months for visitors.
2-3 Days: This duration is perfect for short visits, allowing you to enjoy key highlights like Chiphat, Tatai River, and a guided trek.
4-5 Days: Spending more days ( about 4-5 days) allows tourists to explore deeper, including multi-day treks, wildlife spotting, and a mix of activities like kayaking and waterfall visits.
.jpg)
Cardamom Mountains trek tips help you prepare better for the trip
Keep in mind that the Cardamom Mountains are very remote, there’s no electricity, wifi, or hot water. In the evening, there will be generator-powered electricity for a few hours. Here are some places that have generator or solar power: Chi Phat tourism village, Osoam Community Center, Cardamom Tented Camp, Shinta Mani Wild, Four Rivers Floating Lodge.
These items should definitely be on your pack list: Insect repellent, sunscreen, flashlight, camera, fully charged power bank, a warm sweater (it can get cold at night), Rain jacket or poncho (it's a rainforest).
The entire journey takes around 3.5 to 4 hours and offers a unique opportunity to learn about forest patrol and conservation efforts carried out by local rangers. Along the way, you'll discover rare flora and fauna and experience the peaceful, majestic atmosphere of one of Southeast Asia’s last remaining primary rainforests.
The main route is a combined trek and kayak adventure from Cardamom Tented Camp to the old ranger station.
.jpg)
Cardamom Tented Camp
This trekking route starts from the eco-tourism village of Chi Phat, located in the heart of the Cardamom Mountains, and takes visitors through dense primary forests to the pristine Veal Ta Prak Waterfall. Covering a distance of approximately 15–20 km, the journey typically lasts 1 to 2 days.
Along the way, hikers may encounter rare wildlife such as forest birds, gibbons, insects, and unique plant species. In the evening, you'll have the chance to rest at a forest campsite or experience a homestay with local villagers. Beyond offering a memorable adventure, this trek also supports sustainable tourism and conservation efforts by providing alternative income for local communities, helping to reduce reliance on forest resource exploitation.
.jpg)
Bring your essential items for trekking
The trek to O’Malu Waterfall is an ideal choice for those seeking a light yet immersive journey through the pristine nature of the Cardamom Mountains. Covering a distance of about 8–12 km, this route takes only half a day to a full day, making it perfect for beginners.
Along the way, trekkers will pass through open forests, local farmlands, and cool mountain streams before reaching O’Malu Waterfall - an idyllic spot for a refreshing dip and a peaceful outdoor lunch.
%20(1).jpg)
O’Malu Waterfall
Read more: Top Thrill-Seeking Adventures in Cambodia
The trek to Areng Valley is one of the wildest and most untouched adventures in Cambodia hiking trails, ideal for nature lovers seeking deep immersion in the wilderness and authentic local culture. Depending on the route, the trek spans 12–20 km and typically takes 1 to 2 days, with a difficulty level ranging from moderate to challenging. This remote area is home to the indigenous Khmer Daeum community, as well as rare wildlife species such as Siamese crocodiles, gibbons, and a variety of unique forest birds.
Throughout the journey, you’ll camp in the dense jungle, swim in natural streams, and share meals with local villagers. With very few tourists venturing here, this trek is perfect for those looking for a deeply adventurous and exploratory trip.
Trekking in group in Areng Valley
Most hotels in the Cardamom region offer trekking tours that let you explore the area with local guides. You can arrive without booking in advance, and it’s usually not a problem to find accommodation, even during the high season. As mentioned, this area is very remote and sees very few tourists.
Shinta Mani Wild
If it’s a luxury stay you’re seeking, the incredible and unique Shinta Mani Wild provides opulent tent-style accommodation set amongst the jungle and along a flowing river. The experiences and service here are top-notch.
.jpg)
Shinta Mani Wild
Osoam Community Center
If you're looking for an authentic, off-the-beaten-path stay in the Cardamom Mountains, Osoam Community Center is an excellent choice. Nestled in a remote mountain village in Pursat Province, this locally-run initiative offers simple yet comfortable accommodation options, including wooden bungalows, basic private rooms, and homestays with local families.
The center is deeply involved in environmental education and forest protection, offering visitors the chance to learn about conservation efforts while directly supporting them. Guests can join jungle treks to nearby waterfalls and hidden viewpoints, cycle around Osoam Lake, or even volunteer with community projects.
Osoam Community Center
Chi Phat Community
For an authentic village experience, you can’t go past a stay at Chi Phat run by the Wildlife Alliance, which helps the local population here make a living from tourism rather than animal trafficking. Head out on guided treks to waterfalls and through the mountains, get to know the community and stay in guesthouses or a homestay.
.jpg)
Chi Phat Community
A visit to the Cardamom Mountains is a great way to experience authentic life and should be added to any Cambodia hiking trails itinerary. Here are some Cardamom Mountains Trek Tips that we want to share with you. For a detailed itinerary or further questions, let ss know in the comments below or contact us through email. We will help your trip unforgettable trip in Cambodia.
Read more: Cardamom Mountains Trekking Tour 4 Days: Jungle Adventure
