Tucked deep in the Cardamom Mountains, Chi Phat is the gateway to mainland Southeast Asia’s largest remaining rainforest. 

This remote community sits among towering peaks, lush forests, mangroves, and lowland swamps, blending natural beauty with cultural heritage. Ancient burial jars and wooden coffins hidden in caves testify to the area’s long history.

But Chi Phat is more than a place to visit, it’s a pioneering community-based ecotourism project. Established with support from Wildlife Alliance, it allows visitors to explore one of Cambodia’s most biodiverse regions while directly supporting local livelihoods and forest protection.

Things to Do at Chi Pat

Trekking and hiking are among the most rewarding experiences in Chi Phat. Guided walks take you through rainforest trails, cascading waterfalls, and rugged mountain ridges, offering both adventure and immersion in nature.

For those who prefer exploring on two wheels, cycling and mountain biking are excellent ways to discover the countryside and hidden jungle paths at your own pace.

The rivers here also provide opportunities for adventure. Visitors can kayak or take boat trips through mangrove estuaries and winding waterways, enjoying a quieter perspective of the landscape.

Homestays and riverside bungalows allow travelers to stay with local families, sharing authentic Khmer hospitality while contributing directly to community livelihoods.

Wildlife enthusiasts will find Chi Phat especially captivating. With patience and luck, it is possible to spot elephants, gibbons, hornbills, and even the elusive clouded leopard.

Biodiversity Hotspot

The Cardamom Mountains, where Chi Phat is located, are recognized as one of 32 global biodiversity hotspots. This vast ecosystem shelters rare and endangered species such as Asian elephants, pileated gibbons, great hornbills, clouded leopards, Siamese crocodiles, and royal turtles.

Every visitor who chooses community-run services plays a role in protecting this fragile environment, making tourism here both meaningful and sustainable.

How to Get There

From Koh Kong town, Chi Phat is accessible by car or motorbike along National Road 48, followed by a short boat or moto-taxi ride into the community. The journey takes around two hours from Koh Kong town and four to five hours from Phnom Penh, depending on road and river conditions.

Travel Tips

The best time to visit is between November and April, during the dry season, when conditions are ideal for trekking and outdoor activities. Pack comfortable hiking shoes, insect repellent, light rain gear, and a reusable water bottle to stay prepared and eco-conscious.

Accommodation options include homestays, guesthouses, and jungle camping, all run by the community to ensure your stay directly benefits local people. 

Travelers are encouraged to respect wildlife, avoid single-use plastics, and support local guides and services, small steps that help sustain this unique destination.

Experience Highlight

One of the most memorable experiences in Chi Phat is joining a guided trek at dawn. As the jungle slowly awakens, mist rises over the canopy and the forest fills with birdsong, while rare wildlife may appear along the trail, a moment that captures the magic of the Cardamoms.