Tucked in Cambodia’s southwest corner are the Cardamom Mountains, an area of dense rainforest, meandering rivers, and abundant wildlife. EXO loves this ruggedly beautiful region and, following a recent inspection, is excited about the new opportunities for our guests.
The sprawling Cardamom are home to a vast array of terrain, including mountains, lakes, rivers, waterfalls, plains and Southeast Asia’s largest mangrove forest. Within these diverse ecosystems live a variety of wildlife from endangered Irrawaddy dolphins and Malaysian sun bears to more than 450 species of birds.
A visit to the Cardamom region is a true nature experience, akin, in many ways, to a safari in Africa.
Marcel van der Zwaag, General Manager of EXO Cambodia recently returned from Cardamom. ‘It’s such a privilege to be able to travel to such rugged nature. Kayaking offers sightings of wild animals without disturbing their habitat and you can easily get lost in the rivers of the mangrove forests. It’s amazing experience this and learning how important these areas are for a sustainable future.’
Guests can learn about the challenges the region faces and the solutions being implemented to preserve the natural surroundings.
What to do
The Cardamom are 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 treks are available on request for those seeking more challenge.
The Cardamom are also home to many traditional communities and village visits in the area are a wonderful opportunity to learn about the local customs. As well, there are numerous initiatives focused on environmental conservation. During their stay in the Cardamoms, guests can learn about challenges the region faces and the solutions being implemented to preserve the natural surroundings.
Accommodation options provide a comfortable base from which to explore some Southeast Asia’s largest mangrove forest, rivers, lakes and more
Where to stay
Canvas & Orchids: This unique eco-focused resort is tucked along the winding Tatai River, surrounded by lush rainforest. Nature is the star of the show here, a peaceful paradise where guests can enjoy a day full of activities and relax in comfort at night in one of the floating tented villas or island tents on land. With a maximum occupancy of 46, an intimate nature stay is assured.
Cardamom Tented Camps: Located in Botum Sakor National Park, the Cardamom Tented Camp consists of nine safari-style tents. Rustic yet comfortable, the tents are an ideal base for adventurers and nature-lovers with spectacular surroundings in every direction. An open-air restaurant and patio overlook the Preak Tachan River, and serves as a tranquil gathering place for guests to share meals and stories of the day’s adventures.
Like most wonderfully quiet natural areas, getting to the Cardamom Mountain region takes a bit of effort
Getting to the Cardamoms
As with most wonderfully quiet natural areas, getting to the Cardamom Mountain region takes a bit of effort, combining a long drive with a short boat trip to each of the above mentioned resorts. From Phnom Penh, the road is rough and bumpy for at least half of the journey whereas the road to Sihanoukville is markedly better. Travel times are as follows:
Phnom Penh to Cardamom:
- Canvas & Orchids: 5 hours + 30 min boat ride
- Cardamom Tented Camp: 4 hours + 45 min boat ride (depending on the water levels)
Cardamom to Sihanoukville:
- Canvas & Orchids: 30 min boat ride + 4 hours
- Cardamom Tented Camp: 45 min boat ride + 5 hours
Planning a trip:
Departing from Phnom Penh, guests transfer by road and boat to their preferred hotel in the Cardamom region. EXO recommends a 2-3 night stay to ensure guests get to experience a variety of ecosystems, villages and adventures. From there, we suggest continuing to the beach, with a relaxing stay on Koh Rong or similar.
Our Jungle to the Beach itinerary is a great example of how to incorporate a visit to the Cardamom Mountains into a greater Cambodia trip.
" alt=""> 
" alt=""> 
" alt=""> 
" alt=""> 
" alt=""> 
" alt=""> 
" alt=""> 
" alt=""> 
" alt=""> 
" alt=""> 
" alt=""> 
" alt=""> 
" alt=""> 
" alt=""> 
" alt=""> 
" alt=""> 
" alt=""> 
" alt="">