The Cardamom Mountains in southwestern Cambodia represent one of Southeast Asia's largest remaining wilderness areas and a biodiversity hotspot of global significance. This remote mountain range harbors critically endangered species, ancient forest ecosystems, and communities still practicing traditional ways of life.

This guide explores responsible travel opportunities in the Cardamoms, from community-based ecotourism initiatives to guided treks through pristine forests and kayaking expeditions along clear mountain rivers. As conservation efforts work to protect this precious ecosystem from illegal logging and poaching, thoughtful tourism provides sustainable livelihoods for local communities while allowing visitors to experience one of Cambodia's most extraordinary natural treasures.

Chi Phat community-based ecotourism project has transformed a former logging and poaching hotspot into a model for sustainable tourism in Cambodia. Located at the southern edge of the Cardamom Mountains, this village initiative offers homestays, guided hiking and mountain biking trips, and multi-day jungle expeditions led by former hunters whose intimate knowledge of the forest now serves conservation rather than exploitation.

Visitors can choose from a range of accommodations, from simple homestays with local families to more comfortable community-run bungalows. Activities include boat trips to abandoned Khmer Rouge-era sites, night walks to spot rare wildlife, and visits to ancient burial jar sites hidden deep in the forest. All revenue directly supports community development and forest protection efforts.

The remote valleys and dense forests of the Cardamom Mountains shelter some of Cambodia's most endangered wildlife, including Asian elephants, pileated gibbons, sun bears, clouded leopards, and the extremely rare Siamese crocodile. Conservation programs operated by organizations like Wildlife Alliance and Conservation International work with local communities to protect these species from poaching and habitat loss.

While sightings of the most elusive animals remain rare, visitors who venture into the mountains with experienced guides often encounter evidence of wildlife such as elephant tracks, gibbon calls at dawn, and a rich diversity of bird species including the endangered green peafowl and great hornbill. Camera trap projects in the region continue to document species previously thought extinct in Cambodia, highlighting the global importance of preserving this forest ecosystem.