3 Days Chi Phat Community
Exploration of Chi Phat reveals a pristine destination transformed from a landscape once marked by war, logging and hunting into a protected natural haven. Located in the Southern Cardamoms and set along the Phipot River, the commune comprises four villages, Chi Phat, Chaom Sla, Kam Lort and Teuk Laork. These are home to around 550 families, who benefit from fertile red soil that yields abundant rice, bananas and a variety of seasonal crops. Established in 2008, the community-based ecotourism initiative is a model for sustainable tourism, offering activities from mountain biking and birdwatching to sunset cruises and riverside lodge stays. A visit to this rural idyll unwraps a peaceful and authentic rural way of life.
Day-to-Day Itinerary
Our first day introduces Chi Phat’s community-led mission to conserve the landscape and improve local livelihoods through responsible tourism. We travel overland from Phnom Penh, covering around 280 km in approximately four hours. On arrival, we cross the Phipot River by ferry to reach the Community-Based Ecotourism Visitor Centre and then check-in to our homestay. In the afternoon, we walk around 2 km with a local guide to nearby Chhay Chrey rapids, where there is time to swim and relax. We then continue by moto-dop to Bold Mountain, arriving in time to take in a beautiful sunset over the Cardamom landscape. Dinner and overnight are at the homestay.
The beauty of the countryside is revealed once again today. After breakfast at the community centre, we set out on a morning of exploration by mountain bike, following an easy 19-km route to O’Spott Bat Cave. Pedalling through the varied landscapes of the Cardamom Mountains, we pass rice fields, forest trails and small rural settlements, gaining a closer connection to daily life. Along the way, we swim at Teuk Vet Waterfall and then continue to O’Spott Waterfall and its bat cave. A picnic lunch is enjoyed in this tranquil natural setting before we cycle back to the community centre. Dinner and overnight are at the homestay.
Today marks the final day of our three-day adventure, with the option to extend our stay through additional activities such as overnight jungle camping, on request. After breakfast, we depart by private transfer to Phnom Penh, approximately 280 km and around four hours – or Sihanoukville, around 290 km and approximately five hours. The journey offers ever-changing views of rice fields, forested hills and picturesque rural villages. This excursion provides insight into a community sustained through local stewardship. Our tourism fees also help protect the environment and support the long-term success of this community-based ecotourism initiative.
Route
- We will do all possible to comply with any dietary requirements during this tour; it may not always be possible to confirm your wishes in advance based on the choice of local restaurant;
- We reserve the right to make necessary changes to the tour in case of unfavourable weather conditions or situations where we are forced to make alterations to guarantee the safety of our guests;
- Guests traveling over and during local holidays may experience longer waiting times than normal, may see certain sites being closed down, and this program may be subject to supplementary charges;
- Natural elements of any kind have a destructive effect on electronic equipment. It the customer’s own responsibility to ensure that any camera, mobile telephone or other device is properly wrapped and protected against these elements. We cannot be held responsible in any way for negligence and/or not following suggestions for any damage related to this;
- We reserve the right to make necessary changes to the tour in case of unfavourable weather conditions or situations where we are forced to make alterations to guarantee the safety of our guests;
- Tours and excursions often include obstacles of various kinds that may not make this excursion suitable for wheelchair users or guests with limited mobility;
- The protection of the country’s flora, fauna and its historical and cultural treasures is of immense importance for us. We will not pursue any activities that are not in line with our animal, wildlife and environment protection principles;
- Please ensure that you bring sunglasses, a hat /cap and sunblock with a high SPF factor when traveling with us. Even when it is cloudy, the sun still has an immense power;
- All mentioned times, durations and stops are based on approximations and may change due to unforeseen circumstances, weather and traffic conditions beyond our control.
- Tours and transfers without licenced English-speaking guiding services / assistance. Guides are on request with supplement charge and are subject to availability;
- Accommodation in sharing twin / double room;
- Transportation for tour and transfers by air-conditioned vehicle, unless otherwise stated;
- Shared returned boat transfer from pier to resort in Koh Rong (boat schedules subjected to re-confirmed) (private boat transfer is on request with supplement charge);
- All meals as indicated in the programme (food only).
- Personal expenses such as other meals, drinks, tips and gratuities, shopping, portage fees and optional tours/ visits, unless otherwise stated;
- Hotel accommodation in the destination of commencement;
- Any domestic / international airline tickets, airport taxes, visa fees, specific camera / video fees, additional transportation cost from and to the general pick-up / drop-off regions (such as airports, out-of-town resorts, ports, harbours and accommodation in surrounding towns);
- Any accommodation expenses of a personal nature. This includes (compulsory festive) meals and drinks, mini-bar consumption, laundry, room service, any telephone or other communication cost not mentioned in the programme;
- International travel and medical insurance coverage for customers;
- Voluntary carbon emission compensation: USD 1.50 per person per day.
