Ecotourism Adventure in Southern Cambodia - 7 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Phnom Penh, Transfer to Chi Phat, Kayak Excursion

Welcome to Phnom Penh, Cambodia's vibrant capital. Meet your driver outside the airport and set off on a 4.5-hour transfer to Andoung Tuek. From there, you'll board a boat for a scenic two-hour journey along the Preak Piphot River to Chi Phat, a community-based ecotourism village nestled in the Cardamom Mountains. When you arrive, register at the community center, enjoy a nourishing meal, and then settle into your accommodation to get ready for a kayak ride along the river.

Paddle along the serene waterway surrounded by dense, verdant jungle and the gentle sounds of wildlife. The clear waters also reflect the lush greenery of the Cardamom Mountains, providing stunning views and a sense of serenity. Keep your eyes peeled for local bird species, playful river otters, and traditional wooden stilt houses along the riverbanks. Though the river has rapids and waterfalls, they're all upstream, so you can enjoy a peaceful two-hour journey before returning to the village for your first dinner in Cambodia.

Day 2: Guided Trek to Surrounding Waterfalls & Bat Cave

Lace up your hiking boots and join your guide on a six-eight-hour trek through the surrounding jungle. Your first stop is Dragon Fish River Waterfall, named for its distinct dragonfish-shaped rock formations. Watch the water cascade gracefully down a series of rocky ledges into a crystal cool below, then jump in for a refreshing swim. Dry off on the shore before continuing to a nearby bat cave, where thousands of bats flutter out every day at dusk. Your next stop is the Holy River Waterfall, renowned for its serene setting and inviting swimming opportunities.

After enjoying another swim, make your way back to the village, stopping at High Waterfall or the Bodhi Tree Rapids. High Waterfall features impressive vertical drops and a lush surrounding landscape, while the rapids are different from anything you've seen today. Either way, you're sure to gain a deeper appreciation for the area's natural beauty. After hiking a total of 11-14 miles (19-23 km), return to the village to enjoy dinner at the community center. 

Day 3: Transfer to the Wildlife Alliance Release Station

Say goodbye to Chi Phat this morning as you transfer 30 minutes to the Wildlife Alliance Release Station by motorbike. When you arrive, learn about the station's crucial role in rehabilitating and releasing rescued animals back into their natural habits while you tour the facility. Then, choose from an array of activities that are all included in your stay. One of your options is to join the station staff on a walk through the surrounding forest, following old logging trails and learning about the local flora and fauna. Animal sightings are rare, but you may see signs of their activity.

If you're too tired for a trek, opt for a swim in the small rapids that appear during the rainy season (June to November). Those who want to be more involved with the animals can visit the resident sun bears, monkeys, and birds during feeding times, check the cameras for local wildlife sightings, or track radio-collared wildlife after their release. Alternatively, you can skip all the activities and just enjoy the quiet, natural surroundings from the comfort of a hammock. End the night with dinner and a glass of rice wine around the fire as you exchange stories with the Cambodian keepers.

Day 4: Transfer to Canvas & Orchids Retreat on Koh Andet

Spend the morning partaking in any activities you missed yesterday before transferring back to Chi Phat by motorbike. There, you'll meet another driver who'll transfer you two hours to Koh Kong, where you can board a boat to Koh Andet, a miniature island home to Canvas & Orchids Retreat. This environmentally friendly lodge hires local villagers and former poachers and hunters to utilize their traditional skills and knowledge of the region that have been passed through generations.

When you arrive, check into your luxurious tent floating atop the Tatai River, then explore the ecolodge at your own pace. Go for a swim in the tranquil water, try your hand at fishing, or book a sunset cruise with a local guide. If you opt for the cruise, you'll watch the surrounding jungle, mangroves, and river transform from day to night. When darkness falls, you can go on a guided walk into the jungle to look for fireflies lighting up the trees. For dinner, head to the on-site restaurant to enjoy locally inspired cuisine or Western options made with fresh, seasonal produce.

Day 5: Boat Cruise to Tatai Waterfall

After a leisurely breakfast, set off around 10 am on a scenic boat along the Tatai River, flanked by verdant mangroves and dense jungle. Navigate the tranquil waters for 45 minutes, passing the charming Tatai Village, where you can glimpse traditional Cambodian life along the riverbanks. Then, your captain will turn into a tributary, taking you deeper into the Cardamom Rainforest. Keep your eyes peeled for monkeys swinging from branch to branch or birds like kingfishers, hornbills, and egrets flying overhead. Within minutes, you'll reach the base of Tatai Waterfall. 

Disembark and go for a refreshing swim under the cascade, enjoying a natural hydro-massage before finding some shade for a picnic. Switch to a kayak to explore more of the area, or continue the cruise to the mouth of a small river, where you can kayak to a traditional Cambodian farm dotted with lush rice fields and tropical fruit trees. After spending six hours on the water, return to the lodge and enjoy its amenities until dinner. 

Day 6: Explore Koh Kong Khnong 

Your penultimate day in Cambodia takes you to Koh Kong Khnong, a small island nearby that's known for its charming fishing villages, lush rainforests, and serene beaches. As you explore the island, you'll encounter pristine natural beauty, from mangrove forests to cascading waterfalls, perfect for hiking and wildlife spotting. Go for a walk through the mangroves and meet the fishing families that call this paradise home as you admire their traditional stilt houses and bustling local markets. After the five-hour tour, return to the ecolodge to enjoy your final night. 

Day 7: Transfer to Phnom Penh, Depart

Say goodbye to the ecolodge and Koh Andet as you hop on a shared boat back to the main road. Your driver will meet you there and transfer you 5-6 hours back to Phnom Penh. Along the way, you'll witness a transformation from the lush, tropical scenery of Koh Kong to the rural countryside dotted with traditional Khmer villages, expansive rice fields, and serene rivers. As the bustling urban landscape of the capital appears, head straight to the airport to catch your flight home. Safe travels!