Ref. CARDA18_2015
Have you ever heard of the Cardamom Mountains? This wild Mountain range covers the northeast of Cambodia, over an area of approximately 300 kilometers. The highest mountain, Mount Aural, overlooks this vast forest and its fauna. A former Khmer Rouge stronghold, this area is largely unexplored. This is a tour designed for nature and trekking lovers, including nights camping and sleeping in hammocks under mosquito nets. Wake up to the cry of gibbons; discover the local flora and fauna. Enjoy staying in Koh Kong Bay, rich in rivers and waterfalls. Board a fishing boat, cruise the Gulf of Siam and reach the island of Koh Kong to laze on deserted beaches. An exploratory adventure that is off the beaten tracks!
Early morning, put your backpack on and trek to the heart of the Cardamom Mountains. Discover a remote pagoda and temple overlooking a small valley. The vegetation gets denser and the path continues towards the crocodile valley. Siamese crocodiles are on the verge of extinction and a conservation program for these animals has been set up in this valley. Feel privileged and serene in this breathtaking panorama, among buffaloes and rare species of birds. Camp and hammocks are set up. Later, hike to the river to watch birds. Take binoculars to get a close watch. Surrounded by an unforgettable environment, in osmosis with nature, dinner is served.
(NB: Do not forget your binoculars)
At dawn breakfast is ready. After tidying the camp, only our footprints remain. Trekking continues on the other side of the mountain to reach our car. Drive on the west coast of the range to descend towards the shore. The car stops and trekking resumes to reach sea level and the Ko Po River. With us are only a boat and its captain. Trek upstream along the river to explore this peaceful setting between the mountains and the sea. After reaching an island in the middle of the river, the camp is set up. Enjoy the sunset on the island and dinner under the stars. Night in a hammock under a mosquito net (igloo tent also available, on request). At dusk, our guide organizes a hike, a small trip through time and space, below the stars, admiring firefly-filled trees, fluorescent plankton in the river. Nature, as in a fairy tale, reveals its wonders.
In the morning, moto-taxis take us to the starting point of our trek in the Cardamom mountains. After a few minutes’ ride on the motorbikes, a large glade opens in the tropical forest. This site is a perfect place for watching numerous species of animals, such as hornbills, deer and wild pigs, to name the most common. Our local guide introduces us to the fauna and flora. Many gibbons live in this forest and sometimes can be heard, but seeing one is not easy. The hike continues through lush forest, along paths made by wild elephants. We stop for lunch near a welcoming river to take a dip. Mid-afternoon the riverbanks are reached and the camp has already been set by our cook and boat captain. A swim in the river after hours spent in the forest is more than welcome! Dinner is prepared and on the menu is barbecued fish. Surrounded by the flora and fauna of the Cardamoms, this place is both peaceful and lively. Camping in hammocks with mosquito nets (3hr hike/+ 80m/night in a hammock with mosquito net).
Trips to Chi Phat may be altered depending on the season (monsoon, lack of access and slippery conditions).
D1 - SIEM REAP
D2 - SIEM REAP ANGKOR
D3 - ANGKOR TEMPLES BY BICYCLE
D4 - SIEM REAP BY BICYCLE
D5 - SIEM REAP - TONLE SAP
D6 - SIEM REAP - BATTAMBANG
D7 - BATTAMBANG - PURSAT
D8 - PURSAT - OSOAM
D9 - CARDAMOM
D10 - KO PO RIVER
D11 - KOH KONG
D12 - KOH KONG - (BUNGALOW)
D13 - KOH KONG ISLAND - CHI PHAT (GUEST HOUSE/HOMESTAY)
D14 - CHI PHAT– CARDAMOM TREKKING (NIGHT IN THE JUNGLE)
D15 - CHI PHAT - PHNOM PENH
D16 - PHNOM PENH
D17- PHNOM PENH - DEPARTURE
* Based on 4 people
Khmer meals, as mentioned in the program; refer to (B,L.D).
Transportation and transfers as mentioned in the program.
An official English speaking guide.
Entrances to the sites and museums (excluding the Angkor pass: US$62/person).
International and/or domestic flights (extra)
Meals, not mentioned in the program; refer to (B,L.D)
The visa (US$35 + 1 picture)
Individual expenses
Individual insurance
Tips
Drinks
When trekking, it is recommended to use boot-type shoes in order to protect the ankle and the malleolus and prevent twists or sprains. The sole must be notched and slightly rigid. The front of the foot must be protected against shocks and rocks.