Cardamom Mountains

For those looking for an expedition, the Cardamom Mountains are the ideal place to go on a backpacking adventure. It is not one single site but an entire region that encompasses the provinces of Battambang, Koh Kong, Pursat, Kampong Speu, Kampot, Kep, Pailin, and Sihanoukville. But adventures may border on the extreme as the region suffers from poor infrastructure and some areas are heavily mined but if you do muster the courage to take this on, great rewards await as the rainforest remains one of Southeast Asia’s most pristine expanses of wilderness and home to rare animals and unique tropical plants.

It is inadvisable (and probably illegal) to plan an unattended trek to the mountains and jungles and should best be experienced by coordinating with the different organizations and conservation groups. One such nature organization is the Wildlife Alliance where you could take part in its anti-poacher operations and may even get to see elephants, tigers, clouded leopards, sun bears, gibbons, and Siamese crocodiles.

For a more laid-back affair, one could try the Cardamom Tented Camp for a modern glamping experience. But local options are available via the lodgings and accommodations that surround the region.