Chi Phat

Introducing Chi Phat

Chi Phat’s pioneering community-based ecotourism project, though at press time still a work in progress, gives hardy travellers a unique opportunity to explore the Cardamom ecosystem while contributing in a small way to its protection.

Chi Phat, though hardly the most beautiful village in Cambodia, is an excellent base for a variety of outdoor activities. Visitors can swim in the river, cycle (or take a moto) to several sets of rapids, hike in the forest (perhaps with a former poacher as a guide; US$6 to US$10 per day) and play volleyball with the locals. Monkeys, hornbills and other rainforest creatures can often be seen along the banks of Stung Proat, an unlogged tributary of the Preak Piphot River accessible by boat. According to a village elder, the last time a tiger was seen in these parts was 1975.

Longer-term ecotourism plans for the Chi Phat area call for kayaking, overnight camping, mountain-bike day trips to nearby waterfalls, river excursions on traditional wooden boats, bird- and animal-watching from observation towers and hides, rainforest canopy walks, aerial ziplines through the forest canopy and an elephant rescue centre where visitors will be able to help out. Also on the cards are one- to five-night mountain-bike trips and jungle treks (US$10 to US$30 per person per day) deep into the Cardamoms.

For now, the accommodation on offer is quite basic. Phuong Vanny Guesthouse (016 617183; r US$4-5), run by a dynamic village woman, has six rooms (there are plans to add nine more) with hardwood floors and mosquito nets. The shared bathrooms have a barrel shower. The office of the Wildlife Alliance (016 951426), which oversees the project and can coordinate your visit, is next door. Homestays (US$3 per person per night) may become available.

In the small covered market, a bowl of noodles costs 2000r. The riverfront has two little eateries, one of which doubles as a pool hall (yes, right here in Preak Piphot River City!). Meals at the communal restaurant cost $US1.50 to US$4.

By the time you read this the area may have mobile phone coverage.

Last updated: Jul 22, 2009