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After intense days exploring the Preah Vihear temple and the magnificent Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, I felt the need to unwind, connect with the locals, and embrace nature. That’s why I chose Chambok, a place where I could slow down and experience authentic rural Cambodia while enjoying its natural beauty. Here is everything you need to know about Chambok in Cambodia!
This is a guest post by Serena from Sere Travels. On her blog, she invites you to embark on a journey of mindful exploration and conscious travel, where the world unfolds in vibrant hues of culture, nature, and sustainable adventures.
Nestled near the renowned Kirirom National Park, the Eco Village of Chambok, located in the Kompong Speu region, stands as a testament to Cambodia’s commitment to community-based ecotourism. This hidden gem, merely a two-hour drive from Phnom Penh towards Sihanoukville, comprises nine rural villages in the heart of southwest Cambodia.
Chambok Homestay is perfect for travelers who want to step into the embrace of authentic village life, where the warmth of the locals, the picturesque landscapes of rice fields, waterfalls, and tropical forests create an unforgettable experience… What’s not to love about Chambok?”
Chambok village, Cambodia
Chambok’s ecotourism project, established in 2002, was a collaborative effort between the NGO Mlup Baiton and the Cambodia Ministry of Environment. Their mission was clear: promote sustainable eco-tourism while empowering Chambok’s local families and safeguarding the surrounding forests from deforestation.
Prior to this initiative, Chambok’s families heavily relied on wood from the nearby forests for fuel, often making it their primary source of income. However, this method of utilizing natural resources posed a risk of deforestation, consequently endangering the lives of the locals.
This was when the Ministry of Environment and the NGO Mlup Baiton decided to invest in making Chambok village a community-based tourism site. The way this works is that each family member who wants to adhere to the project will be hosting a group of visitors in their homes.
Families usually reserve one room on the upper floor for the visitors. Every group of visitors has a designated representative who will coordinate the stay and advise on the activities to do.
Thanks to the contribution of tourists, the community managed to protect 1,400 hectares of forest, and in the improved lives of over 500 families who now benefit from the sustainable tourism business.
Today, Chambok stands as one of Cambodia’s pioneering locations, where visitors can intimately experience rural life and immerse themselves in the local Khmer culture.
To get to Chambok you have a couple of options with public transport but it might take several hours when departing from Phnom Penh: One choice is taking a bus from Phnom Penh to Preah Sihanouk province and getting off at Treng Trayeung (the price is around 11 USD).
Alternatively, there is another bus from Phnom Penh that goes all the way to Koh Kong (and it also stops in Treng Trayeung). Since this route is not always guaranteed, make sure to ask the bus company or your tour agency if the bus on this route actually stops in Treng Trayeung.
Once at Treng Trayeung, you can take a motodop or a tuk-tuk ride to the Chambok site, it will take an additional 45 minutes (approximately the cost will be 20 USD).
Another fast, but expensive choice, is renting a taxi in Phnom Penh for a direct journey to Chambok (The cost will be approximately 70/80 USD) and you will get there in less than 2 hours.
Roads and greenery in Chambok, Cambodia
When you arrive in Chambok, your homestay representative will welcome you and guide you to your host family. The guest accommodations consist of traditional stilt houses, characteristic of rural Cambodia.
The lodging is minimalistic yet cozy. Going up through the creaky wooden stairs to the shared bedrooms (usually there are up to 6 people), you’ll find a double mattress on the floor, adorned with vibrant bed linens in different hues, all enclosed by mosquito nets, ensuring a peaceful rest protecting you from the insects.
The courtyard beneath the stilt houses is the gathering place, where families share meals and find protection from the burning sun.
On my first night in Chambok, the family gathered in the yard, lighting a fire. We sat around, sipping their homemade rice wine, exchanging smiles. Even though we couldn’t fully understand each other, the shared warmth of the moment made it a magical experience!
You will definitely not get bored in Chambok, the village offers a treasure trove of activities that go far beyond the ordinary tourist experience:
For hiking enthusiasts, Chambok is a paradise waiting to be explored. My recommendation is to go with a local guide who knows the territory well to avoid any potential risks. The hiking routes vary in intensity, offering options for casual walkers and expert hikers.
The best part of hiking with the local guides is that along the way they are able to share insights into the diverse flora and fauna of the surroundings, so you will get a better understanding of the ecosystem around Chambok.
Chambok’s rich biodiversity makes it a great place to do birdwatching. The village and its surrounding areas are home to a diverse range of bird species, making it an ideal destination for ornithologists and nature enthusiasts. You can ask your referent to organize a birdwathcing session with a local guide.
The quintessential Cambodian mode of transport. This is probably one of the most beautiful experiences you can have in Chambok! I took one of these carts and had a tour of the village, so I could marvel at the beautiful nature all around.
While sitting on the cart, you have the chance to observe everyday moments: children playing in the fields, farmers tending to their crops, and infinite rice fields stretching into the horizon.
The cart rides are like a time travel, allowing you to appreciate the simplicity and beauty of the village life!
One of the highlights of Chambok is definitely the beautiful 40-meter waterfall.
It’s the perfect spot to refresh after a hot and humid day exploring the village. Usually, you will see families gathering for picnics by the riverside, and children swimming in these beautiful natural pools.
This activity is for all adventure seekers and lovers of the thrill. You can embark on an exploration of Chambok’s bat caves, guided by experienced spelunkers, hiking in the darkness of the cave to encounter huge colonies of bats.
Make sure to respect the bats in their natural habitat: refrain from excessive noise and avoid shining bright lights on them, as it might disturb or frighten them.
Food and sunsets in Chambok
A visit to Chambok is not just an adventure for the senses but also a delightful culinary journey through the heart of Cambodia. Here, you can really taste genuine Khmer cuisine, lovingly and expertly prepared by the local community.
In Chambok village, near the Visitor Center, there is the one and only restaurant completely run by women where traditional recipes come to life using the freshest local ingredients.
In the restaurant, you can taste delicacies like Amok, a creamy curry steamed in banana leaves, or Lok Lak, a savory stir-fry dish served with fresh vegetables.
What makes the culinary experience in Chambok truly exceptional is its farm-to-table approach. Many of the ingredients used in the dishes are sourced directly from the village’s surrounding farms.
The vegetables are fresh and tasty, the herbs are aromatic, and the fruits, are succulent. You can really witness (and taste) the dedication of local farmers as they cultivate organic products, ensuring that every meal served is the result of their hard work.
Right in the restaurant, there is also a small stand where locals sell their handcrafted jewels. Purchasing these items is another way to support the Chambok Community.
Staying in Chambok is actually pretty cheap! The price is around 10 USD per night (you will share the room with other visitors).
When it comes to meals they are also super affordable: breakfast is around 1.50 USD per meal (simple sticky rice with mango) and you can have lunch and dinner, at the unbelievably cost of 2.50 USD per meal.
Chambok Homestay beautifully demonstrates the positive influence responsible tourism can have on local communities and their environment.
When you visit, you become a part of Chambok’s story, playing an active role in preserving traditions, and nature and supporting the lives of the incredible people who call this place home.
ENJOY!
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Hi! I am Annelies and this is Travelers & Dreamers, a blog about conscious travel which means traveling in a more mindful way, with a positive impact on the world and yourself!
On this website, I cover different topics like slow travel, plant-based food guides, responsible travel, sustainable packing, eco-travel, and more!
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Serena
Thank you so much having me in your blog Annelies! <3