The Cardamom Mountains are famous for their breathtaking beauty and they are the centerpiece of the Koh Kong Conservation Corridor, a pristine natural rainforest space that stretches all the way down the southwestern part of Cambodia, on the border with Thailand, to the coast, where the island of Koh Kong waits off shore.
The Koh Kong Conservation Corridor is one of the last pristine rainforest areas left in Southeast Asia and it home to bears, tigers, crocodiles and elephants.
Certainly, the mountains of the Koh Kong Conservation Corridor have an otherworld feel especially as compared to the rest of urban, war-torn Cambodia with its frenetic crowds, noise and lack of conservation care. Here, endangered species thrive and misty lakes and caves provide protection from the elements.
Visitors are welcome and arrive at the Koh Kong Conservation Corridor in increasing numbers. They should all be mindful, however, of the delicate balance of nature that exists here and take due care with their vehicles, as well as all their rubbish and refuse. No accommodation is available in the corridor, but camping is possible.
Elephants are far and few in the region nowadays. However, the South West Elephant Corridor here at was established to protect these endangered wildlife. The ‘corridor’ implies the migratory paths in Southeast Asia, that includes the towering and remote mountains of Phnom Sankos (Pursat) and Phnom Aoral (Pursat - Kampong Speu) Wildlife Sanctuaries, as well as kirirom and phnom-bokor National Parks.
Not only elephants, but also crocodiles, Pileated Gibbons, Asiatic Black Bear, Indochinese Tigers, Malaysian Sun Bear, Marbled Cat, Slow Loris, and half of Cambodia’s bird species reside in this lush and protected habitat.
Getting There
Access to the rainforest at higher altitudes is only possible via private rental of four wheel drive out of Phnom Penh (6 hours) or Sihanoukville (3 hours).
Need to Know
- What is It: A region of nature preservation toward the Cambodian border with Thailand.
- When to Go: Year round
- Nearest Town: The conservation area is in the southwestern Cambodian region centered on the Cardamom Mountains.
- Trivia: Allegedly, film director James Cameron visited the remote peaks here as part of location scouting and visual research for his recent film Avatar.
- Opening hours: 24 hours
- Entrance fees: free