Cardamom Mountains Trips & Tours

High up in the clouds, surrounded by virgin rainforest and little else bar a dollop of tiny villages and the fragrant spice trees of the same name, are the spectacular Cardamom Mountains. Remote and seriously out-of-the-way, their seclusion is all part of the appeal, both for travellers looking to head off-grid, but also for allowing the area to remain a refuge for 55 incredibly rare wildlife species including the Malayan sun bear, clouded leopards, Siamese crocodiles, and gibbons. Famously, it’s also one of only two places in Cambodia to spot Asian elephants. Sadly, the area has suffered more than its fair share of illegal logging and poaching, but in recent years, the opening of several (very lovely) eco-lodges has propelled sustainable development, and the future is bright. If you venture this far, your visit will undoubtedly include a deep dive into the many conservation projects (patrols and wild camping with the Wildlife Alliance rangers if you’re keen…), as well as explorations of hidden caves and wacky waterfalls, and cycling and walking escapades on far-flung trails.