OVERVIEW
Visit the luscious forest of Kirirom National Park
Chambok Ecotourism Community is perfectly located on the edge of picturesque Kirirom National Park. One of the first community-based ecotourism site in the country, Chambok Ecotourism Community offers visitors the chance to experience local Khmer culture, hike in natural areas and swim in waterfalls. The project helps to promote a sustainable way of living for its members. Whether its nature and wildlife or just experiencing the local culture and way of life in rural Cambodia, Chambok has it all. You will be greeted by the warm and friendly smiles of the locals.

BOOKING INFORMATION
Chambok Community was established as an eco-tourism site back in 2003 with the assistance of NGO Mlup Baitong, Kirirom National Park and local authorities. The goal of Chambok Community was to financially assist the protection of the communities forest and prevent illegal logging in the area. Now there are just under 1400 hectares of forest protected as part of a Community Protected Area on which Chambok Community is located. Moreover, more than 500 families are supported through tourism here.
From Svay Kakada, Local Volunteer Tour Guide.
“I’m Svay Kakada, I work as a local volunteer tour guide. I’m one of the seven tour guide who can speak English. I’m 20 years old, and I’ve been working as a volunteer tour guide for one year now. Upon finishing my secondary education, I decided to join to have a job and also help my community. I married at the age of 19, but my wife is working in a plastic factory in Phnom Penh. I would like to pursue to have a college education, to have more opportunities in the future. Having a good education will benefit me and my wife as well as for my future family…so it is important that I will do my job well as a local volunteer tour guide, so that I could earn ample money for my education.”
IMPACT
Tourism at Chambok Community generates income for the community members which improve their livelihoods. From tourism the community uses 40% for conservation, 25% for supporting vulnerable members in times of need, and 20% for a community development fund, and 15% for a reserve fund.
Chambok Community is an community managed eco-tourism site located in the beautiful Kirirom National Park. Today the project brings together 9 villages and supports over 1800 people.
Chambok is situated near the Kirirom National Park in Kompong Spue Province, which is in the Southwest of Cambodia. It is approximately 110km from the capital city of Phnom Penh. Ecotourism was established in 2002 at Chambok Community. Headed by an Environmental NGO called Mlup Baitong. Eco-tourism aimed to protect local biodiversity and support local livelihoods.
Chambok Community-Based Sites offers many activities for local and international tourist alike. You will have a guided tour, were an English speaking local volunteer tour guide will help you. They will explain the different animals and plants in the forest, as well as added information about the sites. There are streams and a beautiful waterfall that is 40 meters high. Aside from the waterfalls there is also a bat cave were hundreds of bats are located. You will also have a chance to visits the local communities riding in an ox cart. There you would see how a typical rural Cambodian way of life, you would be greeted with lots of friendly smiles by the local people.
Homestays
Accommodation is within a local style house in a local village with private rooms and the hospitality of a local family! Homestays have fresh water for washing, some electricity and bedding with mosquito nets. An all-inclusive package includes meals, cultural activities and hiking to see the beauty of nature and the wildlife.
Women’s Restaurant
Run by a rotating roster of 328 women, the Women’s Restaurant is a special part of every visitor’s stay in Chambok. All meals are made from locally sourced ingredients and are freshly prepared using traditional cooking methods.
Visitors Centre
If you feel like just relaxing, there are hammocks available for hire – along with lots of trees to tie them to, just pick your spot! There is also a small exhibition about Chambok, its flora and fawna, as well as the development of ecotourism in the community.
Homestay
Stay overnight with a local family at Chambok, explore the natural landscape, interacting with villagers, and sample local cuisine.
Cycle
The Chambok community consists of 9 villages, and one of the easiest and best ways to get around is via a bicycle.
The wind in your hair keeps you cooler than walking, while the pace is slow enough for riders to absorb their surroundings.
Trekking
For many, the highlight of their trip to Chambok is hiking to our 40-meter high waterfall. There are 3 additional waterfalls to view along the trail – each unique. There are also some great swimming spots.
On the way, you can check out a bat-cave. Bird watching walks can be arranged too.
Treks range from 2 hours to a day or longer. Full-day treks take visitors to the top of the mountain, offering spectacular views of the forest, village and surrounds. You even go on a 3 day trek camping out overnight.
Trained local guides will accompany you, revealing the forest’s history and folklore along the way. Picnic lunches are available.
Swimming
With some seriously impressive scenery and natural water formations, Chambok has some great spots to take a dip.
You can swim in a stream, at the base of a cascading waterfall, or at the top of yet another waterfall.
Vist the Women’s Restaurant
Run by a rotating roster of 328 women, the Women’s Restaurant is a special part of every visitor’s stay in Chambok. All meals are made from locally sourced ingredients and are freshly prepared using traditional cooking methods.
The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner to all guests – including those booked into one of our homestays. This insures that the money paid for meals does not go to just one family, but is spread throughout the community.
Chambok Community, Kampong Speu Province
Chambok is located in Kampong Spue province, which is in the Southwest of Cambodia. It shares boarder with Kirirom national Park. It is approximately 110 km from the capital city of Phnom Penh. And about 343.3 km from Siem Reap.
There are several ways to go to Chambok. You can take a bus from Phnom Penh to Preah Sihanouk province and drop off at Treng Trayeung Market or you can take a mini bus directly to Treng Trayeung. It takes about 2.5 hours from Phnom Penh to Treng Trayeung ( depending on the season ). It takes about 5.5 hours from Siem Reap to Treng Trayeung, about approximately 343.3 km. From Treng Trayeung market, you can take a motodop to reach the site. It will take another 45 minutes. Then, you can also rent a taxi in Phnom Penh to Chambok directly.
For easy and hassle-free booking, we would recommend using a fantastic local online booking platform bookmebus.com, that offers good customer service and easy access to travel times and routes for your journey.
Chambok Community

OTHER TRAVELLERS EXPERIENCES
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The beauty of Kirirom Mountain – Chambok

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