Trekking in Cambodia
Yesterday I wrote about the Cambodian village of Chi Phat, a community which is developing an ecotourism business to help save the environment and improve the lives of the residents.
They offer cheap accommodation and local meals – but the real reason tourists are now starting to go to Chi Phat is for the adventures into nature.
I chose to try one of their single day treks – a walk deep into the forest, through other small villages, to a waterfall.
Past banana crops, minefields, and and rural outposts we walked. Far from the cities and towns of Cambodia and in the remote regions where life for the locals is a daily hand to mouth routine.
But surrounded by the lush green landscapes that make this part of the world so beautiful.
My guide was a 21 year-old called Seena who lives in Chi Phat with his mother and younger brother.
Before the ecotourism project began in 2008, his options would have been limited to poaching, logging or something else that meant the destruction of this environment. Now he earns a good wage from leading these treks.
I thought I would share some of the photos I took on the walk to give you a sense of the people and scenery we encountered during the day.
That’s something I think about with my tour guides, too … what would their options be if it weren’t for tourism? Where would the country’s economy be if it weren’t for tourism? It’s good to see that in this case the tourism is focused on protecting the environment as well.
Yeah, it’s great that the whole thing is sustainable – not just the environment but the lives of the young tour guides who might not have any decent options otherwise.
Beautiful scenery. I’d like to do a trek like this. It’s incredible how much tourism boosted their economy and it’s great that they are invested in protecting their environment.
The scenery was stunning! I love trekking in places like this that are so far from any other civilisation. You get such a good sense of the natural countryside.
Banana crops, waterfalls, mine fields… sounds like a very diverse and interesting walk. Really like your photos here, especially those of people.
Ha ha – yeah, it is a bit diverse. But that’s the thing with Cambodia, you can’t go anywhere without escaping the history… whether it’s ancient temples of the threat of landmines!
Great blog and photos. We did a 3 day jungle trek out of Chiang Mai recently and loved it. I think same experience with Chi Phat .
Thanks. Yeah, it’s nice to get out of the cities and see the countryside in SE Asia. It’s also especially good when you can do it with somewhere like Chi Phat that helps the communities as well. I don’t think all of the ones out of Chiang Mai are as responsible.
Hi man!
I would also like to do some trecking in cambodia! One question: Did you use any Malaria prophylaxis or was it just no thematik? You really were waring long sleeves like suggested on their homepage? Thx in advance!
ElChupanibre