From the Cardamoms to Mondulkiri, these wilderness resorts will stir the imaginations of adventurous and affluent travellers
Cambodia’s most memorable destinations are not always in the places where you might expect them. Indeed, there’s much more to the Kingdom of Wonder than stunning Angkor, metropolitan Phnom Penh and the islands of the coast. Far from the major cities and resort developments, a growing number of remote lodges are welcoming travellers who truly seek to “get away from it all” – but not without many of the modern comforts of home. Their philosophies are deeply rooted in protecting their local environments. Indeed, these accommodations represent the new face of ecotourism in Southeast Asia.
Following are some of our favourites. They’re not all easy to get to, but that’s a part of their charm. Whether you find joy in mountains or rivers, trekking or paddling, wildlife or waterfalls, there’s a good chance you’ll find what you’re looking for in this selection.
Chi Phat: KOH KONG
Getting to Chi Phat is part of the adventure. A bus or motorbike journey to Koh Kong from Cambodia’s major cities – along with a handful of hours to gaze at the passing verdant rural landscape – brings you to this community-based ecotourism project, nestled in the Cardamom Mountains in Southeast Asia’s largest rainforest.
Established in collaboration with the Wildlife Alliance, Chi Phat offers a unique and thrilling adventure in pristine wilderness. Guides, once local poachers, lead you on jungle treks to waterfalls, grasslands and mountains that they have come to know for sustenance and beauty. You can choose your adventure level, from light to hard, with activities such as jungle treks, bird-watching, kayaking, and even exploring bat caves and ancient burial sites. Those of a more chill temperament can take a tranquil plunge near waterfalls, fish for lobsters at night, or learn to cook traditional Khmer food.
Despite limited electricity and no hot water, Chi Phat offers comfortable lodging in homestays, guesthouses, simple bungalows and forest camps. Aside from the amenities, visitors find satisfaction in contributing to the preservation of this ecological gem.
Nature Lodge: MONDULKIRI
Established in 2007, this eco-lodge was the first of its kind, a retreat operating under the principles of environmentalism and social enterprise. Today the Nature Lodge continues to offer an array of bungalows and family cottages in the Mondulkiri highlands, making it a perfect stay for those craving a bucolic getaway.
The lodge sits atop a serene hillside park in Sen Monorom, 2km from the centre of the provincial capital. The accommodation options encourage a comfortably rustic and communal stay: Large grass areas, picnic tables and fire pits are among the features of the eco-homes. When hunger calls, the Tree Tops Café & Restaurant serves a fusion of western, Khmer and Thai cuisines.
Away from the lodge, the cool rolling hills of Mondulkiri invite a dynamic list of activities. You can visit sanctuaries and rehabilitation centres for the native elephants. Trekkers and hikers look to get off the beaten path, hunting for swimming spots amid untouched waterfalls in the forest. Or take time to learn about the indigenous Bunong hill tribes as you support programmes that help maintain their communities.
Shinta Mani Wild: KIRIROM
Canopies of grandeur, fixed gracefully above a powerful river, might suffice a couple’s idea of an isolated luxury retreat. But Shinta Mani Wild is much more than that. A transformative blend of world-class design, all-inclusive hospitality, and conservation – in the heart of southern Cambodia’s lush wilderness – this unique resort is the offspring of seven years of careful planning. Here, beside the rapids of the Thmor Rung River, 15 large private tents, quirky yet sophisticated, offer unrivalled comfort with breathtaking views and a deep connection to the natural surroundings.
Everything is all-inclusive, from meals to spa treatments and adventurous excursions, with luxury never far from mind. Personal “adventure butlers” are experts at unveiling the magnificently green landscape through a wide range of outdoor activities – including wildlife treks and Cambodia’s longest zipline. Every meal is carefully curated by in-house chefs using the freshest seasonal ingredients, some of them foraged by the team in the surrounding forest. The Khmer Tonics Spa, snuggled deep in the forest, promises pampering treatments that challenge the senses.
The Beige: SIEM REAP
Angkor’s lush landscapes embrace a luxurious tented retreat that seamlessly marries opulence with a commitment to sustainability. Spanning 10 hectares, The Beige offers seven tented guest quarters, each a haven of comfort with private terraces, air-conditioning and antique furnishings. Crafted from organic materials, the tents invite gentle breezes as they foster harmony with the serene, sun-dappled surroundings.
The sense of intimacy continues at The Beige restaurant, where original Khmer regional dishes are prepared with organic ingredients, many from the resort’s own farm. Wellness takes centre stage at the resort’s Spa in Angkor Thom, a tranquil retreat surrounded with designated spaces for yoga. The suspended infinity pool offers a magical swimming experience with panoramic forest views.
Situated just 10 minutes from Angkor Thom, The Beige is convenient to all of Siem Reap’s world heritage sites. Guests are treated as cherished family members, creating an experience designed to transcend a one-time stay.
