Koh Kong Conservation Corridor Travel Guide
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. Allegedly, film director James Cameron visited the remote peaks here as part of location scouting and visual research for his recent film Avatar.
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.
In brief
What is it? A region of nature preservation toward the Cambodian border with Thailand.
Opening hours: 24 hours, daily.
Entrance fees: no charge.
Address/website: www.lonelyplanet.com/cambodia/south-coast/koh-kong-conservation-corridor.
Where: in the southwestern Cambodian region centered on the Cardamom Mountains.
How to get 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).