Chi Phat is a community-based tourist destination in Koh Kong province’s Thma Bang district, which has been attracting both locals and foreigners since 2008.

Mountain biking, hiking, camping in the forest, kayaking tours and bathing under the area’s many waterfalls are just some of the activities that it offers to visitors.

Each year, thousands of people are drawn to the Chi Phat ecotourism community, where they are able to enjoy the pristine wilderness and commune with nature. In addition, visitor can learn about the lives of the people in the community.

“Our community was established in 2007, but at that time there were not many local visitors. Most of the holidaymakers were foreigners. At that time, trekking and hiking activities seemed to be popular with foreign guests,” said community president Orn Sovann.

He added that after a year or two, Cambodian visitors started to appear in greater number.

“The income we earn from our guests – whether domestic or international –has made a great contribution to improving the lives of the members of our community,” he said.