Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
with two double rooms and a dorm, with electricity from 6pm to 9pm. The rangers' cook
can prepare meals for US$2. Bring warm clothes, as the temperature can drop as low as
10°C.
Mostly covered with dense rainforest, Thma Bang is perfect for birdwatching or hiking
to a waterfall with a local guide (rangers can help you find one). The nearby Areng Valley ,
some of whose inhabitants belong to the Khmer Daeum minority community, is home to
Asian elephants and the dragonfish (Asian arowana), which is almost extinct in the wild.
It also has the world's second-largest population of critically endangered wild Siamese
crocodiles, toothy critters up to 3.5m long that don't eat people, preferring fish, snakes,
frogs and small mammals. The valley and its fauna are under threat from a huge Chinese-
built hydro-electric dam, which, if constructed, will displace 1500 people, flood 90 to 120
sq km of land and inundate an important elephant migration route. Government propon-
ents of the dam counter that this and several additional Chinese-funded dams being built
in Cambodia will provide much-needed electricity to a power-starved country.
From December to May, the truly intrepid can take an eight-day trek from Thma Bang
north to Kravanh, or from Chamnar (linked to Thma Bang by road) over the mountains to
Kravanh, a five- or six-day affair.
An easier, year-round option is the three- or four-day hike from Chumnoab, east of
Thma Bang, eastwards to Roleak Kang Cheung, linked to Kompong Speu by road.
Between the two is Knong Krapeur (1000m), set amid high-elevation grassland and pines.
Inhabited five centuries ago, the area is known for its giant ceramic funeral jars, still filled
with human bones.
There's no reservation system in Thma Bang; just show up and arrange trekking and ac-
commodation on the spot.
Getting There & Away
The southern reaches of the CCPF are easiest to reach from the south. The road to Thma
Bang from NH48 has been widened and it now takes only about an hour to drive from
Koh Kong. Turn off NH48 about 10km east of the Tatai River bridge at the Veal II (Veal
Pii) ranger checkpoint.
Thma Bang is linked to Chi Phat by a difficult trail that can be handled by motorbike,
but just barely and only in the dry season. From our nightmare experience we don't re-
commend it. Only attempt it in a large group of experienced bikers to help navigate bikes
over the more difficult river crossings and dried out waterfall beds.
Search WWH ::




Custom Search