Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
travellers can spend several days roughing it in the forest on patrol with the local commu-
nity rangers.
All of this is controlled through the exceptionally organised
CBET Community Visitor
Center
( 035-675 6444;
www.chi-phat.com
)
, a two-minute walk from the river pier in Chi
Phat. The visitor centre has free wi-fi, 24-hour solar-powered electricity and a good res-
taurant serving both meat and vegetarian Khmer food.
Prices for all tours are extremely reasonable at less than US$35 per person per day for
groups of two or more, including lunch, transport and equipment. All-inclusive multiday
trips cost a bit more per day. Prices include a voluntary contribution (US$10 per person)
to the community conservation fund. All tours require guides, most of whom once worked
as poachers and loggers.
On arrival in Chi Phat, head to the visitor centre in the evening to join in a pre-trek ori-
entation. You will meet the guides and other guests returning from treks. This is the time
to get information about activities and the condition of the trails, and learn how the local
community is now a force to protect the forests it once plundered.
