Cardamom Tented Camp
Safari-style glamping
Families,
Couples
Nestled in Botum Sakor National Park, the largest in Cambodia, the Cardamom Tented Camp aims to minimise the human footprint on the surrounding environment and promote sustainable tourism.
Cruise along the river about 45 minutes into the jungle where you’ll reach the camp and its safari-style glamping tents set in a serene, peaceful environment with just the sounds of nature around you. Run by the Wildlife Alliance, a percentage of the camp’s revenues funds forest rangers who protect the forest from poachers and loggers. The camp also invests in the local community. Their tagline ‘Your stay keeps the forest standing’ really rings true.
The camp’s aims are to educate travellers and conserve the surrounding precious environment and its wildlife. The main activity for visitors is an early morning excursion, beginning with a kayak down the river, hopefully spotting some wildlife waking up along the way.
Meet the rangers and hear firsthand about the work they do. They will then, along with your guide, take you on a hike through the thick jungle back to camp, pointing out insects, plants and trees (maybe even a snake or spider!) as you go. You can spend your afternoon relaxing on your verandah with a book, kayaking or trekking some more or even swimming in the river. You really can just switch off here – especially because there is no wifi available! As for food, it is all included with a set menu for each meal. You will be treated to several local dishes for both lunch and dinner as well as some delicious desserts!
The Rooms
With 9 safari-style tents spread out across the property, you’ll have a sense of tranquility and privacy. There are twin or double rooms available and while no tents connect, there are two with a shared balcony which is ideal for families. Unzip the doorway and you’ll find the space inside is luxuriously comfortable. There is no air conditioning, but it is really not needed as the breeze blows through the tent and there’s a fan on hand as well.
In our opinion, Cardamom is a great place to immerse yourself in nature in a luxurious way, while gaining an insight into the issues that affect the National Park and supporting efforts to protect it. There isn’t a whole lot to do here though, so we feel two nights is the perfect amount of time to enjoy both the activities and some relaxation.
What You'll Find:
Why You'll Love It:
Explore ETG's Sample Itineraries in Cambodia
A few of our favourite routes – hand-picked by the team and ripe for tweaking.
Think of them as conversation starters. Curiosity sparkers. Not fixed plans – just ideas for what your holiday could look like, shaped by years of local know-how and the kind of immersive experiences that live long in the memory.
Cambodia
Rural Indochina Family Adventure
This holiday idea is an excellent opportunity for adventurous families to get under the skin of Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam.
You will see a few of the famous landmarks, but the primary focus is on the countryside, which you’ll explore with ease by bike, kayak, quad bike, and even Vespa! See the well-known highlights and what lies beyond as you cycle through hidden jungles, raft past dramatic river gorges, and get an authentic taste of the local lifestyle from a range of perspectives.
Highlights
Angkor Wat
Soaking up the atmosphere of Angkor Wat before sunrise; an early start for a magical experience
Lovely Laos
Marvelling at the dramatic riverine scenery and feeling the adrenaline as you kayak past jungles and caves in the remote Laos countryside
Vietnam adventures
Nipping along the narrow backroads of Hoi An, passing school children and farmers
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Cambodia
Luxury Cambodia Adventure
This memorable journey through Cambodia provides a feeling of adventure with accommodation in the best and most characterful hotels.
You’ll discover Cambodian culture, roam the ancient wonders of Angkor in Siem Reap and learn about the past and thriving present in Phnom Penh.
Get immersed in natural beauty at a unique luxury ‘camp’ in the jungle and at a tranquil, top-notch island resort. You’ll travel with a knowledgeable local guide to ensure that your experience is enriching and comfortable. In between, you’ll have to relax and enjoy each special hotel.
Highlights
Shinta Mani Wild
Staying in luxury tent-style accommodation in the Cambodian jungle at Shinta Mani Wild
Song Saa Private Island
Spending five nights unwinding on the coast, with your own beachfront villa with views out to the ocean
Phnom Penh
Discovering the highlights of Cambodia’s colonial capital, Phnom Penh, on our unique signature tours
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Cambodia
Off-The-Beaten-Track Family Adventure
This three-week itinerary, designed for families, is a fun and original way to explore Cambodia’s diverse regions. As every journey is overland, you will soak up the atmosphere as you travel. You’ll find yourself immersed in the various sites and scenery, enthralled by stories from the past and inspired by ordinary people, purposefully embracing their future.
Highlights
Mountain camping
Camp under the stars, surrounded by nature in a sacred mountain range near Siem Reap
Eco experience
Get completely off the tourist trail in Mondulkiri
Explore Angkor
Marvel at the magnificence of Angkor and discover secret corners of the temple complex on a guided cycle ride
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Cambodia
Cambodia to Vietnam via The Mekong
On this holiday, you’ll experience the highlights of Cambodia and Vietnam, connected by the winding Mekong River. Travelling at a relaxed pace by river and road means you’ll truly feel the contrast between laid-back Cambodia and lively Vietnam.
Highlights
Mekong journeys
Cross the border between Cambodia and Vietnam by boat
Private Angkor Experience
Explore the timeless temples of Angkor with your expert guide
Vespa experience
Feel the atmosphere of Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) as you travel pillion on a vintage Vespa
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Cambodia
Grand Journey Around Cambodia
Cambodia is often treated as a short must-see, stop-off on a whirlwind trip of Southeast Asia. In fact, it’s a truly remarkable holiday destination in its own right.
The vast majority of tourists come and view Angkor, which is, of course, wonderful, but explore a little further and you’ll discover a fascinating country full of hidden gems that many visitors miss. This suggested trip loops right around the Kingdom with plenty of time in each place to take in the many and varied wonders – both natural, historical and cultural. It covers 3 weeks but can, of course, be scaled back or extended to fit your timeframe.
From the famous Angkor Temples to the remote jungles of Mondulkiri, back down through the bustling capital Phnom Penh to the sleepy seaside towns of the South. This example itinerary offers an in-depth experience of a country rising out of its bloody history with resilience and sparkling energy.
Highlights
Elephant spotting
Head into the wild and grassy forests of Mondulkiri to the fantastic Elephant Valley Project
Private Angkor Experience
Discover the secrets of the incredible Angkor temples with your private expert guide
Eco experience
Explore the organic farm and experience the fantastic ethos at the Smiling Gecko project in the countryside near Phnom Penh
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Cambodia
The Mekong in Style
Take in the highlights of Cambodia and southern Vietnam and spend four days cruising along the Mekong River in the finest style. Stay in Ho Chi Minh City and Siem Reap’s best hotels and travel through the Mekong aboard the luxurious Aqua Mekong cruise.
From your hotel base, and whilst cruising, you’ll enjoy a range of specially crafted excursions to ensure you experience the region memorably and uniquely, tailored to your style.
Highlights
Aqua Mekong
Indulge yourself in a river adventure aboard the Aqua Mekong.
Song Saa Private Island
Relax in paradise on Song Saa Private Island with snorkelling, yoga, and spa treatments.
Angkor
The magnificent temples of Angkor – say no more….
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Cambodia
Hidden Gems of Cambodia
As with all our holidays, this itinerary is just a starting point. We will create a bespoke package which will be completely unique for you.
Highlights
Angkor exploring
Explore secret corners of the magnificent Angkor temple complex with your brilliant local guide
Eco experience
Explore the organic farm and experience the fantastic ethos at the Smiling Gecko project in the countryside near Phnom Penh
Beach bliss
Spend time snorkelling, swimming and relaxing whilst based at an idyllic beach on tropical Koh Rong
Cardamom Tented Camp on the map
In Our Travellers’ Words
Extremely well organised Cambodia holiday
Cultural Discovery from Vietnam to Cambodia
ETG look outside the box
The Curious Traveller’s Expert Guide to Cambodia
Want to know more? Our guide is here to encourage you to step away from the everyday and think of this mysterious kingdom as a destination in its own right.
The mouth-watering food scene, pristine beaches, dense jungles and heartbreaking history may surprise you. Its smiling, resilient people will warm your heart and our unique experiences will ignite your adventurous spirit. Throw some of Asia’s most unforgettable hotels into the mix and you have yourself a truly special destination worthy of an in-depth exploration.
