AKP Phnom Penh, July 03, 2025—

Once a quiet, undeveloped corner of Kampong Chhnang province, the Thmar Kral Waterfall has blossomed into a vibrant ecotourism destination, bringing with it new livelihoods and sustainable growth for local residents.

Located in Cheab commune of Teuk Phos district, approximately 57 kilometres from Kampong Chhnang City, the Thmar Kral Waterfall Ecotourism Community welcomes nature lovers to unwind on weekends or short getaways.

According to the ecotourism community leader, Mr. Eut Onn, it was established in 2006 and spans over 530 hectares, including 200 hectares of preserved forest, and the initiative is supporting 84 households of 348 members.

Conservation efforts have curbed illegal logging and hunting, as many former forest exploiters have embraced tourism as a reliable livelihood.

With an average monthly visitor of about 10,000, the ecotourism service enables the residents to earn stable daily incomes from a minimum of 10,000 Riels [about US$2.5] up to as much as 120,000 Riels [US$30] a day.

Their lives have improved significantly, with many now planting trees and working together to conserve forests and protect wildlife, he added.

Visitors can enjoy traditional meals made with fresh, local ingredients, and during the rainy season, as it is now, the area is rich with nature’s bounty, offering seasonal produce such as bamboo shoots, Sauropus androgynous, sand ginger, and ivy gourd, to name a few.

The area offers a river for swimming, pristine waterfalls, and scenic campgrounds along with family restaurants and both public and private bathrooms, and it is also home to diverse wildlife such as wild boars, monkeys, peacocks, rabbits, and more.

Spokesperson for the Ministry of Environment H.E. Kvay Atitya said that his ministry continues to cooperate with the ecotourism community to manage the area’s forest and biodiversity, and the partnership is not only conserving Cambodia’s natural resources but also promoting local livelihoods in a sustainable way.

 
Article in Khmer by Makara
Article in English by Thyda You