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| Prime Minister Hun Manet (fifth from the left) hiked the Khnong Phsar mountains on March 8. Accompanying him were tourism minister Huot Hak, environment minister Eang Sophalleth and Kampong Speu governor Cheam Chan Sophorn. FB |
On March 8, while the world celebrated International Women’s Day, Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Manet chose to mark the occasion in a unique and impactful way — by hiking the rugged trail up Khnang Phsar. This wasn’t just a physical challenge; it was a statement. Alongside key officials including the Minister of Tourism and the Minister of Environment, the Prime Minister spent over four hours navigating the mountainous terrain, signaling a national commitment to eco-tourism and sustainable development.
Khnang Phsar: Beauty Beyond the Screen
The Prime Minister later shared that the views from Khnang Phsar and neighboring Khnang Sampov far exceeded anything he had seen on screen. The experience, though tiring, offered sweeping views, lush vegetation, and a raw connection to nature. The hike left a lasting impression, not just as a personal journey, but as a vision for how Cambodia can build an eco-tourism model that benefits both the environment and local communities.
Keeping it Wild: Vehicles Stop at the Base
In conversations with locals, Prime Minister Hun Manet emphasized that no vehicles are allowed beyond the mountain’s base. This policy reinforces the government’s dedication to conservation and ensures that each visitor experiences the landscape in its purest form. It’s an approach designed not just to preserve nature, but to elevate the experience for eco-conscious travelers seeking authenticity.
A Living Landscape of Gold
Environment Minister Eang Sophalleth, who hiked through Khnang Phsar weeks earlier, described the seasonal scenery as a “vast carpet of gold.” This poetic depiction captures the vibrant charm of the area, which lies at the intersection of Koh Kong, Kampong Speu, and Pursat provinces. Despite its remoteness, the mountain has already welcomed over 100 visitors since January — a promising start for a site still flying under the radar.
From Conflict Zone to Conservation Haven
Once a strategic stronghold during Cambodia’s civil war, Khnang Phsar has transformed from a place of refuge to a beacon of ecological significance. Today, it offers sanctuary not only to trekkers, but also to a range of endangered wildlife, including Asian elephants and clouded leopards. With its untamed trails and rich biodiversity, the mountain is fast becoming a destination for eco-tourists, adventurers, and conservation enthusiasts alike.
Powering Communities Through Nature
Cambodia’s larger eco-tourism vision is backed by 193 community-managed protected areas spread across 15 provinces. These zones involve more than 73,000 households, forming a model where environmental stewardship goes hand-in-hand with economic opportunity. Khnang Phsar is poised to become one of the standout examples of how sustainable tourism can enrich lives while preserving landscapes.
For travelers seeking a journey that’s both meaningful and memorable, the path up Khnang Phsar is more than just a climb — it’s a step into Cambodia’s ecological future.
For more information, visit:
https://www.tourismcambodia.com/
www.moe.gov.kh
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