Cardamom and Elephant Mountains is a region of Cambodia and includes the provinces of Battambang, Koh Kong, Pursat, Kampong Speu (or Kampong Spoe), Kampot, Kep, Pailin and Sihanoukville.

Cities

• 1 Battambang
• 2 Chi Phat
• 3 Kampong Speu (Kampong Spoe)
• 4 Kampot
• 5 Koh Kong
• 6 Pailin
• 7 Pursat
• 8 Sihanoukville

Other destinations

• 1 Bokor National Park
• 2 Kep
• 3 Koh Rong
• 4 Koh Rong Sanloem
• 5 Koh Russei

Understand

One of the least developed regions of the country, the mountain areas suffer from poor infrastructure and remain heavily mined. The coastal areas around Sihanoukville are being actively developed for tourism but as yet remain largely unspoilt and still offer peaceful beaches.

Get in

The region is linked to Phnom Penh by 3 paved roads;

• National Highway 5, running from Phnom Penh, via Battambang to Poipet
• National Highway 3, running from Phnom Penh to Kampot
• National Highway 4, running from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville

The region is linked to Thailand by 2 paved roads;

• National Highway 57, running from the Ban Pakard/Pailin border crossing to Battambang
• National Highway 48, running from the Trat/Koh Kong border crossing, joining National Highway 4 north of Sihanoukville.

Reaching the northern mountainous region from Koh Kong is possible but represents more of an adventure than a transport connection. Expect tough conditions, even for a dirt bike.

Sleep

Book lodging ahead of time in the high season (winter).