A community project
Prek Thnout was established in 2007 with support from the NGO Save Cambodia’s Wildlife, and is run by the local community rather than a tour operator. Entrance fees and food sales go back into the village and into protecting the forest around it.
The site sits at the base of the Bokor mountain range in Kampot province, in an area of evergreen forest cut through by clean rivers.
What there is to do
The main walk leads through the forest to the Blue Water Pool, a swimming spot that is at its best in the dry season when the water runs clear and calm.
The forest holds wild orchids, bamboo and a good deal of visible wildlife — macaques, peafowl, swallows and a wide range of birds. Early morning is much the best time for seeing any of it.
The village itself is part of the visit: rattan furniture is made here, and you can watch the process. The site has become locally famous for its home-raised organic chicken, and the spicy barbecued version is what most visitors end up eating.
Practical details
Entry is 1,000 riel for Cambodian visitors and about US$3 for foreigners. No advance booking is needed. There is electricity and there are toilets, but no wi-fi.
The dry season, roughly November to May, is the right time to come — in the rains the tracks are difficult and the pools are not swimmable.
Getting there means about forty-five minutes west from Kampot town on National Road 3 towards Sihanoukville, easily done by hired scooter or tuk-tuk.