Khnorng Phsar Nature Site Boosts Tourism with Improved Infrastructure

Visiting the Khnorng Phsar natural tourism site, located in Kampong Speu province, has become significantly more accessible thanks to recent infrastructure upgrades. Previously, reaching the base of the mountain required a challenging seven-kilometer journey by tractor, taking up to three hours. However, a newly constructed road now allows nature enthusiasts to drive directly to the trailhead of the lush, green walking track. Khnorng Phsar is situated at the tri-border intersection of Kampong Speu, Koh Kong, and Pursat provinces, forming part of the Rolak Kang Cheung community in Tasal commune, Aural district. Local community members are increasingly embracing tourism services as a viable alternative to illegal logging and hunting. Chanthet Thanarack, director of the Kampong Speu provincial environment department, noted that the area attracts up to 1,000 tourists monthly during the dry season, with numbers decreasing during the rainy season. At Khnorng Phsar, visitors can experience stunning sunrises and sunsets, enjoy camping, spot wildlife, and swim in waterfalls. Kampong Speu province designates over 200,000 hectares of its 700,000 hectares as protected areas. These include three national parks — Preah Suramarit-Kossamak Kirirom, Bokor, and the Cardamom Mountains — along with the Phnom Aural Wildlife Sanctuary. Within these areas, nine protected area communities have been established, including Rolak Kang Cheung (home to Khnorng Phsar) and the Kao Doun Tei community, which features Cambodia’s only natural hot spring, according to Thanarack. The Rolak Kang Cheung area spans over 2,000 hectares, with clearly marked boundaries to protect its forest and rich biodiversity. The new road to the area was constructed on the orders of Prime Minister Hun Manet, who visited the community last year. He instructed that the area should be developed into a "model community" for local economic development, balanced with sustainable natural resource conservation. Community members now provide multiple services for guests, including catering, motorcycle transport for visitors or luggage up and down the mountain, and tent rentals for overnight stays. They are also trained to assist tourists in emergencies. "The community members and rangers have received first aid training from the Red Cross," said Thanarack. "They are trained in six subjects, including treating heatstroke, snake bites and choking. Nearly 50 people, including our tour guides, have already completed the course," he added. He described the community’s growth as essential for forest and wildlife preservation. As members pivot toward tourism services, there is less incentive to engage in logging or poaching, leading to a decline in such offenses. "Crimes have decreased significantly due to the involvement of the local community. We now conduct joint patrols together," he added.