Hidden deep in Cambodia’s Cardamom Mountains, Osoam is one of those rare places where the jungle still calls the shots. Tucked away in Veal Veng District, Pursat Province, this highland outpost isn’t on the usual trail, and that’s precisely the point.
If you’re seeking clean sheets and spa days, look elsewhere. But if you have freedom to travel, it’s an off-the-grid adventure, raw landscapes, and authentic village life you want, Osoam delivers.
What is Osoam?
Osoam sits on the old logging trail between Koh Kong and Pursat, surrounded by rainforest, mist, and the occasional monkey raid. Once known for timber and conflict—this was Khmer Rouge territory—it’s now home to an ambitious, if understated, eco-tourism project. Wooden homes on stilts dot the hills, durian stalls cluster along dirt roads, and electricity flickers on and off with charming inconsistency.
This isn’t the Cambodia of Angkor Wat or the beach resorts of Koh Rong. Osoam is where Cambodia exhales, and if you stay long enough, you might just sync up with its rhythm.
Where to Stay
Ramdoul Kravanh Resort
A-frame cabins on a functioning durian plantation. Yes, durian—the world’s most divisive fruit. Set amid thick jungle foliage, the cabins are simple but clean. Expect cool mountain air at night and birdsong in the morning. Prices hover around $40 per night.
Somkos Homestay
The heart of community-based tourism in Osoam. It’s rough-and-ready accommodation—dorms, hammocks, and shared meals—but the atmosphere is warm, and you’ll find volunteers and travelers trading stories and sweat. Trek bookings, motorbike rentals, and local intel all start here. Dorms from $5.
What to Do in Osoam
Cardamom Jungle Treks
Hiking trails wind through the surrounding national parklands, with Somkos organizing guided treks to remote waterfalls and through dense jungle. Trails can be muddy, steep, and demanding—but worth it for views, wildlife sightings, and the bragging rights alone. The Central Cardamom Mountains National Park is right at your doorstep.
Community Volunteering
Tree planting, English teaching, trail repair—volunteering in Osoam isn’t about curated experiences, it’s about helping the people trying to protect this patch of the planet. No Instagrammable plaques, just real work.
Markets and Monkeys
Local life is unscripted. Morning markets sell everything from seasonal fruit to bush honey, and monkeys are not uncommon guests. They raid fruit stalls, ambush unsuspecting snackers, and keep the days interesting.
Durian Season
If you’re in town between May and July, brace yourself. Durian rules Osoam. You’ll see it being hauled in baskets, weighed on rusty scales, and devoured roadside. If you’ve never tried it, this is the place to make that regrettable or rewarding decision.
How to Get There
- 100 km from Pursat
- 170 km from Koh Kong
- 300 km from Phnom Penh
Osoam is most easily accessed by shared taxis from Koh Kong or Pursat. Be prepared for long journeys over uneven roads. Travel times are unpredictable—bring snacks, water, and patience. Somkos Homestay can arrange onward transport and local motorbike rental.
For a rough breakdown of overland routes, Young Pioneer Tours offers insight into reaching these rural corners of Cambodia.
Nearby Alternatives
- Chi Phat is a well-established eco-village project with river activities and jungle homestays
- Cardamom Tented Camp offers glamping and guided wildlife walks for those who want wild with a mattress
- The Veal Veng area’s history and development is covered in Khmer Times.
Final Word
Osoam is wild in all the ways that matter. You’ll find no curated experience, no digital detox yoga sessions, no cafes with oat milk. What you will find is something more valuable—untouched mountain landscapes, sincere village hospitality, and a sense of discovery that most travelers have long forgotten.
Bring a flashlight. Bring a sense of humour. And maybe, just maybe, leave your expectations behind.
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