Canvas & Orchids Retreat

Hidden deep within the Cardamon Rainforest near the border with Thailand is Canvas & Orchids Retreat, a wonderful eco-lodge with a strong emphasis on showing off and protecting its natural environment.

12 tented villas sit on a pontoon over the Tatai River with large balconies from which to look out over the water and watch the sun set and rise from behind the trees. Lean over the decking with a morning coffee and watch the aquatic life beneath its surface or relax inside your villa, birdsong providing the perfect soundtrack to your time in the forest.

There is a strong commitment to preserving the environment with solar panels providing energy, much of the furniture made from water hyacinth plants and the villas floors are made from a composite of wood and 100% recycled plastic to avoid having to replace whole wooden pannels due to heat and humidity. Waste water is treated and then released back into the river when clean.

The lodge has also initiated a number of community projects in the Koh Kong region such as bringing uncontaminated drinking water to a local school. There is also an ongoing Tatai river and waterfall clean-up project to help preserve the flora and fauna.

Guests can dine on delicious Khmer cuisine at the al fresco restaurant, enjoying locally sourced seafood and vegetables cooked with a unique blend of herbs and spices. The Cardamon Rainforest is one of south east Asia’s most pristine and it is ripe for exploring. Hike through the jungle, explore the coastal mangrove forests, take a boat trip out to Tatai waterfall and enjoy gliding through the still waters on a sunset cruise.