Two thirds of the Cambodia’s indigenous population is found in the north-eastern provinces of Ratanakiri and Mondulkiri. Most of the villages are really deep into the jungle, but some of them are reachable for the tourists. Pahlung Village and Pou Lung Village offer a rich historical tradition and culture experience for visitors. You can experience a homestay, visit traditional houses, enjoy tribal art and folk dance of those ethnicities or drop by the tribe markets where many people from various minorities gather to buy and sell handmade products. Keep in mind that the nature in the region is the most beautiful during the wet season from May till the end of October.
Practical info
What is the best time to visit Cambodia if I want to experience local tribes?
The rainy season from May until October is the perfect time to visit Cambodia if you want to experience local tribes. Apart from providing a breathtaking landscape, this period also enables the indigenous population to be more active in the region, and tourists can enjoy a more immersive cultural experience. Show more
Where can I find indigenous villages in Cambodia?
The provinces of Ratanakiri and Mondulkiri in northeastern Cambodia are where two thirds of the indigenous people live. In search of deeper cultural immersion, tourists can hire local guides to explore deep into the jungles to access remote indigenous communities. Despite the distance, certain areas such as Pahlung Village and Pou Lung Village are accessible to tourists. Show more
What kind of experiences am I likely to have in Pahlung Village and Pou Lung Village?
Pahlung Village and Pou Lung Village are traditional areas where visitors can experience a homestay with locals, mingle with different tribes, and enjoy the songs and dances of various ethnic communities. These villages with unique locally crafted items are perfect for tourists desirous of a remarkable and original experience of Cambodia that goes beyond conventional commercial destinations. A trip to these villages is a culturally immersive and inspiring one. Show more
How can I experience a homestay with a local tribe in Cambodia?
For a homestay with a local Cambodian tribe, tourists must contact a local travel agent or tour operator beforehand as organizing this can be complicated. Engaging a local guide is advisable for exploring jungles and accessing remote local communities that offer the privilege of cultural immersion. These local Cambodian communities offer tourists an authentic cultural experience abroad, and participation is an excellent way to support these communities. Show more
What kind of products can I expect to find at tribe markets in Cambodia?
The tribe markets of Cambodia offer visitors a chance to purchase various handmade goods such as textiles, wooden handicrafts, and unique souvenirs from the indigenous population. The markets boast of tribal art pieces featuring distinctive characteristics of various Cambodian villages. The village markets, though similar to others available in Cambodia, are an enriching and unique way to invest in locally made products while supporting the Cambodian local communities. Show more
