Deep in the Cardamom Mountains lies a quiet, forest-wrapped village that almost no one has heard of. Osoam is not a major tourist destination, nor does it try to be. But if you are crossing between Pursat and Koh Kong, this little settlement offers a perfect off-the-grid stopover with just enough to keep you lingering.
With jungle treks, homestay vibes, and lots of durian, Osoam might not be taking over from Siem Reap anytime soon, but hey it is pretty decent as a stop off point.
What is Osoam
Osoam sits in the Veal Veng District of Pursat Province, surrounded by dense mountain forest and far from city distractions. It started as a small waystation for travelers crossing the rough mountain roads and has slowly grown into a low-key hub for hiking, volunteering, and rewilding efforts.
The village has no center in the usual sense. Instead, you will find a scattering of homes, small shops, fruit stalls, and the odd motorbike buzzing by. While electricity and internet can be spotty, the star-filled nights and surrounding jungle more than make up for it. It is peaceful, raw, and for now, still under the radar.
Where to Stay
Osoam has two primary places to stay. The first is Ramdoul Kravanh Resort. Located on a working durian farm, this place is hard to miss thanks to its pointed A-frame cabins that sit neatly in a line overlooking the jungle. Rooms cost around forty dollars a night and while everything is clean and picturesque, you will probably find yourself alone. It is great if you are looking for quiet, nature, and your own space.
The second and more popular option is Somkos Homestay. This is where most of the activity in Osoam centers. Rooms start at twelve dollars, or just five if you are willing to sleep in a hammock. It is a laid-back and social place where volunteers, backpackers, and adventurous families pass through. Somkos also has a café, a small restaurant, and the best information on what to see and do in the area. It feels less like a hotel and more like someone’s oversized jungle home.
What to Do in Osoam
Activities in Osoam revolve around nature and community. Somkos runs daily guided treks into the Cardamom Mountains, where you can explore hidden trails, swim in waterfalls, and spot wildlife. Many of these treks are based on routes once used by rangers or poachers, and you will get an honest look at the region’s past and its current conservation efforts.
If hiking is not your thing, you can spend the day relaxing with a book, watching monkeys from your porch, or trying the local fruit. Durian is everywhere in Osoam and eating it fresh from the farm is an experience in itself. The village also has roadside stalls selling fruit, snacks, petrol in reused whiskey bottles, and occasionally strange jungle souvenirs.
For those wanting to give something back, Osoam has several reforestation and community projects that accept short-term volunteers. You will not be planting trees all day, but you might help repair a path, build a fence, or teach a bit of English.
Alas there is no street food Osoam scene……
Getting Out of Osoam
Osoam might feel isolated, but it is fairly well-connected. It sits around one hundred kilometers from Pursat, one hundred seventy kilometers from Koh Kong, and about three hundred kilometers from Phnom Penh. Roads are unpaved but drivable, especially in the dry season.
Somkos Homestay offers both private and shared taxis to major cities like Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Pursat, and Koh Kong. The shared taxis are the most cost-effective way out and often include a few short stops for snacks or jungle views. While the ride is long, the scenery is stunning, and it is all part of the journey.
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