Bitte_Kein_Lexus wrote: ↑Tue Apr 28, 2020 3:22 pm Andy, the guys camp either in the middle of nowhere, or in a village by asking for permission first and buying supplies from them. I've done it several times. I've also gone up Oral many times and you are expected to either take one of their local guides (helps provide them an income), or let them know when you're going and how long you'll be there. It's fair enough as they're the ones who end up saving people's lives if something goes wrong (and they've done it many times). They frequently get calls from authorities in PP that for example, a Korean guy is missing, did you guys see him? Then they have to go track him down on the mountain, totally lost and down to his underwear, quite dehydrated after five days. They're seen as "responsible" if someone dies. The place is also considered sacred in many ways.

I think for many long-term expats, the original allure of Cambodia was the lack of such "rules" that you might encounter in the west or Thailand. Unlike many years ago, the track is now easy to follow, even for inexperienced hikers. That being said, you should respect local customs and these two obviously aren't and will ruin it for everyone. I've slept in villages and villager's houses many times when in a pinch, but always ask prior and pay them, and obviously you shouldn't overstay your welcome. It doesn't matter if the two vegans think they're reconnecting with nature, they're obviously worrying the locals so should come to their senses and descend ASAP. There are common formalities to follow and I suspect they don't speak Khmer, adding to the confusion. It pisses me off because people acting selfishly like this is what makes new rules and bureaucracy emerge. They should have stuck to Kampot as mentioned beforehand.

Bluenose wrote: ↑Tue Apr 28, 2020 9:10 pm I’m not sure whether it is an issue in that particular location, but then again I’m pretty sure there is a chance that they didn’t consider the UXO situation before wandering off the beaten path and hammering their tent pegs into the ground

newkidontheblock wrote: ↑Tue Apr 28, 2020 1:30 am Most expats fall into the old and sick category.

tightenupvolume1 wrote: ↑Tue Apr 28, 2020 10:29 pm How easy and "legal" would it be to do something like that in the USA or Canada, somewhere near a source of drinking water ?