Cambodia is a country famous for its majestic ancient temples, beautiful small islands and winding jungles. If you are a nature lover and an explorer, you can add a wilder side to your itinerary of Cambodia by experiencing some days of trekking here, passing through dense forests, with wild animals and majestic waterfalls. But, where to start when it comes to trekking in Cambodia? This article is your detailed guide, including where to go, what to pack and how to trek in Cambodia.
Best time for trekking in Cambodia
Since trekking is an outdoor activity, it is affected by many external factors, of which climate and weather play an essential role. You need to know the best time of year to enjoy the best experience possible. That is why deciding when to hike is as important as finding a suitable location.
Cambodia weather by regions
- Dry season (November to March): This is also the best time to go trekking, so tourists come to trek in Cambodia most commonly. The weather is cool, windy and there is no rain, which makes a difference. Hikers from all over the world gather here to follow the trails and admire the poetic beauty of nature surrounding the paths. This time in Cambodia is also the peak season, so make sure you book your accommodation and tours in advance to avoid unavailability and high prices if you want to travel during this time of year.
- Hot Season (April to June): This is not a good time for trekking or any outdoor activities. The reason is that the temperature peaks during these months, causing hikers to become dehydrated and lose stamina.
- Rainy Season (July to October): This is the time of rain and high humidity. Although the trekking trails are at their best with lush greenery, the high humidity in the air and sporadic rains, although still doable, make the hikers feel very uncomfortable.
Top 10 Trekking Trails in Cambodia
Kep Mountains
The panoramic view of Kep from Sunset Rock Viewpoint
Duration: 5-6 hours
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Best for: Led Zeppelin enthusiasts looking for a relaxing hike.
Five hours’ drive from Cambodia’s capital, Phnom Penh, Kep is famous not only for its beautiful beaches and peaceful atmosphere but also for its lush jungle-covered Kep National Park, which offers some stunning trekking trails. The trails in this area are not difficult and can be easily tackled on your own, making it one of the most popular trails for trekking lovers in Cambodia, perfect for a day and a light adventure.
Along the way, you’ll see forests teeming with wildlife such as birds, squirrels, and monkeys. The highlight of the hike is the ‘Stairway to Heaven’ trail that branches off this route. Leading uphill to a towering pagoda, a monastery and the worthwhile Sunset Rock Viewpoint, an ideal sunrise or sunset spot in Kep.
Kulen Mountains
Some highlights on the Kulen Mountains trail
Duration: 3-5 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Best for: Wilderness near Angkor Wat.
About 40km from Siem Reap is Kulen Mountain, a national park and religious complex of great significance to the Cambodian people. It is just a few hours from the ancient city of Angkor – and is also one of the best trekking routes in Cambodia – a perfect place for history buffs to explore ancient temples, pagodas and abandoned sandstone quarries.
On this hike, visitors will admire iconic landmarks on the summit such as the Great Terrace, 56 Angkorian temples, two large Cham towers, a large Buddha statue and the footprint of Preah. It is also a vast rainforest with thousands of rare species of plants and flowers. Along the trails, you can explore exotic flora and fauna, as well as natural attractions such as two giant waterfalls, the Linga River and a vast valley from Kulen.
Ream National Park
Exploring the lush jungle paths of Ream National Park
Duration: 1-4 hours
Difficulty: Easy to moderate.
Best for: Combining coastline and jungle.
The Ream National Park trail is one of the most popular routes for beginners when it comes to trekking in Cambodia. It is a hike through the hills of the park, just 30km from the city center of Sihanoukville, the capital of the region. The surrounding area has many natural elements that are still untouched, such as mangroves, estuaries, freshwater marshes, beaches, islands and coral reefs.
There is so much to explore here. On the trails, you will see and experience a diversity of flora and fauna, many of which you will not find anywhere else, such as many endangered birds of prey, including the Indian hornbill, the grey-headed eagle and the stork. When you return from your hike, you can rent a kayak, go snorkeling or explore the national park’s islands, Koh Thmei and Koh Seh, by boat.
Cardamom Mountains
A local guide will lead you through the wild beauty of the Cardamom Mountains
Duration: 5/6 days
Difficulty: Challenging
Best for: Total immersion in nature
If you’re an adventure lover, this trek is for you. This spectacular wilderness area, located between Koh Kong and Pursat provinces, in the southwestern corner of Cambodia, is the perfect place to escape from civilization. It is one of Southeast Asia’s largest rainforests, boasting vast forests with rare and endangered flora and fauna ranging from sambhar deer and gibbons to clouded leopards, Sunda pangolins, Siamese crocodiles, Asian elephants and tigers. The highest point of the Cardamom is Phnom Aural Peak, which at 1,813m is also the highest mountain in Cambodia. The climb is difficult and steep but well worth the effort.
The deeper you go into the forest, the more captivating the natural beauty becomes, from majestic waterfalls, winding streams to vast grasslands. Thanks to the growth of ecotourism and community-based tourism, your trekking trips are often guided by local people. So your trip will be more meaningful as you interact with the locals and learn more about them, admire the breathtaking nature and conquer challenging trails.
Mondulkiri
You can combine an elephant tour with your trekking adventure in Mondulkiri
Duration: 1-2 days
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Best for: Spotting a wide variety of wildlife.
Located northeast of Phnom Penh, Mondulkiri is Cambodia’s least populated mountainous province with plenty of trekking opportunities, making it a great choice for anyone who appreciates Cambodia’s rustic charm and wild nature. This destination remains peaceful and unspoiled, with pristine forests, majestic mountains, stunning waterfalls and dense rainforests that are home to the indigenous Bunong people, Cambodia’s largest highland indigenous ethnic group. It is also home to the country’s largest elephant population.
The area is home to many well-developed ecotourism projects and is home to a number of NGOs. For the most memorable experience, join an elephant interaction tour, where you can walk alongside, and sometimes feed and bathe, the elephants. Afterwards, visit a Bunong village where you can learn about their ancient culture and traditional way of life.
Kirirom National Park
This is one of the easiest trekking trails in Cambodia
Duration: 1-2 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Best for: Visiting a sample CBT (community-based tourism) project.
A 2-hour drive from the centre of Phnom Penh is Kirirom National Park. Known for its unique highland pine forest that forms the headwaters of many streams that flow into the town of Kampong Speu, this national park has some really great trekking trails. Whether you’re cycling or walking, you can explore the park’s winding trails, which take you through the pine forests until you pass waterfalls and cliffs with stunning views of the Cardamom Mountains.
For a longer hike, head to the Kirirom Information Centre and hire a local guide to take you on a three-hour hike to the Phnom Dat Chivit cliffs and 3 stunning waterfalls. You can also explore the local bat cave and there’s a guesthouse and restaurant on site.
> > > After an exhilarating trekking adventure through Cambodia’s rugged landscapes, why not explore even more of the country’s rich culture and stunning scenery with a guided tour? Our Cambodia tours offer the perfect blend of adventure, history, and local experiences.
Ratanakiri
You can admire the beautiful Yeak Laom Lake on this trail
Duration: 3-4 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Best for: Exploring remote jungle trails
Ratanakiri Province, a mountainous province in northeastern Cambodia, bordering Vietnam and Laos, has some of the most diverse trails in Cambodia. The province is also famous for being home to the largest national park in Southeast Asia, Virachey National Park. Therefore, it is an ideal area for anyone who loves trekking. The province has a diverse terrain, including hills, mountains, plateaus, lowland basins and crater lakes. The territory is home to dense ancient deciduous forests and abundant wildlife.
The trails here have a variety of levels to choose from, from the easiest to the most difficult, suitable for beginners to advanced hikers. You can choose from one-day hikes to multi-day hikes with overnight stays in tents or truly remote homestays. The most prominent of these is the trail leading to Yeak Laom Lake, the most beautiful lake in Ratanakiri Province, formed by a volcanic eruption nearly 4,000 years ago. Visitors will feel like they are exploring a mysterious area. The path is surrounded by mountains, forests, and wooden houses, and the scenery is truly perfect. And of course, if you want, visitors can dive into the lake and swim in the cool, clear water.
Virachey National Park
Virachey National Park impresses many visitors with its stunning wild natural beauty, the best in Cambodia
Duration: 7-8 days
Difficulty: Challenging
Best for: Combining culture with nature
One of the largest protected areas in Cambodia, Virachey National Park is truly one of the best trekking trails in Cambodia. It’s the perfect place for a hike or a climb! Designated an “ASEAN Heritage Park” in 2003, the national park is home to many rare species of animals, including gibbons, elephants, tigers, leopards, sun bears and many other mammals.
From easy trails to challenging cliffs, it’s all here. However, if you’re a beginner, you should stick to the easy hike. Book in and you’ll stay in a homestay in a village, and visit Phnom Veal Thom, a natural mountain grassland area, with a local ranger and guide. Packages include food, accommodation and boat and motorbike transfers – but the trip is a rigorous test of fitness.
Thousand Lingas River
This trail is most suitable with history lovers
Duration: 2-3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Best for: Exploring ancient carvings and sacred riverbeds in the heart of nature.
If you are a history buff, this is the best trekking trail in Cambodia for you. The hike around the hill is easy, but you may encounter steep trails with twisted tree roots that can impede your progress.
After trekking through the jungle for about an hour, you will reach the summit, where you will be rewarded with views of the Thousand Lingas River, known for its historical flow. Revered as a sacred site and steeped in rich Hindu tradition, this hike features some fascinating citadels and temples along the way. There are also Hindu mythological and religious sculptures at the riverbed. Once you have fully immersed yourself in the ancient river, you can cool off in the waterfall and enjoy lunch before heading back.
Kalai Jungle Hike
A peaceful trail through the lush greenery of the Kalai Jungle
Duration: 3-4 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Best for: Exploring dense rainforest and experiencing local wildlife in a pristine natural setting
If you are looking for an easy hike or just want to explore a natural destination, the Kalai Jungle Hike is an ideal choice at just 16 km long. The trek will take you through a forest surrounded by the sounds of insects and running water. You can follow natural creeks, leading you to the living areas of the Kreung people located on the edge of the forest. The Kreung people are extremely hospitable and visitors can easily request to stay in their homes, and they will invite you to eat bamboo soup or other local delicacies to enjoy around the campfire. This is a great way to immerse yourself in their vibrant yet simple culture.
> > > After exploring the rugged beauty of Cambodia’s best trekking trails, why not continue your adventure just next door? Vietnam offers an incredible variety of trekking routes, from misty mountain passes to lush terraced valleys. Discover the 20+ most beautiful roads to conquer in our guide to trekking in Vietnam!
Some tips for trekking in Cambodia
Trekking through Cambodia’s diverse landscapes can be an unforgettable adventure, but proper preparation is key to making the most of your journey. Here are some essential tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable trekking experience.
- Before you set off on a trekking trip or even travel to Cambodia, you’ll want to think about mapping out your adventure. Find a hike that interests you and, importantly, is suitable for your fitness level.
- Knowing the weather ahead of time can help you stay alert and plan for yourself and your companions in case of unexpected weather conditions. 2-3 days before your departure, it’s important to check the weather at your trekking location regularly so you can make timely changes to your plans.
- At the top of your gear list should be a reliable navigation device. That means at least a traditional compass and a map printed on waterproof, tear-resistant, and durable material. You’ll also want to consider a GPS to make navigating your hike in Cambodia much easier.
- Additionally, a list of other gear includes weather-appropriate clothing, trekking shoes or boots, a waterproof backpack, a light jacket, and insect repellent. Make sure to pack plenty of food and water to keep you fueled for physical activity.
- For safety reasons, pack a first aid kit as well as a flashlight, utility knife, emergency whistle, and spare batteries. Also consider the relevance of things like shelter, cooking equipment, tools and repair kits, and power sources.
- When it comes to trekking in Cambodia, this is an activity that should only be undertaken under the supervision of a reputable guide or group, as there are landmines and other hazards inherent in this landscape. Using established trails and the guidance of trained professionals will allow you to safely experience Cambodia’s unpredictable landscape.
Once you have completed all the preparations, you can now enjoy the many exciting things that Cambodia has to offer. With the top trails mentioned above, you will easily explore nature and the lesser-known trails. Contact us and enjoy the fun of trekking in Cambodia and experience the exciting adventure in its dense forests.
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