Kirirom National Park
Kirirom National Park
Some 120 km from Phnom Penh, Kirirom is Cambodia's first national park: 35,000 hectares of forests, waterfalls and plateaus rising to 700 metres.
Kirirom National Park spreads across a forested plateau peaking at 700 metres, roughly 120 km southwest of Phnom Penh. Cambodia's first recognised national park, it covers 35,000 hectares straddling Preah Sihanouk and Kampong Speu provinces. Pine forests, waterfalls and water features make it a cool highland escape, reachable from the capital in half a day.
Why visit Kirirom National Park
Kirirom offers noticeably cooler weather than the Cambodian plains thanks to its altitude. The site combines several attractions within a single area: forest hikes, waterfall swims, observation of human-planted flora (notably Japanese pines introduced decades ago) and intangible heritage linked to the legend of Princes Vorvong and Sorvong. It is one of the rare mid-mountain zones developed for tourism in the country, making it a worthwhile complement to an urban or coastal itinerary.
History and naming
The place was initially called Phnom Vorvong Sorvong, named after two princes from a traditional Khmer tale. This story was translated to the West by French explorer Auguste Pavie in the late 19th century, helping spread Cambodian oral literature throughout Europe.
In the 1930s, King Sisowath Monivong renamed the site Kirirom, at the suggestion of a monk from the capital. The term comes from Pali, the liturgical language of Theravada Buddhism, and means "joyful mountain". The site was developed as a tourist resort from 1945 onwards. In 1993, when the IUCN identified six national parks in Cambodia, Kirirom was among them and officially became the country's first national park.
What to see and do at Kirirom
Pine forests
The park's most distinctive feature is its pine plantations, introduced as part of forest management efforts. These tree-lined avenues give the landscape an unusual character for tropical Southeast Asia and offer shaded trails pleasant for walking or cycling.
Waterfalls and water features
Several waterfalls dot the park, some accessible by short walks from internal roads, others requiring more challenging hikes. The pools below lend themselves to swimming during the rainy season when water flow is sufficient.
The cave
A cave known locally for the warmth felt inside is among the park's curiosities. Access, poorly marked, is usually made with a local guide.
Flora and fauna
The park shelters forest wildlife typical of Cambodian highlands (birds, small mammals, reptiles). Observation density remains limited: Kirirom lends itself more to leisurely walks and landscape contemplation than to bird-watching safaris.
When to go
The dry season, from November to April, offers the most comfortable conditions for hiking and travel on internal tracks. Temperatures at altitude regularly drop below 20°C at night in December-January, a stark contrast to Phnom Penh's heat.
The rainy season (May to October) makes waterfalls more spectacular but complicates access to secondary routes. Avoid extended Cambodian weekends if you seek tranquillity: the park remains popular with capital residents.
How to get there
The park is reached from Phnom Penh via National Road 4, heading towards Sihanoukville. Allow roughly 2 hours for the 120 km journey. Several options are available:
- Private car with driver: the most flexible option for a day visit or overnight stay.
- Long-distance bus: some companies serve the junction towards Kirirom, but final park access then requires local transport.
- Motorcycle: favoured by independent travellers, provided you have experience riding on Cambodian roads.
Practical information
- Park entry: a modest access fee is collected at the main entrance.
- Accommodation: a few resorts and bungalows exist within and around the park, including a well-known alpine-style complex. Advance booking recommended during peak season.
- Equipment: hiking shoes, warm clothing for winter evenings, swimwear for waterfalls, insect repellent.
- Duration: one day allows you to see the essentials; two days give time to explore more remote trails.
Combining with the region
Kirirom integrates easily into a wider Cambodge itinerary:
- Phnom Penh as your logistical starting point.
- The crab market in Kep, continuing towards the southern coast.
- The coffee plantations of Mondulkiri, another highland escape in the country's east.
- Bayon temple, for heritage exploration in the north.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
One day is enough to see the main points of interest accessible by car (waterfalls, pine plantations, viewpoints). Two days with an overnight stay allow you to tackle longer trails and enjoy the cool nights.
Not essential for marked areas near the entrance. A guide becomes useful for reaching the cave and certain secondary waterfalls, whose access is unmarked.
The dry season, from November to April, guarantees the best access. December and January offer pleasant coolness at altitude.
The name Kirirom comes from Pali, the liturgical language of Theravada Buddhism, and literally means "joyful mountain". It was given in the 1930s by King Sisowath Monivong, at the suggestion of a monk.
Yes, when water flow allows, particularly during and after the rainy season. In the advanced dry season, some pools become very shallow.
Planning your trip
To include Kirirom in a tailor-made itinerary combining nature, heritage and coastal highlights, see our Cambodge travel suggestions. Our local teams adapt the journey to your pace and interests.
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