The 5 Most Beautiful Hiking Destinations in Cambodia
Cambodia reveals itself on foot, along trails that wind through jungles, plantations, rivers and villages. A slower pace to discover the country's most pristine landscapes.
Cambodia is renowned as a destination for wild and authentic natural spaces. Hiking in Cambodia offers the chance to discover the country's most remote locations, far from the beaten tourist path. The regions of Mondulkiri and Ratanakiri are favored by travelers seeking raw, untouched nature. Since trails are often poorly marked, local guides are usually necessary for trekking in the Land of Smiles.
Hiking in Mondulkiri
In eastern Cambodia, Mondulkiri is an isolated and wild province offering countless hiking possibilities. Easily accessible, it has earned the charming nickname "Cambodia's Switzerland." It remains a pristine wilderness, characterized by mountains, verdant hills and dense jungles. A true paradise for hikers, there are trails ranging from a few hours to several days of trekking. A local guide is essential for venturing into this untamed territory. Along the way, you'll encounter villages inhabited by numerous ethnic minorities. Hidden within this natural environment are several waterfalls, including the stunning Bou Sra Falls—two cascades measuring 10 and 25 meters in height, deep within lush mountains. A natural gem not to miss during a trek through Mondulkiri.
Good to know
To avoid: The region is known for offering elephant trekking experiences. Like the rest of Cambodia, this is a problematic activity that conceals a troubling reality. Elephants endure torture designed to break their spirit and subjugate them to human will. We strongly recommend against participating in this activity.
Hiking in Ratanakiri
Located at the border of Vietnam and Laos in the country's northeast, the province of Ratanakiri is Cambodia's most remote region. With its mountains, plateaus and tropical forests, it offers an ideal playground for travelers wishing to hike in Cambodia.
The landscapes are diverse and trails cross villages inhabited by the region's indigenous peoples. An opportunity to meet them and discover their animistic traditions and ancestral ways of life.
The most popular hiking trail in Ratanakiri winds through the Kalai jungle. An easy route through shallow jungle that still requires a local guide's expertise.
Cha Ong Waterfall is one of the natural wonders to discover during a trek in Ratanakiri. The trail passes through rubber plantations before reaching this cascade and its natural pool. Yeak Lom Crater Lake is also worth exploring—a short trail circles it in about an hour of walking.
For an exceptional hiking experience in Cambodia, request a quote for our trekking circuit through the Ratanakiri jungle.
Hiking in the Cardamom Mountains
Located in southern Cambodia, the Cardamom Mountains are a chain of verdant peaks stretching over 300 kilometers. Nicknamed the green lungs of Cambodia, the range harbors Southeast Asia's largest tropical forest. Still relatively unexplored by tourism, it's the perfect place for hiking off the beaten path in Cambodia.
Multi-day treks with jungle camping are possible, offering opportunities to observe wildlife in its natural habitat, including gibbons, deer and wild boar. The Cardamom range is home to Cambodia's highest peak, Phnom Aural, standing at 1,813 meters. It's possible to reach the summit via a two-day trek. The Khmer village of Chi Phat, renowned for its responsible tourism initiatives, is the ideal base for organizing a hike through the Cardamom Mountains.
Hiking in the Phnom Kulen Massif
Phnom Kulen is a small mountain range rising 500 meters above the plains. Located 50 kilometers northeast of Angkor Wat, it is a sacred pilgrimage site for the Khmer people. The trail to the summit is dotted with historical remains discovered along the way. Among these remarkable sites lies the River of a Thousand Lingas. An archaeological site discovered by a French ethnologist, it features religious sculptures carved into the riverbed. The trail is relatively easy, winding through a verdant tropical forest. At the summit of Phnom Kulen stands a pagoda housing an 8-meter statue of a reclining Buddha.
Hiking in Kep National Park
Kep National Park is an excellent option for pleasant independent hikes in Cambodia. The hiking trails in this region are easy, accessible and well-marked. This nature reserve offers two itineraries through lush forest with circuits of a maximum 3 hours of walking. The Stairway to Heaven trail winds through thick forest and passes several temples and viewpoints overlooking the Kep countryside. A wonderful hiking option in Cambodia if you're visiting the southern region.
Frequently asked questions
The dry season from November to April is ideal for hiking in Cambodia, with more bearable temperatures and reduced risk of rain.
A local guide is strongly recommended in Mondulkiri and Ratanakiri because trails are poorly marked. Only Kep Park allows for independent hiking.
Pack sturdy trekking shoes, lightweight but protective clothing, sun protection, insect repellent and an adequate water supply.
Difficulty levels range from easy (Kep Park, Phnom Kulen) to challenging (multi-day treks in the Cardamom Mountains). Most trails are suitable for beginner hikers.
