The 10 Best National Parks in Cambodia
Explore Cambodia’s top national parks, from ancient temples and sacred mountains to untouched rainforests and unique wildlife reserves.
Cambodia is best known for the awe-inspiring temples of Angkor, but the country is also a sanctuary for nature lovers. Around 40% of Cambodia is covered by national parks and protected areas, offering a refuge for diverse wildlife in landscapes ranging from misty mountains to rich wetlands and coastal lowlands. These parks open the door to trekking, wildlife spotting, archaeological wonders, cultural exploration, and immersive ecotourism. Whether you’re seeking remote rainforest adventure or a gentle stroll in the hills, Cambodia’s national parks have it all.
Why Visit Cambodia’s National Parks?
- Biodiversity: Home to rare and endangered species including Asian elephants, sun bears, leopards, and numerous endemic birds.
- Cultural Heritage: Ancient temple ruins, sacred mountains, and sites of deep historical significance dot the wilderness.
- Ecotourism: Increasingly eco-friendly, with community-based projects that support local livelihoods and conservation.
- Adventure: Hiking, camping, wildlife tours, and waterfall swims are just a few ways to immerse yourself in nature.
1. Phnom Kulen National Park
Best for: Temples and Sacred Sites
Set north of Siem Reap, Phnom Kulen National Park is a mountain rich in spiritual and historical significance. Here, King Jayavarman II was proclaimed devaraja (god-king), marking the birth of the Khmer Empire in 802 CE. Nowadays, it remains a pilgrimage site for Cambodians and hosts some of the country’s most intriguing temple ruins hidden among thick forests.
- Highlights:
- Phnom Kulen Waterfall: A two-tiered cascade, famed for its appearance in the original Lara Croft: Tomb Raider movie, set in lush jungle and ideal for a refreshing swim.
- Kbal Spean: Also known as the “River of a Thousand Lingas,” features ancient Hindu carvings etched directly into sandstone riverbeds.
- Preah Ang Thom: A massive reclining Buddha statue dating to the 16th century.
- Mahendraparvata: The lost city, long hidden by jungle and recently revealed by archaeologists.
- Activities: Temple-hopping, guided tours, waterfall swimming, and emerging ecotourism hikes from Anlong Thom.
2. Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary
Best for: Wildlife Watching
Nestled in eastern Cambodia, Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary showcases Southeast Asian wilderness at its most vibrant. Vast tracts of semi-evergreen forest and grassland provide habitat for over 350 bird species and nearly 100 mammals, including globally threatened douc langurs, gibbons, and Asian elephants.
- Highlights:
- Diverse wildlife: Spot red-shanked douc, black-shanked douc, and rare wild cattle such as banteng and gaur.
- Birding: Internationally renowned for its impressive avian diversity, including several threatened species.
- Activities: Guided wildlife walks, primate tracking, and community-based ecotourism projects led by local Bunong villagers.
3. Kirirom National Park
Best for: Pine Forests and Fresh Air
One of Cambodia’s oldest designated parks, Kirirom National Park is a highland haven near Phnom Penh, beloved for its cool pine forests and mountain streams. Once a royal retreat, today the park is popular for hiking and picnicking among its fragrant pines and shady glades.
- Highlights:
- Pine woods: A rare ecosystem in tropical Southeast Asia, ideal for gentle hikes and mountain biking.
- Waterfalls and pools: Stream-fed cascades — especially popular on weekends — make for refreshing breaks.
- Activities: Easy hiking, swimming, camping, horse riding, and short overnight nature escapes from the city.
4. Botum Sakor National Park
Best for: Wild Lowlands and Wildlife
Stretching across the peninsula facing the Gulf of Thailand, Botum Sakor National Park is the largest coastal park in Cambodia, defined by dense lowland rainforest, mangroves, and rich wetlands.
- Highlights:
- Critical habitat: Supports endangered species such as clouded leopards, pileated gibbons, and fishing cats.
- Mangrove channels: Home to otters and diverse birdlife and explored by kayak or boat.
- Activities: Wildlife and birdwatching tours, boat trips, and explorations into pristine mangrove forests.
5. Virachey National Park
Best for: Remote Jungle Adventures
In far northeastern Cambodia bordering Laos and Vietnam, Virachey National Park is among the region’s wildest and least explored protected areas. Its grand mountains, thick tropical rainforests, and remote river valleys provide sanctuary for tigers, sun bears, elephants, and rare birds. Access is only via guided, multi-day treks led by local rangers.
- Highlights:
- True wilderness: Towering forests and remote mountains, often cloaked in mist.
- Primate and bird sanctuary: Douc langurs, hornbills, and the elusive green peafowl.
- Activities: Jungle trekking, cultural visits to indigenous villages, camping, and wildlife tracking.
6. Bokor National Park
Best for: Colonial Relics and Scenic Views
Overlooking the coastal town of Kampot, Bokor National Park is famed for its mist-wreathed plateau, atmospheric colonial ruins, and dramatic vistas of both forest and sea. The cool climate and eerie, dilapidated remains of the old Bokor Hill Station — including a former casino and Catholic church — add a mysterious charm.
- Highlights:
- Bokor Hill Station ruins: Explore derelict buildings from French colonial days atop the plateau.
- Sweeping viewpoints: Stunning looks over the Gulf of Thailand, especially at sunset.
- Activities: Scenic drives, mountain picnics, hiking nature trails, and exploring the old ruins.
7. Preah Monivong (Phnom Bokor) National Park
Best for: Ancient Mountains and Highlands
Commonly referenced as Bokor National Park, Preah Monivong National Park encompasses a large chunk of the Elephant Mountains above Kampot. The park features diverse flora, waterfalls, challenging trekking routes, and historical sites, making it a favorite for nature and history buffs alike.
- Highlights:
- Popokvil Waterfall: Picturesque, multi-level falls, especially beautiful in rainy season.
- Cool mountain climate: Ideal for escaping Cambodia’s lowland heat.
- Activities: Trekking, waterfall exploration, and visits to ancient pagodas and forest.
8. Southern Cardamom National Park
Best for: Community-Based Ecotourism & Mega-Diversity
Southern Cardamom National Park is, by area, Cambodia’s largest national park at over 4,100 square kilometers. Part of the sprawling Cardamom Rainforest Landscape in the southwest, it’s a biodiversity hotspot with more than 50 threatened species, including wild elephants, sun bears, pangolins, and gibbons.
- Highlights:
- IUCN Red List species: One of Asia’s most important enclaves for endangered wildlife and birds.
- Remote valleys and grasslands: Trek to the remote Areng Valley, home to one of the last wild Siamese crocodile populations, or visit the Khnong Phsar grasslands for rare sightings.
- Ecotourism initiatives: Community-run homestays and trekking programs actively support conservation and local livelihoods.
- Main Access: Via Koh Kong city, leading to the Areng Valley and Osoam eco-tourism hubs.
- Activities: Hiking, wildlife tours, camping, community stays, and boat explorations.
9. Kep National Park
Best for: Gentle Hiking and Coastal Views
Kep National Park is a compact reserve looming above the tranquil seaside town of Kep. Its convenient 8km circuit trail offers an inviting escape for walkers, mountain bikers, and anyone keen for a scenic climb with sweeping views. Often shrouded in mist and cooled by sea breezes, the park is accessible for beginners and families.
- Highlights:
- Stairway to Heaven Trail: Climb to a hilltop pagoda, passing a nunnery and reaching the iconic Sunset Rock viewpoint.
- Perimeter paths: Panoramic vistas over the Cambodian coast and nearby Vietnamese island of Phu Quoc.
- Activities: Hiking, mountain biking, leisurely walks, and birdwatching.
10. Ream National Park
Best for: Coastal and Marine Ecosystems
Located near Sihanoukville, Ream National Park protects a 210-sq-km area of beaches, mangroves, freshwater swamps, and offshore islands. It’s a haven for estuarine and marine species and offers unique boat tours through its lush water channels.
- Highlights:
- Bird sanctuary: Kingfishers, herons, and the endangered Sarus crane.
- Mangrove cruises: Boat journeys take visitors past wildlife-rich channels and picturesque coastline.
- Activities: Kayaking, boating, beach walks, saltwater estuary exploration, and island trips.
National Parks in Cambodia: At a Glance
| National Park | Main Attraction | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Phnom Kulen | Temples, waterfall, ancient ruins | Near Siem Reap |
| Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary | Endangered primates, birding | Eastern Cambodia |
| Kirirom | Pine forests, waterfalls | Southwest, near Phnom Penh |
| Botum Sakor | Lowland rainforest, mangroves | Southwest coast |
| Virachey | Remote mountains, trekking | Far northeast |
| Bokor | Colonial ruins, hilltop views | Near Kampot |
| Preah Monivong | Highland forests, waterfalls | Kampot Province |
| Southern Cardamom | Rainforest, wildlife tracking | Southwest Cambodia |
| Kep | Easy hikes, coast views | Kep town |
| Ream | Mangroves, estuaries, islands | Near Sihanoukville |
Tips for Visiting Cambodia’s National Parks
- Responsible Travel: Support park-approved ecotourism providers and local guides committed to protecting wildlife and culture.
- Permits and Access: Many parks require entry fees or guided tours — especially in remote regions. Always check in advance.
- Best Time to Visit: The dry season (November–April) offers comfortable weather, while the wet season (May–October) brings lush greenery and spectacular waterfall flows but can make trails muddy.
- Wildlife Etiquette: Maintain a respectful distance from animals; never feed wildlife or venture off marked trails.
- What to Pack: Lightweight clothing, sturdy hiking shoes, insect repellent, water, and a camera for capturing incredible scenery.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Are all Cambodian national parks open to visitors?
A: Most are open to visitors, though access to remote parks (like Virachey or parts of Southern Cardamom) may require arranging guided tours or special permits in advance.
Q: Which park is best for seeing temples alongside nature?
A: Phnom Kulen National Park offers outstanding temple sites surrounded by lush forest, including the famous Kbal Spean, Preah Ang Thom, and Mahendraparvata.
Q: What kind of wildlife can I expect to encounter?
A: Cambodia’s parks are home to Asian elephants, sun bears, multiple gibbon species, leopards, Siamese crocodiles, pit vipers, hornbills, and a huge range of butterflies and other endemic fauna.
Q: How can I travel sustainably in these parks?
A: Choose community-run eco-lodges and tour operators, adhere to Leave No Trace principles, and contribute to conservation-focused activities that benefit both wildlife and local communities.
Q: Is Cambodia’s park infrastructure suitable for families or first-time hikers?
A: Parks like Kep, Kirirom, and Phnom Kulen are ideal for families and novices, with well-marked trails and accessible facilities. More remote parks may demand a higher level of fitness and preparedness.
Final Thoughts
Cambodia’s national parks reveal a side of the country that remains dramatically underexplored. Beyond the temples and busy cities, you’ll find a landscape teeming with rare wildlife, remote valleys, and resilient communities devoted to preserving these natural wonders for future generations. Whether you embark on an overnight trek, explore hidden waterfalls, or simply absorb the serene beauty of the wilderness, Cambodia’s protected areas promise truly unforgettable adventures.
