Hiking and Trekking in Cambodia: Complete guide for an amazing trip

For those who love a gentle adventure in nature, this guide can help introduce trekking and hiking tours in the finest details of ancient Cambodia - the cradle of Khmer culture. Apart from the ruins and Buddhist sites, Cambodia is also a great place to indulge in the unspoiled beauty of jungles off the beaten track.

Whenever you are in the mood for a trek and hike, Cambodia never fails to impress you with the land of rugged jungles and endless rice fields. All kinds of terrains are just waiting to be explored on foot. Let's start with our complete guide on trekking and hiking in Cambodia.

1. Why Trek or Hike in Cambodia?

Considered one of the best things to do in Cambodia, trekking offers many reasons why everyone should try it at least once. While hiking in Cambodia is mostly done on available routes, it is also done on different terrain surfaces such as deserts or jungles. Fortunately, thanks to its thorny and majestic beauty with high peaks and cliffs, Cambodia suits beginners in these climbing sports.

Excellent support from the local guide

The trekking and hiking routes in Cambodia are not as complicated as others, but there are many shrubs and thorns, which will make the process of moving difficult for you. In addition, the terrain has many grassy hills and low forests, so the higher you go, the stronger the wind is and makes you lose a lot of strength. Many turns make it easy to get lost, so don't be afraid to ask the porters for help. They are locals who will guide and support you in the moving process.

Flat terrain even for beginners

The roads are flat enough for those who like to hike/trek, and you don't waste too much physical strength. Hiking and trekking in Cambodia is an activity that usually involves easy to moderate mobility; thus, it gives you time to discover the most gradually.

Spectacular views from the top

The mountain peaks of Cambodia after a trek/hike are the ideal places to watch the sunset. When the sun has just woken up, peeking out from behind the large and small stones until it shines clearly on each glorious scene on the top of the mountain. The entire sky is dyed a brilliant pink, then suddenly turns golden as the sun gradually rises, creating an unfindable place.

>> Read more: Top 10 authentic experiences to do in Cambodia

2. Best time to go hiking in Cambodia

It is believed that summer is very suitable for trekking and hiking activities in Cambodia because it is a beautiful sunny and windy season. This is also true, but it depends on the route you choose. Before deciding, please consider some points to ensure safety.

If you have come to Ho Chi Minh City, you will find that the climate of Cambodia is quite similar to that of Southern Vietnam. You will feel the difference between hot-dry (November-April) and wet-dry (May-October) conditions during the dry season. From May to October, the southwest monsoon blows over the country. Therefore, there are often heavy but short rains.

If you start a new year (December-March) with hiking/trekking in Cambodia, do not miss the scene of green grass, green forest trees and blue sky, creating a picture of nature full of vitality. Otherwise, it will bring a wild array of colors during the burning season. The scattered yellow color of a few dried tree trunks printed on the blue sky makes the colors look like vivid pictures. The blazing yellow color spreads all the hills; above is the mist floating in the air, which is no different from the dreamland.

>> Read more: When to travel to Cambodia?

3. Top 5 hiking trails in Cambodia

3.1. Mondolkiri Province

Mondolkiri Province is well-known for its heavenly waterfalls such as Bousra, Dakdam, and Pu Long. It is a must-see trekking destination for nature lovers and exploration enthusiasts. To conquer the waterfall trekking trip, you will traverse the forest and cross streams and dangerous mountainous terrain. These waterfalls are located in the middle of untouched ancient forests. It is time to cross a steep slope intertwined with swamps. Everything happens like adventure movies in the jungle of the proto-Amazon.

But just by seeing the waterfall, letting the steam blow on your body, your whole body will be revived with an even more vital source of energy than at the beginning of the journey. The invaluable reward when discovering a waterfall is the experience of falling into the cool water. Listen to the waterfall whispering in your ear to find moments of peaceful relaxation. Camp near the falls, catch your fish and make new interesting friends. And if you are lucky, you will see a magical rainbow at the foot of the waterfall, creating a beautiful scene like a fairyland.

>> Read more: Mondulkiri - Cambodia - 5 things to do absolutely

3.2. Kulen Mountain

Kulen Mountain in Siem Reap province is not very high with the shape of a rolling hill. It houses a religious complex. It is a mark of Hinduism, but Kulen Mountain also shows the bold and long-standing influence of Buddhism on this sacred land.

The ideal stop is the summit at an altitude of 1,039 m. From there, you can see the entire landscape of Angkor, zoom in your eyes and enjoy the untouched nature of life. At the top of this mountain, you can treat yourself to taking photos among the poetic mountains. Indeed, this will be the hiking experience near Phnom Penh not to be missed.

On the way to the mountain, many restaurants and small stalls are selling wild fruits, especially lychee. Tickets to visit the hill are $20 for foreign tourists. Many guides are there to serve you attentively; even local children are also very surprised to be your guides.

>> Read more: The most beautiful temples of Angkor jewels classified by Unesco

3.3. Phnom Penh outskirts

If you assume to go hiking near Phnom Penh, there are also many places to take on the challenge of trekking without spending too much time traveling. Some areas for you are hills, lakes, and an area in a hydroelectric dam.

When climbing the mountain, visitors can admire the green bamboo forest or rest in the shade of ancient trees. You can also see a hydroelectric dam with water flowing from the top of the mountain, catch the calm wind, and listen to many spiritual anecdotes. In the spirit of a weekend picnic to explore and relax, you can carefully prepare the necessary items such as tents and food in advance.

In addition to watching the hydroelectric power station at the discharge, a 7 km trek through the forest is not too long. Yet, it immerses you in the shady tropical nature of the mountains, creating an exhilarating and relaxing atmosphere. If you are lucky, you may come across rare animals in the red book or strange plants.

3.4. Cardamom Mountains

The highest peak of Cardamom is Phnom Aural Peak, with an altitude of 1,813 m, and it is also the highest mountain in Cambodia. The climb is difficult but worth trying. If you are lucky, in addition to the inherent beauty of the mountain, you will also encounter beautiful moments of nature. Time resonates with the hills and forests, and the terrain creates the most perfect and beautiful scenes.

The slope is quite steep, which makes everyone tired. But the deeper you go into the forest, the more charming scenery nature will give us. Two streams flow from the upstream of the mountain. The image of the stream murmurs, blending with the beautiful green nature. The whispers in the ears and the fresh air make visitors want to stop forever to look at the mountains and forests.

3.5. Ratanakiri Province

Ratanakiri is located in the remote highlands of the northeast of the country. Therefore, it is the ideal area for anyone who loves trekking. The province has a diverse topography, including hills, mountains, plateaus, lowland basins and crater lakes. The territory is characterized by thick ancient deciduous forests and rich wildlife.

What can you expect? It is to enjoy the precious moment when dawn breaks through the green hills, making the first rays of the day shine through the cloudy sky. In addition, it is time to experience group rowing and explore the lake in a new way. Spending a long night enjoying a delicious barbecue will send you a comforting wine and a great company of friends. Trekking in Ratanakiri is a must-do activity for anyone who loves to travel in the ecosystem.

4. Local tips for trekking and hiking in Cambodia

Weather

It is often said that knowledge is power, which is undoubtedly the case for Phnom Penh exploration trekking. Knowing the weather conditions in advance can help you become alert and provide protection plans for yourself and your companions when unexpected weather conditions occur.

2-3 days before departure, it is necessary to constantly check the weather of the trekking location to change the plan in time. A few online weather forecast websites help you preview the weather situation at that destination.

Unlike the plains, mountains and forests become more dangerous during the rainy season. If subjected to heavy rain, an inherently peaceful stream can eventually turn into a rapid flood that washes away anything that dares to cross.

Local conditions

It would be best to consider local conditions, such as open-air policies. After two years of heavy Covid-19 outbreak, you may be thinking about reception procedures and infrastructure, human resources and product quality.

Cambodia is a relatively safe tourist destination compared to other places. Especially in tourist cities like Siem Reap or Phnom Penh, more security forces are organized to ensure the safety of tourists.

>> Read more: Top 10 tips and tricks for a successful trip to Cambodia

What to pack

Visitors should choose light and airy clothes because it is hot all year round. In addition, do not forget to bring hats, umbrellas, sunscreen, insect repellents and a first aid kit. You should wear flat shoes to avoid foot pain when you continuously move around the attractions. In addition, a list of trekking equipment such as weather-appropriate clothes, hiking boots or shoes, a hiking backpack, navigation tools and a light jacket is essential for your comfort during the trip. Remember to prepare yourself with plenty of food and water, which gives you more energy for physical activities.

Booking tour

There is no experience as valuable as asking for the experience of those who have been there. You can ask experienced travelers which agency is reputable, quality and reliable to book a trekking/hiking tour. Usually, those who have booked company tours, which units will know whether the company organizes it professionally or not.

When all the information is clear and transparent, it will be easy for us to handle it in case of unexpected situations. When booking a trekking or hiking tour, visitors should carefully read the content of the time, the tour program and related information. Remember to ask the consultant what you still have questions about or what you are not clear about.

With its pristine beauty and difficult roads, Cambodia is a destination that attracts many adventurous travelers. To quickly reopen the country to the influx of international tourists, Cambodia will never let you down!

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