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    Last verified: March 1, 2026by Cambodia Travel Team · Local Experts & Travelers
    10 Best Hiking Trails in Cambodia — Jungle Treks & Mountain Walks (2026)
    From Mondulkiri elephant trails to Cardamom Mountain treks, discover the best hiking in Cambodia with difficulty ratings, seasons, and guide info.
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    10 Best Hiking Trails in Cambodia

    While Cambodia isn't known as a hiking destination, its northeastern highlands, Cardamom Mountains, and national parks offer surprisingly excellent trekking through virgin jungle, past waterfalls, and alongside indigenous communities.

    What are the best hiking trails in Cambodia?

    The top 3 hikes: Mondulkiri elephant trails (easy, half-day, see wild elephants), Cardamom Mountains multi-day trek (challenging, pristine rainforest), and Phnom Kulen trek (moderate, ancient river carvings and waterfall).

    #1

    Mondulkiri Elephant Trails

    Hike with Elephants
    Mondulkiri Province

    Walk through jungle alongside semi-wild elephants at ethical sanctuaries like the Elephant Valley Project. The combination of trekking and wildlife makes this Cambodia's best hike.

    💡 Insider Tip: Book Elephant Valley Project ($75/day) for the most ethical experience. 2–3 hour walk.

    #2

    Cardamom Mountains Trek

    Pristine Rainforest
    Koh Kong/Pursat Province

    Multi-day treks through one of Southeast Asia's largest intact rainforests. Wildlife spotting, river crossings, and camping in pristine wilderness.

    💡 Insider Tip: Arrange through Chi Phat community tourism (2–5 day treks). Best Nov–Apr.

    #3

    Kbal Spean River Trek

    Sacred River Carvings
    Siem Reap (50km north)

    A 2km jungle trail to the "River of a Thousand Lingas" — an ancient riverbed carved with Hindu symbols. Ends at a small waterfall.

    💡 Insider Tip: Only worth visiting when water flows over the carvings (Jul–Dec). 1.5 hours round trip.

    #4

    Phnom Kulen National Park

    Sacred Mountain
    Siem Reap Province

    Trek through the sacred mountain combining a reclining Buddha, ancient river carvings, and a beautiful waterfall on the holy mountain where the Angkor Empire began.

    💡 Insider Tip: Entry $20. Go early to avoid the midday heat. Multiple trail options (1–4 hours).

    #5

    Ratanakiri Volcanic Lake Trail

    Sacred Volcanic Lake
    Ratanakiri Province

    Hike around Yeak Laom, a perfectly circular volcanic lake sacred to the Tampuan indigenous people. The trail circles the crater rim through ancient forest.

    💡 Insider Tip: Entry $1. The full circuit takes 1 hour. Best in the morning for birdwatching.

    #6

    Virachey National Park

    Most Remote Park
    Ratanakiri Province

    Cambodia's most remote national park offering multi-day guided treks through dense jungle. Possible sightings of rare wildlife including gibbons and hornbills.

    💡 Insider Tip: Must arrange through the park office in Banlung. 2–8 day treks available. Guides mandatory.

    #7

    Bokor Mountain Trail

    Cloud Forest Hike
    Kampot Province

    A road-accessible but hikeable mountain with trails through misty cloud forest, past the abandoned hill station, and to coastal viewpoints at 1,080m.

    💡 Insider Tip: Hire a guide for the off-road trails. The main road is driveable but less interesting.

    #8

    Phnom Tamao Nature Trail

    Wildlife Trails
    Phnom Penh (45 min)

    Nature trails through a wildlife rescue center with opportunities to spot sun bears, gibbons, and elephants in semi-wild conditions.

    💡 Insider Tip: Book the behind-the-scenes "Keeper for a Day" program for the best wildlife interaction.

    #9

    Chi Phat Jungle Trek

    Community Ecotourism
    Koh Kong Province

    Community-based ecotourism treks through the Cardamom rainforest. Former poachers turned guides lead you through pristine jungle to waterfalls and wildlife.

    💡 Insider Tip: The 2-day/1-night camping trek is the most popular. Book through the community office.

    #10

    Phnom Aural

    Cambodia's Highest Peak
    Kampong Speu Province

    Cambodia's highest peak at 1,813m. A challenging 2-day trek through dense jungle to the summit. For serious hikers only — the reward is bragging rights.

    💡 Insider Tip: Requires a local guide and camping equipment. Only attempt Nov–Mar. Very challenging.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Frequently Asked Questions

    For national parks and remote trails, yes — guides are often mandatory and always recommended. For temple treks (Kbal Spean, Phnom Kulen), you can go independently.

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    On This Page

    • Quick Answer
    • #1 Mondulkiri Elephant Trails
    • #2 Cardamom Mountains Trek
    • #3 Kbal Spean River Trek
    • #4 Phnom Kulen National Park
    • #5 Ratanakiri Volcanic Lake Trail
    • #6 Virachey National Park
    • #7 Bokor Mountain Trail
    • #8 Phnom Tamao Nature Trail
    • #9 Chi Phat Jungle Trek
    • #10 Phnom Aural
    • FAQ
    • More Best Of Lists

    Data Sources & Official References

    Ministry of Tourism, CambodiaGeneral Department of ImmigrationWorld Bank Open Data
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