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).
Mondulkiri Elephant Trails
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.
Cardamom Mountains Trek
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.
Kbal Spean River Trek
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.
Phnom Kulen National Park
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).
Ratanakiri Volcanic Lake Trail
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.
Virachey National Park
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.
Bokor Mountain Trail
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.
Phnom Tamao Nature Trail
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.
Chi Phat Jungle Trek
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.
Phnom Aural
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.
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