What are the best waterfalls in Cambodia?
Cambodia's best waterfalls are found in its highland provinces. Bou Sra in Mondulkiri is the largest and most dramatic. Ka Chanh, Chha Ong, and Kachang in Ratanakiri offer jungle waterfalls with swimming. Phnom Kulen near Siem Reap combines a sacred waterfall with an ancient hilltop temple complex. Tatai in Koh Kong and Popokvil on Bokor Mountain round out the top picks.
- Bou Sra (Mondulkiri) — Cambodia's largest, two-tier 25m fall
- Ka Chanh (Ratanakiri) — jungle waterfall with excellent swimming pool
- Phnom Kulen (Siem Reap) — sacred mountain waterfall near Angkor
- Tatai (Koh Kong) — wild Cardamom waterfall accessible by boat
- Chha Ong (Ratanakiri) — multi-tier forest waterfall
- Popokvil (Kampot/Bokor) — cool mountain atmosphere in Bokor NP
Cambodia Waterfalls Overview
Cambodia's waterfall scene is concentrated in its highland provinces — Mondulkiri, Ratanakiri, and the Cardamom Mountains of Koh Kong. The country's relatively flat central plains have few falls, but the eastern highlands (where highland rivers drop off plateau edges) and the Cardamom range (where rivers cascade through untouched rainforest) produce some of Southeast Asia's most dramatic cascades.
Most waterfalls require a journey — they're not near the main tourist hubs of Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. But the reward is waterfall visits combined with some of Cambodia's most spectacular landscapes: elephant territory in Mondulkiri, volcanic crater lakes in Ratanakiri, and pristine rainforest in the Cardamoms.
Wet Season Advice
Mondulkiri Waterfalls
Mondulkiri province in eastern Cambodia is the country's most sparsely populated and wildest province — highland plateau, elephant habitat, and Bunong indigenous villages. The waterfalls here are dramatic and remote.
Bou Sra Waterfall
Cambodia's most powerful and impressive waterfall — a two-tier cascade on the Sen Monorom River, dropping first 25 metres into a churning pool, then a further 10 metres. The surrounding jungle is Bunong indigenous territory and part of Mondulkiri's elephant habitat. Swimming is possible in the lower pool (calmer water) but not in the turbulent upper pool.
Ratanakiri Waterfalls
Ratanakiri province in Cambodia's far northeast is famous for Yeak Laom volcanic crater lake, indigenous villages, and jungle trekking. Three main waterfalls within day-trip distance of Banlung (the provincial capital) offer excellent swimming.
Ka Chanh Waterfall
A beautiful, lush waterfall on the outskirts of Banlung, set in jungle with a deep swimming pool at the base. Ka Chanh flows year-round (unlike some dry-season failures nearby) making it reliable. The surrounding forest is excellent for bird watching — multiple hornbill species have been spotted in the canopy.
Chha Ong Waterfall
A multi-tier waterfall in dense jungle setting, 11 km from Banlung. The series of cascades runs through a rocky jungle canyon — you can scramble up the rocks between tiers in dry season. The lower pool is swimmable and cooled by constant mist. A local guide is recommended to find the upper tiers safely.
Kachang Waterfall
Slightly further from Banlung than Ka Chanh, Kachang is a single-drop waterfall in a particularly photogenic setting — the fall hits a wide flat rock and fans out before dropping into a shallow pool. Less visited than Ka Chanh, meaning you often have it to yourself. Swimming in the fan section possible in lower flow conditions.
Siem Reap Region — Phnom Kulen
Phnom Kulen Waterfall
The most accessible major waterfall from Siem Reap, located on the sacred Phnom Kulen plateau — the birthplace of the Khmer Empire. A 20-metre cascade feeds a wide, shallow pool popular with Cambodian families on weekends. The surrounding plateau also has a famous reclining Buddha, the River of 1,000 Lingas (carved riverbed), and ancient Khmer ruins.
Phnom Kulen Access
Kampot, Koh Kong & South Cambodia
Kbal Chhay Waterfall
The most accessible waterfall from Sihanoukville, 16 km northwest of the city. A series of cascades and rock pools perfect for swimming, popular with Cambodian families and city day-trippers. Gets crowded on weekends and Cambodian public holidays but remains quiet mid-week. Best visited after the rains (October–December) for good water flow.
Tatai Waterfall (Cardamom Mountains)
Located deep in the Cardamom Mountains along the Tatai River, this waterfall is one of Cambodia's most dramatic — particularly in wet season when the river roars through the Cardamom rainforest. The unique feature: access is partly by boat up the Tatai River, making the journey itself an adventure. Local eco-lodges near Tatai village arrange tours combining boat trips, kayaking, and the waterfall.
Popokvil Waterfall (Bokor Mountain)
Located inside Bokor National Park on the misty Bokor Plateau above Kampot, Popokvil (also spelled Popokville) is a two-tier waterfall at 1,080 metres elevation. The cool mountain air (15–20°C even in dry season) makes this a refreshing escape from the coast. Combined naturally with the ghost-town ruins of old Bokor Hill Station and the new casino resort complex on the plateau.
Romanear Waterfall (Cardamom Range)
One of the more remote Cardamom waterfalls, requiring a guided jungle trek of 2–4 hours to reach. Located in a part of the Cardamoms with significant wildlife — gibbons, hornbills, and wild pigs are commonly heard. Very few tourists visit. The fall itself drops into a pristine swimming hole. Arrange through Chi Phat community-based ecotourism centre (Koh Kong province).
Best Season to Visit Cambodia Waterfalls
| Season | Months | Water Flow | Trail Conditions | Swimming |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peak wet | Jul–Sep | Spectacular | Muddy, difficult | Risky (strong currents) |
| Late wet | Oct–Nov | Excellent | Manageable | Good |
| Cool dry | Dec–Feb | Good–Moderate | Best conditions | Excellent |
| Hot dry | Mar–May | Low | Easy | Good (smaller pools) |
| Early wet | May–Jun | Building up | Moderate | Good |
Waterfalls Comparison Table
| Waterfall | Province | Size | Entry | Swimming | Guide Needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bou Sra | Mondulkiri | Massive (25m) | $2–3 | Lower pool only | Optional |
| Ka Chanh | Ratanakiri | Medium | $2 | Yes (deep pool) | Optional |
| Chha Ong | Ratanakiri | Multi-tier | $2–3 | Lower tier | Recommended |
| Kachang | Ratanakiri | Medium | $2 | Yes (shallow fan) | Optional |
| Phnom Kulen | Siem Reap | Large (20m) | $20 (plateau) | Yes | No |
| Kbal Chhay | Sihanoukville | Small–Medium | $3 | Yes | No |
| Tatai | Koh Kong | Large | Free (guide $20–30) | Dry season only | Yes |
| Popokvil | Kampot/Bokor | Medium (two-tier) | ~$5 (NP entry) | Limited | No |
| Romanear | Koh Kong | Medium | Guide $20–30 | Yes | Yes (mandatory) |
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