National ParkKoh Kong

Botum Sakor National Park

Botum Sakor is Cambodia's largest coastal national park, occupying a vast peninsula in Koh Kong Province. It protects a significant portion of the Cardamom Mountains ecosystem, with dense rainforest stretching from mangrove-fringed coastline to interior mountains. This is true off-the-beaten-path Cambodia — few tourists venture here, making it a frontier for adventurous travelers interested in genuine wilderness.

1,834 km²0–600mEst. 1993$5 for foreignersPermit required

Highlights

✦Largest coastal national park in Cambodia
✦Part of the Cardamom Mountains ecosystem
✦Remote, genuine off-grid wilderness experience
✦Coastal mangroves meeting tropical rainforest
✦Conservation projects protecting rare wildlife

Trails & Routes

ChallengingFull day15 km

Ranger Patrol Trail

Join rangers on patrol through primary forest. Requires arrangement with wildlife NGOs working in the park.

Moderate3–4 hours6 km

Coastal Mangrove Trail

Walk and kayak through coastal mangrove systems. Guide recommended.

Wildlife

Species you may encounter in Botum Sakor National Park:

Asian elephantPileated gibbonSun bearFishing catPangolinVarious hornbill speciesMonitor lizards

Best Time to Visit

Best months: December, January, February, March

Getting There

Nearest city: Koh Kong

From Koh Kong town, access the peninsula by boat or via rough roads (4WD required). Most visits are arranged through local tour operators or conservation groups.

Permit: Contact the Koh Kong Provincial Department of Environment or a local conservation NGO to arrange visits.

Where to Stay

Ranger station basic rooms$10–20/night

Very basic accommodation at ranger stations. Bring your own food and supplies.

Koh Kong town hotels$15–50/night

Koh Kong town is the nearest base with proper amenities.

Safety Warnings

Very remote — ensure someone knows your itinerary

Roads are rough and often impassable in wet season

Bring all supplies including water purification

Mosquito-borne disease risk — take prophylaxis

Nearby Attractions

Cardamom Mountains Koh Kong Province

FAQ

How do I visit Botum Sakor?

Visiting requires planning — contact conservation organizations like Wildlife Alliance in Koh Kong who can arrange guided trips. Independent travel is difficult due to poor road access.

Is Botum Sakor suitable for casual tourists?

Explore Other Parks

Bokor National Park Kirirom National Park Virachey National Park Ream National Park Phnom Kulen National Park Kep National Park Cardamom Mountains Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary Kulen Promtep Wildlife Sanctuary Prey Lang Wildlife Sanctuary Tonle Sap Biosphere Reserve

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