National ParkRatanakiri

Virachey National Park

Virachey National Park is Cambodia's largest protected area and one of the last great wilderness areas in mainland Southeast Asia. Spanning over 3,325 km² of unbroken rainforest along the borders with Laos and Vietnam, this remote park offers multi-day guided treks through some of the most pristine jungle in Asia. Virachey is an ASEAN Heritage Park, recognized for its exceptional biodiversity and the indigenous communities that live within its boundaries.

3,325 km²200–1,500mEst. 1993$25–65 per person per day (includes guide, food, equipment)Permit required

Highlights

✦Cambodia's largest national park — over 3,325 km²
✦ASEAN Heritage Park — international conservation status
✦Multi-day guided treks through pristine rainforest
✦Indigenous Brou and Kavet community visits
✦Some of Asia's rarest wildlife — clouded leopard, Siamese crocodile
✦Phnom Heli — sacred grassland plateau at 1,500m

Trails & Routes

Challenging2 days / 1 night25 km

Phnom Veal Thom Trek

Trek through montane grasslands to the sacred plateau. Camp overnight in jungle hammocks. Guides provided by park rangers.

Expert5–8 days60+ km

Kaleng Chey Sacred Mountain

The ultimate Virachey experience — deep jungle trek to a sacred mountain, passing through primary forest and indigenous territories. Requires good fitness.

Moderate1 day12 km

O'Lappatai River Trail

River and forest day hike visiting waterfalls and Kavet indigenous areas. Good introduction to the park.

Wildlife

Species you may encounter in Virachey National Park:

Clouded leopardAsian elephantGaurBantengSun bearDouc langurGibbon speciesSiamese crocodileGiant ibisGreen peafowlSambar deer

Best Time to Visit

Best months: November, December, January, February, March

Getting There

Nearest city: Ban Lung

Fly from Phnom Penh or Siem Reap to Ban Lung (Ratanakiri). The park headquarters is in Ban Lung town. From Phnom Penh by road: 10–12 hours via Sen Monorom or Stung Treng.

Permit: All visits require arranging treks through the Virachey National Park Eco-Tourism Information Center in Ban Lung. Independent trekking is not permitted.

Where to Stay

Ranger-guided campsIncluded in trek fee ($25–65/day)

Hammocks and tarps provided by park guides. All meals cooked over campfire.

Ban Lung guesthouses$8–25/night

Base yourself in Ratanakiri's capital before and after treks.

Safety Warnings

Multi-day treks require good physical fitness

UXO risk in some border areas — never leave marked trails

Bring all medications — no medical facilities in the park

Leeches are common in wet season — bring leech socks

No phone signal once inside the park

Nearby Attractions

Yeak Laom Volcanic Lake Ratanakiri Province

FAQ

Can I trek in Virachey independently?

No, all treks must be arranged through the park's eco-tourism office in Ban Lung. This ensures safety and supports local indigenous communities who serve as guides.

How much does a Virachey trek cost?

When is the best time to visit Virachey?

Explore Other Parks

Bokor National Park Kirirom National Park Ream National Park Botum Sakor 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

Share this page

Get Cambodia Travel Updates

Visa changes, travel tips, and destination guides delivered to your inbox.

No spam, unsubscribe anytime. We respect your privacy.