Cambodia captivates visitors with the magnificent Angkor Wat temple complex, French colonial architecture, and pristine tropical beaches. From the bustling capital of Phnom Penh to the serene countryside, Cambodia offers an unforgettable blend of ancient history, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality.
Top trails
Routes worth lacing up your boots for.
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1
Phnom Kulen National Park Trail
A rewarding hike through jungle to the 30-meter Kulen waterfall, ancient carvings in the river of a thousand lingas, and the giant reclining Buddha at the summit. Sacred to Cambodians as the birthplace of the Khmer Empire.
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2
Bokor Mountain Trail
Hike through dense jungle to the eerie abandoned French hill station at Bokor with panoramic views over Cambodia and the sea. Encounter fog, old colonial ruins, and diverse wildlife in the national park.
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3
Cardamom Mountains Trek (Koh Kong)
Remote wilderness trekking through Cambodia's largest intact rainforest, home to elephants, gibbons, and sun bears. Guided treks only through Community-Based Ecotourism programs connecting villages.
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4
Phnom Sampov Cave Hill
Climb a dramatic limestone hill to discover pagodas, Buddha caves, and a Killing Caves memorial. At dusk, millions of bats pour from the mountain in a spectacular natural display — one of Southeast Asia's great wildlife spectacles.
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5
Mondulkiri Forest Trek
Hike through pine forests and elephant grasslands in Cambodia's cool eastern highlands. Excellent for birdwatching, wild elephant tracking, and visiting indigenous Bunong villages with expert local guides.
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6
Phnom Bakheng Sunset Trail
A short but rewarding climb through forest to the 9th-century hilltop temple of Phnom Bakheng for panoramic views of Angkor Wat and jungle canopy at sunset. The most popular sunset viewpoint in Cambodia.
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7
Virachey National Park Expedition
Remote guided expeditions into one of Southeast Asia's least-explored protected areas. Dense old-growth forest, rare wildlife, and indigenous Jarai villages make this Cambodia's most adventurous trekking destination.
Trail difficulty levels
Pick a route that matches your fitness and experience.
Mostly flat, well-marked paths. Suitable for families and casual walkers.
Some elevation gain, longer distances. Requires basic fitness.
Significant climbs and exposure. Requires good fitness and route-finding.
Technical terrain, scrambling, or alpine conditions. Experience essential.
When to hike
Seasonal conditions in Cambodia.
- Spring
- February to April is dry season with minimal rain — excellent hiking conditions but temperatures rise to 35-38°C by April. Early starts essential.
- Summer
- May to October is monsoon season. Trails become slippery, rivers swell, and some routes like Bokor and Kulen become difficult. Lower prices and fewer tourists; lush green scenery.
- Fall
- October to November sees the rains tapering — increasingly good conditions with green landscapes and cooler temperatures. A transitional sweet spot for hiking.
- Winter
- November to February is peak hiking season with cool, dry conditions and comfortable temperatures of 22-28°C. Best visibility and trail conditions of the year.
Local hazards
What to watch out for on the trail.
Hazard: Unexploded ordnance (UXO) exists in some rural areas near the Thai border — always hike with a local guide and never leave marked paths
Hazard: Heat exhaustion and dehydration in hot season (March-May) — carry at least 2 liters of water and start hikes before 7AM
Hazard: Dengue mosquitoes active year-round — use strong DEET repellent especially in forest areas
Hazard: Leeches common in wet season jungle trails — wear leech socks and check skin after forest hikes
Hazard: Loose rock on limestone hills — wear proper footwear and take care on steep sections
Hazard: Wildlife including pit vipers and king cobras present in jungle — watch where you step and never reach into dense vegetation