Coming for a holiday adventure trek through Cambodia's jungles? That's great, because we've got 5 of the best national parks for trekking in Cambodia for you. But do consider the weather when you are planning your backpacking trip. It's our suggestion you visit from October through until mid-March. Those are the months for the best possible experience. October for backpacking is actually the most perfect time.
The reason why is there is a regular breeze that keeps you cool and thus prevents you from dehydrating. With October, it's not long after the rainy season.
If you come during the summer months to trek then you'll dehydrate and tire very quick, due to the heat. It's not our recommendation you trek in April, May and June because it can be too hot to do so. By the time July and August come around, it's the rainy season. You suffer higher humidity which is uncomfortable for trekking.
One more piece of advice we will give you is this. Only trek into the national parks with local guides, because the parks are so vast in size. It's so easy to go off trail and find yourself lost.
Like many Cambodia's National Parks, you expect picturesque mountainous landscapes. You get the views and at elevations running into hundreds of meters above sea level. Often you could almost touch the clouds, at the peaks. It's a very extraordinary experience, never mind the incredible panoramic views below. There are many trails laid out through the jungles for you to trek, it's bewildering where to begin.
Which is why we urge you to trek with local guides. Not only do they stop you getting lost in the vast rainforests they know the best trails. The guides know exactly where the temples are, where the waterfalls are and caves.
One attraction of this park are the many small lakes and waterfalls. Abandoned concrete buildings litter the landscape which contributes to your sense for adventure.
Traversing through the jungles you enjoy the cool breeze and aroma of fresh pine. Looking around and down, you have views onto lakes into the distance. The park is famous for its many species of birds, attracting birdwatchers from all over the world. The best time to trek through Kirirom is after the rainy season. The lakes are full, and the waterfalls are raging.
Getting to the park, you must travel from the capital Phnom Penh. It's anywhere from a two-hour journey to a three-hour journey. On our trip to the park, it was between the two. The tour guides had someone pick us up from our hostel early before sunrise, the best option. Even though you could be backpacking solo, it's not advised to enter the parks on your own.
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The small city of Kep is but a 3-hour journey from Phnom Penh. Once your adventures come to an end, you've got the beaches to look forward to. What more could you ask for? It's a number one reason in fact, for opting for the Kep Mountain National Park. You've for the relaxation of a nice beach with local amenities. The local delicacy is fresh crab, of which makes the Kep Province famous. The Kep National Park has some of the clearest and easiest of trails laid out for trekkers.
There is no need for a local guide on this adventure.
Once you do set foot in the park and put some distance in, you get to enjoy incredible views of Vietnam's Phu Quoc Island. There's even the chance of seeing rice fields on the plains below the Bokor National Park range, to the north. There are two main trails, and both are easy, even for those who are not backpacking. There is the mountain trail that skirts around the park's circumference. That trail goes on for 8km, returning you to where you began.
That's the easiest of the two trails. The second trail is more involved. That trail takes you into the park's interior where there is more dense jungle foliage. This trail offers your eyes far greater beauty, perfect for nature lovers. Our thoughts are you trek both trails. Because the second trail directions signposted: there is little chance of getting lost. If you would rather cycle on both trails, you can, on mountain bikes. Ask in town for options to rent.
Kep National Park has an amazing array of butterflies. You see the best of them during peak spring and summer months. And it's easy to pick out the various species of giant millipedes, insects and reptiles. Of all the parks in our guide this one is the most suited for families.
If you were ever looking for a reason to be in Kampot City, then the Bokor Mountain National Park is it. Only 8km out of Kampot City is the entrance to the park. This park is home to wild elephants and tigers and boasts a beautiful landscape. Your imagination has already begun to run off with you, hasn't it?
From Kampot, hire a motorbike, and not pay more than US$18, to get you into and through the park. You might not want two wheels though, in which case choose a guided tour. The tours are great because you go in the park as a group. A tour turns out to be cheaper too, for everyone concerned. By the way, take warm, waterproof clothing with you as the weather can turn bad, no notice given.
There are many buildings from the early 1920's the French abandoned and are no longer of use to anyone. From the summit you can see down to Gulf of Thailand and Vietnam's Phu Quoc Island on a clear day. Sights in the Bokor Mountain National Park include:
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With the summit peak over 1000m above sea level there are times there are rolling clouds which do pass by you. It's a strange sensation to see that and an experience that you don't forget. For things to see and do in Kampot City, see our other travel guide:
This national park is huge and there remains parts of it still unexplored. How incredible is that, in today? Rare plants and animals flourish in this park because humans are so scarce in numbers. Actually, the only human inhabitants in the park are small ethnic tribal villagers.
One thing that pleased us the most, is the Royal Decree. It's the only protection the park has:
We don't recommend you enter the park on your own. Find a local tour or guide operator from Banlung City, one who has the experience to take you into the jungle. You must be pro-active when it comes to your own safety.
Because trekking through thick undergrowth, even at the best of times, is difficult. If you do accept this adventure though, you are in for a treat. You have the chance many seldom do, to capture sights of rare wildlife. Be sure your guide is happy with camping out for a day or two. Because it's the last great wilderness found in southeast Asia. On returning to Banlung City you're feeling a little dazed.
It takes long moments of reflection before you realize what you've experienced. For us, the park was some of the best times we've had in life.
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There's a lot to excite the adventurous that's certain with Ku Len National Park. There's a vast covering of thick tropical rainforest jungle to negotiate with. There is the Phnom Kulen Waterfall and Linga River awaiting discovery. A little over an hour's drive from Siem Reap, Ku Len Mountain is a special place. For all Cambodian's, it's considered sacred.
The summit of the mountain has religious landmarks, dozens of Angkorian temples. You can also find large Cham Pa trees and an impressive 8m tall statue of reclining Buddha. It's an amazing experience to come across it after several hours of hard trekking. The waterfall has two separate levels each with a pool, both suitable for swimming. Jungle and temples surround the waterfall.
It's the lush green scenery that creates a sense of seclusion felt with this waterfall.
The River of a Thousand Lingas has ancient writings etched into stones and boulders of the rocks. You must wade in to be able to make out the markings in the form of squares. The river's water is welcoming by the way, great for cooling off. Even under the jungle canopy it's warm and humid.
Be sure to pack some kind of swimwear, and a towel. Find a quiet spot to rest and dry off, eating lunch near to the waterfall. It's pure gold, the settings with sounds of splashing water.
Cambodia is such a great country to go trekking through a jungle. It's why, along with Thailand, Cambodia is a top touring destination for backpackers. What makes the country suitable? Could it be a) English is well supported and b) there is a good, solid transport infrastructure in place. It's easy to go where you want and when, and it's safe as well:
Even if you decide to travel and backpack alone you will not be alone all the time. At some point you will bump into like-minded people who are also out backpacking. You'll find people at hostels, or a cafe even who are heading the same way as you. Make friends with those people and travel together, if only part way. A lot of people have positive feelings about Cambodia, especially those returning.
If you are traveling solo (anywhere) you need companionship some of the way. Cambodia is super friendly and easy going, you won't have any problem making new friends. Like Thailand, there are a lot of hostels throughout the country. If you have a gap year coming up and are looking for a life changing experience, then come to Cambodia.
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For backpacking in Cambodia, the best time to travel in Cambodia is after the rainy season. That's towards the end of September at the earliest. Most definitely once October arrives for sure. Average temperatures hover around 80°F or above. The cooler period of the year is between November and early April. But peak season also begins by November, so you have the crowds to contend with and higher costs too.
Usually, as a backpacker, you are on a budget, that's true, isn't it? Choose late September, or October for your holiday adventure. And plan ahead and have flights booked months before for best savings.
A lot of the fun trekking through Cambodia's jungles is the touch and feel for an outdoor adventure. When you enter any of the national parks there is far more to this adventure than the trek and views. There are opportunities to go cycling and even enjoy some motocross. There are great opportunities for climbing a mountain rockface as well.
If you've come to add camping to your backpacking trip, that's a huge boost too, to your holiday.
It's a proper adventure, when let loose in Cambodia's jungles. Does that scare you? Don't be afraid, especially backpacking alone. The sounds of the night jungle will spark fear in most people. The thoughts of untamed, wild animals roaming near, imaginations do run out of control. Indeed, what a thrilling adventure.
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