Cambodia Hiking & Trekking Guide 2025
Explore the best hiking trails and trekking routes in Cambodia.
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 Hiking Trails
The best hikes Cambodia has to offer.
Phnom Kulen National Park Trail
moderateA 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.
Bokor Mountain Trail
challengingHike 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.
Cardamom Mountains Trek (Koh Kong)
challengingRemote 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.
Phnom Sampov Cave Hill
easyClimb 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.
Mondulkiri Forest Trek
moderateHike 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.
Phnom Bakheng Sunset Trail
easyA 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.
Virachey National Park Expedition
expertRemote 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.
Trails by Difficulty
Find trails that match your fitness level.
🟢 Easy
Flat or gentle terrain suitable for families with children and casual walkers. Phnom Bakheng, pagoda trails, and short temple loops at Angkor. No special equipment needed.
🟡 Moderate
Some elevation gain and uneven terrain. Suitable for fit adults with basic hiking footwear. Phnom Kulen and Mondulkiri treks fall here — 3-5 hours of hiking.
🟠 Challenging
Significant elevation, jungle terrain, and longer distances. Bokor Mountain and Cardamom treks require hiking boots, a guide, and reasonable fitness. 5-8 hours.
🔴 Expert
Multi-day remote wilderness expeditions requiring a local guide, camping gear, and high fitness level. Virachey National Park and deep Cardamom treks are in this category.
Complete Hiking Guide
Detailed trail descriptions, packing checklists, and route recommendations.
Hiking Preparation
What to bring and how to prepare.
Essential Gear
Day Hikes
- Sturdy hiking boots/shoes
- Plenty of water (2-3 liters)
- Snacks and lunch
- Sun protection (hat, sunscreen)
- Rain layer/jacket
- First aid kit
- Navigation (map, GPS, phone)
- Flashlight/headlamp
Multi-Day Treks
- All day hike essentials plus:
- Backpack (40-60L)
- Tent or shelter
- Sleeping bag and pad
- Cooking equipment
- Water purification
- Extra clothing layers
- Emergency supplies
Physical Preparation
- Start training weeks before challenging hikes
- Build up endurance with regular cardio
- Practice on local trails with elevation gain
- Break in new boots before the trip
- Acclimatize to altitude gradually if needed
Hiking Safety
Stay safe on the trails.
Always tell someone your hiking plans and expected return time. Carry emergency communication device in remote areas.
Check weather conditions before setting out. Turn back if conditions deteriorate. Never underestimate mountains.
Stay on marked trails. Getting lost in unfamiliar terrain can be dangerous. Carry navigation tools.
Be aware of wildlife. Research local animals and know how to respond to encounters.
Start early to allow plenty of daylight. Always aim to be back before dark.
Local Hazards
- Unexploded ordnance (UXO) exists in some rural areas near the Thai border — always hike with a local guide and never leave marked paths
- Heat exhaustion and dehydration in hot season (March-May) — carry at least 2 liters of water and start hikes before 7AM
- Dengue mosquitoes active year-round — use strong DEET repellent especially in forest areas
- Leeches common in wet season jungle trails — wear leech socks and check skin after forest hikes
- Loose rock on limestone hills — wear proper footwear and take care on steep sections
- Wildlife including pit vipers and king cobras present in jungle — watch where you step and never reach into dense vegetation
Best Time to Hike
Plan your hiking adventure for optimal conditions.
🌸 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.
Explore Cambodia's Trails
Get our complete hiking guide with GPS routes, difficulty ratings, and local tips.
Download Hiking Guide