7 Must-Visit Natural Wonders in Cambodia - Why Every Nature Lover Should Explore Them
Did you know that Cambodia in Southeast Asia has a lot of land to explore?
Cambodia covers 181,000 square kilometers of diverse and beautiful areas. As a nature lover, I can tell you this country is perfect for anyone who loves the wild and stunning sights. You’ll find amazing places like Phnom Kulen National Park and Koh Rong Island. Cambodia is great for exploring nature, watching wildlife, and going on outdoor adventures.
Cambodia’s national parks are full of unique plants and animals. Its vast lands, rivers, and mountains are home to many rare creatures. It has a lot to offer for those who love the outdoors. Let me share with you the top seven spots in Cambodia for nature lovers.
Key Takeaways
- Cambodia covers 181,000 square kilometers of diverse land, offering a wealth of natural wonders.
- The country’s national parks and natural attractions are home to rare and endangered species, including Asian elephants, tigers, and over 300 bird species.
- From the sacred Phnom Kulen National Park to the tropical paradise of Koh Rong Island, Cambodia provides unparalleled opportunities for eco-tourism, wildlife viewing, and outdoor adventures.
- Natural marvels like the Battambang Bat Caves, Bou Sra Waterfall, and Preah Monivong National Park showcase Cambodia’s diverse landscapes and ecosystems.
- Cambodia’s natural treasures extend far beyond the famous Angkor Wat, offering nature lovers a wealth of opportunities to discover the country’s untamed wilderness and captivating landscapes.
Cambodia’s Untamed Wilderness
In Cambodia, big parts are covered by old forests and different ecosystems. These are filled with many plants and animals. National parks like Virachey and Botum Sakor save natural forests. They are home for endangered animals, such as the Indochinese tiger and the pileated gibbon. These areas help keep Cambodia’s nature and wildlife safe.
Ancient Forests and Diverse Ecosystems
Cambodia’s wild areas are watched over by its national parks and other protected spots. They keep the country’s wide range of plants and animals safe. From jungles in Mondulkiri to mangroves in Botum Sakor, these places are a safe haven for plants and animals. Angkor Wat, a famous temple, is in Angkor Archaeological Park. It has over 1,000 temples. These old temples show how nature always comes back strong.
Protecting Cambodia’s Endangered Species
But, in Cambodia, the nature and animals are in danger from cutting trees and hunting. We must work hard to keep Cambodia’s wild places and its special plants and animals safe. Places like Sen Monorom Waterfall and Yeak Laom Lake are very beautiful. By helping these places and choosing to travel in ways that do not harm them, we help save Cambodia’s beautiful wild areas for the future.
“Amidst the whispers of the dense foliage and the serene calls from the distant hills, Cambodia’s untamed wilderness offers a profound reminder of nature’s raw beauty and enduring power. It’s a place where each step unveils a story of the earth, untouched and wildly free, inviting the brave at heart to tread lightly and embrace the wild within.”
Editor’s note: This post was written by our Cambodia travel specialists in May 2024. We continuously update it to guarantee that you get the most up-to-date and useful information for your Cambodian experience.
Phnom Kulen National Park: A Sacred Mountainous Sanctuary
Phnom Kulen National Park is special in Cambodia. It’s a mountainous area full of history and nature. It’s about 48 kilometers (30 mi) from Siem Reap. This park is where the ancient Khmer Empire started in 802 CE. There’s a lot to see – from old ruins to beautiful scenery. Anyone who loves wild places should visit.
Exploring the Birthplace of the Khmer Empire
At Phnom Kulen, King Jayavarman II became the first Khmer Empire king in the 800s. The mountain was bigger than today’s Phnom Penh then. The place has old temples, caves, and a special river. The River of a Thousand Lingas has carved Hindu symbols in the rocks. These are very important symbols.
Waterfalls, Rivers, and Carved Lingas
This park is known for both its history and stunning nature. It has two big waterfalls where people love to swim and picnic. Kbal Spean Waterfall drops almost 50 meters down. The Phnom Sombok Waterfall is even taller, dropping from over 200 meters high.
There are more waterfalls to see, like Kbal Spean Falls and Banteay Srei Falls. Also, Phnom Kulen Falls and Preah Vihear Falls are here, each special in its own way.
At Kulen Mountain, you can go trekking. There are caves with old writings and carvings, and the Preah Ang Thom Temple. This temple is from the 16th century and has a big Buddha statue. Other sites like the Preah Vihear Temple are also here. They show Cambodia’s deep culture and religion.
This park’s mix of beautiful nature, sacred sites, and old treasures is very special. Anyone interested in nature or history should come see it. It’s easy to get here from Siem Reap. Visiting lets you learn about the Khmer Empire and see Cambodia’s wild side.
Battambang Bat Caves: A Spectacle of Nature
Battambang Bat Caves in Cambodia are truly special. Each night, millions of bats fly out of the caves. It’s an amazing show that goes on for about 40 minutes. People can watch from the streets or take a guide to see it up close. The show starts at 5 pm and the bats leave around 6 pm.
Some think the bats are the lost souls from the Khmer Rouge era. This idea adds to the place’s mystery. The Battambang Bat Caves are not far from Battambang, just 12 km. It’s easy to get there and a must-see in Cambodia. A tuk-tuk ride to the caves and back costs about $10. Plus, visiting is free, so it’s great for those watching their budget.
Natural attractions in Cambodia: Bou Sra Waterfall and Eco Park
In the east of Cambodia lies the Bou Sra Waterfall, hidden in Mondulkiri. It is a top natural spot in the country. The waterfall has three parts that fall 15-20 meters each. This makes a beautiful scene that draws visitors. It’s at the Bou Sra Eco Park, a place to protect plants and animals. There’s also a village there.
The Triple-Tiered Marvel
From high above or from special points in the park, you can see the waterfall. The three parts of the waterfall fall one after the other. It’s a fantastic sight of nature in Cambodia. The journey there is not easy, but it’s very worth it. You get to see a wild, beautiful place not many see.
Zip-lining Over Cascading Waters
At the park, thrill-seekers will love the two zip lines over the falls. They are 100 and 300 meters long. These provide a special view of the Bou Sra Waterfall. The park also has hiking trails and lets you learn about local culture. It’s a great place for nature lovers to see Cambodia’s beauty.
Preah Monivong National Park: An Elevated Rainforest Haven
In the southeastern corner of Cambodia is Preah Monivong National Park. It’s also called Bokor National Park. The park is a big, preserved rainforest area. It covers 1,423 square kilometers in the Elephant Mountains. This park is valuable and special, being one of only two ASEAN Heritage Parks in Cambodia.
Abandoned Colonial Hill Station
One famous place in the park is the Bokor Hill Station. It was a French colonial resort in the 1920s. At this spot, you can see a Catholic church. It’s unique because Cambodians mainly practice Buddhism. This site shows how Cambodia’s history mixes with its colonial past.
Wildlife Watching in the Cardamom Mountains
But there’s more to the park than old buildings. It’s a paradise for many animals in danger. The park is a green, rainforest area over 1,000 meters above sea level. Here you’ll find many animals needing protection. These include Asian elephants, tigers, and many kinds of birds. Visiting this wild place lets you see the amazing nature of the Cardamom Mountains. It’s an unforgettable experience.
Koh Rong Island: A Tropical Paradise
Koh Rong Island is a breathtaking place. It’s off the coast of Cambodia in the Gulf of Thailand. Famous for its long, white sandy beaches and clear waters, it’s perfect for fun in the sun. A trip from Sihanoukville to Koh Rong is about $20 to $25. Also, you’ll find Long Beach that goes on for more than 7 km.
Pristine Beaches and Coral Reefs
There’s a beach for everyone on Koh Rong. You can stay at a budget bungalow or a luxury resort. The island has it all, from simple stays to elegant places like Secret Garden Koh Rong. Its beautiful coral reefs are perfect for snorkeling and diving. Adventure seekers will love exploring the underwater world.
Inland Jungles and Waterfalls
Koh Rong isn’t just about beaches. It also has dense jungles and sparkling waterfalls. You can join a snorkel tour or see glowing plankton for just $5. Plus, you’ll get free beer at beach cafes with your meal. The island is known for its beach parties and the Full Moon Party, too.
Cambodia’s Other Natural Treasures
Cambodia doesn’t just have the famous places. It’s full of beautiful spots for adventure. In the east part, find Bousra, Senmonorom, and Romnea Waterfalls. Plus, there are big mountains to explore. Go further to Ratanakiri in the north for hidden jungles and rivers. Here, see rare plants and animals in the quiet nature. Across Cambodia, there’s so much to see. Nature lovers will enjoy the wild places beyond Angkor Wat.
Mondulkiri’s Waterfalls and Highlands
Mondulkiri is perfect for anyone loving nature. Bousra Waterfall is amazing, with three parts over 15 meters high. It’s a must-see for all. Then there’s Senmonorom and Romnea Waterfalls in beautiful mountain settings. Besides the waterfalls, you can hike, see animals, and learn about local life.
Ratanakiri’s Remote Jungles and Rivers
Head north to the wild Ratanakiri province for a different adventure. Here, find thick jungles, rivers, and many unique plants and animals. You can hike in the forests or sail on hidden waters. Ratanakiri lets you see a quieter side of Cambodia’s beauty. It’s great for exciting trips or finding calm in nature.
As an adventurous traveler, I’ve explored Cambodia’s stunning natural beauty. I’ve seen ancient forests and towering waterfalls. I’ve visited the tropical island paradises, too. Cambodia protects these places for endangered animals. It also offers great chances for adventure and nature discoveries.
Walking through the Cardamom Mountains was amazing. Seeing the Battambang Bat Caves was a highlight. So was relaxing on Koh Rong’s crystal-clear beaches. These moments changed me forever. There were exciting ziplining and trekking. Plus, I loved the beautiful waterfalls and oceans filled with life. They’ve made me love nature even more.
Visiting and helping to protect these places matters a lot. It helps keep Cambodia’s wilderness safe for our kids. Cambodia is working hard to protect its nature. This inspires me to keep exploring and telling others about its beauty.
Source Links
- https://www.visitsoutheastasia.travel/guides/natural-wonders-of-cambodia/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phnom_Kulen
- https://www.encounterstravel.com/blog/kulen-mountain
- https://helloangkor.com/attractions/battambang-bat-caves/
- https://www.careerbreakkate.com/post/visiting-battambang-bat-caves-cambodia
- https://www.tourismcambodia.com/travelguides/provinces/mondulkiri/what-to-see/192_bou-sra-waterfall.htm
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