Trekking is a great way to see more than just temples in Cambodia. When you finally get to Kirirom National Park, it’s a very pleasant escape from the smells and sounds of the city. Lying at 675m above sea level, Kirirom was Cambodia’s first officially designated national park. “Kirirom” means “happiness”, but it’s not a happy place here. The silence of the nature will give you very peacefull feelings. Tours Indochina
Kirirom National Park
This place is about 3 hours from Phnom Penh, the road to the port city of Sihanoukville. It took as a whole day to visit everything, there are some scenic views on the valley, beautiful lake, pine trees that are a rare sight in this part of the world as well as a great place to relax near the waterfalls. The food was great and you could rent a shack with hammocks for a picnic on the river. It contains many footpaths through the forests with a number of small lakes and waterfalls and was once used as a refuge by the Khmer Rouge. Cambodia travel packages
Waterfall in Kirirom National Park
The park is seldom visited by Westerners, it’s off the beaten track and not easy to reach. Nevertheless, the nature here is under severe threat. Poaching, arson, logging and a rampant trade with the “products” of the forest degrade the nature more and more. At the top of the mountain you will find a Buddhist monastery and a clear water lake, which is a good spot to cool off and enjoy the sunset view. There are food vendors located at various points throughout the park where you can take a rest and get some snacks and drinks.
Buddhist monastery, view from the top of the mountain
The rivers of Kiriom Plateau are slow flowing and calm, but the few rapids that occur have been designated as “waterfalls” on the tourist map. You will be most disappointed if you go there expecting dramatic shear drops from cliffs. There are a total of three such “waterfall” areas that are frequented by visitors. At each “waterfall” area are numerous huts serving as raised platforms for picnickers. These ubiquitous huts line the river, trails and roads on both sides.
The rivers of Kiriom Plateau
There are not many types of larger wildlife in evidence on Kirirom, but it is an ideal spot to glimpse some of the country’s unique bird life and birdwatchers even come from overseas to visit. The national park is more interesting during or just after the rainy season, not that many fires on the ground and waterfalls having well water.
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