Adventure Travel in Cambodia: Best Trekking & Outdoor Activities
Cambodia is a must-visit destination for people who love adventure and nature. This country is filled with lush jungles, rivers, and mountains. That’s why tourists can visit hidden waterfalls and witness rare wildlife.
However, you should learn about the best tourist spots or activities in the country before you proceed with your Cambodia visa application.
Best Trekking Spots
We would recommend trekking in the following locations in Cambodia:
Cardamom Mountains
Forest tour: These mountains are located in Southwest Cambodia. This is the first spot you should visit if you love forests. The mountain is in the country’s highland area. Here, you'll enjoy the thick vegetation of a tropical, moist broadleaf forest.
Exploring wildlife: The mountains also give you the chance to experience diverse wildlife, such as the Malayan sun bears and Irrawaddy dolphins.
Of course, there are arrangements for camping and trekking as well. If eco-tourism is something you enjoy a lot, you should put the Cardamom Mountains on your travel wish list.
Kulen Mountain
Do waterfalls attract you more than anything else? Then, Phnom Kulen is the spot you should not miss.
Heart of nature: The mountain is rich in lush forests. It also has the magnificent Kbal Spean waterfall. You will also come across wildlife if you are lucky. Species such as leopards, elephants, and monkeys are found in these mountains.
Cultural hotspot: The Kulen Mountains also have cultural significance for the Cambodians. It is one of their prime religious sites. That’s why you will also encounter Cambodians arriving at the Kulen Mountains for pilgrimage.
They mainly visit the Buddhist shrines and temples there. One such pilgrim spot is the Preah Ang Thom, a place that Cambodians consider the birthplace of King Jayavarman II.
Bokor National Park
You should visit the Bokor National Park if you enjoy recreation in natural environments. Your day can not be any better than exploring wildlife and landscapes in their natural state.
Travel and lodging: Book a stay in the Kampot area if you plan to visit Bokor National Park. You can reach the national park within an hour of departing from Kampot town centre. By doing so, you can spend a whole day here.
Tourist activity: Tourists generally explore abandoned buildings and the Black Palace in the park. This place was the residence of King Father Norodom Sihanouk. It is more than 88 years old.
You may also visit the towering statue of Yeay Mao. Sitting at a height to take in the view is another way of spending time in the park.
Mondulkiri’s jungle trails
Jungle trail: Does closely witnessing wildlife fascinate you? Then, Mondulkiri’s jungle trails will be memorable for you. You can spend an entire day at Mondulkiri’s elephant forest sanctuary. You'll also be able to enjoy hiking through this place.
Additional activities: It is a full-day guided trip that also includes swimming at a waterfall and exploring bat caves. You can also visit remote communities and experience the culture there.
Virachey National Park
Explore wilderness: The Virachey National Park is the largest nature reserve in Cambodia. The park has a total area of 3325 square kilometres. It has diverse animal and plant species like wild dogs, sunbirds, and woodpeckers.
Trekking and camping: You will have a number of trekking opportunities in Virachey National Park.
You can also find accommodations outside the park. Check out the official Cambodian Tourism website for booking these accommodations.
Outdoor Adventures to Enjoy
We would recommend the following outdoor adventures in Cambodia:
Tonle Sap and Mekong River Kayaking
Aquatic wildlife: The Tonle Sap is known as the largest freshwater lake in South East Asia. It is known for its mammal species living in the mangrove forest adjacent to the lake. Some of these are otters, crocodiles, and turtles.
You can also find birds and fish there.
Paddling around the village on the boat is one way to engage in adventure in Tonle Sap.
Kayaking: You can also opt for kayaking on the Mekong River. This is an option you have if your thirst for water adventure is not yet satisfied. That’s because Tonle Sap is also a village whose beauty has not been damaged by tourist activities.
Kampot Rock Climbing
Rock climbing: You should try rock climbing in Kampot if you are an athletic person. Kampot offers you the opportunity for both climbing and caving. Tourists can find a number of small limestone cliffs spread throughout the province of Kampot.
The rock climbing activity will challenge you both physically and mentally. The activity should be on your plan if you want to test your true climbing and caving potential.
Cycling in Rural Cambodia
Rural culture: The Siem Reap countryside is a destination for cyclists. You can cycle around the gentle terrain of the countryside and observe rural life closely. Siem Reap welcomes you to ride past the ancient ruins and rice paddies.
You can also cycle around the traditional Khmer village. The well-maintained flat roads in Siem Reap will ensure that you can access all the key spots on your bike.
Friendly interactions: Cambodia offers cycling opportunities for beginners as well. The bamboo train route of Battambang is where you can peacefully ride on your bike. You will also have numerous chances to interact with friendly locals.
Battambang Caving
Are you particularly fond of bat caves? The Bat Cave might just be the place you will not want to leave.
Bat show: The cave is famous for bat species that engage in nocturnal hunting every evening.
They return to their caves the next day before sunrise. You can witness this amazing phenomenon in Phnom Sampeau near Battambang. Tourists find the spectacular evening show worth watching during their visit to Battambang.
Angor Park Zipline
Zipline ride: Your Cambodian adventures will remain incomplete without a zipline session. It is a 5-hour long adventure that starts at Siem Reap.
The cable line runs over a rainforest canopy. You can also enjoy the zipline ride if you are inexperienced. That’s because there will be expert guides who will ensure that you have a safe and joyous zipline adventure.
Local knowledge: Angkor Park is not just about ziplines.You will also get a chance to learn about the local wildlife. Angkor Park is highly recommended for tourists seeking an absolute adrenaline rush.
Booking tours at Angkor Park is also easy. All you need to do is visit the official website.
Now that you have your travel plan, let’s quickly go through the visa application process.
Applying for your Cambodian Tourist Visa
You can fill out and submit your Cambodia visa application online for an eVisa. You can also choose a visa upon arrival.
Remember to compile all your important documents before applying for the visa, such as:
- An original passport that should remain valid for the next six months from the date you enter the country
- Two passport-sized photos
- Financial liquidity and accommodation documents
- Return tickets to your home country or tickets for your onward journey
- Travel insurance documents
After you gather these documents, visit the website, fill out the form, pay the fee and wait for your application to be processed. You will receive the visa through your mail after its processed and approved.
If you prefer to opt for a visa on arrival, visit the immigration counter at Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, or Sihanoukville International Airport. However, you will have to fill an eArrival card*.
*Note: You should apply for this card one week before your trip. It is free of cost.*
Then, fill out the form the officials give you, pay the fee of 35 US Dollars, and provide any documents that they ask you to, along with the eArrival card.
You will receive your visa once they approve it.
Your tourist visa will have a validity of 30 days from entry. You should apply for the eVisa at least 4 days before you visit.
Get Ready For The Adventure of A Lifetime
Cambodia is a popular eco-tourism destination among Europeans. The country also welcomes high tourist traffic from all over the world.
You will have endless opportunities to enjoy nature and engage in adventure once your UK to Cambodia visa is ready.
You will experience amazing wildlife and rural culture. Tourists can also engage in climbing and caving. Cycling and kayaking around will also be in the scope of your tour. Furthermore, a zipline adventure also awaits you.
However, to do all that, you must complete your Cambodia visa application on time. Do remember to pack the appropriate clothes as per the weather and read up about local customs. Have an amazing trip!
Check Eligibility for Cambodia e-Visa and apply for Cambodia e-Visa 5 days prior to your scheduled flight to Cambodia.