Kampong Speu

Kampong Speu province is most often passed through on the way to the coast, but the northern reaches of the Cardamom Mountains offer genuine adventure for those who seek it out. The provincial capital Chbar Mon is an unremarkable transit town, but the mountains beyond are extraordinary.

Kirirom National Park

Cambodia’s first national park, established in 1993, sits at around 700m elevation just off the highway to Sihanoukville — a two-hour drive from Phnom Penh. Cool pine forest, wildflowers, and abandoned 1960s royal-era villas make it an easy day trip with a noticeably different feel from lowland Cambodia.

Phnom Oral

Phnom Oral, at 1,813m, is Cambodia’s highest peak and lies within Kampong Speu province. A challenging two-day trek through dense forest rewards with panoramic views and encounters with wildlife including rare birds and, if very lucky, Asian elephants. Local guides from nearby villages are essential.

Chi Phat Community Ecotourism

Just across the provincial border in Koh Kong, but best accessed from Kampong Speu direction, the Chi Phat community ecotourism program offers multi-day jungle treks, mountain biking, and kayaking through the heart of the Cardamoms, operated entirely by former hunters now turned conservation rangers.