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Cardamom Mountains
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The Cardamom Mountains, locally known as Chuor Phnom Kravanh, form a prominent mountain range in southwestern Cambodia, extending toward the border with Thailand. This region is famous for its inaccessible, dense rainforests and is considered one of Southeast Asia's last remaining large wilderness areas. The range is home to Cambodia's highest peak, Phnom Aural, which reaches an elevation of 1,813 meters above sea level. The climate is defined by exceptionally high rainfall, sometimes exceeding 5,000 millimeters annually, which sustains a rich and unique variety of tropical flora. Historically, the mountains served as a strategic hideout during various internal conflicts, which indirectly helped preserve the environment from modern industrial development. Today, the Cardamom Mountains are a focal point for ecotourism and scientific expeditions, with researchers frequently identifying new species of wildlife. Preserving this mountain range is critical for the ecological health of the Mekong subregion and the protection of the country's vast biodiversity.
- Location: Cambodia
- Nearby: Tatai (13 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 25 | 25 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 23 |
| Rain mm | 35 | 48 | 106 | 148 | 321 | 526 | 633 | 558 | 557 | 277 | 83 | 23 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
Entry is typically coordinated through eco-tourism hubs like Chi Phat or from larger border towns. The approach roads are mostly rough dirt tracks, heavily reliant on sturdy motorcycles or four-wheel-drive local transport.
Best season
The cooler, dry months between December and March are optimal for attempting treks and wildlife spotting. Traveling during the intense monsoon season is generally discouraged due to dangerous floods, deep mud, and abundant leeches.
Terrain & paths
The relief consists of rolling to extremely steep topography, entirely blanketed by dense tropical rainforest and crisscrossed by rivers. Moving off-trail is practically impossible, and hikers must navigate roots, rocks, and mud.
What to bring
Reliable hiking boots, moisture-wicking clothing, and a broad-brimmed hat are standard requirements. Essential jungle items include heavy-duty insect repellent, water filters, hammock gear if camping, and thick socks to deter leeches.
Parking
Secure parking is found at the major staging villages or eco-lodges before the wilderness begins. Once deeper into the forest, motorized transport ceases, making infrastructure for vehicles entirely nonexistent.
Safety
Always travel with recognized local community guides to navigate safely and minimize environmental impact. The region retains some risks from hidden snakes, insects, and extreme isolation in the event of a medical emergency.
Time needed
Eco-tourism packages typically offer two to four-day immersive treks through the forest. While a quick day walk near a base village is an option, it requires several days to genuinely experience the scale of the relief.
Geography
Facts
- Cambodia's highest mountain, Phnom Aural (1,813 m), is located in this range.
- The name Chuor Phnom Kravanh translates to Cardamom Mountain Range.
- Some areas receive annual rainfall amounts reaching up to 5,000 mm.
- It is one of the last habitats for the critically endangered Siamese crocodile.
- The mountain range forms a major natural barrier in the southwest of the country.
- The region supports over 60 endangered animal species within its dense forests.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
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Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Where are the Cardamom Mountains located?
They stretch across southwestern Cambodia along the border with Thailand.
What is the highest peak?
Phnom Aural is the highest peak in the range and the country at 1,813 meters.
What flora can be found there?
Dense rainforests, rare orchids, and precious woods like rosewood dominate the region.
Are the mountains inhabited?
There are small communities of indigenous people who live off agriculture and forest products.
Can you hike there alone?
Due to the dense wilderness and navigation difficulties, a guide is strongly recommended.
Cardamom Mountains: where is it located?
Cardamom Mountains is located in Cambodia.
Cardamom Mountains: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
Cardamom Mountains: why is it worth visiting?
The Cardamom Mountains, locally known as Chuor Phnom Kravanh, form a prominent mountain range in southwestern Cambodia, extending toward the border with Thailand.
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Nearby cities
Pursat
Nestled between the Tonle Sap lake and the Cardamom Mountains, Pursat is a quiet agricultural center renowned for its marble carvings.
Tonle Sap
Southeast Asia's largest freshwater lake is famous for its floating villages and the unique annual reversal of its river flow.
Tatai
Tatai is located in Koh Kong province and is famous for its wide waterfall.
Koh Kong
Located near the Thai border, Koh Kong is the gateway to vast mangrove forests and the pristine Cardamom Mountains.
Battambang
Cambodia's second-largest city is famous for its well-preserved French colonial architecture and the surrounding fertile agricultural lan…
Koh Rong
Cambodia's largest island, famous for its sparkling white sandy beaches, bioluminescent plankton, and vibrant nightlife.
Long Set
Long Set Beach on Koh Rong is a 4-kilometer stretch of white sand.
Daeum Tkov Village
An authentic fishing village in the north of Koh Rong with pristine beaches and local flair.
Koh Rong Sanloem
A peaceful and relaxed alternative to its larger sister island, known for tranquil bays and unspoiled natural beauty.
Chi Phat
Chi Phat is a flagship ecotourism project in the Cardamom Mountains.
Ban Mai Rut
A peaceful fishing community in Trat province, offering secluded beaches and authentic local life.
Sisophon
As the capital of Banteay Meanchey province, Sisophon is a major transport junction connecting routes in the northwest.
Sihanoukville
This coastal city on the Gulf of Thailand is Cambodia's only deep-water port and a rapidly growing economic center.
Otres Beach
A formerly quiet stretch of sandy beach south of Sihanoukville on the Gulf of Thailand.
Kaev Phos
A quiet coastal town in Cambodia, ideal for travelers seeking undiscovered beaches and local peace.
History & landmarks
Nature
Tatai River
A picturesque, tranquil river in the Cardamom Mountains, flowing through dense jungle and mangrove forests to the Gulf of Thailand.
Koh Kong Coast
A rugged and remote coastal stretch in the west, rich in mangroves and islands.
🗺️
Botum Sakor Peninsula
A large peninsula projecting into the Gulf of Thailand, covered by dense forests.
Areng Valley
A remote and natural river valley in the heart of the Cardamom Mountains that has fought for its cultural and biological uniqueness.
Koh Rong Coast
The beaches and coasts of Koh Rong island offer white sand and crystal-clear waters.
Ream Coast
A coastline characterized by mangrove forests and quiet beaches in the south.
More places
Veal Veng Crocodile Sanctuary
A remote and protected wetland in the Cardamom Mountains, serving as an important refuge for the rare Siamese crocodile.
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Stung Atay Hydropower Plant
Another important power generation facility in the remote areas of Pursat Province.
Phnom Samkos
The second highest mountain in the country is located deep in the western part of the Cardamom Mountains, forming an extremely important …
Cardamom Mountains
One of the last untouched jungle regions in Southeast Asia, protecting an immense variety of endangered plants and animals.
Tatay Hydropower Plant
A modern hydropower project on the Tatay River in Koh Kong Province, contributing to national energy security.
Koh Kong Reptile Conservation Center
A specialized facility dedicated to the protection of highly endangered crocodile species and turtles in Cambodia.
🗺️
Battambang Orange Orchards
The fertile soils around Battambang produce a unique, green variety of orange that is famous throughout Cambodia.
Wat Ek Phnom
An atmospheric, partially collapsed 11th-century temple ruin, situated next to a massive modern white Buddha statue.