Adventure travel in Cambodia: the best activities by region
From jungle treks in the Cardamoms to cycling at Angkor and diving off Koh Rong, here's a region-by-region guide to Cambodia's best outdoor adventures.
In this guide
Cambodia is better known for temples than adrenaline, but it has plenty to offer active travellers: rainforest treks, highland waterfalls, long cycling routes, dirt-bike trails, river kayaking and diving around the islands. Here's where to go for what.
Siem Reap and the north
- Cycling the temples: ride between Angkor's temples on flat, shaded roads, or take dirt tracks through villages.
- Hiking Phnom Kulen and Kbal Spean: forest trails, waterfalls and riverbed carvings.
- Ziplining: a forest zipline course operates within the Angkor area.
- Quad biking and horse riding in the countryside.
The southwest: Cardamom Mountains and Koh Kong
- Multi-day treks with jungle camping, especially from Chi Phat.
- Mountain biking on forest trails.
- River kayaking and waterfalls around Tatai and Koh Kong.
The south coast: Kampot, Kep and the islands
- Rock climbing on limestone karsts near Kampot.
- Kayaking and paddleboarding on the Kampot river.
- Cycling or riding up Bokor mountain.
- Snorkelling and diving around Koh Rong and nearby islands.
- Island trails linking beaches on Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sanloem.
The northeast: Mondulkiri and Ratanakiri
- Jungle treks with overnight stays in forest camps.
- Waterfall swimming at Bou Sra and Ratanakiri's falls.
- Dirt-bike loops on red-earth roads.
- Primate and wildlife trekking with community projects.
The Mekong
- Cycling the river roads between Kratie and Stung Treng.
- Kayaking on the Mekong with local operators.
Phnom Penh area
- Kirirom National Park for hiking and mountain biking in pine forests.
- Phnom Aural, Cambodia's highest peak, for a challenging multi-day climb.
Staying safe
- Use reputable operators with proper equipment and guides.
- Check that your travel insurance covers the activity.
- Stay on marked trails. Some rural areas still carry a risk from unexploded ordnance; local guides know where it is safe to walk.
- Plan around the heat: start early and carry plenty of water.
When to go
The dry season, from November to April, is best for trekking, riding and diving. The rainy season brings lush scenery, fuller rivers and waterfalls, but also mud, leeches and rough seas.