Cambodia has one national park, which is the Preah Monivong (Bokor) National Park. However, the country may have established additional national parks since then. Please verify with up-to-date sources for the latest information on national parks in Cambodia.
Cambodia National Parks
About Cambodia National Parks
Cambodia, a Southeast Asian nation known for its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, is home to seven national parks. These Cambodia National Parks are crucial for preserving the country’s diverse ecosystems, which include tropical rainforests, coastal areas, wetlands, and mountainous regions. The national parks in Cambodia protect a wide array of wildlife, including several endangered species, while also contributing to the country’s growing eco-tourism sector.
Bokor National Park, one of the most well-known national parks in Cambodia, is located in the southern part of the country. The park is famous for its mist-covered mountains, lush forests, and the historic Bokor Hill Station. Bokor is home to species such as the Asian elephant, Indochinese tiger, leopard, and numerous bird species, making it a vital area for biodiversity conservation. The park’s cooler climate and scenic views attract both locals and tourists, adding to its significance as a natural and cultural landmark.
Ream National Park, situated along Cambodia’s coastline, is known for its mangrove forests, coral reefs, and beaches. The park supports a variety of marine life, including dolphins, dugongs, and several species of fish and birds. Ream’s diverse ecosystems make it an important site for marine conservation and eco-tourism.
Kirirom National Park, located in the Cardamom Mountains, is characterized by its pine forests and waterfalls. The park is home to wildlife such as gibbons, wild boars, and deer, as well as a variety of bird species. Its cooler climate and natural beauty make it a popular destination for hiking and nature walks.
Despite their ecological importance, Cambodia National Parks face significant challenges, including illegal logging, poaching, and land encroachment. Deforestation driven by agriculture and development threatens the parks’ ecosystems and the wildlife they protect. Climate change also poses a risk to these fragile environments, impacting water availability and increasing the frequency of extreme weather events.
Efforts are ongoing to strengthen conservation measures, promote sustainable tourism, and engage local communities in the protection of national parks in Cambodia, ensuring the preservation of the country’s natural heritage for future generations.
Below is an Alphabetical List of National Parks in Cambodia
Cambodia National Parks
Botum Sakor National Park
Kep National Park
Kirirom National Park
Koh Rong Marine National Park
Phnom Kulen National Parks
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Preah Monivong Bokor National Park
Ream National Park
Southern Cardamom National Park
Virachey National Park
FAQ’s
1. How many national parks are there in Cambodia?
2. What was the first national park in Cambodia?
The first national park in Cambodia is Bokor National Park, established in 1993. Located in the southern part of the country, near Kampot, the park was created to protect its diverse ecosystems, including evergreen forests, grasslands, and wildlife. Bokor National Park is known for its historical significance, including the Bokor Hill Station, a colonial-era retreat.
3. What is the largest national park in Cambodia?
Botum Sakor National Park is the largest national park in Cambodia, covering an area of about 7,145 square miles (18,600 square kilometers).
Situated on the southwestern coast, this park is characterized by its vast tropical forests, mangroves, and coastal plains.
Botum Sakor is home to a wide range of wildlife, including elephants, sun bears, and endangered species such as the clouded leopard.
4. What is the smallest national park in Cambodia?
The smallest national park in Cambodia is Virachey National Park, which covers approximately 1,275 square miles (3,300 square kilometers).
Located in the northeastern region of the country, Virachey National Park is known for its remote, rugged terrain and biodiversity, including elephants, gibbons, and a variety of bird species.
Despite being smaller than Botum Sakor, it is one of the most significant parks for conservation efforts.
5. What is the most popular national park in Cambodia?
Bokor National Park is the most popular national park in Cambodia, known for its cool mountain climate and historical relics.
The park’s main attractions include the Bokor Hill Station, an abandoned French colonial hotel and casino that sits atop the mountain, offering sweeping views of the coast.
Visitors also enjoy trekking through its misty forests, exploring waterfalls, and wildlife spotting. Bokor’s combination of natural beauty, historical sites, and accessibility makes it a favorite destination for tourists and locals alike.
6. What percentage of Cambodia's land area is protected through official National Parks?
Approximately 26% of Cambodia’s land area is protected through national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and protected areas, covering around 67,000 square miles (173,530 square kilometers). These protected areas are crucial for preserving Cambodia’s rich biodiversity, particularly its forests, wetlands, and coastal ecosystems.
7. What other protected areas are there in Cambodia?
In addition to national parks, Cambodia has numerous wildlife sanctuaries and conservation areas. The Cardamom Mountains Protected Forest, located in the southwestern region, is one of the largest rainforests in Southeast Asia and a key conservation area for endangered species like the clouded leopard and Asian elephant.
Tonle Sap Biosphere Reserve, centered around Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake, plays a vital role in preserving wetlands and bird species, such as the greater adjutant and the painted stork.
Cambodia also has marine conservation areas like the Koh Rong Marine National Park, which protects coral reefs and marine species around Cambodia’s coastal islands.
8. What nature attractions does Cambodia have apart from National Parks?
Beyond its national parks, Cambodia offers a range of other natural attractions. Tonle Sap Lake, one of the world’s most productive ecosystems, is a key destination for exploring floating villages and observing migratory bird species.
The Mekong River, which runs through Cambodia, offers opportunities for dolphin-watching in Kratie Province, where the rare Irrawaddy dolphin can be spotted. The Kulen Mountains, near Siem Reap, are a popular destination for both cultural and nature tourism, featuring waterfalls, ancient temples, and the reclining Buddha statue.
Cambodia’s coastal areas, particularly around Sihanoukville and the nearby islands, provide visitors with beautiful beaches, snorkeling, and diving opportunities.
9. What species are endemic and unique to Cambodia alone?
While Cambodia shares much of its biodiversity with neighboring countries, some species are particularly significant in the region. The Cambodian tailorbird, discovered only recently in 2013, is endemic to the floodplains near Phnom Penh.
Cambodia is also home to unique subspecies of the Siamese crocodile, one of the rarest reptiles in the world. The forests and wetlands of Cambodia provide crucial habitat for endangered species such as the giant ibis and white-shouldered ibis, both of which are national symbols and critically endangered species.
10. What is Cambodia's main international airport?
Cambodia’s main international airport is Phnom Penh International Airport (IATA code: PNH), located in the capital city of Phnom Penh. It is the largest airport in the country, serving as the primary gateway for international flights.
11. What international airline companies fly into Cambodia?
The following international airline companies fly into Cambodia:
- AirAsia
- Bangkok Airways
- Cambodia Angkor Air (national carrier)
- Cathay Pacific
- China Southern Airlines
- Emirates
- EVA Air
- Korean Air
- Malaysia Airlines
- Qatar Airways
- Singapore Airlines
- Thai Airways
12.
Who manages the national parks of Cambodia?
The national parks in Cambodia are managed by the Ministry of Environment and the Forestry Administration, which operates under the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries. These governmental bodies are responsible for the conservation of Cambodia’s natural resources, biodiversity, and the management of protected areas.
Several international organizations, such as Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and Fauna & Flora International (FFI), collaborate with the Cambodian government on conservation efforts.
More information can be found on the Ministry of Environment’s official website: http://www.moe.gov.kh.
