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A three-day, fully guided trek to Phnom Aural — Cambodia’s highest peak — through bamboo forests, waterfalls and rural villages. Two nights of camping, guides, meals and transfers from Phnom Penh are included.
A three-day, fully guided trek to Phnom Aural — Cambodia’s highest peak — through bamboo forests, waterfalls and rural villages. Two nights of camping, guides, meals and transfers from Phnom Penh are included.
Dawn breaks under a wet canopy as the trail steepens toward Phnom Aural’s crown; humid air carries the smell of crushed bamboo and river stones, and the forest seems to push you onward.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Cambodia Transport Service · Phnom Aural, Kampong Speu Province
Dawn breaks under a wet canopy as the trail steepens toward Phnom Aural’s crown; humid air carries the smell of crushed bamboo and river stones, and the forest seems to push you onward.
This three-day trek follows narrow jungle paths through the northeastern edge of the Cardamom Mountains to Cambodia’s highest peak, Phnom Aural (1,813 m / 5,948 ft). The route threads old-growth hardwoods and dense bamboo, gains steadily on steep switchbacks and crosses clear tributaries that swell in the monsoon. Along the way you’ll pass small mountain villages and see traditional homes where local communities maintain subsistence gardens and forest knowledge.
Geologically the Cardamoms are a weathered massif of schist and sandstone; slopes hold deep soils that feed waterfalls and seasonal streams. Culturally the range has long been a refuge and transport corridor for indigenous groups and Khmer villagers; locally run programs provide guides who know the trails, edible plants, and safe camping spots.
Expect two nights camping—tent or hammock—often beside a bamboo grove and near a waterfall, with guides handling food, water, and transport from Phnom Penh. Terrain is muddy when wet, rooty and steep in places; the ascent to the summit is sustained and requires good cardiovascular fitness.
Practical guidance: travel light but bring a waterproof layer, sturdy boots with ankle support, insect repellent, headlamp and a small water-treatment option. Start early each day to avoid midday heat and afternoon storms. Respect local customs, pack out trash, and be prepared for limited phone signal; guides supply drinking water and coordinate transfers to and from Phnom Penh.
challenging.
3 days.
Recommended for travelers in good cardiovascular shape who can handle sustained uphill hiking, uneven ground, and humid conditions.
The trek is challenging: sustained climbs to 1,813 m with steep, sometimes slippery sections. A high level of fitness is required.
Two nights’ accommodation is in tents or hammocks in established jungle camps; meals, drinking water and local support are included.
The dry season (roughly November to March) offers cooler temperatures and firmer trails; the wet season brings dramatic waterfalls but heavier rains and slipperier terrain.
No special permits are typically required for guided treks, but check routine travel vaccinations and consider tetanus and typhoid; consult a travel clinic for personalized advice.
Phnom Aural is the highest point in Cambodia and sits on a historic upland corridor used by local communities for hunting, shifting cultivation and refuge during conflict periods.
The Cardamom region includes protected areas and community-based conservation efforts; visitors should stick to trails, avoid disturbing wildlife and carry out all waste.
Cambodia Transport Service operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
Dawn breaks under a wet canopy as the trail steepens toward Phnom Aural’s crown; humid air carries the smell of crushed bamboo and river stones, and the forest seems to push you onward.
Dawn breaks under a wet canopy as the trail steepens toward Phnom Aural’s crown; humid air carries the smell of crushed bamboo and river stones, and the forest seems to push you onward.
This three-day trek follows narrow jungle paths through the northeastern edge of the Cardamom Mountains to Cambodia’s highest peak, Phnom Aural (1,813 m / 5,948 ft). The route threads old-growth hardwoods and dense bamboo, gains steadily on steep switchbacks and crosses clear tributaries that swell in the monsoon. Along the way you’ll pass small mountain villages and see traditional homes where local communities maintain subsistence gardens and forest knowledge.
Geologically the Cardamoms are a weathered massif of schist and sandstone; slopes hold deep soils that feed waterfalls and seasonal streams. Culturally the range has long been a refuge and transport corridor for indigenous groups and Khmer villagers; locally run programs provide guides who know the trails, edible plants, and safe camping spots.
Expect two nights camping—tent or hammock—often beside a bamboo grove and near a waterfall, with guides handling food, water, and transport from Phnom Penh. Terrain is muddy when wet, rooty and steep in places; the ascent to the summit is sustained and requires good cardiovascular fitness.
Practical guidance: travel light but bring a waterproof layer, sturdy boots with ankle support, insect repellent, headlamp and a small water-treatment option. Start early each day to avoid midday heat and afternoon storms. Respect local customs, pack out trash, and be prepared for limited phone signal; guides supply drinking water and coordinate transfers to and from Phnom Penh.