Kirirom National Park

The name "Kirirom" was bestowed upon this exceptional natural site by King Sisowath Monivong during his reign in the 1930s, following the suggestion of a monk from the capital. The term "Kirirom" is a derivation from the ancient Khmer language Pali, meaning "Happy Mountain." It replaced the former name, Phnom Vorvong Sorvong, which translates as "Mountains of Vorvong and Sorvong," honoring two legendary Cambodian princes from a traditional folktale that was later introduced to the West through translations by Auguste Pavie. Famed for its grandeur and lush nature, this site has historically held spiritual significance in Cambodia.

Its enduring popularity among locals led the tourism administration to officially promote it as a tourist destination in 1945. Subsequently, Kirirom was recognized as Cambodia's first national park when six national parks were formally designated by the IUCN in 1993.

A forested hill of japanese pines

The main tourist entrance to Kirirom National Park lies approximately 120 kilometers from Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s capital. The park itself is a vast hill area composed of plateaus spanning 35,000 hectares of forests, plains, and rivers, with elevations reaching up to 700 meters. Several of the park’s forests were man-made, planted a few decades ago. Among them, you will find majestic Japanese pine trees whose towering heights stand out dramatically against the landscape.

Upon arrival, visitors are encouraged to explore these landscaped areas, ideally accompanied by a local guide. Enjoy relaxing by water points, observing local wildlife, and resting amid untouched nature. From there, you can embark on a hike or a short trek—Kirirom’s hallmark experiences. Along the way, you will come across waterfalls perfect for swimming and possibly even discover the entrance to a secret warm cave, a sought-after gem for adventurous travelers eager for hidden wonders and breathtaking views. The adventure is invigorating, and the natural surroundings offer a truly refreshing escape.

How to get there

The most convenient way to reach Kirirom National Park is by departing from Phnom Penh via National Road 4. You can either:

• Take one of the buses connected to tourist attractions in Kirirom,
• Hire a private driver through our local agency,
• Or rent a motorcycle directly in the capital.

The journey typically takes about two hours from Phnom Penh.