Cambodia National Parks, Jungle & Marine Reserve

Wildlife Conservation, Ratanakiri, Bokor Kampot, Ream Sihanoukville

Oct 16, 2009

From coastal mangrove to mountain and jungle, Cambodia claims some of the finest protected areas in South East Asia, harbouring a rich wildlife and endangered species.

In 1993, after decades of civil war, 23 protected areas were set up across Cambodia to ensure the recovery of the natural world. Others followed and today, national parks, sanctuaries and reserves cover 43 000 km², roughly 23% of the country. Limited funds and vast areas to patrol mean illegal activities still exist, but efforts are ongoing to raise awareness among the local population.

Protection, research and education form the core of the conservation programme which hopefully may benefit from the emergence of green tourism and extra resources. National parks offering a range of activities include Bokor in the Kampot district, Ream and its marine reserve near Sihanoukville and Virachey in Ratanakiri province. Best time to visit is in the winter months.

The Bokor National Park stretches along the southern tip of the Elephant Mountains, an easy day trip from Kampot between Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville. The northern reaches climb to 1081 metres, with pleasantly cool temperatures and by clear weather, fabulous coastal views from Cambodia to Vietnam. The Bokor boasts over 1400 km², primary forest, streams, waterfalls and the remains of a French hill station.

Wildlife includes elephants, tigers and leopards, bears, gibbons, deer and rare creatures such as the green peafowl. Birds and butterflies are easily spotted but large mammals keep to remote areas and are mostly nocturnal. A new road and eco-resort are under construction and the park may be closed at certain times.

Ream National Park, Jungle and Marine Reserve near Sihanoukville

Just 18 km from Sihanoukville, the Ream National Park claims 210 km², including a marine reserve with coral reefs and offshore islands. The location ensures varied scenery and habitats, from beaches and secluded creeks to mangrove and lowland evergreen forest. It’s home to 150 species of birds, hornbills, herons, cranes and many more. It’s also the place to spot silver langur and rhesus monkey, the occasional mouse deer or pangolin and freshwater dolphins in winter. Also present are blue crabs, cat and flying fish and the odd king cobra or python.

Activities range from river trips and snorkelling to bird watching and trekking. A popular jungle walk leads to Meditation Mountain.

The Virachey National Park spreads over 3325 km² of forest and grassland in the Ratanakiri provine in North East Cambodia. As an ASEAN Heritage Park, it enjoys priority protection for its rich variety of fauna and flora. Slow and pygmy loris, Douc langur, macaques and gibbons are familiar inhabitants, and there are elephants, sun bears, tigers and leopards. Birds include the Great Hornbill, Siamese fireback and red collared woodpecker.

Bordering Laos and Vietnam, this is Cambodia’s largest protected area. Trekking and boating are available, the nearest town is Banlung.

The copyright of the article Cambodia National Parks, Jungle & Marine Reserve in Cambodia Travel is owned by Solange Hando. Permission to republish Cambodia National Parks, Jungle & Marine Reserve in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.