Phnom Khieu Waterfall Travel Guide

Located around 20kms to the south of Pailin, Phnom Khieu Waterfall is one of the area’s main tourist attractions. People travel from far and wide to swim in the cool, clear waters here, while the surrounding rainforest is ideal for hiking and trekking in.

The name Phnom Khieu means ‘Blue Mountain’ in the local dialect, which is believed to refer to the impressive size of this multi-tiered waterfall. After reaching the edge of the road, visitors will need to embark on a five-kilometer hike through the rainforest to reach the falls, which can be seen and heard from quite some distance away.

Despite its intense natural beauty, Phnom Khieu was also a scene of bloodshed and danger during the late 1970s, as many members of the Khmer Rouge hid here, and those who were caught were killed in the rainforest and jungle. Still, this is now a place of great tranquility and few visitors could guess at the horrors that took place here in the past.

A large number of different animals have made the rainforest their home, and visitors with a sharp eye may be able to spot cobras and pythons. Many people in Pailin offer to take tourists on tours of the rainforest - a good option for those who plan to venture off the beaten path a little.

In brief

What is it? One of the most beautiful waterfalls in Pailin.


Opening hours: 24 hours, daily.


Entrance fees: no entry charge.


Address/website: www.geckogo.com/Attraction/Cambodia/Pailin/Phnom-Khieu-Waterfall/.

Where: Pailin district in the historic center of Cambodia.

How to get there: take a taxi from the center of Pailin (30 to 40 minutes), which can be reached from Phnom Penh by bus in 4-plus hours.