Botum Sakor National Park is a 500,000-acre protected area in southern Cambodia. It occupies a peninsula on the Gulf of Thailand that is about 30 miles wide and features both densely forested mountains and remote beaches and bays along the coastline.
The wildlife in Botum Sakor National Park is quite diverse and includes around two dozen elephants and a range of big cats and primates.
The peninsula that the park is located on has beaches on each of its three coasts, the most accessible of which are on the west coast, which is, sadly perhaps, scheduled for tourist development in the near future. The beaches on the east coast, and especially down in the southeast, are less accessible.
The highest point in Botum Sakor National Park is a 1,300-foot peak near the center of the peninsula, but you need to arrange such a hike with a ranger from the park’s headquarters. You can also charter a long-tail boat in Andong Tuek or in Sihanoukville, to the south to explore around the coast. These towns have the nearest accommodation, although it may also be possible to stay at the Ta Nun ranger station onsite.
Getting There
Buses travel the new NH48 to Andong Tuek route from Phnom Penh in about 4 hours. By boat from Sihanoukville or Koh Sdach is also possible.
Need to Know
- What is It: A stunning national park in the south of Cambodia that occupies a peninsula and has beaches and mountains.
- When to Go: Year round, but preferably during the dry season.
- Nearest Town: Bokum Sator is about 120 miles southwest of Phnom Penh, with the park headquarters a couple of miles from Andong Tuek.
- Opening hours: 24 hours daily
- Entrance fees: $5 a day for tour guide.