Botum Sakor National Park

Botum Sakor National Park is a large protected area in Koh Kong province on Cambodia’s southwest coast combining lowland evergreen forest, coastal plains, mangroves and beaches. The park protects a range of coastal and terrestrial habitats that support large mammals and forest-dwelling wildlife.

The landscape ranges from low coastal plains and beaches to forested foothills that link with the Cardamom Mountains. The park is valued for its biodiversity, including populations of large mammals and a range of primates, and for its coastal ecosystems.

Management and use of the park aim to conserve habitat while accommodating limited tourism and local livelihoods, but much of the area remains remote and lightly developed.

Botum Sakor lies along Cambodia’s Gulf of Thailand coast in Koh Kong province, stretching inland from the shoreline toward the lower slopes of the Cardamom Mountain range.

• Access and logistics: Access is typically from Koh Kong province and facilities are limited in much of the park, so trips often require local guides or 4x4 transport.

Botum Sakor occupies a peninsula on the Gulf of Thailand roughly 50 km wide, combining densely forested mountains with remote beaches and bays along all three of its coasts. Its wildlife is diverse, including around two dozen elephants along with a range of big cats and primates.

The most accessible beaches lie on the west coast, while those to the east and southeast are far more remote. The peninsula’s highest point is a peak of some 400 metres near its centre, though reaching it requires arranging a guide with a ranger at park headquarters. You can also charter a long-tail boat from Andong Tuek or Sihanoukville to explore the coastline. These towns have the nearest accommodation, though it may be possible to stay at the Ta Nun ranger station within the park.

• Plan your visit for the dry season (roughly November-April) - roads and forest tracks become difficult or impassable in the rainy months, which limits access to key parts of the park.
• Arrange transport and a local guide from Koh Kong or nearby towns before you travel; sections of the park are remote and unmarked, and guides improve your chances of wildlife sightings and safe navigation.
• Base yourself near the park entrance or stay multiple nights so you can reach both coastal areas and interior forest at dawn and dusk when wildlife activity is highest; check with the park administration about any permits or fees required in advance.