Cardamom Mountains
Mountains Extensive Cambodian rainforest range with high biodiversity
The Cardamom Mountains in southwest Cambodia contain lowland rainforest and remote ridgelines; eco-tourists come for biodiversity, trekking, wildlife surveys and community-run conservation projects.
The Cardamom Mountains are a broad mountain range in southwest Cambodia characterized by large tracts of rainforest, river systems and relatively low population density. The range is an important centre for wildlife and conservation and contains several protected areas and national parks.
- Extent: The range spans southwest Cambodia and reaches toward the Thai border, encompassing remote rivers, waterfalls and large tracts of lowland and montane rainforest.
What to See #
- Cardamom National Park: A large protected area covering extensive tracts of rainforest, rivers and wetlands that is a focus for biodiversity conservation and eco-tourism activities.
- Botum Sakor National Park: A coastal lowland protected area on the southern edge of the mountain range that includes mangroves, beaches and lowland forest and is accessible from the Gulf of Thailand.
How to Get to Cardamom Mountains #
Gateway towns for Cardamom treks include Koh Kong and Pursat; access is by road from Phnom Penh and coastal ports. Many excursions include river transport.
Tips for Visiting Cardamom Mountains #
- Hire a local, experienced guide for multi-day treks - terrain is rugged and access to interior areas often requires local knowledge.
- Respect protected-area rules: parts of the Cardamoms are conservation zones with restricted access.
- Bring appropriate gear for jungle conditions: mosquito protection and waterproof layers.
Best Time to Visit Cardamom Mountains #
Dry season is best for trekking and access; wet season offers dramatic jungle growth but harder conditions.
Weather & Climate near Cardamom Mountains #
Cardamom Mountains's climate is classified as Tropical Monsoon - Tropical Monsoon climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 17°C to 31°C. Heavy rainfall (2492 mm/year), wettest in August with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 17°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 19°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 20°C. Regular rainfall (88 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is the warmest month with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). Significant rainfall (120 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Heavy rain (255 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Heavy rain (401 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Heavy rain (388 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). The wettest month with heavy rain (443 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Heavy rain (396 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is mild with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). Heavy rain (267 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 19°C. Regular rainfall (85 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 18°C. The driest month with just 11 mm and partly cloudy skies.
