Main image

D.Makeev CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons

Kbal Chhay Waterfall

Waterfall

Near Sihanoukville in Preah Sihanouk province, Kbal Chhay Waterfall drops into swimming pools and shady picnic spots. Locals and tourists visit for short hikes, swimming and roadside food stalls.

Kbal Chhay Waterfall Siem ReapAngkorPhnom PenhBattambangKampotSihanoukvilleKoh RongKbal Chhay Waterfall
In this guide

Kbal Chhay Waterfall essentials

Country: Cambodia
Driest months: Dec-Feb
Pay in: Riels (៛)
Language: Khmer
Emergency: 117

Kbal Chhay Waterfall at a Glance

Exploring Kbal Chhay Waterfall

Fed by the Prek Tuk Sap River as it tumbles down a nearby mountain range, Kbal Chhay is a set of cascading falls with several tiers dropping up to around 5 metres. You can walk across the top tier and swim in the pools at the bottom, and the falls are at their most impressive during the July to October rains; in the dry season expect little more than a trickle.

A cluster of food and drink stalls marks the main picnic spot, popular with locals and tourists alike and busiest at weekends, so a weekday visit is quieter. Walk deeper in for more dramatic cascades, or explore the surrounding forest and waterways on foot.

When to Go

Best Time to Visit Kbal Chhay Waterfall

Dry season offers more reliable access; wet season provides more powerful flows but more difficult hiking.

Dry season
November-April · 24-32°C (75-90°F)
Easier trails and safer river crossings; best time for accessible visits.
Wet season
May-October · 24-31°C (75-88°F)
Heavier rains make the falls more dramatic but trails muddier and riskier.

Weather & Climate near Kbal Chhay Waterfall

Climate

Kbal Chhay Waterfall's climate is classified as Tropical Monsoon - Tropical Monsoon climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 22°C to 33°C. Heavy rainfall (3024 mm/year), wettest in July with a pronounced dry season.

Air Quality: AQI 60 Moderate
Best Time to Visit
JanuaryFebruaryDecember
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
35°
Warmest Month
19°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Ideal 22° - 31° 26° 11 mm partly cloudy 76% 2.6 m/s 2.0 very high 11.5h
February Ideal 22° - 32° 27° 28 mm some cloud 74% 2.5 m/s 2.2 extreme 11.7h
March Very Good 24° - 32° 31° 99 mm partly cloudy 74% 2.3 m/s 2.4 extreme 12.0h
April Good 25° - 33° 34° 136 mm partly cloudy 76% 2.0 m/s 2.4 extreme 12.3h
May Acceptable 25° - 32° 33° 314 mm overcast 82% 1.9 m/s 2.1 extreme 12.5h
June Acceptable 24° - 31° 31° 495 mm overcast 85% 2.1 m/s 2.0 very high 12.6h
July Good 24° - 31° 31° 591 mm overcast 86% 2.3 m/s 1.9 very high 12.6h
August Good 24° - 30° 27° 493 mm overcast 86% 2.2 m/s 2.0 very high 12.3h
September Good 24° - 30° 27° 471 mm overcast 87% 2.0 m/s 1.9 very high 12.1h
October Acceptable 24° - 31° 31° 282 mm overcast 85% 2.0 m/s 2.0 very high 11.8h
November Very Good 23° - 31° 27° 88 mm partly cloudy 83% 2.8 m/s 2.0 very high 11.5h
December Excellent 22° - 31° 27° 16 mm partly cloudy 79% 3.0 m/s 1.9 very high 11.4h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Kbal Chhay Waterfall

Kbal Chhay is roughly 12-20 km from Sihanoukville depending on route; local moto-taxi drivers and shared taxis make the trip in about 30-45 minutes. Road conditions vary; organized tours from Sihanoukville commonly include transport and entry.

Tips for Visiting Kbal Chhay Waterfall

  • Arrive early in the morning for cooler conditions and better photo light at the falls.
  • Local operators sometimes run short tours from Sihanoukville; confirm transport returned times due to road and traffic conditions.
  • Pay attention to river levels after heavy rains; the falls can swell rapidly.