Exploring Phnom Khieu Waterfall
The name Phnom Khieu means “Blue Mountain” in the local dialect, a nod to the scale of this multi-tiered waterfall. From the end of the road, reaching the falls means a five-kilometre hike through rainforest, though they can be heard from some distance before they come into view. Travellers come from far and wide to swim in the cool, clear pools, and the surrounding forest is good for hiking, provided you stay on well-worn paths and remain aware of the risk of landmines.
The forest shelters a variety of wildlife, and sharp-eyed visitors may spot cobras and pythons; guides in Pailin offer tours for those keen to venture further off the beaten track. For all its beauty, Phnom Khieu saw bloodshed in the late 1970s, when Khmer Rouge fighters hid here and those who were caught were killed in the jungle, a history few visitors would guess at today.
Nearby Attractions to Phnom Khieu Waterfall
Best Time to Visit Phnom Khieu Waterfall
For best waterfall flow and reasonable access, visit late in or just after the rainy season (roughly August-November).
Weather & Climate near Phnom Khieu Waterfall
Phnom Khieu Waterfall's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 19°C to 34°C. Abundant rainfall (1973 mm/year), wettest in September with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Excellent | 19° - 31° | 25° | 16 mm | partly cloudy | 75% | 1.4 m/s | 1.7 very high | 11.4h |
| February | Excellent | 21° - 33° | 29° | 28 mm | partly cloudy | 73% | 1.8 m/s | 1.8 very high | 11.6h |
| March | Good | 23° - 34° | 32° | 75 mm | partly cloudy | 74% | 1.4 m/s | 2.0 very high | 12.0h |
| April | Good | 24° - 34° | 34° | 115 mm | overcast | 78% | 1.3 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 12.3h |
| May | Acceptable | 24° - 33° | 33° | 233 mm | overcast | 85% | 1.2 m/s | 2.0 very high | 12.6h |
| June | Acceptable | 24° - 32° | 33° | 324 mm | overcast | 90% | 1.6 m/s | 1.9 very high | 12.7h |
| July | Acceptable | 23° - 31° | 32° | 254 mm | overcast | 91% | 1.6 m/s | 1.9 very high | 12.7h |
| August | Acceptable | 23° - 31° | 32° | 293 mm | overcast | 91% | 1.7 m/s | 1.9 very high | 12.4h |
| September | Acceptable | 23° - 30° | 27° | 338 mm | overcast | 92% | 1.0 m/s | 1.8 very high | 12.1h |
| October | Good | 22° - 30° | 26° | 235 mm | overcast | 90% | 1.1 m/s | 1.8 very high | 11.7h |
| November | Excellent | 21° - 30° | 26° | 54 mm | partly cloudy | 86% | 1.5 m/s | 1.7 very high | 11.4h |
| December | Ideal | 19° - 30° | 25° | 8 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 1.3 m/s | 1.7 very high | 11.3h |
