Covering more than 50,000 acres, Ream National Park is known for its unspoiled sandy beaches, reef systems, waterfalls and wildlife.
The park is also referred to as the Preah Sihanouk National Park that also includes the Prek Tuk Sap Estuary, Koh Thmei and Koh Ses islands. Its flora and fauna consists of reptiles, dragonflies, wild pigs, primates and birds. Those who enjoy birdwatching will find many birds and rare species here. Guided tours are available, as well as boat trips and accommodation at the Thmor Beach Dolphin Station.
Trekking is very popular in Ream National Park; the most popular options are trips to Meditation Mountain and Keng Kong Waterfall or Andong Teuk Waterfall, a 2-hour climb into the jungle (a guide can be hired at the National Park station at the entrance to the park). As either a day-trip or an overnight adventure, you can also take a boat trip down the Prek Toeuk Sap River, which is home to both flying fish and dolphins. Very basic accommodation, available through the National Park Office, is located on the pier, at a beach near the mouth of the river.
If doing a self-guided tour of the park, after passing the park headquarters you can stop for lunch at the seafood restaurants/hammock shacks that are located at the intersection of the road and the sea. Turning left at the water, watch for the turnoff to Wat Ream (About 7 miles (11 km) from the park office). The hill-top temple features a reclining Buddha and various animal carvings. Continuing along the road past the temple, look for the turnoff to San Soek (Happiness Beach) beside the PTT petroleum station; continuing another 2.5 miles (4 km) along the coast, down a bumpy road, will lead you to Prek Chak Beach: an unspoiled, 2-mile long beach that sees very few visitors.
Getting There
Some tour operators offer trips to Ream National park, though the park can be visited by tuk tuk or self-driven on a motorbike. Driving from Sihanoukville, turn right at the airport. The park office is opposite the airport entrance on your left. After driving to the coast, the temple and beaches are along the road leading East (your left while facing the sea).
Need to Know
- What is it?: Ream National Park is a protected region of beaches, inland and mangrove forests, rivers, and waterfalls near Sihanoukville.
- When to go?: From November through March during the dry season.
- Nearest town: Sihanoukville is 10 miles away from Ream National Park. Buses and taxis connect Sihanoukville with Phnom Penh in 4-5 hours via National Route No.4.
- Don’t miss: White fresh-water white dolphins in Prek Toeuk Sap River, from December through February.
- Trivia: On May 13, 1975 the Khmer Rouge commandeered a US Naval Vessel, the SS Mayaguez, which resulted first in a heated battle at Koh Tang and later by bombardment of the port and nearby Ream Naval Base by American military forces.
- Opening hours: Normal daylight hours
- Entrance fees: Optional for visitors to hire a park ranger for a walking tour, about $5 per person.