Southern Cardamom National Park
Park Cambodian national park protecting Cardamom Mountains rainforest
Southern Cardamom National Park in Koh Kong province protects lowland rainforest and mountain ridges. Visitors come for jungle trekking, river excursions, wildlife spotting and eco-lodges that access remote trails and waterfalls.
Southern Cardamom National Park is a protected area in southwestern Cambodia’s Cardamom Mountain range located in Koh Kong province, established to conserve lowland and montane rainforest. It is part of one of Southeast Asia’s largest remaining contiguous rainforest blocks.
The park protects rivers, waterfalls, primary forest and important habitat for large mammals and primates, attracting conservationists, researchers and guided ecotourism trips. Visitors encounter rainforest scenery, riverine habitats and opportunities for wildlife observation on guided excursions.
The park was created by the Cambodian government as part of broader efforts to expand formal protection across the Cardamom Mountains to reduce deforestation and poaching and to conserve key biodiversity. Management involves national authorities and conservation partners.
The park is located in Koh Kong province in southwestern Cambodia, within the Cardamom Mountains inland from the Gulf of Thailand and relatively close to the Thai border.
- Access: Access into the park is limited and often requires organized tours or local guides; some areas are remote and undeveloped.
How to Get to Southern Cardamom National Park #
Access is typically from Koh Kong town or coastal points in Koh Kong province. Travel often involves a mix of paved and unpaved roads; for interior trek access, arrange transport and guides through eco-tour operators or community-run initiatives in Koh Kong.
Tips for Visiting Southern Cardamom National Park #
- Hire a local guide to reach remote forest areas - they know seasonal river crossings and Cambodian land-use norms.
- Mosquito protection and vaccinations are important in lowland tropical forest regions.
- Support community-based conservation projects when visiting; local groups run ranger programs and eco-tours.
Best Time to Visit Southern Cardamom National Park #
Dry season (November-April) is best for access and trekking; wet season offers dramatic rivers but more difficult travel.
Weather & Climate near Southern Cardamom National Park #
Southern Cardamom National Park's climate is classified as Tropical Monsoon - Tropical Monsoon climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 21°C to 33°C. Heavy rainfall (2491 mm/year), wettest in July with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 21°C. The driest month with just 6 mm and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 22°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is hot, feeling like 31°C due to high humidity. Moderate rainfall (65 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is the hottest month, feeling like 34°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (104 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is hot, feeling like 34°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (281 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (400 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is hot, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. The wettest month with heavy rain (453 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Heavy rain (434 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Heavy rain (378 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Heavy rain (244 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). Regular rainfall (87 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 21°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
