Phnom Aural – Cambodia’s Highest Peak 

Rising to about 1,813 meters (5,948 feet), Phnom Aural is the tallest mountain in Cambodia and a commanding landmark of the eastern Cardamom Mountains in Kampong Speu Province. 

Its vast sanctuary extends into Kampong Chhnang and Pursat Provinces, protecting one of the country’s most important natural strongholds. For both adventurers and conservationists, Phnom Aural represents a meeting point of wilderness, biodiversity, and cultural heritage.

Phnom Aural Wildlife Sanctuary

The Phnom Aural Wildlife Sanctuary, established in 1993 by royal decree, covers roughly 2,545 km² and is classified as an IUCN Category IV protected area. It safeguards a mosaic of ecosystems ranging from lowland evergreen forest and bamboo groves to misty montane woodlands and high-altitude grasslands.

This variety of habitats provides a refuge for countless species, some of which are found nowhere else in the world. Despite persistent threats from illegal logging, encroachment, and land speculation, especially on its southern and eastern edges, the sanctuary remains a vital conservation area and a symbol of Cambodia’s natural heritage.

Biodiversity & Conservation Significance

Phnom Aural is internationally recognized as an Important Bird Area (IBA), harboring rare and restricted-range species such as the Chestnut-headed Partridge and the Cambodian Laughingthrush, both of which are conservation priorities. Over 200 species of birds have been recorded, making it one of the country’s premier birdwatching destinations.

The sanctuary also shelters endangered mammals, including Asian elephants, gibbons, gaur, slow lorises, and pileated gibbons, alongside elusive predators and unique amphibians. Most notable is the Aural horned frog (Xenophrys auralensis), a species found only in this mountain range, underscoring its global conservation value.

Trekking & Adventure Tourism

For travelers seeking challenge and discovery, Phnom Aural offers one of Cambodia’s most demanding and rewarding treks. Ascents typically take 2–3 days, beginning from nearby villages or along rugged logging roads that lead to the first campsite. From there, trekkers face a steep climb through bamboo forests, followed by dense evergreen forest trails leading toward the summit.

The journey usually unfolds as: 5–6 hours of uphill trekking from the logging road to Camp 1 and another ~5 hours of hiking through thick forest to the peak.

Many hikers choose to camp overnight along the way, breaking up the strenuous climb. The dry season (November–March) is the safest and most pleasant time for trekking, offering clearer skies, drier trails, and fewer insects. At the summit, hikers are rewarded with sweeping views of the Cardamom wilderness, a panorama of unbroken forest stretching across Cambodia’s central highlands.

Wildlife & Birdwatching Highlights

For birdwatchers, Phnom Aural is a treasure trove. Endemic and rare species such as the Cambodian Laughingthrush, Chestnut-headed Partridge, Silver-breasted Broadbill, Great Hornbill, and Blue Pitta attract enthusiasts from around the world.

The forested slopes also offer chances to encounter wildlife in their natural habitat, from the calls of gibbons echoing at dawn to possible sightings of wild boar, leopard tracks, or even herds of elephants. Trekking here is as much about immersion in untamed wilderness as it is about reaching the summit.