The best sport spots and adventures in Cambodia – travel tips, packing lists and first-hand experience from DOMISPORTS.
Preah Sihanouk · Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Kayaking · Best time: Nov–Apr
Cambodia's islands are still pleasantly unfinished: white beaches, warm shallows and small dive shops without the crowds. On Koh Rong Samloem you paddle silent bays in the morning and snorkel right off your bungalow. Koh Rong Samloem instead of Koh Rong — quieter, cleaner.
Kampot · Kayaking, Cycling · Best time: Nov–Apr
A river town with colonial charm: paddle the Kampot river past mangroves and pepper farms, and cycle out to salt flats and up into Bokor national park. Unhurried, cheap and gloriously underrated. Sunset kayak on the Kampot river — relaxing and beautiful.
Kep · Snorkeling, Kayaking, Cycling · Best time: Nov–Apr
A small coastal town with an island bonus: from the crab market a boat takes you to Rabbit Island for snorkelling and a well-earned hammock. On the mainland you cycle the national park above town — everything day-trip sized. Rabbit Island day trip — snorkeling + hammock from ~€15.
Koh Kong · Trekking, Kayaking · Best time: Nov–Apr
One of Southeast Asia's largest contiguous rainforest areas: with guides from the ecotourism village of Chi Phat you trek and paddle through jungle that still holds elephants. Your money flows straight into forest protection. Chi Phat community trek — directly with local community, from ~€30/day.
Mondulkiri · Horse Riding, Trekking · Best time: Nov–Apr
Cambodia's green highlands: rolling hills, waterfalls and Bunong villages, plus treks to rescued elephants you observe instead of ride. Cooler than the lowlands and far from the tourist stream. Elephant Valley Project — no riding, just observing, from ~€75.
Siem Reap · Cycling, Running · Best time: Nov–Mar
Flat, shady, barely any traffic: the Angkor park is made for cycling. On the small circuit you pedal about 30 km along forest tracks from temple to temple — and beat the tuk-tuk convoys to Angkor Wat and Bayon in the early morning. Runners should note December, when the park turns into a half-marathon course. In early December the Angkor Wat International Half Marathon runs right through the temple park — it has been held since 1996.
Siem Reap · Kayaking, Cycling · Best time: Aug–Nov
Paddling between treetops: at high water you glide by kayak through the flooded mangrove forest on Tonlé Sap lake, past the stilt houses of Kampong Phluk. Zero current, zero experience needed — and a pretty surreal backdrop. Many tours combine it with a cycling leg through the rice paddies from Siem Reap. At high water the stilt houses stand on posts up to 9 metres tall — only then do you really paddle through the treetops of the flooded forest.
Kratie · Kayaking, Cycling · Best time: Nov–May
Here you paddle the Mekong alongside the last Irrawaddy dolphins — only about 90 animals remain in the pools at Kampi. Add the Mekong Discovery Trail: flat cycling stages across river islands like Koh Trong, hopping between banks by ferry. Slow-paced river Cambodia, far from the temple crowds. In the dry season the Irrawaddy dolphins gather in the deep pool at Kampi, about 15 km north of town — from a kayak you experience them without engine noise.
Ratanakiri · Trekking, Swimming, Hiking · Best time: Nov–Apr
Cambodia's wild northeast: from Banlung, multi-day jungle treks head into Virachey National Park — at 3,325 km² the country's most extensive — ranger guide mandatory, gibbons as your alarm clock. To wind down, hike the loop around Yeak Laom crater lake and jump into its crystal-clear water. Yeak Laom crater lake is 48 metres deep and crystal clear — the 2.5 km loop around the shore plus a dip is the best reward after a trek.
Kampong Speu · Hiking, MTB, Cycling · Best time: Nov–Feb
Pine forest instead of jungle — at 675 m, Kirirom feels more like European highlands than Southeast Asia. Its rolling forest trails are considered Cambodia's best mountain-biking terrain, plus hiking paths to clifftop viewpoints over the Cardamom Mountains and the 40-metre Chambok waterfall. From Phnom Penh it's a good two-hour ride. At 675 m elevation pines grow here instead of rainforest — nights get noticeably cool, so pack a warm layer.