Ream National Park

Ream National Park (officially named Preah Sihanouk National Park, but popularly known by the commune where it’s located) is a lush, green ecosystem, unknown to most travelers who visit Sihanoukville. To reach it, you must ride outside of Sihanoukville through the hills and past the estuary. When you arrive at the ranger’s station you will find dioramas of local flora, fauna and cultural relics from the park. After learning about the many adventures waiting in Ream, take a jeep with one of the rangers and head for “Meditation Mountain.”

Ream encompasses 210 sq km of coastal land, including mangrove forests, the Prek Tuk Sap estuary, two islands, isolated beaches, and off-shore coral reefs. Macaques, pangolin (spiny anteaters), sun bears, and muntjac (mouse deer) live in the forest. Rumors persist of a tiger in the park, although none have been confirmed in recent years. Smaller felines such as the “fishing cat” can be seen along the edges of the forest. Your best chance to see most terrestrial mammals is at dawn or dusk.

Park the car and headed up the mountain trail, passing through pristine tropical forests. Blue-winged Leafbirds, White-rumped Shama, and Iora flitter in the branches above. The playful calls of Hill Myna (the same birds popular as pets) can be heard all around. With over 155 species of birds found in the park, Ream is a bird-watcher’s fantasy.

Villagers are said to collect more than 200 species of medicinal plants in the park. Meditation Mountain (known locally as Phnom Samathik) is the preferred area to gather them. Villagers believe that the plants on the mountain are endowed with extraordinary potency by Genies who dwell among the boulders. Incense sticks smolder in the rock clefts, left to honor the spirits.

The top of Meditation Mountain offers a broad view of the park and surrounding coastline. Bizarre limestone formations decorating the cliffside are cut by a small waterfall. Ream is one of the most peaceful places in Cambodia. With additional trails to hike and boat trips available on the Prek Tuk River and out to Koh Ses and Koh Thmei islands, Ream is worth further exploration.

Ream National Park is only one of four staffed national parks in the country. It is the most established park, yet officially receives no international support and development of the park is still in the early stages. Ream is under-funded and the staff are paid very little, despite the sometimes dangerous job of fending off illegal loggers and poachers. This beautiful park needs the support of tourist dollars in order to ensure it has any future at all.

Directions & Tours

To reach the park from Sihanoukville, travel 18 km north on Route 4, then right on Airport Road (near the naga statue). The park office is located 500m further, opposite the entrance to the airport. The office is open 7 days per week from 7AM to 5PM. Park Office phone: 012-875096.

A guide (park ranger) is required for all tours of the park. Please consider tipping them. The Meditation Mountain Walk lasts 2-3 hours, and the O Toul Creek Walk lasts 3-4 hours. Both currently cost $2 per person, per hour.

Boat trips on the Prek Tuk River last about 6 hours and currently cost $25. Trips to Koh Ses last all day for $40. Trips to Koh Thmei can last all day and currently cost $25-$30. Boat trip prices are for 1 to 4 persons, plus $5 for each extra person, and an additional $5 for the guide. Stops can include beaches, fishing villages, wildlife viewing and snorkeling (bring your own equipment). Dugongs, fresh-water dolphins and spot-billed pelicans are just some of the wildlife that can be found in the estuary. Custom boat trip and hikes are also available—just ask your guide.