Cambodia

Virachey National Park is a vast protected area located in the northeastern part of Cambodia, deep within the remote jungles of Ratanakiri Province. As the largest national park in the country, it boasts an exceptional wealth of forests, plant species, and wildlife. During your trip to Cambodia, consider spending a few days exploring Virachey National Park to uncover its many natural treasures.

History

Before 1903, the entire mountain range, part of the Southeast Asian massif, belonged to Laos. With the arrival of the French, the province of Stung Treng was incorporated into Cambodia, and the mountains subsequently became the natural border between Laos and Cambodia, stretching eastwards toward Vietnam.

Virachey National Park was officially established as a protected area in November 1993 under the Cambodian Ministry of Environment. In 2003, it was designated as an ASEAN Heritage Park. Between 2004 and 2008, the World Bank funded a conservation program to support the park's protection efforts.

Visiting the Park

Despite its size and international protected status, Virachey National Park faces significant threats from illegal logging and poaching. The park extends across the provinces of Ratanakiri and Stung Treng, in Cambodia’s remote northeast.

Description

Covering an area of 3,325 square kilometers, Virachey National Park includes important protected zones such as Mom Ray and Dom Ampham. The landscape is predominantly made up of hills and mountains, with elevations ranging between 400 and 1,500 meters. The park is home to a wide variety of endemic species, including rare birds, unique plants, and trees. Additionally, Virachey shelters small ethnic minority communities that contribute to its cultural richness.

Landscape

A trek through the park offers visitors an incredible glimpse into Cambodia’s remaining wilderness. Bamboo groves create stunning, scenic backdrops, painting the landscape in hues of green and gold. Along with the diverse fauna, visitors may spot rare bird species. From certain vantage points, views extend southwards over rolling jungle landscapes leading to the Sesan River and the remote villages of the Brao and Kreung peoples.

Flora and Fauna

Flora

Virachey’s vegetation is primarily composed of dense tropical forests, highland savannas, bamboo thickets, and patches of mixed deciduous forests. In isolated areas and wetlands, expansive grasslands give way to bushland environments.

Fauna

The park is home to a remarkable diversity of mammals, birds, reptiles, and fish, including a significant number of endangered species. Visitors may encounter wild cats, wild cattle, small carnivores, and primates. To observe larger wildlife, a trek lasting at least three days is typically recommended, though birdwatchers will find spotting endemic species easier. Among the endangered species found here are the pig-tailed macaque, pygmy slow loris, and the slow loris. Larger mammals such as elephants, tigers, gaurs, and bantengs are much rarer but are known to inhabit the park.

Ethnic minorities

For centuries, the hills of Ratanakiri Province have been home to various indigenous tribes, notably the Brau and Kavet peoples. Visiting their small villages within Virachey National Park offers an authentic insight into Cambodia’s rich cultural heritage. Many of these communities still depend on natural resources for their livelihoods and actively participate in eco-tourism initiatives aimed at preserving their environment for future generations.

Activities

• Camping in the open air, taking part in excursions, and enjoying jungle picnics.
• Embarking on multi-day guided treks across the Veal Thom grasslands.
• Wildlife and nature photography.
• Admiring the stunning scenery and natural beauty.
• Observing the park’s endemic wildlife and rare bird species.

Climate

In the summer months, Virachey National Park experiences frequent rainfall. From December to March, the weather becomes cool and dry, making the winter season the best time to visit.

How to get there

To reach Virachey National Park, travelers must first journey to Banlung. A bus ride from Phnom Penh to Banlung typically takes around 12 hours. The park is located approximately 50 kilometers from Banlung. During the dry season, it takes about one hour by car and roughly one and a half hours by motorcycle. However, in the rainy season, poor road conditions can extend the journey to up to five hours.

Opening Hours and Access

Entrance tickets must be purchased at the Virachey National Park office located in Banlung. Visitors can choose from trekking itineraries ranging from two to five days, offering various levels of immersion into this exceptional wilderness.