Virachey National Park
Virachey National Park is the largest national park located in Cambodia covering over 3,325 square kilometre, it is one of the two ASEAN Heritage Parks but is under constant threat from illegal loggers and poachers but lately there has been threat of a Chinese funded road being built in the southwest corner of the park. This park houses numerous flora and fauna and is an amazing place to visit. Virachey National Park Cambodia is situated between Stung Treng and Ratanakiri province and it shared borders with Vietnam and Laos, it was established in 1st November 1993 under the royal decree concerning the designation and creation of protected areas, the Ministry of Environment of Cambodia administers the park and is among the top priority for conservation in Southeast Asia. This park which was designated as an Asean Heritage Park in 2003 includes cloud forests, bamboo forests and evergreen forests. In Virachey National Park throughout most of the year it is hot and humid especially during the summer when it also rains heavily but the months from November to February are cool and dry and is an ideal time to visit the park and go trekking or camping.
Things To Do In Virachey National Park
Virachey National park trek are the most popular and most tourists book their treks in Banlung through the Virachey National Park eco-tourism information centre. There are three treks that are available:
Phnom Veal Thom Trek
This is a seven-day trek which starts from Phnom Veal Thom and ends deep in the Montane Grassland in Asia , the trek includes village homestay along with camping, long hours of trekking through the wilderness with a ranger and indigenous guide who will take you to some beautiful places and the deeper parts of the jungle. This is the most popular and signature trek of the park.
Kalang Chhouy Sacred Mountain Trek
This trek lasts 3 days during which there will be village stay as well as camping near a waterfall and the Chour Preah rapids, there is also ling treks through the national park. This is a gentle and short trip and some might even be able to see the Great Hornbill. This trek gives you the best chance to see some Virachey National park animals. It is a short 2 day 1 night that will take you through beautiful trails and picturesque waterfalls. If you are willing to do this. So, make sure you have enough time to invest and are ready with all the preparation.
O’Lapeung Trek
This is also a 3 to 4-day trip which includes village homestay, camping in the jungle, trekking along the Ho Chi Minh trail, a river journey and a return by Kayaking. This trek is more adventurous and a 5 day trek option is also available. Make sure to wear comfortable trekking shoes and carry a trekking pole, though the latter is not mandatory. This trek is a perfect opportunity for those who want to spend some time in wilderness as you will get to see a number of wild and nocturnal animals. When passing through a village, experience the local cuisine and rice wine. It will be an experience of your life and will get you closer to the Cambodian rural lifestyle.