This intriguing national park occupies a remote plateau about a two-hour ride inland from Sihanoukville. It lies at an elevation of about 2,296 ft (700 m), making the climate here far less oppressive than on the coast, and Kirirom’s extensive pine forests reflect the temperate altitude. Visitors  can avail themselves of ranger- guided walks to Phnom Dat  Chivit, or End of the World Mountain, from where the view of the Elephant and Cardamom mountain ranges to the west is spellbinding. Ox-cart rides and gentle hikes to pretty waterfalls are also popular and there is a good web of forest trails. Wildlife here includes elephant, tiger, pileated gibbon, banteng, gaur, and sun bear, although sightings are rare.

The park has a basic guesthouse with a restaurant, offering fine views over the forest, particularly at sunset. There is also an upscale resort with manicured lawns that is popular with week enders from Phnom Penh.