I had been planning to visit Kirirom National Park for a while, but due to rain and work commitments, my plans kept getting canceled. Finally, on June 13th, I made the trip for a night and two days, returning home on June 14th. And let me tell you—it was absolutely awesome!
If you find yourself in Cambodia, make sure to include this gem in your itinerary. Here’s a rundown of my experience.
Preparation
Best Resort to Book Online:
Romdoul Kirirom Resort is the top choice for exploring Kirirom National Park, surrounded by stunning natural beauty.
Location
Google Maps:
While you can use Google Maps to find the resort, it only gets you about 70% of the way there. The last 30% involves a bit of adventure, so let me explain how I navigated it.
After booking the resort through Booking.com, the receptionist kindly sent us some photos for easier navigation. Initially, I didn’t pay much attention to them and relied on the map. However, I discovered that the route the receptionist provided was different from what Google Maps suggested.
I got a bit confused and pulled over to re-evaluate. Following the receptionist’s guidance, I asked locals for directions and kept driving based on the photos provided. This approach helped a lot!
Outfits
As with any trip, I packed my usual gear but also made sure to include light warm clothes. It can get quite chilly, especially for men, due to the fog and cool weather. Don’t forget this crucial detail!
With my preparations in place, I finally arrived at Kirirom National Park. The resort room had a lovely jungle vibe, complete with a swimming pool and breathtaking views from the hill—truly amazing!
Arrival
I reached Kirirom National Park at 4 PM after starting my journey at 2 PM. Upon arrival, the receptionist handed me the key, and a vehicle escorted me to my room. The surroundings were stunning, and the room’s decor was unlike anything I’d seen before. The bathroom was outside but within the room’s boundary, adding a unique touch!
After settling in, I freshened up and headed for lunch. Although I was a bit late, I made my way to the Romdoul Restaurant, located at the Kirirom viewpoint. The weather starts getting cold around 3:30 PM, so I enjoyed a cozy meal with a fantastic view and even made a video call to share the scenery with my family.
After a fulfilling lunch, I returned to my room around 8 PM. Yes, it was early, but I planned to wake up early to catch another breathtaking view.
The BBQ Night
The BBQ experience was one of the highlights of my trip! If you’re traveling with a group of 3-4 people, I highly recommend arranging a BBQ. This experience is special due to the enchanting weather, dark nights, and music. Here are three tips to enhance your BBQ night:
- Pre-marinate your items: Bring whatever you want—chicken, beef, prawns, etc. I suggest marinating them yourself for the best flavor.
- Inform the resort management in advance: They provide the BBQ equipment, but let them know before you arrive.
- Arrive before evening: If you want the staff to assist with your BBQ, make sure to arrive before 8 or 9 PM, as they may not provide assistance later.
Comfortable and Affordable Hotel Accommodations
Staying at Romdoul Kirirom Resort felt like a true escape into nature. The rooms have a cozy, rustic charm with wooden decor and comfortable bedding, making it feel like home. Waking up to the fresh scent of pine trees and stepping onto the balcony to soak in the serene views is simply blissful. It’s the perfect retreat for nature lovers looking for a peaceful getaway!
The Misty Dawn
I woke up at 5:30 AM and ventured out at 6 AM to experience the breathtaking views shrouded in thick fog. Words can’t capture the tranquility of that moment—you have to experience it yourself! After soaking in the beauty, I enjoyed a complimentary breakfast.
Post-breakfast, we strolled around the hills and took more stunning photos to share with you all.
Food
The food quality was average—not too bad, but not exceptional either.
Tips & Tricks
- Follow the receptionist’s directions: This will help you navigate better, as I described above.
- Transportation: You can drive your own car, but I recommend booking a car for a round trip, which will cost around $120.
- Stay at least one night: To truly enjoy the morning and not waste your travel expenses, make sure to spend at least one night.
That wraps up my trip to Kirirom National Park! If you have any questions or feel I should elaborate on something, drop a comment below. Thanks for joining me on this adventure!
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