While neighboring Vietnam boasts the breathtaking Son Doong, the world's largest cave, the Kingdom of Wonder, Cambodia, also reveals a captivating and often overlooked underground world. Beyond the temples of Angkor and idyllic southern beaches, its limestone depths conceal geological and cultural treasures: a network of caves combining the natural beauty of ancient formations with profound historical and spiritual resonance. Cambodia offers a unique approach to caving, where adventure intertwines with heritage and contemplation.

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Climbodia Caving Complex, the most impressive and accessible for sport caving in Cambodia | Photo : Climbodia

Off the beaten path, caving in Cambodia offers a unique and memorable escape. Imagine exploring unsuspected underground worlds, such as the caves of Phnom Kampong Trach, a true labyrinth of chambers adorned with spectacular natural formations, housing statues and even a mysterious underground lake. But the adventure doesn't stop there: in Cambodia, each cavity is a gateway to a deep cultural and spiritual dimension. Many of these caves are important religious sites, where one can sometimes witness local ceremonies, adding invaluable richness to the exploration.
Delving into these depths of the earth, you will also discover the diversity of Cambodian landscapes surrounding these sites: from lush forests to majestic mountains and charming villages, especially in the Kampot and Bokor Mountain region. Choosing caving also means opting for an authentic alternative to mass tourism, away from crowds, for a more intimate immersion with nature and local culture. And of course, exploring these caverns promises thrills and unique moments, whether it's discovering an open-air clearing bathed in light or the serenity of a hidden underground lake. Ready to dive into the unknown?

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The regions of Battambang and Kampot/Kep concentrate the most spectacular and accessible cave systems for caving in Cambodia. Here is Mr Linh's Adventures' selection of must-see sites, chosen for their relevance and accessibility to a wide audience.

Kampong Trach Cave features a series of limestone caves and ancient shrines | Internet

Nestled in the Kampong Trach district, near Kampot and Kep, this site is a remarkable natural wonder. The Kampong Trach aquatic cave consists of a series of interconnected limestone caves, adorned with superb geological formations, ancient sanctuaries, and unique natural rock structures. Revered as sacred natural temples by the local Buddhist population, these caves offer a truly unique caving experience. What particularly distinguishes Kampong Trach is its accessibility by boat, allowing visitors to glide serenely through its crystal-clear underground waters. This feature minimizes the need for extensive walking or climbing inside, making it truly accessible to everyone, including those with reduced mobility or very young children.
The site is about forty kilometers from Kampot and is easily accessible by tuk-tuk or moto-taxi (approximately a 45-minute scenic ride). There is no official entrance fee, but a donation to the Wat is appreciated. Inside, one discovers various statues, votive altars, and a remarkable open-air clearing formed by a rock collapse, which houses a beautiful reclining Buddha statue and is considered a temple in itself.

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Phnom Chhngok cave temple is a Hindu temple in Kampot province | Internet

This cave is an exceptional natural and historical site, located about 25 km from Kampot. It houses a 7th-century Hindu temple, with ancient Sanskrit inscriptions, nestled in the heart of a spectacular karst cavity adorned with stalactites and stalagmites. The mystical atmosphere is reinforced by the presence of a Buddhist meditation site. Access to the temple is via a steep path through the jungle, offering a pleasant hike with panoramic views. However, it is important to note that while the temple and its immediate surroundings are accessible, the larger cave beyond is very slippery, dimly lit, and has delicate passages, making it difficult to access and not recommended for people who are not 100% physically fit. A guide is necessary to explore these deeper sections (around 5 dollars).
 

With over 2 km Climbodia has the longest documented caves | Internet

This site is undoubtedly the most impressive and accessible for sport caving in Cambodia. Located just 15 minutes from Kampot city, this vast network of karst caves offers a complete experience combining caving, climbing, via ferrata, and abseiling. The "discovery circuit," guided by professionals, allows for safe exploration of deep cavities with fascinating underground landscapes, without requiring prior experience. It is an ideal activity for families and groups (from 6 years old) seeking a sporting adventure in an exceptional natural setting.

Phnom Sampov: The pearl of Battambang | Internet

Located southwest of Battambang, Phnom Sampov – or Phnom Sampeau – is internationally recognized for its panoramic views and the fascinating spectacle of millions of bats emerging from a huge cavity at dusk (around 5:30 PM). Access to the site is well-marked and easy. You can reach the base from Battambang city center (about 10 km) by private car, tuk-tuk (5 to 10 dollars round trip), or rental bicycle. To reach the summit, you have the choice between a cemented road or a steep staircase; local moto drivers can transport visitors for about 4 dollars. However, Phnom Sampov also holds a dark historical significance: its caves house the poignant "Killing Caves", a memorial to the victims of the Khmer Rouge regime. Accessible by a staircase, these caves can be emotionally challenging. It is possible to limit yourself to the bat spectacle for the more sensitive.

Laang Spean is Cambodia's largest prehistoric cave, located near the summit of Phnom Teak Treang limestone mountain. This major archaeological site has revealed remains of human occupation dating from 71,000 to 3,000 years BCE, including stone tools, pottery, bones, and burials. While more focused on archaeology than recreational caving, Laang Spean offers a fascinating dive into Cambodian prehistory and illustrates the cultural and historical importance of caves in the country.
 

Phnom Sampeau is renowned for its stunning sight of millions of bats emerging at dusk. | Internet

Far beyond its iconic marvels, Cambodia unfolds a fascinating underground chapter. From ancient sanctuaries to guided adventure courses, each cavity offers a unique immersion, proving that caving here is an experience accessible to all. The Kingdom of Wonder invites you to explore its depths for an unforgettable discovery of its natural and historical heritage, far off the beaten path.