7-Day Trekking into the Phnom Veal Thom Wilderness Grassland + Virachey National Park

Virachey National Park is an unparalleled natural sanctuary situated in Northeast Cambodia, encompassing approximately 3,325 square kilometers. As the largest national park in the region, it combines vast tracts of untouched forest, expansive montane grasslands, and rugged mountain valleys. When linked with adjacent protected areas in Lao PDR and Vietnam, it forms one of Asia’s most significant conservation landscapes.

This largely uncharted realm remains undisturbed by modern human settlements, making it a potential haven for new and undiscovered wildlife species. Its diverse ecosystems serve as critical habitats for endangered tigers, elephants, wild cattle, and many threatened primate and bird species. The purity of Virachey’s natural environment is underscored by its pristine forests and sprawling grasslands that continue to inspire awe in every visitor.

For centuries, northeastern Cambodia has been home to indigenous hill tribes whose rich cultural heritage still thrives today. The Brau and Kavet peoples, in particular, have maintained traditions closely tied to the land. Their sustainable way of life, reliant on the forest’s bounty, not only preserves ancient customs but also fuels the park’s burgeoning eco-tourism initiatives. Visitors to Virachey have the unique opportunity to engage with these communities and gain insight into a culture that has long coexisted with this extraordinary wilderness.

The park’s historical tapestry is equally compelling. Virachey bears the enduring marks of the American–Vietnam War, with relics of the infamous Ho Chi Minh Trail weaving through its terrain—a solemn reminder of a turbulent past. In recognition of its outstanding role in preserving regional and international biodiversity, Virachey National Park was designated as an ASEAN Heritage Park in 2003.

Discover Virachey National Park—where breathtaking landscapes meet cultural richness and poignant history, offering an experience that is both transformative and inspirational.

Pickup Details: We offer convenient pick-up services from your hotel or any specified location. To ensure a smooth transfer, please provide the full address of your stay, including the hotel name, phone number, and website. This information will help us locate your accommodation efficiently.

Departure & Return: Enjoy a hassle-free transfer from your hotel to your destination and back, ensuring a seamless travel experience. Thank you for your cooperation!

Trek Itinerary:

• 10:20 AM: Arrive at the trekking point, complete registration, and begin your adventure.
• 3:30 – 4:00 PM: Conclude the trek for the day.
• 5:00 PM: Enjoy a convenient drop-off back at your hotel.

Trek Specifications:

• Duration: 5–6 hours per day on average
• Distance: 15–20 km per day on average

Destination: Taveng District, Viracheay National Park

• Difficulty Level: Medium-Hard

Detailed Itinerary     

On Day 1: Arrival, River Crossing & Cultural Connection

Morning:

• 8:00 AM: After enjoying breakfast at your Banlung hotel’s restaurant, prepare your backpack for the adventure ahead.
• Depart by tuk-tuk, motorbike, or car for a scenic 1½-hour drive heading to the northern reaches of Banlung toward the Taveng District.

Midday:

• Arrive at the Se-San River in the Taveng District.
• Under the guidance of a knowledgeable park ranger, take a ferry crossing to the opposite bank.

Afternoon & Evening:

• Upon crossing, visit Tumpountoch Village, home to the Brau minority.
• Spend the rest of the day exploring the surrounding paddy fields and forest trails, and settle into an overnight forest campsite for a truly immersive cultural experience.

On Day 2: Mountain Trails & Wildlife Encounters

Morning:

• Awaken to the gentle calls of gibbons and the early light of the jungle. Enjoy a fresh breakfast prepared by your guide.
• Depart at 8:30 AM to embark on a trek along the “commander trails” – a rugged mountain pathway deep within the park.

Daytime:

• Traverse diverse habitats as you hike through the jungle, with ample chances to observe native wildlife such as sambar deer, Douc langurs, wild pigs, great hornbills, muntjac deer, and various bear species. Occasionally, a glimpse of a gaur – the endangered wild cattle – might be rewarded to the most fortunate.

Evening:

• Camp near a gently flowing stream, where the soothing sounds of water and wildlife set a magical, contemplative atmosphere for the night.

On Day 3: Deep Jungle Exploration & Veal Thom Grassland

Morning:

• Begin the day with the familiar symphony of gibbon calls and bird-song, complemented by a hearty breakfast of hot coffee or tea freshly brewed over a wood fire.
• Prepare for another immersive trek as your guide reviews the day’s planned route.

Midday:

• Pause for lunch and take a refreshing dip in a nearby waterfall or stream.
• Listen as your guide shares insights about the ancient giant trees and diverse plant life thriving in the park.

Afternoon to Evening:

• Trek for 6–7 hours toward the expansive Veal Thom grassland, where the wilderness opens up into an awe-inspiring, broad panorama.
• Upon arrival, your guide and ranger set up a hammock campsite, offering you a comfortable night under the open sky.

On Day 4: Grassland Expedition & Continued Wildlife Viewing

Morning:

• Rise with the dawn as the grassland awakens with the sounds of nature.
• Enjoy a communal wood-fire breakfast, accompanied by coffee and tea, before setting off to explore the open expanses.

Daytime:

• Spend the day trekking through the grassland, where sweeping views reveal the presence of primates and other wildlife.
• Be vigilant for sightings of sambar deer, Douc langurs, wild pigs, great hornbills, and muntjac deer against the dramatic backdrop of the open ecosystem.

Evening:

• Camp once again in the open, savoring the crisp, cool air and the quiet majesty of the grassland at dusk.

On Day 5: Into the Deep Jungle

Morning:

• Start the day early with the invigorating call of gibbons and birds, enjoying a robust wood-fire breakfast crafted by your indigenous ranger.
• Ensure your gear and hammock are ready as you set off deeper into the jungle.

Daytime:

• Trek extensively for 6–7 hours through densely forested areas where the trail is intermittently cleared with a machete, revealing secret clearings and hidden vistas.
• Revel in the raw, unspoiled beauty of Virachey as every step brings you closer to nature’s untouched splendor.

Evening:

• Arrive at a remote jungle campsite, where you will spend another night immersed in the sounds and mysteries of the forest.

On Day 6: Final Jungle Immersion

Morning:

• Once more, wake early to the natural chorus of the jungle. Enjoy a traditional breakfast with hot coffee and tea served by your guide.
• With spirits high, set out to explore the denser parts of the jungle, following trails that promise unexpected wildlife encounters.

Daytime:

• Dedicate the day to traversing this deep, verdant terrain, which often reveals signs of elusive creatures and a rich tapestry of flora.
• Revel in the sensory overload of cascading water, rustling leaves, and distant animal calls as you hike under the dappled sunlight.

Evening:

• Camp again in the heart of the jungle, capturing your final night among nature’s most pristine settings.

On Day 7: Return Journey to Civilization

Morning:

• Embrace your last morning in the wild with an early breakfast and one final round of refreshing hot coffee and tea, accompanied by the familiar sounds of the jungle waking up.
• Begin a final 4–5 hour trek back toward the Taveng District—the point where your journey originally commenced.

Midday:

• Along the way, take a leisurely lunch break near a serene stream, soaking in the final panoramic views of this extraordinary landscape.

Afternoon:

• Upon reaching the Taveng District, board a ferry at the Se-San River and transfer to a waiting motor or tuk-tuk for your journey back to Banlung.
• Arrive at your Banlung hotel between 5:00 and 6:00 PM, where you can reflect on an adventure filled with discovery, culture, and enduring memories.