Cambodia Guide

Summary:

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Seasonality

Sport climbing, Trad climbing and other styles

Lat / Long: 12.176885, 103.727332

description

http://www.rockclimbingincambodia.com/

Summary:

Sport climbing, Top roping and other styles

Lat / Long: 11.919321, 104.929803

summary

A small crag on Phnom Bek Peang, in a little town just outside of Phnom Penh, in Kampong Cham province.

description

Small rock on the side of the highway. Most of the routes and descriptions have been copied over from Ben Tipton's "Rock Climbing in Cambodia" with permission from the author.

Please be polite to the locals. Say hello, ask if you can park, tell them you are going up to climb, say goodbye when you leave. They’ll be very helpful and even keep an eye on your car/moto, if you are polite.

approach

Park at the face of no more monks rock, stair case to the right for top access and climbs at tiered rock. Go to the left to hike up to Broken Pot rock (2 minute walk). You have to go through aunty and uncles yard to walk up, they are used to it, just say hello and let them know you are going to climb.

history

One of the earliest developped crags in Cambodia. It's accesibility and proximity (litterally ON the highway between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap) brought the climbers from AngkorClimbers.net here. Young monks from the nearby Wat were seeing the climbing and began playing on the rocks themselves. It got a little unsafe, so the guys posted a sign asking the young monks not to play on the cliff face. Hence "No more Monks rock". Better known by the local village name Chealea. - Taken from AngkorClimbers.net Also see rockclimbingincambodia.com for more details.

Summary:

Trad climbing, Top roping and other styles

Lat / Long: 11.919283, 104.929990

description

The closest rock to the highway, main cliff faces west.

approach

Park in front of the main cliff for access to the whole crag. There are stairs to the right (north side) of No More Monks Rock

history

When climbing in the area in the early days of development climbers noticed that young monks (around 10-12 years old) would often hike around to play on top of the cliff. In an effort to increase safety local climbers including Seam Rorn, and Japanese developers lead by Chu San (Atido Ito) put up signs saying "No more monks on the rocks". No word on whether or not their signs were obeyed.

Summary:

Top roping and Rock climbing

Lat / Long: 11.919491, 104.929937

description

The middle rock, already with the fewest climbs one of the routes is now blocked by a new shrine.

approach

Hike up the stairs to the north of No More Monks to access the saddle between it and Tiered, or downclimb from Broken Pot Rock to access the other side.

history

Previously there was a very small pagoda between the rocks, it has long since broken down (a fact that has mistakenly been credited for the name No More Monks). Route were established on the short but challenging west face of Tiered Rock, but then the belay area was largely blocked when a new shrine was built.

Summary:

Sport climbing, Trad climbing and other styles

Lat / Long: 11.919593, 104.929661

description

The highest of the three main rocks, furthest East. Tall difficult slab climbs line the southern face.

approach

Follow the dirt road from No More Monks until you are directly south of the highest rock (Broken Pot), scramble through the trees to find the base of the climbs as well as a narrow path between the main rock and a small bouler to its east, follow that path to access the top.

history

Phnom Bak Peang is the name of the whole rock feature, it directly tansaltes to "Broken Pot Mountain". A Peang is a type of stone water pot used to collect rainwater.

Summary:

Sport climbing and Bouldering

Lat / Long: 11.919015, 104.929891

description

The huge overhanging boulder to the left (south) side of the dirt road.

approach

Straight across the dirt road from the main cliff of No More Monks

history

There is a single bolted route on this crazy overhang. Noone seems to know who put it up, but it must certainly be 5.13 or higher.

Summary:

Mostly Sport climbing

Lat / Long: 10.617278, 104.244285

summary

Climbing inside and outside some magnificent caves. Sport and via ferrata.

description

Pictoresque small climbing site adorned with shade and cool air inside the caves.

access issues

The crag is on government land. So Climbodia has to pay to rent it. Hence, a one time entry fee of $10 is imposed on climbers. Once registered and paid you do not need to pay again.

approach

Parking is next to the crag.

where to stay

In Kampot, 15 minutes away.

ethic

Remember this is national park land, oversight and use of it has been granted to CLimbodia. Please respect all their rules. That includes use of a helmet at all times while climbing AND belaying.

Summary:

Sport climbing and Rock climbing

Lat / Long: 10.616830, 104.243855

Summary:

All Sport climbing

Lat / Long: 10.616665, 104.243886

description

Starting to the right of the main cave entrance folowing the trail around the cliff base to the south side. The easier and most interesting climbs are in this sector.

Summary:

All Sport climbing

Lat / Long: 10.616819, 104.243970

description

Loveley transition from the Cambodian heat climbing outside to climbing INside the caves. One small wall inside these huge caves has some established climbs. Probably best it stays that way, some of the roof looks precarious. Pro tip: do your outside climbing in the morning and climb inside the cave afternoon. Not only for the temps, but you'll have the most light in the early afternoon. Visibility isn't bad otherwise but it's slightly dim.

approach

The entrance to the caves is very clear, just a few meters from the parking lot. When you enter (duck!) the first cavern is quite dark and small. Pass the little altar and concrete wall mural to enter the second cavern with huge ceilings and openings for light to filter in. When you descend the small wooden staircase the climbs are all immediately to the left.

Summary:

All Rock climbing

Lat / Long: 10.577856, 104.172742

Summary:

All Trad climbing

Lat / Long: 12.411778, 104.795949

summary

A small outcrop of rock across the road from one of the bigger mountains in Northern Cambodia, Phnom Gongkaeb (Frog Mountain) is set to be develloped in late 2023.

description

A small granite hill with large boulder like formations on the east and west sides, the main prominence is on the East. The hill is only about 160m tall, with cliffs estimated 15-20m at the highest. There are several chimney cracks going almost all the way to the ground making it exciting for exploration and development and also a little hazardous when accessign from the top (which out for cracks).

access issues

It's out there, the only access is a very long, very bad dirt road from Kampong Thom, or a ferry from Kampong Chnang. Road not passable in fload season. Nesting owls, take caution.

approach

Parking seems to be approved in the Wat (bhuddist temple) on the south end of the hill, the trail head is behind the large split boulder in the north-west corner of the wat. Can't miss it. Follow up the hill to the high point and find large rock formations on the east and west. Or continue all the way to the north end to see Frog rock. Please be respectful of the shrines found on top of the hill, we don't want to lose access to this new crag.

Alternative parking in the farm fields to the north, or the village to the east can be sought out at your own risk, there are trail access points in those areas as well.

where to stay

Completely unknown, if anyone finds a homestay please shout out. There is a cleared area at one of the shrines on top of the hill wchich could be good for camping at your own risk.

history

Seam Rorn, Kimsroy, and James were on their way down to Pak Lak to explore a new cliff they heard about (Kimsroy's cousin runs a campground at the base of it) and decided to go adventuring and take the ferry instead of the highway around Tonle Sap. Our intrepid explorers braved washed out dirt road, bus-sized potholes, and questionable BaiSajJrook when suddenly to the left a suspiciously boulder laden hill appeared. They side-tracked from their journey and circled the mountain to find that there was serious potential here. Future scouting missions up the hill were succesful and a plan was put in place to develop the crag in late 2023. A trip to find a new crag yielded TWO!

summary

The only indoor climbing gym in Cambodia, opened in 2015.

description

Community, team work, the sense of achievement, mutual trust, overcoming boundaries and fun are only some of the things that you'll find at Phnom Climb Community Gym! A safe and positive rock climbing experience is what we want to bring to the awesome folks of Phnom Penh! The gym is a social business with two main objectives: to create and maintain an inclusive community of Cambodian and expat climbers in Phnom Penh; and to support organizations that work with disadvantaged children and young adults by offering them access to Phnom Climb to develop their self-esteem, trust, physical endurance and mental fortitude through climbing.

approach

House #345, Street 460 (between street 105 and 123), Toul Tom Poung, Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Summary:

Mostly Bouldering

Lat / Long: 10.622623, 103.496189

Summary:

All Bouldering

Lat / Long: 10.629687, 103.509789

approach

Please ask at hotel reception.

Summary:

All Bouldering

Lat / Long: 10.605723, 103.517859

Summary:

Trad climbing and Bouldering

Lat / Long: 10.605950, 103.523663

summary

City known for tourism and visited mainly for the Angkor Wat temple complex

summary

Using the gear from the recently closed ACN, local climbers have rebuilt a boulder wall in the City.

description

For access or information contact KimSory by Telegram or phone - 012793221

approach

$5

summary

Wall donated by Japanese climbers February 2010.

Closed January 2022

description

#closed

summary

This restaurant has an artificial climbing wall in its auditorium area, as well as ping pong table and foosball tables.

description

$3 to climb, harness and shoes provided

summary

Coming soon! Gym to open in 2022

description

Using materials from the now closed Angkor Clibers wall local gym teacher Seam Sarorn plans to open a new wall with a focus on educating the next generation of climbers.

summary

The ngo ICF has built an artificial wall to add to it's sport programs for local kids. All are welcome when the wall is open.

description

Open Thursdays 3-5 and Saturdays 3-6 (as of last edit, 17/5/22)

summary

Phnom Kraom is a small hill rising near the port along the north shore of Tonle Sap Lake, directly south city of Siem Reap. There is an Angkorian ruin on top of the mountain.

description

Phnom Kraom litterally means "the hill under", named for it's location relative to Siem Reap. There is an old quarry below the hillside. It is hard mudstone (pelite) with high iron content. Cracks appear in all directions, which have been caused by dynamite explosions. Therefore, most climbing is fairly dangerous. There is, however, a small red rock which is still hard called Petit Red Cliff.

approach

It's the only thing taller than a tree for many KM in any direction, can't miss it.

history

Original route guide by Tadao Ito (Japan)

Phnom Kurom is a small mountain rising near the port along the north shore of Tonle Sap Lake, which is close to Siem Reap town. On top of the mountain is an Angkor ruin. Climbers attention, however, will be focused on the wall which is an old quarry below the hillside. It is hard mudstone (pelite) with high iron content. Cracks appear in all directions, which have been caused by dynamite explosions. Therefore, the rock here might collapse all of sudden. We have been hesitant for some time, but one day we found a small red rock which is miraculously hard, and created two bolted lines. We called it Petit Red Cliff. They are easy climbing, but with some restriction of the holds, you should be able to enjoy those routes. On top of the rock, you will see a bush good for rappel and ropework training. It is not worth spending a whole day, though. Great view of the lake is a good reward for coming up here.

Summary:

Sport climbing, Trad climbing and other styles

Lat / Long: 13.661158, 104.018582

summary

The Kulen massif is a short drive north of Siem Reap and the Angkor Wat archeological park. Kulen might be the biggest potential for development of new crags in the nation.

description

Phnom Kulen is not one mountain but a small massif of many hills. Most of the massif is within a park and requires paid access for foreigners. There are several unexplored crags in the Kulen. Mine potential is high and exploration should NEVER be done without a significant knowledge of the area and taking appropriate safety measures.

access issues

Eastern Kulen $15-20 tickets for access. Western Kulen partially within Angkor Archeological park, park pass required. Hazard of landmines.

where to stay

Siem Reap, Svay Leu, or any of the many homestays around Kulen. There are also campgrounds within the park.

ethic

Most of Kulen requires purchasing daily park passes, please don't sneak in. Also bolting or alteration of cliffs is not welcome without first consulting Apsara authorities.

Summary:

Mostly Sport climbing

Lat / Long: 13.577756, 104.206145

summary

A campground in the heart of Kulen with climbing, mountain biking, and hiking activities for all ages to enjoy. Stay and enjoy the amazing sunset views and peaceful srurroundings.

description

Location not yet announced. The Camp should open dry season 2022.

access issues

Must stay at the campground, cost not yet announced.

approach

Mildly difficult trail access from Ta Penh village, by foot or mountain bike.

where to stay

At the Kulen basecamp.

ethic

As this is private land please obey all rules set by the campground. The largest cliff is beneath a small wat. Please respect the monks activities and enjoy climbing while being mindful of your noise and presence.

summary

A very large boulder visible from the road about halfway up the switchbacks from Svay Leu into the Kulen. A smaller boulder balanced on top makes it look like a rock giant, hence the name.

description

Very little exploration has been done of Tmor Yeak. There are several smaller boulders around it that should yield good bouldering. The yeak itself is estimated 8-10m high with very little reliable protection on it. Most likely will become a sport area.

access issues

Minor scramble from the road. There is a very large gravel shoulder where the access is, giving ample parking (though not necessarily reliably safe parking.) The boulder field is before the ticket checkpoint, so there is no access cost, BUT it may still be technically within the Apsara zone, which means use may be frowned upon, no confirmation of that as of this writing.

approach

So far the best intel is to bush bash and boulder your way to the base (up to V3 difficulty). A way may yet be found that requires no climbing.

history

Seam Rorn, Kimsroy, and James were coming back from a development trip at Kulen Base camp in 2022 and they decided to pull over on an outcrop and have a look through the binoculars at some cliffs and boulder fields. Tmor Yeak stood out as an obviously interesting rock formation, though from the road it looked like a scramble. So our intrepid explorers set out to hike to the top. As it turns out another large boulder was obscuring the view, and once on top of that boulder it was clear what Tmor Yeak truly was: a massive overhung boulder with route potential 360 degrees around it. The rock itself along with the other boulders in the area and close access to the road make Tmor Yeak (in this authors opinion) one of the best potential development sites in the country. Development has yet to begin as of this writing.

Summary:

Top roping, Trad climbing and Bouldering

Lat / Long: 13.636378, 104.024149

summary

A small side summit just off the main bulk of Kulen.

description

Note: no climbs develloped at time of writing. Potential project site. Phnom KomNob has the major benefit of being outside the national park (so no park passes or fees) while still being basically part of the Kulen massif. It is the same red sandstone that is the hallmark of Kulen. Running north-south it has sunrise and sunset views, the east side looks down into the beautiful Kulen central valley where the main tourist sites are, the more prominent west side has clear views of endless rice fields, Siem Reap, the western length of Kulen, and on a really clear day one can even make out sites in Angkor.

Eastern rock: lots of overhanging blocks, many cracks shooting in all directions, could be a trad climb haven. Looks slightly precarious, several death blocks hanging in space. Western rock: smoother, more solid feeling, but

access issues

The whole mountain is under control of the Wat at the bottom. There is an ancient prasat on top and hermit monks live throughout the jungle on the hill. Need to be very careful not to distrub the peace. They are welcoming, quite happy for anyone to go for a hike. So far the monks themselves seem only bemused by our climbing gear and abseils, the security guards less so. Tread lightly. They DO NOT like people remaining after dark.

approach

Find it on google as Kom Nob Temple. The only access is through the Wat. Park next to the little shop across the large open space directly in front of you as you enter the front gate. Customary to pay 2000-5000 riel for parking. First timers should access the top via the obvious staircase at the far end opposite the entrance gate. The stairs end at some buildings mid-way up the hill, just ask anyone for the trail head to see the prasat on top, they'll steer you to an easily missed trail, follow up then left along the base of the cliff. Near the end of the cliff line is a concrete staircase up a nearly vertical cliff, then short walk to the prasat (ancient brick one room temple). Pass by the prasat, then the big flagpole and Naga statue, can't miss the main cliff/viewpoint on the left. If you continue past it there are a series of forking trails all the way back down to the main wat, it lets out behind some of the monks houses. Once you know that way it is a much faster top access. For the smaller cliffs there is a fork off the main trail just down from the main cliff, before the steepest last section of the trail turn north. That trail is less used, be careful not to get lost following a logger trail (speaking from experience).

where to stay

Only 1h15min. from Siem Reap. Though Wats are usually good about letting you stay the night if you need, and you don't mind sleeping on the floor. Just ask,

ethic

Like most climbing areas in Cambodia it is dotted with buddhist holy sites and shrines. Do not climb anything with carvings or statues, be sensitive to the monks activities, always be polite and if they say no just listen, it's their land.

Summary:

Trad climbing and Top roping

Lat / Long: 13.545130, 104.224501

summary

The highest cliff in Kulen (we think) with direct eastern views and amazing sunrise.

description

Huge sandtone cliff formed as massive blocks broke away from the mound that is Kulen. Several deep cracks run along the cliff top showing that more blocks will fall away some day, revealing a whole new cliff again. Let's just hope it's not while we're climbing it. The sandstone is very succeptible to water smoothing it out, and so is mostly festurless, except for the amazing red and black streaks. Occasional off width cracks go the whole way, but at time of writing no awesome splitters have been found.

access issues

Jungle covers the bottom, bring a machete. Privatisation of the National Park, police, farmlands, and local tourguides cover the top. Access is tenuous. And land mines, suposedly this area is all clear, but you never know.

approach

From Svay leu follow the switchback road up (it's the only road, can't miss it). First time out hire a guide, you will get lost in the cashew farmers weaving trails. Top is beautiful, but dangerous. Huge deep cracks drop down between the blocks well back from the actual cliff edge. There is a "trail" along the entire base of the cliff, a access point drops into it not far from the main road. Many caves, some not visible becuase of underbrush, be careful, bring a guide.

where to stay

Svay Leu. Kulen Basecamp. Word on the street is there is a deal being made with a farmer a the cliff base for a climbers camp.

summary

Boulder field next to a farmers house at the base of Poeung Dak Preah. The owners name is Soem Savy.

description

Lovely little sandstone boulders that rolled down from the cliff eons ago. Very much shaped by the rain. Mostly short. Savy, the farmer, keeps the grass cut around them and has a ladder or two for top access.

access issues

Private land, talk to the Savy first. To get in touch with him contact Kingdom Climbign Gym in Siem Reap.

approach

Beside Svay Leu High School, to the south, is a red dirt road. Follow it all the way to the end.

where to stay

Savy, the farmer, allows camping among the boulders, pay him a few dollars. Only 1.5h drive from Siem Reap. Guest houses in Svay Leu.

ethic

Remember it's private land, right now the farmer is happy to let us access it, just ask permission first.

history

Looking over photos from his first trip to Peoung Dak Preah James noticed a little boulder field that had been cleared of jungle but not dynamited to make farmlands. A bright blue roof was clear in the photos, and on google satelite search. Seam Rorn and James set out to meet the locals and start dicussions about access, possible camping, even building some bamboo huts came up. A promising partnership was born.

summary

Red sandstone pillars dot a field on a high point at the far west end of the Kulen massif.

description

The stone is extremely rounded by centuries of rain, creating odd bulbous shapes, and hard slopey routes.

access issues

Access is open, but the area is under the supervision of the local wat. Don't climb above shrines.

approach

Follow google maps to the Peung Tanon Resort at the north side of the hill, continue up the dirt road. Park cars near the wat, continue on foot. Dirt bikes can go all the way up. Alternatively from the south on motorbike you can take the road through all the farm fields. The "road" becomes less and less a road and more a trail as you go.

where to stay

Peung Tanon resort. About 1.5h from Siem Reap.

ethic

The usual protocols and ethics around wat land.

summary

A vast boulder field with ancient carvings on some of the boulders.

description

Lots of talus from Kulen that got pretty far from the main cliff was the site of some impressive carving from the Angkor era. These carvings are protected DO NOT CLIMB ON THEM. The best climbable boulders are to the north end beside a farmers house. He burns the grass around them to keep grazing space for his cattle. Several extreme overhangs, but the sandstone is mostly slopey and not idea for roof climbing.

access issues

A wat exists to protect the carvings. Be respectful. Do not climb any boulders with carvings on them. Many boulders are on private land, if you see a farmer be friendly and ask permission to be there.

approach

Park cars by the corner store on the main road, motos can go in all the way to the boulders. The young lad at the corner store will show you the way in, tip him $1-$2.

Summary:

Mostly Sport climbing

Lat / Long: 10.575844, 104.471913

summary

Phnom Kampong Trach is a highly touristed hill just north of the town that shares its name. Sharp limestone peaks conceal many caves including a central “courtyard” in the middle of the mountain.

description

A large area with loads of potential for trad, sport, and caving. The main road leads to a highly touristed cave on the east side of the main mountain, keep an eye out for route on the smaller foot hill on the south end, but the majority of potential is on the freestanding towers that line the north eastern side and in the huge amphitheater facing north toward Phnom Damrei (elephant mountain, which is unexplored to our knowledge). Enjoy a horse cart ride all the way around to get a good look at all the phnom has to offer.

access issues

Thanks to climbers and other locals petitioning to preserve Phnom Kampong Trach it has been saved from impending mining work and declared a tourist reserve. BUT that hasn’t completely made the mountain accessible, in fact in some areas it has made climbing more difficult with belay areas now being shops and cafes, as well as much of the caves being reserved for tourism. The dirt road around the mountain is not very good. And if you take a moto or four wheel drive watch out for the horse carts (a big tourist draw for Khmer coming from the city) they usually circle it clockwise. WARNING: Bottom hangers (first clip) on sport routes are often missing, especially the ones that people can reach from a chair.

approach

From the middle of town (Kampong Trach) take the road going north toward the mountain. It’s fairly easy to tell which one from maps or by looking down the side roads. A helpful landmark is the NK guesthouse and grocery store. The road is now excellent all the way to the mountain, turning right(east) at the base and following around to the east side. Plenty of parking in the wat. Continue north along the east side for the majority of the climbs. And the base of most walls are walk ups, though you may need to bring a machete for the bushes.

where to stay

Lots of guest houses in Kampong Trach. If you want to be very close the coffee shop on the south east corner has a couple of rooms on offer. A little more expensive but fantastic sunrise. Kin Guesthosue and NK guesthouse are both on the road to the mountain, about a 15-20 minute walk. And there are heaps of other guesthouses in Kampong Trach.

ethic

As with most of Cambodia there are a lot of small shrines and revered sites throughout. Keep an eye out and be respectful.

history

There is a lot of history here, caving and scrambling around this mountain and the central courtyard probably goes back centuries. Modern climbing also has many varied histories as several climbers “discovered” Kampong Trach, but a lack information sharing or real interest from locals meant that every new arrival assumed they could be doing a first ascent. (Maybe until they got to the top and found an old anchor they didn’t expect, like this author did yesterday.)

Certainly many first ascents can be attributed to Ben Tipton, Atido Ito and his team, and early bolting work to the ACN team (mostly Japanese) with Sry Kimsroy and Seam Rorn among other locals.

Summary:

All Sport climbing

Lat / Long: 10.571014, 104.471939

description

Some short routes along the entrance road to the main parking area. Generally easier grade routes, some routes affected by the new road, shops, cafes.

approach

Easiest approach ever, belay from the road.

history

When the routes were bolted the road was nearly a meter shorter and many starts were at head height. Now they are very easily reached. But also with the increase of tourism and building of cafes etc. some routes are now blocked.

Summary:

Sport climbing and Top roping

Lat / Long: 10.579052, 104.473651

description

A thin, fin like tower close to the road. Visually appealing and prime for cool photos

approach

Follow the dirt road from the Wat north along the east side.

Summary:

All Sport climbing

Lat / Long: 10.572995, 104.474222

description

From the Wat parking lot entrance looking north along the road there is a tower leaning away from the main mountain that looks similar to the Apsara dancer crown.

approach

Follow the dirt road north from the wat. Base of the climb is steps from the road.

description

At the far north end of the mountain, a tall white face that vaguely resembles a horse sticks out from the main hill, pointing fairly due north. Editors note: Currently there are no routes on Balaha, but there should be.

approach

Follow the dirt track all the way around to the far north end. There's a large flat space within an ampitheatre. Balaha is the farthest left cliff face of the ampitheatre. So far the approach to the base has not been cleared.

Summary:

Sport climbing, Trad climbing and other styles

Lat / Long: 13.554012, 102.974181

summary

Province in the north-west of Cambodia

description

There are a few limestone formations scattered around Banteay Meanchey. Those listed in the crag are safe and more or less developped, the province has more cliffs but becuase landmine clearing efforts are still underway they are not yet developped for climbing.

Summary:

Sport climbing, Top roping and other styles

Lat / Long: 13.588557, 102.940270

summary

A limestone ridge behind the Chanhchang Pagoda located in Serei Saophoan, capital of Banteay Meanchay province. [Google mistakenly calls this city Sisopon]

description

Very sharp limestone characterizes this crag, with plenty of small caves and holes to explore. There is a new temple construction underway (still under construction as of 2022) that creates some minor access issues. Most of this feature is climbable, though only small portions have been developed. The main area is a collection of short cliffs and caves immediately north of the new summit temple, access through the graveyard. But the biggest features are space shuttle tower, the large face to the south (left of the summit temple when viewing it from the road) and the huge cave (maybe more truly classified as an arch?) underneath the summit temple.) Both have on or two established routes, but have loads of room fr development.

access issues

It is directly behind a pagoda, be sensitive to the monks activities.

approach

As you drive through Serei Saophoan along national road 6 the mountain will be on the north side of the road about half way through town, the cliff is behind the pagoda.

history

Almost all of the routes and info here were taken (with permission from his widow, Mrs. Akiko Ito) from the online route guide written by Mr. Tadao Ito (aka Chu San)

Original route guide summary by Tadao Ito (Japan):

It was Mr. Seishiro Nishimura, who has been aware of a limestone ridge behind the cliff mountain temple located in Sisopon, the state capital of Banteay Minchey, in the northwest part of Cambodia. Space Shuttle Tower we developed in February 2009 is the westmost peak of the ridge. It has a nice clean shape, with easy approach. More routes will be created in the future. You have to stand on a terrace to start climbing where you will feel a little bit exposed, but it has a magnificent view, overlooking the town of Sisopon. If you walk to the left and go to the backside of the rock, you can find an open space where you can relax yourself. If it is unbearably hot, there is a natural cooling room (so called cockpit) you can reach from this open space by climbing in the vegetation for 3 meters (Class III climb), and you will feel refreshed there. In the middle part of the same limestone rock, there is a steep trail leading to the cliff mountain temple. Walk this approach path to the top, and go to the north side. You will find small limestone rocks in the forest. This area is shaded and well ventilated. We call this area “Gods’ Bed Area” and keep developing it as an area for children and beginners. The bases of the routes are mostly flat, and even beginners will not feel pressured. At the foot of the wall is a small statue of local god (Neactar).It would be nice if you can salute him by joining your palms together.

summary

A little crag down the road from Phnom Chencheang. Not much to it, but the approach is easy

description

A small cliff with small potential… but you can belay from your car so the approach is great.

access issues

It’s located in the May Sangkat’s parking lot (community chief’s office). As of this writing permission has not been sought out.

approach

Park beside the cliff… et voila

ethic

Yet to be established

Summary:

Mostly Trad climbing

Lat / Long: 13.516640, 103.015961

summary

LOCATION UNCONFIRMED. Seen on Rock Climbing in Cambodia facebook page from March 2012, location just a guess based on their posts and from asking locals in Siem Reap. Topos and map also from facebook.

description

Seems to be a low hill of large boulders with a wat in the midst. More info needed.

ethic

Seems close to a shrine, as with most climbs in Cambodia. be respectful on the local peoples activities and wishes.

history

Seen on a facebook page from early 2010's, unconfirmed location, but we posted it so people can go look for it.

summary

The province of Battambong

summary

A highly touristed mountain near Battambang city, many unexplored cliffs and caves weave through it. Most famous for the huge bat population that come streaming out of cave openings at night.

description

As of this writing no climbing has been attempted on Phnom Sampau (in google maps spelled Sampov), though it's been talked about for years. The best potential cragging cliff, around the main bat viewing cave, has been dynamited to make massive buddha carvings over the last decade. Other caves and cliffs are seen as sacred or at least are very close to the wat on top of the hill. There are also some historically significant spots from the war and from the Khmer Rouge, some caves were used as mass graves. So climbing and caving is possible here, but needs to be approached slowly by building relationships with the local monks, tourist police, and others who use the mountain.

access issues

See description, there are alot.

approach

Google search Phnom Sampov https://goo.gl/maps/KE2XHvbfBuMNV8mR9

summary

The province of Pailin

summary

The Province of Takeo

summary

Mountain very close to the Vietnamese border at Tinh Bien.

description

Multi-pitch slab climbs on the west side heading down to Wat Ta Ou

Summary:

All Top roping

Lat / Long: 11.832723, 104.438642

summary

An area with many large boulders, some over 20 meters tall.

Summary:

Lat / Long: 11.834663, 104.436729

summary

A huge boulder with a small pile of boulders on top. Very popular tourist spot for selfies. Lot's of campgrounds around it.

description

View from the small granite mound in front. Easy-ish access to the top from the East side (to the left when facing the rock). A couple of top anchors for abseiling and top roping on the West side.

Summary:

Lat / Long: 11.841148, 104.439163

summary

Two huge boulders side by side.

description

The Eastern rock has bolted anchors for abseiling near the front face.

approach

From the road cross the field headed directly toward the face of the two boulders. Scramble up towards the face until it gets too step then go around. To the right is steep but less exposed. To the left is much easier, but walks along the top of a short cliff. Access in between the split from the rear.

where to stay

The campgrounds around Phnom Pak Lak (The one that looks like a giant with three heads.

Table of contents

1. Cambodia 156 routes in Region

1.1. Chealea 24 routes in Crag

1.1.1. No More Monks Rock 6 routes in Cliff

1.1.2. Tiered Rock 3 routes in Cliff

1.1.3. Broken Pot Rock 13 routes in Cliff

1.1.4. Roof Rock 2 routes in Cliff

1.2. Climbodia 23 routes in Crag

1.2.1. Duvel Sector 5 routes in Sector

1.2.2. Evil Eyes Sector 13 routes in Sector

1.2.3. Inside Caves 5 routes in Sector

1.3. Kampot 3 routes in Crag

1.3.1. Ships Rock 3 routes in Area

1.3.2. Monks hole 0 routes in Area

1.3.3. Wasp Cave 0 routes in Area

1.4. Phnom Gong Kaeb 5 routes in Crag

1.5. Phnom Penh 0 routes in Area

1.5.1. Phnom Climb Community Gym 0 routes in Gym

1.6. Sihanoukville 18 routes in Crag

1.6.1. Independence Square at Victory Hill 9 routes in Boulder

1.6.2. Independence Beach Hotel 0 routes in Boulder

1.6.3. Sokha Beach Bluff 5 routes in Boulder

1.6.4. Serendipity Beach 4 routes in Boulder

1.6.5. Otres Beach 0 routes in Boulder

1.7. Siem Reap 0 routes in Area

1.7.1. Angkor Bouldering Gym 0 routes in Gym

1.7.2. Angkor Climbers wall 0 routes in Gym

1.7.3. Kanell Restaurant 0 routes in Artificial

1.7.4. Siem Reap Climbing School 0 routes in Gym

1.7.5. ICF Siem Reap 0 routes in Artificial

1.7.6. Phnom Kraom 0 routes in Crag

1.8. Phnom Kulen 26 routes in Area

1.8.1. Kulen Basecamp 12 routes in Crag

1.8.2. Tmor Yeak 0 routes in Crag

1.8.3. Phnom KomNob 10 routes in Crag

1.8.4. Poeung Dak Preah 4 routes in Crag

1.8.5. Blue house boulders 0 routes in Field

1.8.6. Peung Tanon 0 routes in Field

1.8.7. Peung Kom Nuo 0 routes in Field

1.9. Kampong Trach 9 routes in Crag

1.9.1. Entrance Road 5 routes in Cliff