Kampong Speu lies just west of Phnom Penh, between the capital’s plains and the Cardamom Mountains. Its capital is Chbar Mon, on National Road 4, the main road towards the coast. For travellers, the province means cooler hills, forest walks and some of Cambodia’s best-known palm sugar.
Conditions now
Kampong Speu
25°C
Partly cloudy · feels like 31°C
- Humidity 96%
- Wind 3 km/h
- Air: Moderate (AQI 59)
- TodayThunderstorms31° / 24°100% rain
- TueShowers31° / 24°90% rain
- WedShowers30° / 24°84% rain
- ThuShowers31° / 24°82% rain
- FriThunderstorms31° / 24°70% rain
Updated hourly. Forecast and air quality by Open-Meteo.com (CC BY 4.0). Conditions can change quickly in the wet season.
Why go to Kampong Speu?
Come for fresh air close to the city. Kirirom’s pine forest and viewpoints are a popular escape from Phnom Penh’s heat, and the countryside is dotted with the sugar palms that are a symbol of Cambodia.
What to experience
Kirirom National Park
Kirirom is a plateau of pine forest, streams and viewpoints, with trails and small waterfalls that are fullest in the wet season. See our Kirirom National Park guide for planning a visit.
Phnom Aural
At 1,813 metres, Phnom Aural is Cambodia’s highest peak, within a protected wildlife area. It is a serious trek that needs a local guide, good fitness and time. Do not attempt it independently.
Oudong
Oudong, Cambodia’s royal capital for almost 250 years until 1866, lies at the foot of Phnom Oudong, about 35 km north-west of Phnom Penh on National Road 5. Stupas holding royal remains line the ridge. It is an active religious site, so dress modestly, and it combines easily with a day in neighbouring Kandal.
Palm sugar
Kampong Speu palm sugar is a registered geographical indication, protected in Cambodia and the European Union. Sap is collected by climbers who scale the palms daily. Ask your guide whether a producer welcomes visitors, and buy directly where you can.
How long should you stay?
Kirirom works as a long day trip from Phnom Penh, but one or two nights let you walk in the cooler morning. A Phnom Aural trek needs several days, arranged in advance with a guide.
Getting to Kampong Speu
How to get there
- Arrange your transport Ask your accommodation, a licensed guide or a local driver to arrange this.
- From Phnom Penh By road on National Road 4, which is busy with trucks. A private car or arranged transfer is easier than public transport for Kirirom.
- Around Kirirom Arrange transport to Kirirom in advance.
Ask your accommodation, a licensed guide or a local driver to arrange this. Cambodia Handbook is independent and not sponsored. Schedules change, so check the operator’s official website or office before you travel. Last checked 19 October 2026. See also transport booking and getting around Cambodia.
Planning notes
- Getting there: National Road 4 is busy with trucks. A private car or arranged transfer is easier than public transport for Kirirom.
- In the hills: bring a light layer, insect repellent and rain protection; trails can be slippery.
- Fees and opening arrangements: confirm current details locally rather than relying on an old price or timetable online.
- Respect: stay on marked paths and take your rubbish with you.
For wider forest travel, see the Cardamom Mountains and our national parks guide.
Kampong Speu FAQ
What is Kampong Speu known for?
Kirirom National Park’s pine forest, the Phnom Aural massif and Kampong Speu palm sugar, which is a registered geographical indication.
What is the highest mountain in Cambodia?
Phnom Aural, at 1,813 metres, in the Cardamom Mountains within Kampong Speu. It is a serious trek that needs a local guide.
Is Oudong in Kampong Speu?
Yes. Oudong, the former royal capital, is in Kampong Speu, about 35 km north-west of Phnom Penh on National Road 5.
Where is the capital of Kampong Speu?
Chbar Mon, on National Road 4, the main road towards the coast.
Nearby provinces
Continue into a neighbouring province. See all 25 on our provinces of Cambodia page.
Sources: geography and Phnom Aural from Kampong Speu province (Wikipedia); palm sugar GI from the Delegation of the European Union to Cambodia. Oudong from Oudong (Wikipedia). Last checked 4 October 2026.
Featured image: Pine forest at Kirirom, by Goldface2009, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.