VIRACHEY NATIONAL PARK

East of Siempang lies the western part of Virachey National Park. Some fifteen rangers are responsible for its protection, a tough task according to them, since around 70% of the population lives from hunting protected species such as the cobra or the pangolin. Two or three tigers live in the area, as do a dozen wild elephants and most of Cambodia's wildlife, such as gaur and banteng. Birdwatching is also easy. The Siempang rangers' HQ is located downstream from the village, about 1 or 2 km south of Siem Pang, all in red-painted wood. They offer an interesting 5 to 6-day loop circuit, where you can see waterfalls, monkeys and perhaps gaur, all in the middle of a beautiful forest. You'll need to bring your own equipment, water bottle, hammock and food, as the rangers will only guide you, set up camp and cook for you. How do I reach the Siempang rangers? Two solutions: radio contact via their colleagues at Voeune Saï in Ratanakiri, or knock on the door of their HQ. The rest of the park, most of it, lies in Ratanakiri province, covering a large area. There's really no better place to start a visit. Stung Treng province or Ratanakiri, your starting point will depend on where you are. What's more, the wildlife will be the same on both sides.