Location and surroundings
Phnum Aôral belongs to the wider mountain range hierarchy of Southeast Asia, moving down through Mainland Southeast Asia and the Central Highlands to the Cardamom Mountains. Within the country, it holds the rank of the highest peak out of 467 named peaks in the Cardamom Mountains. The peak is situated in the district of Aoral within the region of Kampong Speu in Cambodia. The surrounding terrain features dense forests characteristic of the region's tropical upland landscape.
Neighbouring peaks
The immediate vicinity of Phnum Aôral includes several nearby peaks and passes of varying elevations:
- Phnum Chrey Mlu (peak), 1,538 m, 6.1 km E
- Phnum Chreav (peak), 1,182 m, 9.0 km SE
- Phnum Dei Kraham (peak), 760 m, 9.7 km W
- Phnum Krakoah (peak), 647 m, 11.6 km N
- Phnum Chrey Mlu (peak), 1,048 m, 12.3 km E
- Phnum Khchuol (peak), 1,111 m, 12.7 km NE
- Phnum Chang Lieng (peak), 824 m, 13.6 km NE
- Phnum Srae Ampil (peak), 291 m, 15.0 km NE
Standing at 1,813 metres, Phnum Aôral easily towers above all these surrounding neighbours, maintaining a significant prominence of 1,743 metres over the terrain.
The view from the summit
From the heights of Phnum Aôral, hikers and observers can look out over the wider upland terrain. The highest peaks within a 25-kilometre radius include Phnum Krâkôr Krăs (934 m, 23.0 km NW), Phnum Reang Khvav (911 m, 20.6 km NW), Phnum Tang Phlouch (805 m, 15.7 km SW), Phnum Totiek (692 m, 15.6 km E), Phnum Ban Phlaek (692 m, 22.5 km W), and Phnum Srae Lbas (503 m, 17.3 km NE). These elevations remain well below the summit, ensuring expansive views across the forested ranges.
The range
The Cardamom Mountains span across Cambodia, Thailand, and Vietnam. Within this transnational range, Phnum Aôral stands as the highest of 467 named peaks. The range forms part of the Central Highlands within Mainland Southeast Asia, contributing to the rich biodiversity protected across the region.
Climate and weather
The climate figures are estimates from NASA POWER climate data covering the years 2001 through 2020, with temperatures adjusted to the summit elevation. At the summit of Phnum Aôral, the mean temperature reaches its warmest in March at about 21 °C and drops to its coldest in December at about 16 °C. The mean temperature at the summit remains above freezing every month of the year, including January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, and December. In the surrounding area, precipitation totals about 1,700 mm a year, with July being the wettest month at about 290 mm and January the driest at about 20 mm. Typical regional weather hazards include heavy tropical downpours during the wet season, slippery forest trails, and high humidity.
Best time to visit
The months above freezing at the summit span the entire calendar year from January to December. However, practical visits are best planned around the precipitation cycle, favoring the drier months when rainfall drops significantly compared to the wet summer period. January offers much drier conditions with about 20 mm of precipitation, making the drier portion of the year ideal for trekking through the forest trails.
Nature and wildlife
The landscape around Phnum Aôral features dense forest cover across its slopes and upper elevations, supporting a diverse range of tropical flora and fauna native to the upland environment. To protect the biodiversity of the mountains, the Aural Wildlife Sanctuary was established at and near the summit area, safeguarding the natural habitats from extensive disturbance.
Guides and organised ascents
For trekking in remote tropical environments and managing steep forest terrain, hiring a local guide is advisable. Visitors typically look to local tourism contacts in the starting town of Aoral or regional hubs in Kampong Speu province. A guided ascent generally includes navigation through dense forest tracks, logistical support, and safety management. Emergency assistance can be reached via the national emergency numbers, with 119 for ambulance services and 117 for the police.
Safety and preparation
Ascending Phnum Aôral demands good physical preparation, proper footwear for muddy or slippery forest tracks, and adequate hydration to cope with high humidity. Hikers must carry sufficient water and navigation tools, as forest paths can be obscure. In case of an emergency, the emergency number for mountain rescue and medical help is 119 for an ambulance, while the police can be reached at 117.
History and name
Phnum Aôral is historically and geographically noted as the highest mountain in Cambodia. Known in Khmer as ភ្នំឱរ៉ាល់, the mountain has long held its status as the supreme elevation in the eastern section of the Cardamom Mountains. The surrounding district of Aoral shares its name with the peak and the local wildlife sanctuary.
Interesting facts
Phnum Aôral holds the distinction of being the highest of 467 named peaks in the Cardamom Mountains and serves as the high point of all Cambodia. It boasts an impressive elevation of 1,813 metres paired with a massive prominence of 1,743 metres. The mountain sits within the eastern part of its range and gives its name to both the local district and the surrounding Aural Wildlife Sanctuary.
FAQ
How high is Phnum Aôral? Phnum Aôral reaches an elevation of 1,813 metres.
Where is Phnum Aôral located? It is located in Aoral District, Kampong Speu Province, in Cambodia.
What mountain range does Phnum Aôral belong to? It is situated in the eastern part of the Cardamom Mountains, which span across Cambodia, Thailand, and Vietnam.
What are the nearest peaks to Phnum Aôral? The nearest peaks include Phnum Chrey Mlu at 6.1 km east and Phnum Chreav at 9.0 km southeast.
Is there water on the way to Phnum Aôral? There are no major huts or piped water sources listed along the paths, so hikers should carry 1.5 to 3 litres of water and treat any natural stream water found along the route.
Are there huts on Phnum Aôral? OpenStreetMap shows no hut or shelter within 2 km of the top, so hikers usually plan the ascent as a day trip or carry their own tent.
What is the mobile phone coverage like on Phnum Aôral? Coverage in the hills is patchy and depends on the operator; maps should be downloaded before setting out, and 112 reaches emergency services over any available network.