If you have only ever seen Cambodia's waterfalls in dry season, you have not really seen them at all.
From November to April, most of the country's falls slow down to a thin curtain of water, sometimes barely a stream. Come green season, roughly May to October, the same spots turn into something else entirely. Full force, loud, and surrounded by forest so green it almost looks unreal. This is the version locals grew up loving, and it only lasts a few months a year.
Here are three of our favorite waterfalls within a few hours of Phnom Penh, all of them easy day trips, and all of them best seen right now.
Sre Ampel Waterfall
Tucked into the Cardamom foothills, Sre Ampel is one of those places that still feels like a local secret. The trail in is short and shaded, so it is a good pick if you want the reward without the difficulty. During green season the water runs strong enough that you can hear it before you see it.
We run Sre Ampel as a straightforward day trip, leaving Phnom Penh early and back the same evening. No camping gear needed, just good shoes and a swimsuit.
Thmor Kral Waterfall
Thmor Kral takes a bit more effort to reach, and that is exactly why it stays quiet. Green season is when it is genuinely worth the walk, the water level makes the difference between a nice photo and a place that takes your breath away.
Groups are kept small on this one. Fewer people means less impact on the trail and a better experience for everyone.
Chreav Waterfall
Chreav is closer to town and works well if you are short on time but still want to get out of the city for a day. It is a gentler spot, good for families or anyone easing into outdoor trips for the first time. Still, do not underestimate it. In green season the current picks up, so swim with care and always listen to your guide.
Why Green Season Waterfalls Are Different
A waterfall in dry season is a photo. A waterfall in green season is an experience, sound, mist, cool air, and forest that is actually alive around you. The tradeoff is that trails can be slippery and rain can show up without much warning. That is exactly why local guides matter here. Ours know the terrain, know when a trail is not safe that day, and know how to keep a group moving without anyone getting hurt.
Travel With Care
Every one of these waterfalls sits inside a community-linked area. That means the trail you're walking on, the guide leading you, and often the food you eat all put money directly into the hands of people living nearby. Bring a reusable bottle, pack out what you pack in, and resist the urge to leave anything behind, even biodegradable stuff like fruit peels.
Ready to Go?
Sre Ampel, Thmor Kral, and Chreav are all running as day trips through green season. Check current dates on our tours page and pick the one that matches your pace, easy, moderate, or a bit of a push.
Cambodia's waterfalls are loudest for a few months a year. This is that window.
