A day trip hiking adventure on La-Ang Mountain
La-Ang Mountain/Caved Mountain
La-Ang Mountain is about 20 km from the Resort to the south-east of Pailin. Accessible from the road, it makes an ideal day trip. Memoria can arrange both guide tours and transport for our guests. For the more adventurous tourists we offer a selection of high quality mountain bikes and helmets should you wish to explore solo.
The site features natural wells, big and small mountains with large stone outcrops and surfaces. A 320m hike to the top rewards visitors with spectacular views from the mountaintop of the natural forests and agricultural activities of the locals. The site is popular for adventurers, and those who love wildlife, landscape and flora photo tours.
Macaque/Gibbon Spotting
The area is a natural habitat for gibbons and macaques. At one point Gibbon population were near critical levels, due to their being hunted for additional food by starving people during the Khmer Rouge Regime. But now they have made a full recovery, and the Cardamom mountains boast one of the largest populations of this endangered species. Trekking in the area is bound to bring you into contact with a troupe of the primates.
Humans and long-tailed macaques have shared environments since prehistoric times. Long-tailed macaques were often associated with religious sites and customs and can frequently be found near the ruins of old temples. The species are quite intelligent and have even been used for space flight testing, so they are often curious and untroubled by the presence of humans. Caution is recommended though as the animals are wild and may carry diseases.
Landscape Viewing
La-Ang mountain is home to a wide range of flora and fauna. A large number of unusual and interesting types of birds can be found in the area and their plumage. The sounds here are amazing to hear. The mountain is also home to a large colony of squirrels and they are readily visible as they jump and vault through the trees throughout the day. The forest here is part of the protected area and offers the local animals a safe habitat.
The view from atop of La-Ang Mountain is spectacular offering great vistas of the local countryside and forestry. You can find yourself immersed in the exotic wildlife, and agricultural activities of the locals. Get your camera ready to capture the stunning images.
Adventure in the Caves
La Ang mountain is also home for 3 large caves which are a habitat for a variety of animals and birds. The lower cave is 50 meters high from the foot of the mountain, middle cave is 150 meters high and the highest cave is 320 meters high from foot. Each level has its own unique beauty and outlooks. The caves are filled with interesting sights and are home for a huge amount of bats who can be seen sleeping from the roof during the day.
All caves and the height of the mountain are perfect for adventure, hiking and exhilarating activity. Please remember though the caves are in a remote area so always be very careful as it may take some time to get you any medical attention in case of any accidents. Thankfully though this has never occurred.
A Mighty Sunset
After hiking to the cave you can wind down the day by watching the clusters of bats exit the caves to begin their nights hunting and take in the mighty west Cambodian sunset! The view from the mountain offers a great vantage point to witness this suburb sight as the sun sets over the pristine natural beauty of Pailin Province.
At around about 5.30 or thereabouts every evening, you can witness a steady stream of bats exiting the cave. There must be ten thousands of bats that make this journey every night. Some locals say over a million bats, but who knows? From the main road, you should be able to see the bats forming various formations in the sky.
Tips before you go:
1. Bring long trousers, long sleeve shirts, socks, gloves, torch, insect repellent, sun block, helmet and mountain hiking boots or comfortable walking shoes which are the most important.
2. Do not bring anything that you do not especially need (i.e. expensive watches, jewelry, large sums of cash). You will be carrying your own things.
3. Most of the things you require can be purchased very inexpensively in the local markets. However, please take note that large size walking boots will be difficult to obtain here.
