VC11 Phnom Penh – Kirirom National Park - Phnom Penh (FD)

In the morning we will take National Route No.4 to the west of Phnom Penh to visit the 700m Kirirom Mountain located in Kirirom National Park which covers an area of 35,000 hectares. The natural resort is decorated with many categories of pines imported from Japan plus orchid flowers scattered everywhere. Initially established as a holiday resort and tourist city in 1945, the area was named Kirirom, meaning "Mountain of joy", by King Norodom Sihanouk at the suggestion of a monk from Phnom Penh. This beautiful national park was once a favourite resort for the influential, the powerful and wealthy and a retreat for King himself. Here, we will explore an old Khmer pagoda and several waterfalls where people enjoy not only sightseeing but also swimming in cold fresh water. We then proceed to the old establishment of the King, where we can view the greenery of numerous pine trees and a beautiful large round lake from above. There are not many types of larger wildlife on Kirirom, but it is an ideal spot to glimpse some of the Kingdom's unique birdlife and birdwatchers even come from overseas to visit. A picnic lunch will be served. Return to Phnom Penh in the late afternoon. [Lunch]