Dangrek

The Dangrek Mountains, also known as the Dângrêk Range, is a north-south running mountain system along the Cambodia–Thailand border in Southeast Asia. The range stretches for several hundred kilometers, forming a rugged escarpment that marks part of the boundary between the eastern Cambodian plains and the western Thai highlands. The Dangrek is characterized by steep limestone and sandstone uplands, deep gorges, and perennial and seasonal streams.

Geographically, the range acts as a natural barrier in the region, influencing local climate, drainage, and settlement patterns. The eastern slopes drain into Cambodian river systems that feed the Mekong basin, while western slopes contribute to the Thai river networks. The geology includes karst features in places and provides a variety of habitats, from dry deciduous forests to scrub and secondary growth on disturbed lands.

Ecologically, the Dangrek region supports biodiversity typical of northern Cambodian landscapes, with several wildlife and plant communities adapted to seasonal rainfall. Deforestation and land-use change have affected parts of the range, and portions are subject to conservation or forest management efforts within Cambodia. Protected areas and community-based initiatives aim to preserve habitats and support sustainable use of forest resources.

Historically and culturally, the Dangrek escarpment is notable for its proximity to Preah Vihear Temple, a Khmer temple complex perched on the edge of the range overlooking the plains and a focal point in Cambodian–Thai relations. The range has also featured in border disputes and military incidents, reflecting its strategic importance. Today, it remains a defining geographic feature of the Cambodia–Thailand border region.