Phnom Kulen Day Tour from Siem Reap | Private Waterfall & Temple Itinerary

Kulen Mountain Day Tour Itinerary

Introduction to the Journey

First, your driver or guide will meet you at your hotel lobby to begin your adventure. Next, you will board an air-conditioned vehicle and head north toward the national park.

Countryside Drive and Preah Dak Village Stop

Furthermore, you will enjoy a 90-minute scenic drive through Cambodian rice paddies and rural villages. Consequently, you can make a quick cultural stop at Preah Dak Village to see local daily life and sample traditional palm sugar treats and palm cakes.

Mountain Ascent

After arriving at the checkpoint, you will purchase park tickets ($20 USD per foreign visitor). Then, you will ascend the winding, single-direction mountain access road up to the plateau.

River of a Thousand Lingas (Stung Siem Reap)

Meanwhile, you can take a guided walk along the jungle stream to view the intricate 9th-century underwater sandstone carvings representing Hindu deities carved directly into the riverbed.

Phnom Kulen Waterfall and Swimming

Afterwards, head down to the famous two-tier waterfall. Therefore, you can spend time cooling off with a swim in the refreshing natural lower pool, or simply relax by the cascade.

Picnic or Local Lunch

Additionally, you can enjoy a picnic lunch near the waterfall area or grab a casual meal at one of the local open-air palm-hut restaurants.

Reclining Buddha at Preah Ang Thom

Next, visit the sacred mountaintop pagoda of Preah Ang Thom. You can climb the steps to view the massive 16th-century Reclining Buddha carved directly out of a giant natural sandstone boulder while taking in panoramic views of the surrounding jungle canopy.

Optional Mountaintop Exploration

Moreover, you can explore other nearby lesser-known historical sites if time permits, such as the ancient pyramid ruin of Korug Chen Temple or the giant stone animals at Srah Damrei (Elephant Pond).

Descent and Return Drive to Siem Reap

Finally, begin the drive down the mountain, timing aligns with the alternating one-way traffic rules, and journey back through the countryside, arriving back at your Siem Reap hotel around sunset.

Quick Tips for Your Trip

• What to Wear: Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees (required for the sacred temple sites like Preah Ang Thom) and comfortable walking shoes. Bring a swim suit and a towel if you plan to swim at the waterfall.
• Park Fee: Keep $20 USD cash handy for the National Park entrance ticket (separate from the standard Angkor Wat temple pass).