Kulen Mountain Tour with Kampong Phluk Floating Village

Kulen Mountain Tour with Kampong Phluk Floating Village
Location: Siem Reap Province, Cambodia
Country: Cambodia
Rating: 5/5 (14 reviews)
Price: $44 per person
Supplier: ASEAN ANGKOR GUIDE

Introduction: What to Expect from This Day Trip
If you’re looking for a full-day adventure that combines natural beauty, history, and local life, this tour is a solid pick. For $44, you’ll spend around 11 hours visiting Phnom Kulen National Park — home to waterfalls, reclining Buddhas, and the river of Shiva Lingas — and then head to the floating village of Kampong Phluk on Tonle Sap lake.

What we love most are the intimate glimpses of local Cambodian life at the village and the stunning scenery of Kulen’s waterfalls and cliffs. Plus, the boat ride at sunset over Asia’s largest lake offers a peaceful, unforgettable way to end the day.

One thing to consider is that admission tickets for sites are paid on the spot in cash, and the Kulen Mountain pass costs an additional $20 per person. This means the tour price covers guided transport and activities, but those extra costs add up. Also, this tour suits travelers who enjoy a mix of outdoor activity, history, and culture — it’s not ideal for very young kids or seniors over 70.

If you’re someone who values knowledgeable guides, authentic experiences, and a well-organized itinerary, you’ll find this trip rewarding.

Key Points

• Authentic Cambodian Experience: Combines natural sights, historical sites, and local lifestyle
• Knowledgeable Guides: Guides like Mr. Sams and Mr. August receive high praise for their insights and friendliness
• Value for Money: At only $44, the tour offers a lot of diverse experiences and delicious local food
• Cultural and Natural Highlights: Waterfalls, Shiva Lingas, reclining Buddha, floating houses, and sunset boat ride
• Comfortable Transportation: Air-conditioned minivan or bus, with hotel pickup and drop-off
• Limited Group Size: Tours are capped at 12 participants for personalized attention

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Journey Begins: Early Morning Pickup and Scenic Drive

Your day kicks off with hotel pickup between 8:00 AM and 8:30 AM, which is quite considerate. The comfortable A/C vehicle whisks you away through the rural outskirts of Siem Reap, where traditional Cambodian villages line the roads. Think rice paddies, palm trees, and humble dwellings — a reminder of how closely tied life here is to agriculture and nature.

What we appreciate here is the chance to see local life unfold outside the tourist zones. Many reviews mention how this part of the trip adds genuine authenticity, with guides often sharing stories and insights about daily rural life in Cambodia.

Exploring Phnom Kulen National Park: Waterfalls, Reclining Buddha, and Shiva Lingas

Arriving at Phnom Kulen, you’ll immediately notice the lush greenery and the cool mountain air. The highlight for many visitors is the waterfalls, which are not only scenic but also serve as a refreshing spot to relax. Here, you’ll enjoy a picnic lunch with grilled chicken and seasonal fruits—a thoughtful inclusion that lets you savor local flavors amid nature.

Our guides, like Mr. Sams and Mr. August, are praised for their knowledge and humor. They’ll guide you through key sites such as the largest reclining Buddha sculpture, carved into the hillside, and the River of a Thousand Lingas — an ancient sacred site carved in 802 AD where the water flows over hundreds of lingas (symbolic stone pillars).

Many reviewers, like Elena Tabea, note how their guides provided rich explanations that deepened their understanding of Cambodia’s history and spirituality. We loved the way the guides balanced storytelling with practical tips, ensuring everyone felt comfortable and informed.

The Shiva Lingas offer a fascinating glimpse into ancient religious practices, and the lush landscape makes for excellent photo opportunities. Be prepared for some walking and climbing, but the scenic payoff makes it worthwhile.

Returning to the Waterfall: Relaxation and Local Flavors

After touring the sites, you’ll stop at a nearby waterfall for a picnic lunch. This is a key highlight for many, often praised for delicious food and the tranquil setting. Reviewers mention the grilled chicken and fresh fruits as highlights, and some note they appreciated the opportunity to relax and soak in the natural beauty.

The waterfall experience is also a chance for a quick swim or a shower — so, bring your swimming gear if you want to cool off.

Kampong Phluk Floating Village: A Glimpse into Aquatic Life

In the afternoon, the journey continues to Kampong Phluk, a village built on stilts and surrounded by flooded forests. Here, you’ll take a local boat to see the floating houses, schools, and Buddhist monastery. The boat ride offers a fascinating perspective on Cambodia’s unique relationship with Tonle Sap Lake.

Many reviews praise the boat trip for its serenity and the chance to see the local community’s daily life. The guides often point out different houses, explaining how families live, farm, and navigate in this watery environment.

As the sun begins to set, you’ll cruise on Tonle Sap, watching the sky change colors — a peaceful, almost meditative experience. Several travelers have shared how this sunset boat ride was the perfect, tranquil conclusion to a busy day.

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Final Stop: Sunset and Return to Siem Reap

The day wraps up with a visit to a vantage point or a boat cruise to catch the sunset over the lake, a favorite among visitors for its photogenic qualities. By around 7:00 PM, you’ll be back at your hotel, tired but enriched.

Transportation and Group Size

The tour uses a comfortable, air-conditioned minivan or bus, which makes the long day manageable. With groups limited to 12 participants, it’s a more personal experience, allowing guides to give detailed explanations and answer questions. This smaller size is a key reason many reviews mention feeling well looked after and part of a friendly group.

Timing and Pacing

Starting early ensures you beat some of the crowds, especially at popular sites like the waterfalls and reclining Buddha. The itinerary is well-paced, with time allocated for exploring, relaxing, and enjoying meals. Many travelers appreciate the balance — not rushing from site to site but allowing enough time to soak in the scenery and take photos.

Entry Fees and Extra Costs

While the tour covers transportation, guide, and meals, the entrance fee for Kulen Mountain is an additional $20 per person, payable on-site. Similarly, the Tonle Sap boat ride is $15 per person. These are paid in cash — so, budget accordingly. Many reviews highlight that these extra costs are reasonable considering the quality of experiences.

Food and Refreshments

The included picnic lunch features grilled chicken and seasonal fruits, with vegetarian options available if requested. Throughout the day, unlimited bottles of water and cool towels are provided, which many travelers find refreshingly thoughtful, especially in the heat.

Guides and Service Quality

The high praise for guides like Mr. Sams, Mr. August, Mr. Mony, and Mr. Sontin underscores how much good storytelling and local knowledge enhance the experience. They’re known to be friendly, informative, and eager to share their understanding of Cambodia’s history, culture, and daily life, making the tour much more than just a sightseeing trip.

If you enjoy a well-rounded day that mixes cultural insights, natural beauty, and local life, this tour hits all those marks. It’s especially suitable for adventurous travelers who don’t mind some walking, outdoor activity, and the occasional splash at waterfalls. The small-group size ensures you get personalized attention, and the diverse stops keep the day engaging.

The price point makes it a good value considering the variety of experiences and the high-quality guides. Plus, the sunset boat ride on Tonle Sap is a highlight that many travelers remember long after returning home.

This Kulen Mountain and Kampong Phluk tour offers a fascinating peek into Cambodia’s soul — from the spiritual relics and waterfalls of Kulen to the floating houses and tranquil waters of Tonle Sap. The experience is authentically Cambodian, with knowledgeable guides who share stories, laughs, and insights. The inclusion of local food, scenic boat rides, and manageable group size make it a smart choice for travelers seeking both adventure and education.

While extra costs for site entries and boat rides are to be expected, the overall value remains high given the richness of what you see and learn. It’s perfect for those who want to go beyond the usual temples and markets and truly connect with Cambodia’s landscapes and communities.

How early do I need to be ready for pickup?
Pick-up is between 8:00 AM and 8:30 AM, so it’s best to be ready on time to make the most of your day.

Are meals included in the tour price?
Yes, a picnic lunch with grilled chicken and seasonal fruits is included. Vegetarian options are available if you request in advance.

What extra costs should I expect?
You’ll need to pay for entrance fees at Kulen Mountain ($20) and the boat ride at Kampong Phluk ($15), both paid in cash.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Kids under 10 are not usually recommended for this small-group experience, mainly due to the physical activity involved and the length of the day.

How many people typically join the tour?
The group size is limited to 12, making it more intimate and allowing guides to give personalized attention.

What should I bring with me?
Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, a towel if you want to shower at the waterfall, and some cash for extra costs.

Will I get enough time at each site?
Yes, the schedule is designed to allow enough time to enjoy each highlight without feeling rushed.

Is there a dress code?
No specific dress code, but modest clothing covering shoulders and knees is respectful, especially at religious sites.

This tour offers a balanced, enriching experience for those eager to explore Cambodia’s natural beauty and local culture in a comfortable setting. It’s a day well-spent for curious travelers ready to see beyond the usual sights.

You can check availability for your dates here: