Siem Reap: Kulen Elephant Forest & Tonlesap Lake

When you’re in Siem Reap looking for a day that mixes wildlife encounters with local village life, this tour offers a smart balance. For around $217, you’ll spend about 7 hours exploring Phnom Kulen National Park, meeting rescued elephants, and cruising the floating villages of Tonle Sap. Guided by knowledgeable local guides, this experience promises both memorable vistas and meaningful animal interactions.

What we particularly appreciate is how this tour combines ethical elephant encounters—walking alongside gentle giants in their natural habitat—with a slow-paced boat trip through Kampong Phluk, offering a genuine look at Cambodians’ life around the lake. The fact that the elephants are rescued and cared for by the Kulen Elephant Forest shows a commitment to animal welfare, which adds a feel-good factor to the day.

A potential consideration? The trip involves a fair bit of driving and walking, so if you’re not fond of long travel days or walking in the heat, that’s worth factoring into your plans. Still, if you’re eager to see both wildlife and local life in one go, this tour fits the bill well.

This experience suits travelers who love animals, want to see Cambodia’s quieter side away from busy temples, and enjoy scenic boat rides. It’s especially good for those who appreciate guides with local knowledge and enjoy a mix of outdoor activity and cultural insight.

Key Points

• Wildlife and Conservation: Walk with rescued elephants in a caring environment.
• Scenic Boat Tour: Cruise flooded forests and stilted houses in Kampong Phluk.
• Guided Trek: Experience waterfalls and jungle scenery during a 2-kilometer trek.
• Authentic Insights: Learn about local life from enthusiastic, knowledgeable guides.
• Comfort & Convenience: Hotel pickup and drop-off included, plus bottled water.
• Value for Money: Combines multiple experiences in one day at a fair price.

This tour is designed to give an authentic feel for Cambodia beyond the temples. It starts with hotel pickup in Siem Reap in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle, making the long drive to Phnom Kulen National Park more pleasant than it sounds. Once there, you’ll meet your guide and get an introductory briefing that sets the tone—respectful, informative, and passionate about wildlife and conservation.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Visiting Kulen Elephant Forest

The heart of this experience is meeting and walking with elephants in their protected environment. Unlike zoos or crowded sanctuaries, Kulen Elephant Forest is a space dedicated to caring for rescued elephants, allowing them to roam freely in a natural habitat. According to reviews, guides like Phat are not only friendly but also incredibly knowledgeable, sharing personal stories that make the experience more meaningful.

What makes this part special is the up-close interaction. You’ll walk alongside these gentle animals, observe their behavior, and learn about their stories of rescue and care. The walking tour includes a trek to scenic waterfalls within the park, giving you a chance to enjoy lush jungle scenery and some refreshing water views. We loved the way guides explain the elephants’ personalities and routines, turning a simple walk into a window on the animals’ world.

Traveling to Kampong Phluk

After the elephants, the trip continues with a scenic drive to Tonle Sap Lake, specifically to the Kampong Phluk floating village. This part is often a highlight, especially if you’re curious about how local people live in flood-prone environments. You’ll cruise past stilted houses and floating markets, with your guide pointing out daily life in these unique communities.

The boat ride itself is peaceful—gliding through flooded forests and past children playing on the water. The reviews praise guides like Phat for sharing personal stories and answering questions, making this part of the tour both educational and heartfelt. You may also take a canoe ride through flooded forests, adding another layer of immersion into this watery world.

Practical Details

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, making logistics straightforward. Once at the park, the activities are paced so you can enjoy them without feeling rushed. Bottled water is provided, and the transportation is in a comfortable vehicle. The total duration is about 7 hours, which strikes a nice balance—enough time to see a lot without dragging on.

You’ll want to wear comfortable shoes, bring sunscreen, a sun hat, and clothes suitable for getting a bit muddy or wet. The tour is not suitable for those with altitude sickness, but it’s great for anyone who enjoys being outdoors and learning about local efforts to protect animals and support communities.

From the reviews, it’s clear that the guides make the difference. Joshua appreciated a guide who was “very informative and with us all the way,” and others highlight how guides like Phat share personal stories, making the experience richer. The scenery—from waterfalls to flooded forests—is another big draw, as it offers a quieter, more natural side of Cambodia.

The ethical element of walking with rescued elephants rather than supporting exploitative practices resonates with many travelers, giving this tour a feel-good edge. The boat trip at Kampong Phluk offers a glimpse into a floating community that few travelers see, making it a truly authentic experience.

On the downside, the tour does involve a fair bit of traveling and walking, which might be tiring if you’re not used to it. Also, since lunch isn’t included, you might want to bring snacks or plan to eat afterward.

This experience is perfect for animal lovers, cultural explorers, and those who want a change of scenery from temple-hopping. If you’re interested in conservation, or if you enjoy scenic boat rides and meeting local people in their daily environment, you’ll find this tour rewarding.

It’s best suited for travelers who are comfortable spending part of their day outdoors, walking, and exploring. Families with children who are curious and active will also appreciate the balance of adventure and education, especially since guides are attentive and personable.

This tour offers a well-rounded glimpse of Cambodia’s natural beauty, wildlife, and community life. It’s a chance to see rescued elephants in a caring environment, wander through a floating village, and enjoy stunning jungle and lake views—all in one rewarding day.

The value here lies in the diverse experiences packed into a manageable timeframe, combined with knowledgeable guides who bring stories and local insights to life. It’s a meaningful way to connect with Cambodia beyond the temples, with enough flexibility and comfort to make it a memorable day.

If you’re after an authentic, ethical, and scenic experience that balances wildlife, culture, and scenery, this tour is definitely worth considering.

How long is the tour?
It lasts about 7 hours, including travel time from Siem Reap, activities, and return.

What’s included in the price?
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, walking with elephants, a boat trip at Kampong Phluk, entrance fees to the floating village, bottled water, and a local guide.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not provided, so you might want to bring snacks or plan to eat after the tour.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sun hat, sunscreen, water, clothes that can get dirty, and biodegradable insect repellent are recommended.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, especially if they enjoy outdoor activities and learning about animals and local culture. Guides are attentive and accommodating.

Are the elephants in this sanctuary well cared for?
Yes, the elephants are rescued and looked after by the Kulen Elephant Forest, which focuses on their well-being in a natural setting.

This tour balances the thrill of seeing rescued elephants with the peaceful beauty of Cambodia’s floating villages. It’s a day that offers genuine moments, memorable vistas, and stories worth sharing long after your trip ends.

You can check availability for your dates here: