Trekking Tour at Phnom Kulen National Park from Siem Reap

A Trekking Adventure at Phnom Kulen: What to Expect and Why It Matters

For those visiting Siem Reap and craving more than just Angkor Wat, a full-day trek through Phnom Kulen National Park offers an authentic glimpse into Cambodia’s spiritual heart and natural beauty. This tour, costing around $41 per person and lasting approximately 8 hours, takes you from your hotel into the lush rainforests of Phnom Kulen, a sacred mountain revered by Cambodians. You’ll visit ancient temples, see the famous Valley of a Thousand Lingams, and cool off with a swim beneath a waterfall. The experience is designed for travelers seeking a mix of cultural insights, scenic views, and active exploration.

What we love most is the personal touch of a knowledgeable guide who makes the history come alive and the chance to swim in a waterfall — a refreshing break from the heat and a perfect way to relax after the hike. Plus, the roundtrip hotel transfers in air-conditioned vehicles make the day hassle-free. However, a consideration is that the hike can be demanding, especially in the heat, and travelers should be prepared with good footwear and plenty of water.

This tour suits active travelers, culture lovers, and those eager to see Cambodia’s natural side beyond Angkor. If you’re comfortable with walking and want a genuine, less-crowded experience, this trek will fulfill your expectations beautifully.

Key Points

• Authentic Experience: Guided trek through the sacred Phnom Kulen National Park with scenic views.
• Cultural Highlights: Visit Preah Ang Thom temple and Valley of a Thousand Lingams.
• Refreshing Break: Swim at a waterfall to cool down.
• All-Inclusive Convenience: Hotel pickup, drop-off, entrance fees, and bottled water included.
• Active Adventure: A mix of hiking, sightseeing, and relaxing in nature.
• Suitable for: Active travelers, culture enthusiasts, and those seeking a day outside the usual Angkor crowds.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring Phnom Kulen: An Honest Review

If you’re in Siem Reap and looking to expand your Cambodian experience beyond Angkor Wat, this trekking tour to Phnom Kulen presents a compelling option. It combines cultural sights with the chance to enjoy Cambodia’s lush natural landscapes in an authentic setting. Let’s unpack what makes this trip worth considering, and what to keep in mind.

The Highlights and Their Charm

Trekking through the rainforests of Phnom Kulen is the core of this tour. The guide leads you up the mountain, which takes about two hours, through dense jungle paths, where the canopy filters sunlight and the sounds of wildlife fill the air. This part of the journey is invigorating, and we loved the fact that the guide can explain the significance of each site along the way — making the experience more meaningful.

Once we reached the Valley of a Thousand Lingams, water flowing over the stone carvings made us pause. This site is both surreal and historic, offering a glimpse into ancient Cambodian spiritual practices. We appreciated how the guide explained the religious significance, making it more than just a photo stop.

The highlight for many is Preah Ang Thom temple, which houses a 15-meter sandstone Buddha statue carved directly from the mountain. The sight of such a large Buddha, surrounded by forest, feels both peaceful and awe-inspiring. We found it to be a deeply spiritual spot, far from the crowds of Angkor.

The Waterfall and Swimming

After a morning of hiking, you’ll get a well-earned break at Kulen waterfall. Here, you can take a dip in the cool waters, wash away sweat and dust, and just relax in the jungle setting. This part is often a traveler favorite, especially on hot days. One reviewer noted, “leave your stress behind,” and that’s exactly how it feels.

Practical Details and Comfort

The roundtrip transfers in an air-conditioned vehicle are a bonus, especially after a long drive from Siem Reap. The tour is private, which means more flexibility and personalized attention. It also includes all entrance fees and bottled water, so you don’t need to worry about extra costs.

However, be aware that the hike in the heat can be challenging. We recommend wearing long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, and insect repellent — all suggested by the tour provider — to protect against bugs and sunburn. Bring a change of clothes and swimwear for the waterfall, and wear sturdy hiking shoes for comfort and safety.

More Great Tours Nearby

Authenticity and Potential Drawbacks

One thing to consider is that the landscape along the trail is beautiful but—according to some reviews—has a problem with garbage. This is unfortunate but not uncommon in popular natural sites. It’s worth being mindful and respectful, packing out your trash if you can.

The tour is well-suited for those who are reasonably active and comfortable walking in warm conditions. It’s not ideal for very young children or pregnant women, as noted in the details, but for active families or solo travelers, it provides a rewarding experience.

Deep Dive into the Itinerary

Stop 1: Hotel Pickup in Siem Reap

Your adventure begins with a pickup from your hotel, usually around 7:30 to 8:00 a.m., depending on your arrangement. The comfort of an air-conditioned vehicle eases the journey out of the bustling town and into the countryside.

Stop 2: Scenic Drive

A roughly one-hour drive takes you through rural Cambodia, offering glimpses of everyday life outside the tourist corridors. The scenic drive sets the tone for the day as you leave the temples behind and enter a more natural, sacred landscape.

Stop 3: Phnom Kulen National Park Entrance

Once inside the park, your guide provides context about Phnom Kulen’s significance as a spiritual site, often described as the “holy mountain” of Cambodia. This area is both a pilgrimage site and a natural sanctuary.

Stops at Various Temples and Sites

Between the main attractions, you’ll visit several sites, including the Leper King Temple and Kraol Romeas Temple. These smaller temples are less crowded, offering peaceful moments amid the lush surroundings.

The Hike to Preah Ang Thom

The most vigorous part of the tour is the hike up to Preah Ang Thom, which, according to reviews, takes about two hours. The trail is surrounded by jungle, with water streams and birds providing a soundtrack. The climb may be challenging in the heat but is rewarded with stunning views and the awe-inspiring Buddha statue.

The Waterfall and Swimming

After reaching the peak and visiting the temples, you descend to Kulen waterfall. Here, you can enjoy a one-hour break, take pictures, and swim in the cool waters. Many find this a highlight, a perfect refreshment after a morning of walking.

Return Journey

Post-swim, the tour vehicle takes you back, stopping at the Preah Dak Market for a quick look at local produce and crafts, adding an authentic local flavor to your day.

Authentic Experiences and Additional Value

This tour offers an opportunity to see Cambodian spiritual sites in a way that’s seldom crowded. Your guide’s knowledge helps you appreciate these places beyond just photographs. The waterfall swim is a genuine outdoor experience, not a staged tourist trap. Plus, the scenic drive and stops at various temples give you a holistic view of Phnom Kulen’s cultural landscape.

The value here isn’t just in the sights but in the personalized guidance, the convenience of transportation, and the chance to connect with Cambodia’s natural and spiritual heritage in a relaxed setting.

The Sum Up: Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re an active traveler who loves a mix of culture, nature, and adventure, this tour will suit you well. It’s perfect for those who want to get away from the crowds and explore Cambodia’s sacred mountain in a more personal, authentic way. The guide’s insights and the chance to swim in the waterfall give this experience a memorable edge.

However, be prepared for some physical activity and warm weather. It’s best suited for travelers comfortable with walking and hiking, and those who appreciate the beauty of natural landscapes combined with spiritual sites. If that sounds like your kind of day, this tour offers a balanced, enriching experience for your Siem Reap visit.

FAQ

How long is the hike up Phnom Kulen?
The hike takes about two hours, according to reviews, and is the most physically demanding part of the day.

What is included in the tour price?
All entrance tickets, hotel pickup and drop-off, bottled water, and private air-conditioned transfers are included.

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s not recommended for children under 5 or pregnant women due to the physical activity involved.

Can I swim at the waterfall?
Yes, there’s an hour allocated for swimming and relaxing at Kulen waterfall.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, a change of clothes, sunscreen, insect repellent, long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, and sturdy shoes.

Is the tour private?
Yes, this is a private tour, offering more flexibility and personalized attention.

How about the weather?
Expect warm weather; it’s best to start early to avoid the hottest part of the day.

What makes this tour different from just visiting temples?
You get to hike through jungle, visit less crowded spiritual sites, and enjoy a natural waterfall, making it a more active and authentic experience.

Are there any additional costs?
Tips for guides and drivers are not included but appreciated; other than that, all major expenses are covered.

How do I book or cancel?
You can reserve now with the option to pay later, and cancellations are free if made 24 hours in advance.

This trekking tour at Phnom Kulen combines spiritual discovery with natural adventure — a genuine, active way to deepen your understanding of Cambodia’s cultural landscape while enjoying its wild beauty. It’s ideal for travelers who want more than just sightseeing, seeking meaningful moments amid Cambodia’s lush forests and sacred sites.

You can check availability for your dates here: