Siem Reap isn’t just about the awe-inspiring temples of Angkor; it’s also a fantastic base for hiking and trekking adventures that let you experience Cambodia’s natural beauty and spiritual sites more intimately. Whether it’s the lush forests surrounding Phnom Kulen or the mystical rivers of Kbal Spean, these tours offer a side of Siem Reap that’s often overlooked but well worth exploring. I particularly like the Kbal Spean Trekking Tour with Banteay Srei and Landmine Museum for its blend of nature, history, and meaningful insight into Cambodia’s recent past. It’s a full day of diversity that combines jungle walks, ancient carvings, and cultural stops.
If you’re after a more immersive experience, the Jungle Trekking Tour at Phnom Kulen National Park takes you through dense forest to waterfalls and ancient sites, while the Private Kbal Spean Trekking Tour offers a personalized adventure with detailed visits to carved riverbeds and temples. For those wanting a quick but rewarding trek, the Kulen Mountain Trekking Tour delivers a balanced mix of nature, history, and scenic views. This list showcases tours suited for different interests, fitness levels, and budgets, ensuring you find the perfect outdoor activity in Siem Reap.
1. Kbal Spean Trekking Tour with Banteay Srei and Landmine Museum
At number 1, this private full-day tour combines a scenic jungle trek to the River of 1000 Lingas with visits to Banteay Srei, the Landmine Museum, and Banteay Samre. The highlight is the trek itself: hiking through lush forest to reach Kbal Spean, where ancient carvings are submerged beneath flowing water. The carvings, depicting Hindu deities and symbols, are a mesmerizing sight and a rare archaeological find that can’t be seen elsewhere. This tour is perfect if you want a mix of nature, history, and culture in one day.
What makes this tour stand out is the combination of scenic walking and cultural insight. It’s a good choice for travelers who enjoy walking, archaeology, and meaningful visits to Cambodia’s healing sites. The addition of Banteay Srei, known as the “Citadel of Women,” with its intricate pink sandstone carvings, elevates the experience. Including the Landmine Museum offers a sobering reminder of Cambodia’s recent struggles and resilience. With a rating of 5.0 based on 13 reviews and a price of $71.25, it’s good value for a full-day private experience.
Bottom Line: This tour is ideal for those who want a comprehensive day combining hiking, cultural highlights, and historical education.
2. Jungle Trekking Tour at Phnom Kulen National Park from Siem Reap
Number 2 on our list is a guided trek through Phnom Kulen National Park, a sacred site for Cambodians and a place of natural beauty. Starting from Siem Reap, the tour includes a 3-hour jungle hike through dense forested areas, passing waterfalls and ancient temples. The park’s landscape is as much about spiritual significance as it is about outdoor activity, with stops at sites like Preah Ang Jub and the famous waterfall at the end of the Thousand Lingas River.
Guests often praise the knowledgeable guides who explain the spiritual and historical importance of each site. The highlight is relaxing at the waterfall with options to swim and picnic, making it a well-rounded day. The total experience takes around 7 to 9 hours and costs $113.05 per person. This tour is especially suited for those who want an active day immersed in nature while learning about Cambodia’s spiritual traditions.
Bottom Line: Perfect if you’re interested in trekking in scenic nature combined with cultural storytelling and some leisure time.
3. Private Kbal Spean Trekking Tour with Banteay Srei
This private tour offers a more tailored experience of Kbal Spean and Banteay Srei, making it ideal for travelers who prefer a personalized approach. The trek to Kbal Spean involves a scenic, moderately challenging hike of about 1 mile through jungle and forest—an adventure that’s both invigorating and rewarding. The carvings in the riverbed are a unique archaeological treasure, depicting Hindu deities and symbols, and are best appreciated during the hike.
Following the trek, you’ll visit Banteay Srei, famed for its pink sandstone walls covered in detailed carvings. The tour also includes a visit to the Cambodia Landmine Museum, offering insight into the country’s recent history and ongoing recovery efforts. With a total duration of approximately 7.5 hours and a cost of $75.00 per person, it provides a comfortable, intimate experience.
Guests rave about the natural beauty and the depth of explanation provided by guides. The hike itself adds a sense of adventure, making this tour perfect for travelers who want a combination of archaeology, scenic trekking, and cultural education.
Bottom Line: If you’re after a private, immersive experience with expert-guided hikes and detailed visits, this tour is a strong choice.
4. Kbal Spean Trekking Tour with Banteay Srei & Landmine Museum
Number 4 offers a balanced day of trekking, temple visits, and historical insight at a budget-friendly price of $32 per person. The tour includes stops at Banteay Samre, a beautifully preserved temple, then a trek to Kbal Spean with its fascinating underwater carvings. The hike is approximately 2.5 hours, and the route provides chances for wildlife viewing and scenic photography along the way.
The visit to the Cambodia Landmine Museum rounds out the historical perspective, giving a sobering look at Cambodia’s recent past and ongoing recovery. With a flexible schedule and a total duration of around 8 hours, this tour is well-suited for travelers who want a full, active day without overspending.
Guests appreciate the scenic views and the opportunity to see carvings that are still in pristine condition. It’s particularly good for those who want an affordable, comprehensive tour that mixes nature, history, and culture.
Bottom Line: Best for budget-conscious travelers who want a mix of trekking and cultural insights in one day.
5. From Siem Reap: Phnom Kulen National Park Trekking Tour
This 8-hour guided trek takes you through the heart of Phnom Kulen, combining forest hikes, ancient temples, and stunning waterfalls. Starting from Siem Reap, the tour covers highlights like the Preah Ang Thom, the Valley of a Thousand Lingas, and a swim at the waterfall. It’s a great option for travelers who want a comprehensive outdoor experience with a focus on natural beauty and spiritual sites.
Rated highly, the tour is praised for its personalized experience with a professional guide, ensuring you get meaningful insights along the way. The cost is $149 per person, emphasizing quality and depth. If you’re especially interested in the legendary Valley of the Thousand Lingas, this tour delivers it in full.
Guests mention the exploration of Angkor sunset scenes during the walk, making it a good choice for those interested in combining trekking with some relaxed sightseeing.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those seeking a full-day, guided trek that explores Cambodia’s sacred mountain and waterfalls.
6. Trekking Tour at Phnom Kulen National Park from Siem Reap
This 8-hour tour emphasizes hiking through rainforest and jungle, with a focus on scenic views and natural discoveries. The tour includes a guided walk through Phnom Kulen’s lush landscapes, plus stops at Preah Ang Choub, waterfalls, and historic temples. It is particularly good for travelers who want a balance of outdoor activity and cultural sites, including photos of the Leper King Temple and Wat Preah Ang Thom.
The tour is rated 5/5 based on 2 reviews and costs $41 per person, making it a very affordable option for active explorers. The itinerary involves scenic drives and hikes, offering a taste of Cambodia’s wilderness with manageable effort.
Guests describe it as a “very fascinating” experience, especially appreciating the beautiful landscape and the knowledgeable guides.
Bottom Line: Best suited for budget travelers who want a full-day trek exploring Phnom Kulen’s natural and archaeological highlights.
7. 1 Day Phnom Kulen and Elephant Pond Trekking
For a more leisurely, nature-focused experience, this full-day tour combines visits to Phnom Kulen, the Elephant Pond, and scenic waterfalls. It’s perfect if you want to mix hiking, swimming, and elephant sightings in a single day. The tour includes a visit to the ancient 1000 Lingas and a chance to relax at the Phnom Kulen Waterfall.
Rated 5/5 by those who’ve taken it, this tour costs $155 per group (up to 8) and suits families or small groups looking for a relaxing yet adventure-filled day. The emphasis on natural scenery and cultural sites makes it a well-rounded outing.
Guests rave about the peaceful environment and the opportunity to see elephants in their natural surroundings.
Bottom Line: Great for families or small groups who want a relaxed outdoor day with cultural and wildlife highlights.
$155.00 per group (up to 8)
8. Cambodia 9 Day Adventure Tour: Cycling, Trekking, Boating
This long-term tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Cambodia’s outdoor and cultural treasures, including trekking in national parks, cycling around Angkor, and boating through floating villages. It’s a perfect fit for active travelers who want to see a lot in a short period, with 9 days of varied adventures.
Rated 5/5, at $1,599 per person, the experience includes scenic bike rides, jungle treks, and boat trips—a true all-in-one package. The itinerary covers both well-known sites and remote areas, providing a deep dive into Cambodia’s diverse landscapes.
Guests highlight the variety, expert guides, and the opportunity to see Cambodia from multiple angles.
Bottom Line: Excellent for travelers seeking a multi-activity, multi-day outdoor experience that covers most of Cambodia’s natural beauty and cultural sights.
$1,599.00 per person
9. Angkor Wat Discovery Cycling & Hike With Private Tour Guide
Number 9 offers a balanced mix of cycling and hiking around Angkor’s iconic temples. The tour includes early morning cycling at dawn to catch the temples in soft light, then guided exploration of Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, and Ta Prohm. The guided approach ensures you get detailed stories behind each site, making it a more meaningful experience.
Rated 5/5, for $40 per person, it’s a great choice for those who want to see Angkor from a different perspective—on two wheels. The tour emphasizes natural beauty and architectural details, perfect for active travelers comfortable with bike riding.
Guests mention the stunning dawn views and the intimate feel of exploring on bike. If you’re looking for a more energetic way to experience Angkor, this tour is hard to beat.
Bottom Line: Best suited for active visitors who want a fresh, outdoor perspective of Angkor’s main sights.
$40.00 per person
10. Kulen Mountain Trekking Tour
Closing our list, this fully guided trek takes you through small trails of Phnom Kulen, visiting ancient relics and the sacred River of a Thousand Lingas. The journey includes walking to the mountaintop pagoda and seeing the Reclining Buddha, offering a peaceful, spiritual atmosphere.
Rated 5/5, at $99 per person, this tour is a great value for those who want an authentic walking experience that combines history, spirituality, and nature. It’s especially suitable for those who want to avoid crowded temples and enjoy a more tranquil outdoor walk.
Guests note the interesting ancient remnants and the beautiful surroundings. It’s perfect for travelers who enjoy moderate hikes and exploring Cambodia’s sacred sites.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those seeking a relaxing, scenic trek with cultural and spiritual highlights.
$99.00 per person
How to Choose Your Perfect Siem Reap Hiking and Trekking Tour
When selecting a tour, consider your budget, fitness level, and area of interest. For example, if you want a full-day adventure that includes archaeological and cultural insights, the Kbal Spean Trekking Tour with Banteay Srei (click here) offers an excellent mix. If your goal is to explore Phnom Kulen’s natural landscapes with a focus on waterfalls and scenic hikes, the Jungle Trekking Tour at Phnom Kulen (click here) is a top pick.
For those on a tighter budget who still want a comprehensive experience, the Kbal Spean Trekking Tour with Banteay Srei & Landmine Museum (click here) provides great value. Meanwhile, if you prefer a more relaxed day with wildlife and scenic nature, the 1-day Phnom Kulen and Elephant Pond Trekking (click here) suits families or small groups.
Timing also matters. The best months for outdoor activities in Siem Reap are from November to February when the weather is cooler and drier. Booking early is wise, especially for private tours or multi-day adventures.
Final Thoughts
From challenging jungle hikes to scenic temple walks, Siem Reap offers a surprising variety of outdoor excursions. For a deep dive into Cambodia’s spiritual sites combined with outdoor adventure, the Kbal Spean Trekking Tour is hard to beat. If you prefer a more relaxed, nature-focused day, the Phnom Kulen tours deliver waterfalls, ancient relics, and peaceful scenery.
For all outdoor lovers, there’s a tour that fits your pace and interests. Whether you’re after a budget-friendly adventure, a private guided experience, or a multi-day expedition, Siem Reap won’t disappoint. Remember to book early, pack appropriately, and enjoy exploring Cambodia’s natural treasures—these trips will give you a new appreciation for the land beyond its temples.