Kulen Waterfall & 1000 Lingas Join-in Tour

If you’re looking to add a more natural and spiritual touch to your Siem Reap experience, the Kulen Waterfall & 1000 Lingas Tour offers an authentic glimpse into Cambodia’s sacred sites and lush landscapes. This tour, offered by Pitt Angkor Tour, combines scenic views, ancient carvings, and refreshing waterfalls—all in one memorable day.

Our review highlights three things we love about this experience: the knowledgeable guides who bring the sites alive, the breathtaking vistas that make for perfect photos, and the chance to enjoy local food amid stunning scenery. On the flip side, a potential consideration is the entrance fee—$20 per person—that adds to the overall cost.

This tour is best suited for travelers who love nature, history, and culture but don’t mind a full day on the move. If you’re after a mix of outdoor adventure and spiritual discovery, this activity really hits the mark.

Key Points

• Authentic Experience: Combines natural beauty, ancient temples, and local cuisine.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides enrich the experience with insights about Cambodia’s history and culture.
• Scenic Stops: Offers stunning views at the Rocky Valley, waterfalls, and the Cliff viewpoint.
• Flexible Itinerary: Well-paced stops with opportunities for swimming, photography, and exploration.
• Value for Money: At $65, the tour provides a comprehensive day with transport, guide, and special stops.
• Limited Flexibility: The entrance fee isn’t included, so budget for that separately.

What to Expect from the Tour

Transportation and Timing

The tour includes air-conditioned transport, which makes the long day more comfortable. Pickup from your Siem Reap hotel is between 7:30 am and 8:00 am, so early risers get the best of the cool morning air and fewer crowds. Expect a total duration of about 9 to 10 hours, making it a full-day commitment but well worth the effort.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Stop 1: Phnom Kulen National Park

The day kicks off with a scenic drive to Phnom Kulen National Park, a site revered for its spiritual significance and stunning natural vistas. Here, you’ll get fantastic photo opportunities of the giant Rocky Valley, a place that looks like it belongs in an adventure movie. Reviewers praise the breathtaking views and advise bringing your camera for panoramic shots. The trek through lush jungle trails adds a bit of adventure, although note that admission tickets aren’t included in the tour price, costing around $20 per person.

We loved the way guides like Kun shared stories about the park’s history and geological features, making the walk both educational and engaging. It’s one of those stops where you’ll want to take your time soaking in the scenery.

Stop 2: The River of a Thousand Lingas

Next, the journey takes you up to the mystical River of 1000 Lingas. This site is famed for its carved stones lining the riverbed, believed to date back centuries. Visitors often comment on the mesmerizing carvings and the peaceful atmosphere. Some reviewers, like Edward, mention that their guide really enhanced the experience by sharing stories behind the carvings, making the visit more meaningful.

Expect about an hour here to walk along the riverbanks, explore the carvings, and take plenty of photos. Like many, you might find the quiet serenity adds a special touch to the visit.

Stop 3: Phnom Kulen Waterfall

The highlight for many is the waterfall, where you can cool off after the morning’s walk. The waterfall is surrounded by lush greenery, and the sound of rushing water creates a calming ambiance. For those feeling adventurous, swimming in the falls is encouraged, and reviewers suggest setting aside about 45 minutes for a dip.

The waterfall isn’t just a scenic spot—it’s also a spiritual one, with some visitors mentioning that the water feels sacred. If you’re into nature and adventure, this stop is a real treat.

Stop 4: Preah Ang Thom Pagoda

Deep within the forest, you’ll find Preah Ang Thom, home to a 9.7-meter Buddha statue carved directly into the rock. This ancient temple, part of a complex of 37 temples, feels like stepping into history. Guide Kun mentioned that the entire Kulen forest hosts numerous temples, but Preah Ang Thom remains the most special for its size and spiritual significance.

Reviewers appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and the chance to glimpse Cambodia’s spiritual past firsthand. It’s a quiet, contemplative stop that adds depth to the tour.

Stop 5: Poeng Ta Kho – The Amazing Cliff

The journey culminates at the Poeng Ta Kho cliff viewpoint, famous for its otherworldly orange rock formations. The alien landscape offers stunning vistas and a unique photo op. The short stop of roughly 20 minutes is enough to appreciate the panoramic views and snap some memorable pictures.

Guests have commented on the contrast of the rock formations, which feel almost surreal. It’s a fantastic ending to a day full of natural beauty and history.

Supporting Local Initiatives

A thoughtful addition to this tour is the opportunity to support a training center on Kulen Mountain, helping to sustain local communities. This small gesture enhances the experience, giving travelers a chance to give back.

What’s Included & What to Budget For

The tour provides transport in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle, a local English-speaking guide, and hotel pickup—making logistics seamless. The price of $65 per person reflects a good value, considering the full-day itinerary, guide, and transport.

However, note that admission fees to Phnom Kulen National Park and other sites are not included in the tour price, totaling around $20 per person. You should also consider tipping your guide and driver as a gesture of appreciation, which is customary.

The local food picnic, featuring grilled chicken with special sauces and a canned local beer, is included and offers a relaxed way to enjoy your lunch while overlooking the river. Reviewers mention that this simple but tasty meal adds a genuine local touch to the day.

Why This Tour Works Well

Based on reviews and our analysis, this tour excels in guidance and scenery. Guests like Edward praised guide Kun for his knowledge and personable style, which makes the experience more engaging. The stops at the waterfalls and viewpoints offer stunning vistas that are ideal for photos and peaceful moments.

The flexible pace and carefully chosen stops make it suitable for those who want both adventure and quiet reflection. It’s a great mix for travelers who enjoy nature, history, and a taste of local life.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for nature lovers and history enthusiasts who want to explore Cambodia beyond Angkor Wat. It’s ideal for those comfortable with a full-day outing and willing to pay extra for park entrance fees. Families, solo travelers, and couples will all find value here, especially if they enjoy scenic drives and outdoor activities.

While the tour is relatively straightforward, the knowledgeable guides and scenic stops elevate it beyond a simple sightseeing trip, making it worthwhile for anyone keen to understand Cambodia’s spiritual landscape.

The Sum Up

The Kulen Waterfall & 1000 Lingas Join-in Tour offers a well-rounded day of natural beauty, ancient history, and culture. For $65, you get a full day of scenic drives, spiritual sites, and friendly guidance, all served with a touch of local flavor. It’s a smart choice for travelers who want a meaningful and photo-worthy experience without the hassle of planning every detail.

The combination of breathtaking views, engaging guides like Kun, and the chance to swim in sacred waterfalls makes this tour stand out as a genuine, value-packed day out in Cambodia. Whether you’re a first-timer or returning visitor, this adventure adds a special layer to your Siem Reap journey.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup from your Siem Reap hotel is provided between 7:30 am and 8:00 am, making the start seamless.

How long is the total tour?
The entire experience lasts about 9 to 10 hours, so be prepared for a full day out.

Are entrance fees included?
No, the $20 fee for Phnom Kulen National Park and other sites is not included. Budget accordingly.

Can I swim in the waterfall?
Yes, visitors often swim in the waterfall, and it’s a highlight for many. Plan about 45 minutes for this activity.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, and it’s especially good for families who enjoy outdoor activities and nature.

What’s the level of physical activity involved?
There are walking and trekking parts, especially at the Rocky Valley and temple sites, but no strenuous effort is required beyond moderate walking.

This tour represents a fantastic blend of scenery, spirituality, and local life, making it a worthwhile addition to your Siem Reap adventures.