Kulen Elephant Forest & Kampong Phluk by Private Tour

Exploring Siem Reap’s Hidden Gems: Kulen Elephant Forest & Kampong Phluk Private Tour Review

If you’re looking to escape the crowds and explore beyond Angkor Wat, this full-day private tour offers an immersive experience of Cambodia’s natural beauty and local culture. It combines the chance to interact with rescued elephants in their natural habitat with a peaceful cruise through the floating villages of Tonle Sap.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the knowledgeable guides who share engaging stories and insights, making every moment educational and fun. Second, the breathtaking views from the waterfalls to the riverbanks. And third, the value for money—especially with the included meals, private transport, and personalized attention.

A potential drawback? The price point, which some travelers may find steep, especially considering similar experiences available directly from the elephant sanctuary at lower costs. This tour suits those who value comfort, private arrangements, and a more curated experience rather than DIY adventuring. Perfect for travelers craving authentic animal encounters, scenic landscapes, and a taste of local life without sacrificing convenience.

Key Points

• Personalized Experience: Private pickup, guiding, and transportation make for a smooth day.
• Elephant Encounters: Walk, feed, and learn about elephants in a conservation-focused environment.
• Cultural Insight: Enjoy a cruise through floating villages, observing Khmer life at its most unique.
• Scenic Highlights: Waterfalls at Phnom Kulen and views over Tonle Sap Lake.
• All-Inclusive: Meals, entrance fees, bottled water, and towels included.
• Authentic & Responsible: The elephants are rescued and cared for ethically, adding a layer of meaningful travel.

The Itinerary Breakdown: What to Expect

The Morning: Phnom Kulen National Park and Elephant Forest

Your day begins with hotel pickup in Siem Reap and air-conditioned transport to Phnom Kulen, a site renowned for its stunning waterfalls and spiritual significance. The drive itself offers a chance to appreciate the Cambodian countryside and hear stories about the region from your guide, who tends to be both knowledgeable and lively—just ask the reviewers who rave about guides like Borey and Seth.

Once at Kulen Elephant Forest, you’ll get a quick but informative briefing about the rescue efforts and conservation work. From there, it’s time to meet the elephants face-to-face. Unlike traditional riding experiences, this tour emphasizes observing elephants as they roam freely and walk alongside you. Reviewers love how close they get—walking with the elephants into the forest or even washing them with care.

Expect to spend around four hours at this site, where the highlight is walking with elephants, feeding them healthy snacks, and learning about their environment from passionate guides. Many guests mention how touching the elephants’ skin and watching them play in the water felt like a genuine, respectful encounter, far removed from commercialized rides.

While the waterfalls and the jungle trek are optional, they offer incredible views and a sense of adventure. The guided hike is about 2 kilometers, revealing lush scenery and plenty of opportunities for photos.

The Afternoon: Kampong Phluk Floating Village

After a satisfying lunch at the Elephant Forest camp, your journey continues to Kampong Phluk, a lesser-visited but stunning floating village on Tonle Sap Lake. The boat ride through the stilted houses and floating markets takes roughly two hours, offering a fascinating glimpse into Cambodian river life.

Travelers describe it as a peaceful, almost surreal experience. You’ll see how people live and work on water, with some houses perched high on stilts and others floating on the surface. The boat captain will navigate flooded forests, giving you the chance to photograph the beautiful, yet starkly different environment from land-based villages.

Many reviews note the authenticity of this part of the tour—fewer travelers means less commercialized, more genuine interactions with local residents. You might also see children playing, women washing clothes, or fishermen casting their nets.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

At $215 per person, this experience might seem on the high side for some, but when you factor in the private transport, meals, entrance fees, and guided commentary, it becomes a comprehensive value for those seeking depth and comfort. The reviews underscore how having a private vehicle and personalized guide makes the day more relaxed and enriching.

Guests consistently praise the guides’ knowledge and friendliness. For example, Borey and Seth are often highlighted for sharing stories that bring Cambodian culture alive, making the journey not just scenic but educational.

The inclusion of meals and bottled water ensures you won’t need to worry about extra expenses, and the tour’s scheduling—around six hours—strikes a good balance between seeing key highlights and leaving enough time to enjoy each stop.

Transport & Group Size

Travel is in an air-conditioned vehicle, which keeps you comfortable between stops. Since this is a private tour, you’ll be traveling solely with your group, creating a more intimate experience. Reviewers mention that the small group sizes (or private arrangements) enhance the interaction and reduce the feeling of being rushed, unlike some larger, shared tours.

Timing & Flexibility

The tour is designed to maximize your day without feeling hurried. The itinerary is flexible enough to allow for extra time at the elephant sanctuary or floating village if you’re particularly interested. Some guests note that the schedule allows you to enjoy the sites thoroughly without feeling overwhelmed.

Considerations on Pricing

While the experience is comprehensive, some reviews point out that booking directly with the elephant sanctuary might be cheaper—around $100 including lunch and transportation. The extra cost here reflects the convenience of private transfers, a guided experience, and the combination of two major sights in one day.

Authentic Encounters & Guest Feedback

Many travelers express that the guides are the real highlight. For example, one reviewer mentioned how Seth’s humor kept the mood light, and another lauded Borey’s storytelling that brought Cambodian history to life.

The elephants are frequently described as the highlight—feeding, walking with, and even washing them. Several reviews mention how touching and gentle these animals are, and how the conservation focus of the sanctuary adds meaning to the experience.

Guests also appreciate the scenic beauty around Phnom Kulen, with waterfalls and jungle trails providing plenty of photo opportunities and a sense of adventure.

The floating village adds a completely different dimension—peaceful, picturesque, and revealing of local livelihoods that most travelers don’t see. Several reviews highlight this part as a “must-do” for anyone wanting a well-rounded perspective of Cambodia’s rural life.

Final Thoughts: Who Would Love This Tour?

This private tour is an excellent choice for animal lovers, culture vultures, and travelers seeking convenience. If you want a blend of scenic beauty, meaningful animal encounters, and local culture all in one day, this will suit you perfectly.

It’s especially ideal if you prefer a private or small-group experience over larger, more commercial options. The high praise for guides and the inclusion of meals and transportation make it a hassle-free way to see some of Cambodia’s best-kept secrets.

However, if budget is a primary concern or if you’re simply after a quick visit to the elephant sanctuary without the additional sightseeing, you might want to explore booking directly with the sanctuary or choosing a shorter, less expensive tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, most travelers can participate, and the experience is generally suitable for families, couples, and solo travelers interested in wildlife and local culture.

Does the tour include transportation?
Absolutely. You’ll be picked up and dropped off at your hotel, with air-conditioned transport throughout the day.

What is included in the price?
The tour covers guide services, transport, entrance fees to Kulen Elephant Forest and Kampong Phluk, lunch or brunch, bottled water, and cold towels.

Can I take photos during the experience?
Yes, many travelers take photos of the elephants, waterfalls, and floating village. However, some reviews note disappointment over not being able to get photos taken by guides, so it’s best to ask about photography options.

Is the tour flexible?
While the itinerary is structured, it allows some flexibility in timing, especially if you wish to spend more time at certain stops.

How long does the whole tour last?
Approximately six hours, making it a full but manageable day trip from Siem Reap.

What should I wear and bring?
Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and a camera are recommended. A hat and insect repellent might also be helpful, especially in the jungle and floating village.

To sum it up, this private tour offers a well-rounded, authentic glimpse into Cambodia’s wildlife and rural life, all with the comfort of private transport and guided insight. It’s perfect for those wanting a meaningful day outside the typical Angkor Wat crowds, especially animal lovers and culture enthusiasts who appreciate high-quality, responsible tourism.