One Day Trip to Phnom Kulen (National Park)

Discovering the birthplace of the mighty Angkor Empire is an opportunity not to be missed. Set out on a captivating one-day adventure to Phnom Kulen National Park, where you’ll encounter the largest reclining Buddha statue, the enchanting River of 1000 Shiva Lingas, and the breathtaking Kulen Waterfall. With hassle-free transportation, entry passes, and refreshments included, this immersive experience promises to transport you back in time and unveil the rich cultural heritage of Cambodia. What awaits beyond this enchanting destination?

Key Points

• Phnom Kulen National Park offers a one-day trip priced at $125 for up to 3 participants, with a duration of 6 hours and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• The trip highlights include the largest reclining Buddha statue, the River of 1000 Shiva Lingas, and the Kulen Waterfall, surrounded by scenic countryside.
• The itinerary includes a drive to the foot of Kulen Mountain, a hike to the River of a Thousand Lingas, and a visit to the Pagoda and Reclining Buddha at the mountain’s summit.
• The all-inclusive package includes transportation, entry passes, and refreshments, with hotel pickup and drop-off in air-conditioned vehicles.
• The trip is not suitable for individuals over 95 years old, and comfortable shoes and clothing are recommended for the hiking activities.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Trip Overview

The Phnom Kulen National Park, located just a short drive from Siem Reap, offers visitors a chance to explore the birthplace of the Angkor Empire.

This one-day trip, priced from $125 per group (up to 3 participants), lasts 6 hours with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Highlights include the largest reclining Buddha statue, the River of 1000 Shiva Lingas, and the Kulen Waterfall.

Visitors will enjoy the scenic countryside with palm trees and rice fields.

Transportation, entry passes, and refreshments are included, making this an all-inclusive and convenient way to discover this historic and natural wonder.

Highlights and Attractions

Birthplace of the Angkor Empire, established in AD 802, Phnom Kulen National Park enthralls visitors with its largest reclining Buddha statue in Cambodia.

Explore the River of 1000 Shiva Lingas, marveling at the intricate carvings. Enjoy the scenic countryside, surrounded by palm trees and lush rice fields.

Explore the River of 1000 Shiva Lingas, marveling at the intricate carvings. Enjoy the scenic countryside, surrounded by palm trees and lush rice fields.

Relax at the Kulen Waterfall, the biggest in the Angkor region, as the cascading waters provide a soothing ambiance. From the mountain’s summit, you can take in panoramic vistas of the enchanting landscape.

This one-day trip promises a captivating blend of history, nature, and culture.

Itinerary and Activities

Driving to the foot of Kulen Mountain allows visitors to enjoy the lush landscape on the way to the park’s highlights.

Once there, guests hike up to the River of a Thousand Lingas, an intricate riverbed carved with Hindu symbols. After this blessing, they visit the Pagoda and Reclining Buddha at the mountain’s summit.

Visitors can either bring a packed lunch or purchase traditional Cambodian food from nearby stalls.

This one-day excursion provides a chance to immerse in the birthplace of the Angkor Empire and witness its remarkable natural and cultural wonders.

Inclusions and Transportation

This one-day excursion includes comprehensive transportation and amenities to ensure a seamless and comfortable experience.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are provided, with air-conditioned cars or minivans depending on group size. Professional drivers will navigate the journey, allowing guests to sit back and enjoy the scenic countryside.

Chilled bottled water and towels are complimentary, ensuring travelers stay refreshed throughout the day. All necessary entry passes are included, eliminating the need for additional payments.

Chilled bottled water and towels keep travelers refreshed, while necessary entry passes are included for a seamless experience.

With these thoughtful inclusions, guests can focus on seeing the cultural and natural wonders of Phnom Kulen National Park.

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Important Information

Individuals over 95 years old may find this one-day trip to Phnom Kulen National Park unsuitable.

Comfortable shoes and clothing are recommended, as the itinerary involves hiking uphill to the River of a Thousand Lingas and visiting the waterfall. Alcohol and drugs are prohibited.

Participants should check availability and select a date before booking. This ensures the trip can accommodate their preferred schedule.

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned transportation, a professional driver, bottled water, and towels.

Travelers can expect a scenic countryside exploration, spiritual experiences, and natural wonders during this six-hour excursion.

Birthplace of the Angkor Empire

As the birthplace of the Angkor Empire, established in AD 802, Phnom Kulen holds immense historical significance. This sacred mountain was the site where King Jayavarman II proclaimed himself the universal monarch, laying the foundation for the Khmer civilization that would dominate Southeast Asia for centuries. Visitors can explore the remnants of this early Angkorian era, including:

| Attraction | Description |

| — | — |

| River of a Thousand Lingas | Intricate carvings of Hindu symbols line the riverbed. |

| Reclining Buddha | The largest reclining Buddha statue in Cambodia stands atop the mountain. |

| Scenic Countryside | Lush palm trees and rice fields define the surrounding landscape. |

Steeped in history and natural beauty, Phnom Kulen offers a glimpse into the origins of the Angkor legacy.

River of 1000 Shiva Lingas

One of the must-see attractions at Phnom Kulen is the River of 1000 Shiva Lingas. Carved directly into the riverbed, these intricate Hindu symbols represent the divine lingam of Shiva.

Visitors can walk along the river and witness the remarkably preserved carvings. The site holds great spiritual significance, as devotees believe the water flowing over the lingas has purifying properties.

Exploring the tranquil river amid the lush mountainous landscape provides a serene and awe-inspiring experience. This unique natural wonder is a testament to the region’s rich cultural heritage and the artistry of ancient Khmer civilization.

Kulen Waterfall

The Kulen Waterfall, the largest waterfall within the Angkor region, cascades down the lush, verdant slopes of Phnom Kulen. Tumbling over ancient sandstone formations, the waterfall’s thunderous roar echoes through the surrounding forests.

Visitors can marvel at the sheer power of the cascading waters, which plunge over 20 meters into a serene pool below. Surrounded by verdant palm trees and vibrant greenery, the Kulen Waterfall offers a serene and rejuvenating respite from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

It’s a must-visit destination for those seeking a peaceful connection with nature during their Phnom Kulen adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Phnom Kulen National Park?

The best time to visit Phnom Kulen National Park is during the dry season, from November to April. The weather’s pleasant, and visitors can fully enjoy the park’s stunning waterfalls, ancient temples, and serene natural beauty.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks to the Park?

While visitors can bring their own snacks and non-alcoholic beverages, the itinerary includes a packed lunch or the option to purchase traditional Cambodian fare from nearby stalls. This allows travelers to fully enjoy the local culture.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for Children on This Tour?

The tour has no age restrictions for children, though it’s not recommended for individuals over 95 years old. Younger travelers can participate in the activities and enjoy the sights of the national park.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

There’s no option to extend the tour duration. The one-day trip to Phnom Kulen National Park is fixed at 6 hours. However, travelers can customize their experience by opting for additional activities or spending more time at certain attractions during the scheduled tour.

Can I Pay for the Tour in Local Currency?

Participants can pay for the tour in the local Cambodian currency (Riel). The price is quoted in US dollars, but the operator accepts both USD and Riel for payment. This offers flexibility for travelers.

The Sum Up

Discover the captivating birthplace of the Angkor Empire on this one-day trip to Phnom Kulen National Park. Enjoy Cambodia’s rich cultural heritage as you explore the largest reclining Buddha statue, the enchanting River of 1000 Shiva Lingas, and the breathtaking Kulen Waterfall. With hassle-free transportation, entry passes, and refreshments, this experience offers an unforgettable glimpse into the heart of the Angkor civilization.

You can check availability for your dates here: