Plan your visit
Plan your visit
Prepare for your trip to Phnom Kulen National Park with details on transport, clothing rules, and seasonal water levels.
Getting there
Getting to the mountain
| How | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tour: Book a guided full-day tour from Siem Reap | 1.5 - 2 hours each way | $35 - $60 USD | Highly recommended as it often includes the $20 entrance fee, an English-speaking guide, transport, and visits to nearby temples. |
| Car: Hire a private taxi or minivan from Siem Reap | 1.5 - 2 hours each way | $50 - $80 USD for the vehicle | Essential to depart early (around 8:00 AM) due to the strict one-way road up the mountain that closes to uphill traffic at 11:00 AM. |
When to go
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QuietModerateBusyPeak
The park is open daily from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best time to visit is between October and January, just after the rainy season. During these months, the water flow is strong and the pools are clear for swimming.
Visiting during the peak rainy season means stronger, potentially dangerous currents at the lower falls. Note the strict traffic rule: you must travel up the mountain road before 11:00 AM. After 11:00 AM, the road is only open for downhill traffic.
What to bring
Your ticks are saved in this browser only.
Remember the dress code.
Cover your shoulders and knees when visiting Wat Preah Ang Thom.
How the day runs
Suggested itineraries
The standard route hitting all major sites on the mountain.
- Depart Siem Reap
Leave early to beat the 11:00 AM uphill road closure.
- River of a Thousand Lingas
View the ancient Hindu carvings in the riverbed.
- Wat Preah Ang Thom
Visit the 16th-century reclining Buddha (dress modestly).
- Lunch & Waterfall
Eat at the Picnic Area and swim in the Lower Cascade.
- Return journey
Head back down the mountain to Siem Reap.
Maximize your day by combining Kulen with another major attraction.
- Depart Siem Reap
Start slightly earlier for a full day of sightseeing.
- Phnom Kulen Sites
Visit the reclining Buddha and the River of a Thousand Lingas.
- Kulen Waterfall
Cool off with a swim at the falls.
- Banteay Srei or Beng Mealea
Stop at an ancient temple on the drive back.
- Arrive in Siem Reap
Return to your hotel.
What to bring
Pack swimwear and a travel towel if you plan to swim in the Swim in Kulen pools. Lockers and changing rooms are available near the lower falls. You also need modest clothing (shoulders and knees covered) for entering the temples, so a sarong or a dry change of clothes is essential.
Wear sturdy, closed-toe walking shoes for the uneven paths, and consider water shoes for the slippery rocks around the waterfall. Bring mosquito repellent, sunscreen, and cash (USD or Riel) for food stalls, locker rentals, and tips.
Easiest way to do it
Kulen Waterfall Join-in Tour (local Picnic lunch)
8 h to 9 h 4.9 (2,703)
- Professional English-speaking guide
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Set menu lunch( one meal set per person)
From$28per person
Cancellation terms differ by platform and listing. Check them before you pay.
Planning questions
How long does the drive take?
The drive from Siem Reap to Phnom Kulen National Park takes 1.5 to 2 hours each way, depending on traffic and road conditions.
Are there places to eat?
Yes, there is a Picnic Area near the waterfalls with local food stalls selling items like grilled chicken and fresh coconuts. You can rent a wooden platform to eat on.
Is it safe for children?
Yes, but families with young children should stick to the Upper Cascade, which is calmer and shallower. The Lower Cascade has stronger currents and slippery stairs.