Phnom Kulen hiking trails beyond the waterfall
Most visitors to Phnom Kulen see the waterfall and the reclining Buddha. Hike further and you'll find riverbed carvings, ruined temples and quiet forest trails.
In this guide
Phnom Kulen, the sacred mountain north of Siem Reap, draws crowds to its waterfall and pagoda, especially at weekends. But the plateau is large, and a short walk from the main sights leads to forest trails, ancient carvings and ruins that few people see.
The main sights
- The waterfall: a two-level fall with a swimming area at the bottom, popular with Cambodian families.
- Preah Ang Thom: a pagoda with a large reclining Buddha carved into a sandstone boulder, an important pilgrimage site.
- The river of a thousand lingas: carvings in the riverbed near the pagoda.
Hiking beyond the crowds
With a local guide, you can explore further:
- Srah Damrei: a site with large stone animals, including an elephant, carved from the rock, deep in the forest.
- Ruined brick temples from the early Angkorian period, scattered across the plateau.
- Forest trails and streams where the air is cooler and the only sounds are birds.
Many of these sites are some distance apart, and some are reached on rough tracks by motorbike or four-wheel drive before a walk.
Why a guide matters
The plateau's trails are poorly signed, and parts of the area once carried a risk from landmines. Stick to known paths and go with a local guide who knows which areas are safe.
When to go
- Rainy season and early dry season: the waterfall is fullest.
- Dry season: easier trails and roads.
- Weekdays: much quieter than weekends and holidays.
Practical tips
- Phnom Kulen National Park has its own entrance fee, separate from the Angkor pass.
- The road up the mountain may have rules about direction of traffic at different times of day; drivers will know.
- Dress respectfully for the pagoda: shoulders and knees covered.
- Bring water, sun protection and swimwear.
Combining with other sights
Phnom Kulen can be combined with Banteay Srei and Kbal Spean in a full day from Siem Reap, though a guided hike on the plateau is best on a separate day.