Kullen Waterfall Park with Small Group included entrance fee

Exploring Phnom Kulen National Park: A Well-Rounded Day Out in Siem Reap

If you’re visiting Siem Reap and craving a break from the temples, the Kullen Waterfall Park with Small Group tour offers an enriching day immersed in nature and history. This full-day adventure combines stunning waterfalls, ancient Khmer landmarks, and insights into local life—all with the convenience of a small group and included entrance fees.

What we love most about this tour is how it balances the awe-inspiring sights with authentic local experiences. Plus, the fact that it’s capped at just 13 travelers ensures a more personal, engaging vibe. The only downside? The pace can feel a bit tight if you love endless exploration—so, if you’re a slow mover or prefer a leisurely style, consider that.

This tour is perfect for history buffs, nature lovers, or anyone who appreciates discovering off-the-beaten-path sights with a knowledgeable guide. It suits travelers looking for a meaningful and well-organized day outside the bustling tourist spots.

Key Points

Authentic Experience: Small-group size means more personalized attention and fewer crowds.
Rich Cultural Insights: Learn about Khmer history, local crafts, and religious significance from guides like Chout or Makara.
Stunning Views and Nature: From waterfalls to panoramic viewpoints, visuals you’ll carry home.
Inclusion of Entrance Fees: Great value with all park fees covered—no surprise costs.
Cultural and Historical Stops: See the One Thousand Lingas, reclining Buddha, and Landmine Museum for a well-rounded cultural experience.
Timing and Flexibility: Tour lasts about 8 hours, with plenty of opportunities to swim, walk, and explore at your own pace.

In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Point and Transportation

Your day begins early at 366a Angkor Night Market Street in Siem Reap, with pickup included in the $45 fee. The group is kept small—just up to 13 travelers—which keeps things intimate and allows for more tailored interactions. The transportation is in an air-conditioned minivan, a blessing on hot Cambrian days, ensuring comfort between stops.

Visiting Phnom Kulen National Park

Our first stop is the Phnom Kulen mountain range, known for its moderate height and lush surroundings. The landscape is characterized by flat plateaus dotted with ancient temples and carved stones. As you ascend, you’ll see the quarry, where stones were historically cut for temple construction—something that adds a tangible sense of history to your visit.

The highlight here is the reclining Buddha statues and viewing points offering sweeping vistas of the jungle and river valleys. The tour includes a walk to a viewpoint that promises impressive photo ops and a sense of the park’s scale.

The One Thousand Lingas

Next, you’ll stroll along the riverbed to see the One Thousand Lingas, carved into the bedrock around 800 AD. This quiet, almost meditative walk reveals carvings of symbolic phallic shapes, believed to represent the river’s fertility and Hindu spiritual beliefs. Travelers say this is a peaceful spot, with some noting that the carvings are more visible when water levels are higher—so visiting between January and March might make these carvings even more striking, as one reviewer mentioned.

Preah Ang Thom Pagoda & Reclining Buddha

From there, the tour takes you to Preah Ang Thom, home to the largest reclining Buddha in Cambodia. Perched on a hill, the pagoda offers not only spiritual insight but also a chance to appreciate the lush surroundings. Visitors often comment on the peaceful atmosphere, and some even enjoy a blessing from a local nun, adding a personal touch to the experience.

Kulen Waterfall and a Refreshing Dip

The Kulen Waterfall is undoubtedly the star of the day. Surrounded by greenery, the falls cascade down from around 487 meters elevation, creating a perfect spot for a refreshing swim—a favorite among visitors. Some say the water is considered holy from Shiva, adding a spiritual dimension to the experience. The tour allocates about 90 minutes here, enough time to relax, take photos, or cool off after a day of walking.

Reviewers consistently mention how much they enjoyed the waterfall—some noting that visiting during the dry season (Jan-Mar) offers stronger waterfalls and more visible lingas, making it a more spectacular sight.

The Landmine Museum and Local Crafts

In the afternoon, the group visits the Cambodian Landmine Museum, located about 25 km north of Siem Reap. This museum is more than just a collection of landmine relics; it’s a powerful reminder of Cambodia’s recent history, established by the former child soldier Aki Ra. The museum offers insight into ongoing demining efforts and the resilience of the local people.

Before heading to the museum, travelers get a chance to observe and participate in a sugar palm making demonstration—a rare opportunity to see traditional Cambodian craftsmanship firsthand. Reviewers highlight how Makara, the guide, was particularly helpful explaining local crafts and taking photos, adding a personal and informative touch to the experience.

Optional Stops and Flexibility

While the Landmine Museum’s entrance fee ($3) is not included, the museum visit is optional. One traveler expressed some discomfort about this, feeling that the museum was a somewhat disconnected stop, but others appreciated the educational value. The tour’s flexibility allows you to enjoy the other highlights at your own pace.

Practical Details and What to Expect

Duration and Schedule

The tour runs for about 8 hours, starting at 8:30 am and returning to your meeting point in Siem Reap later in the afternoon. The timing is well-balanced, giving enough time at each stop without feeling rushed. The itinerary includes approximately 1 hour at the quarry, 2 hours at the Lingas, 2 hours at the pagoda, 2 hours at the waterfall, and 45 minutes at the museum.

Group Size and Guides

With a cap of 13 travelers, the small group setup encourages more meaningful interactions and personalized attention. Reviewers mention guides like Chout and Makara as being especially knowledgeable and friendly, often going beyond expectations to explain sights and assist with photos. They also shared interesting facts, such as how the water from the falls is connected to Shiva, emphasizing the spiritual significance.

Cost and Value

At $45 per person, this tour offers solid value considering the inclusion of all park entrance fees, transportation, water, and towels. The addition of a knowledgeable guide, small group size, and diverse stops makes it a worthwhile investment for those wanting a rich, well-rounded day outside Angkor Wat.

Some review comments note the tour’s organization and how the driver kept everything running smoothly, with air conditioning making a big difference on the hot days.

What’s Not Included

Food isn’t included, so bringing snacks or planning for lunch is advisable—some travelers opt for roadside stalls or packed meals. The landmine museum’s entrance fee ($3) is extra, but this is a minor cost for the perspective it provides.

Authentic Experiences You’ll Treasure

Travelers consistently mention the friendly guides—not just providing facts but sharing personal stories and local insights. Makara, in particular, gets praise for his helpfulness, enthusiasm, and for taking photos that travelers cherish.

The scenic views at viewpoints and the tranquility of the Lingas make for memorable moments. The waterfall swim is a highlight, especially appreciated during dry season when the water flow is stronger and more impressive.

The local craft demonstration offers an authentic look at Cambodian traditions, giving you a glimpse into daily rural life. The peaceful atmosphere, coupled with the educational and spiritual significance of sites like Preah Ang Thom, ensures this tour is as enriching as it is fun.

Who This Tour Is Best For

This experience suits travelers seeking a balance of adventure, culture, and history. If you enjoy small group tours, you’ll appreciate the more personal atmosphere. It’s also ideal if you want to escape the crowds at Angkor Wat and explore lesser-known but equally fascinating sites.

It’s perfect for those interested in learning about local traditions and history—not just sightseeing but gaining insight into Cambodia’s cultural fabric. The opportunity to swim at the waterfall makes it appealing for active travelers who love outdoor adventures.

However, it might not be perfect for those seeking a slow-paced, relaxed day or for travelers who prefer to explore at their own pace without a set itinerary.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour provides an air-conditioned minivan pickup and drop-off at the specified meeting point.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 8 hours, starting at 8:30 am and returning in the late afternoon.

Are the entrance fees included?
All park entrance fees are included, except for the optional entrance fee to the Landmine Museum ($3).

Can I swim at Kulen Waterfalls?
Yes, you’ll have up to 90 minutes at the waterfall to enjoy swimming and relaxing in the water considered holy from Shiva.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, but the itinerary involves some walking and outdoor activity, so consider your children’s stamina.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable footwear, sun protection, a hat, water, and perhaps a towel if you want to swim.

Can I book this tour last-minute?
Most travelers book about 29 days in advance, but it might be available closer to your travel dates depending on availability.

Is the tour family-friendly?
Yes, it’s suitable for families, especially those interested in cultural and outdoor experiences.

Final Thoughts

The Kullen Waterfall Park with Small Group tour offers a delightful mix of natural beauty and cultural insights, all wrapped up in a well-organized, intimate experience. You’ll love the knowledgeable guides like Makara or Chout, the chance to hike through lush landscapes, and the refreshing swim at Kulen Waterfalls. It’s a fantastic way to expand your understanding of Cambodia beyond the temples and enjoy a day in the countryside.

For those who want a meaningful, engaging, and value-packed day, this tour hits the mark. It’s especially ideal if you’re interested in history, spirituality, and local culture, and appreciate being part of a smaller group to get the most out of your experience.

In summary, if you’re after a balanced mix of nature, history, and local life, and prefer a tour that’s efficient yet personal, this is definitely worth considering. You’ll leave with memories of stunning waterfalls, ancient carvings, and genuine Cambodian hospitality—all for a fair price.