Phnom Kulen Waterfall and Sacred Mountain Tour from Siem Reap
Private Full-Day Mountain and Waterfall Adventure
Visit Cambodia’s sacred mountain: a pilgrimage pagoda with a large reclining Buddha, carvings in a riverbed, and a waterfall to cool off in.
⭐ Licensed Local Guide · 🤝 10+ Years Experience · 🔒 Private Tour, Your Group Only · 🚐 Hotel Pickup Included · 💵 Book Now, Pay on the Day
Overview
Quick answer: The Phnom Kulen tour is a private seven-hour day trip to the sacred mountain north of Siem Reap, with its waterfall, carved riverbed and reclining Buddha. The drive takes about 1.5 hours each way. Phnom Kulen needs a separate US$20 park ticket per person. Private tours start at $110 per group.
Phnom Kulen is the sacred mountain north of Siem Reap, a place of pilgrimage for Cambodians and considered the birthplace of the Khmer Empire. It is a cooler, greener contrast to the temples of Angkor, and a good choice for a day that mixes culture with time in nature.
The day combines a pilgrimage pagoda with a large reclining Buddha, carvings in a riverbed and a waterfall where you can swim when the water is high, followed by lunch by the stream. Your guide, Tivorn, a licensed local guide, explains the mountain’s importance. Because the tour is private, you can add Kbal Spean on the way back or spend longer at the water.
⏰ Duration
About 7 hours
🕓 Departure
8:00 AM from your Siem Reap hotel
🔒 Tour Type
Private, your group only
🌐 Language
English
Full Itinerary
⏰ 8:00 AM — Hotel Pickup
Pickup in Siem Reap city in your chosen vehicle: air-conditioned car (Lexus SUV) or minivan. The drive takes about 1.5 hours.
⏰ 9:30 AM — Park Gate and Ticket Point
Arrive at Phnom Kulen and buy your park ticket (US$20 per person).
⏰ 10:00 AM — Pagoda and Reclining Buddha
Visit the pilgrimage pagoda and its large reclining Buddha. A dress code applies.
⏰ 11:00 AM — Riverbed Carvings
Walk to the carvings in the riverbed near the waterfall.
⏰ 11:45 AM — Kulen Waterfall
Time at the waterfall. Swimming is possible when the water is high.
⏰ 1:00 PM — Lunch by the Stream
Lunch beside the water.
⏰ 2:15 PM — Optional Kbal Spean with $30 additional charge
Stop at Kbal Spean on the way back if you hold an Angkor Pass.
⏰ 3:30 PM — Hotel Drop-Off
Back at your hotel in the afternoon.
Times are for the air-conditioned car. A minivan is similar. Water levels change with the season, so Tivorn will adjust the order of stops on the day.
Choose Your Vehicle
Every tour is private, and the vehicle is your choice. Tivorn’s main vehicle is an air-conditioned Lexus SUV, and a minivan is available on request. We do not offer a tuk-tuk on this tour because of the distance and the climb up the mountain.
🚙 Air-Conditioned Car (Lexus SUV)
Tivorn’s main vehicle. Best for couples, families and groups of up to 4 guests.
$110 per group
🚐 Air-Conditioned Minivan
Best for larger groups and families traveling together.
$140 per group (Up to 8 people)
Private tour from $110 per group
Your group only. The price shown is for the air-conditioned car (Lexus SUV, up to 4 guests) and minivan (up to 8 people). The Phnom Kulen park ticket (US$20 per person) is paid on the day. Book now and pay on the day, with no deposit.
Included / Not Included
✅ Included
✓ Licensed local guide
✓ Hotel pickup & drop-off in Siem Reap city
✓ Your choice of vehicle: air-conditioned car (Lexus SUV) or minivan
✓ Bottled water
❌ Not Included
✗ Phnom Kulen park ticket (US$20 per person)
✗ Lunch (paid on the day)
✗ Angkor Pass, only if you add Kbal Spean
✗ Tips (optional)
What Travelers Say
Tivorn Angkor Guide is rated 5.0 on Tripadvisor. Read what guests say about their mornings at Angkor Wat, in their own words.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Phnom Kulen has its own US$20 ticket per person. The Angkor Pass covers Kbal Spean, which many guests add on the same day.
Often yes when the water is high, so bring swimwear and a towel. Your guide will tell you if the current is unsafe.
The waterfall is fullest in and just after the rainy season, roughly June to December. In the dry months it is gentler, but the road and trails are easier. See our best time to visit guide for the seasons.
Cover your shoulders and knees at the pagoda. Bring swimwear separately, and shoes with good grip for wet steps.
Yes for older children and families on a private tour. The steps down to the water can be slippery, so tell Tivorn the ages in your group when you book.
Yes. You travel only with your own group, with your own guide and vehicle, and you set the pace together.
The Lexus SUV, an air-conditioned car, suits most couples, families and groups of up to 4. The minivan suits bigger groups. We do not offer a tuk-tuk on this tour because of the distance and the climb up the mountain. Tell Tivorn your group size and he will recommend the best fit.
Yes. Kbal Spean is covered by the Angkor Pass, so you need a pass for that stop. The two sites are close enough to visit on the same day with $30 extra charge for both AC vehicle & tour guide.
Message Tivorn on WhatsApp with your date and number of guests. You can book now and pay on the day, with no deposit, as set out in our Terms.
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Ready for a Sacred Mountain and a Waterfall?
Message Tivorn on WhatsApp to check availability for your dates. Book now and pay on the day.