Phnom Kulen Trekking

In Brief

An incredible adventure! Trekking through the jungle, discovering ancient temples, the River of a Thousand Lingas, and hidden waterfalls was unforgettable. Challenging yet rewarding, with amazing scenery and fascinating history. Perfect for active travelers seeking a real Cambodian adventure. This 12km physical trek visits Wat Preah Ang Choub, the holy River of a Thousand Lingas, and concludes with the Reclining Buddha and a refreshing waterfall.

Reserve Your Spot

Starting from 84$ / 8 hours
Phnom Kulen Trekking Srah Damrei Elephant Pond

Detailed Itinerary

Your guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel in Siem Reap and transfer to the Phnom Kulen trekking starting point. After a brief 10–15 minute warm-up, the trek begins.

Phnom Kulen, also called the “Mountain of Lychees,” is a sacred and historic site about 50 km from Siem Reap. It is considered the birthplace of the Khmer Empire, where King Jayavarman II declared Cambodia’s independence in the 9th century. The mountain is covered in dense jungle, rivers, waterfalls, and ancient carvings, making it perfect for an adventurous trek.

Trek uphill through the forest, stopping at Wat Preah Ang Choub, a sacred temple where locals meditate and collect holy water from monks. Continue ascending through varied terrain, passing many types of trees and vines, some of which are used as natural medicine by local communities.

After about 4 km of trekking, arrive at the River of a Thousand Lingas, a holy river with ancient lingas carved into the riverbed. Push further into the jungle to reach a campsite, where you can enjoy a picnic lunch and a refreshing swim in the river.

The trek continues deeper into the forest, exploring natural caves used by hermits for meditation. At the end of the adventure, visit the Reclining Buddha and cool off in the waterfall before returning to your hotel in Siem Reap.

This trek is physically rewarding, offering a combination of nature, history, and cultural discovery for active travelers seeking adventure.

  • English-speaking guide
  • Private vehicle
  • Snacks & drinks
  • Lunch
  • Entrance fee
  • A physical trekking (12km)
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal expenses
  • Tipping

PAYMENT AND DEPOSIT: A 20% deposit is required to confirm the booking. The remaining balance must be settled 45 days before the departure date.

CANCELLATION: As a rule, unless otherwise stated, our policy is that all cancellations must be informed in writing or by email. Cancellations will be subject to the following charges:
More than 45 days before trip departure. No charge
30-45 days before arrival: 30% charge
15-29 days before arrival: 50% charge
8-14 days before arrival: 80% charge
Within 7 days before arrival: 100% charge

HOTEL POLICY:
Check-in time: 14:00
Check-out time: 12:00

LIABILITY AND PERSONAL HEALTH INSURANCE: Cambodia Adventure Tours does not provide personal liability insurance for guests during the trip. We strongly recommend that each guest has appropriate personal travel and health insurance for traveling in Cambodia, including coverage for activities such as cycling, trekking, kayaking, and all tour activities. Please note that in Cambodia, emergency services and modern medical facilities may be limited in some areas. A support vehicle will be provided in case of emergencies.

VISA TO CAMBODIA: Most nationalities are eligible for a one-month visa on arrival at Phnom Penh International Airport, Siem Reap International Airport, and at all land borders with neighboring countries. The cost is USD 30 for a tourist visa and USD 35 for a business visa. Payment must be made in cash (US dollars). Please note that there may be long queues at the airport for visa on arrival; however, they generally move fairly quickly, and the process usually takes around 30–45 minutes.

CLOTHING: As Cambodia’s weather is consistently warm throughout the country, we recommend bringing comfortable, lightweight, loose-fitting cotton clothing. Long-sleeved items are also advisable to protect against mosquitoes and the sun. During the rainy season, open-toe sandals are recommended. A hat and high-SPF sunblock are essential for protection from the strong sun while sightseeing.
T-shirts and knee-length shorts are generally acceptable when visiting temples or pagodas, including Angkor Wat. Shoes are usually removed at the entrance to pagodas. However, for visits to the Silver Pagoda within the Royal Palace grounds, visitors are advised to wear long trousers or long skirts.

At the Angkor Wat complex, you will be on your feet and walking extensively, sometimes over rough or slippery surfaces, so please choose your footwear carefully. Shoes with good traction are highly recommended.

TIPPING: Tipping is not compulsory but is appreciated in the tourism industry. If you are happy with the service, we suggest the following guidelines:
Groups under 4 people: USD 5–10 per day per traveler for guides, USD 5–7 for drivers
Groups of 5 or more: USD 3–7 per day per traveler for guides, USD 2–5 for drivers

Pricing

Group size1 person2 people3-5 people6-9 peopleSingle supplement
Tour costUSD 228USD 134USD 107USD 84N/A
Child policy:
Children aged 2 – 5 years received 50% off
Children aged 6 – 11 years received 25% off
*Price per person

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