Phnom Kulen National Park Admission — Waterfall Trails, River of a Thousand Lingas & Reclining Buddha
Skip the ticket queue and spend a focused day on Phnom Kulen’s plateau — home to the River of a Thousand Lingas, a tiered waterfall and a rock-carved Reclining Buddha. Plan your timing carefully: the access road is one-way in the morning and park gates close by midafternoon.
The Experience
Before You Go
Arrive during the one-way access window
The road up Phnom Kulen allows vehicles to ascend roughly 7:00–11:30; arrive early to guarantee access and avoid being stranded below when traffic reverses.
Bring at least 2 liters of water
Trails are exposed in places and humid year-round; a refillable bottle and electrolyte drink will keep you moving during the hikes and climbs.
Wear grippy, closed-toe shoes
Trails and riverbed rock can be slippery—sturdy shoes with good traction reduce the risk of slips around the waterfall and carved river sections.
Dress respectfully at sacred sites
Cover shoulders and knees when visiting the Reclining Buddha and any shrine areas; remove hats and speak quietly when monks are present.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •A quiet viewpoint overlooking the Tonlé Sap plain — short side trail with broad vistas.
- •Smaller forest tracks near the waterfall where birdlife and dragonflies concentrate in the morning.
Wildlife
- •Long-tailed macaque
- •Kingfisher and other small river birds
Conservation Note
The park balances cultural preservation with visitor access—stay on trails, avoid touching carved stone, and carry out litter to minimize erosion and protect archaeological features.
Phnom Kulen is considered the cradle of the Khmer Empire: Jayavarman II proclaimed independence here in 802 AD and many stone carvings and shrines date from the early Angkor period.
What to Bring
Sturdy hiking shoesEssential
Closed-toe trainers or light hiking shoes with good traction for wet rock and uneven trails.
Hydration system (2L+)Essential
Reusable bottle or bladder to stay hydrated in heat and humidity.
Light rain jacket
Compact waterproof for sudden tropical downpours during the wet season.
Modest temple-cover (scarf or sarong)Essential
Quickly cover shoulders and knees when visiting the Reclining Buddha and other sacred spots.
Common Questions
How do I get my ticket?
Tickets are delivered to your Siem Reap hotel at about 17:00 the evening before your visit and are valid the following day—bring the ticket to show at park entry.
Can I visit Angkor Wat with this ticket?
No. Phnom Kulen tickets only cover the national park; visiting Angkor Wat and Angkor Archaeological Park requires a separate Angkor pass.
Are visitors allowed to swim at the waterfall?
Yes, there are pools at lower tiers suitable for swimming, but conditions change with season; exercise caution on wet rocks and respect any posted safety notices.
Do children need tickets?
Children under 12 generally do not need a ticket but must show a passport at the checkpoint to verify age—check current local rules before traveling.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
4–8 hours
Location
Siem Reap, Siem Reap Province
Difficulty
moderate
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness: able to handle short uphill sections, uneven terrain, and sustained walking for several hours
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