Phnom Kulen National Park

Thousand-year-old carvings, thundering waterfalls and an iconic reclining Buddha make Phnom Kulen National Park one of the most-visited escapes in all of Cambodia. Travelers pile into four-door sedans that navigate the narrow, scenic road from Siem Reap to the popular park for an up close look at impressive statues and a massive Buddha. But it’s views from the park’s two waterfalls that really draw visitors.
Decrepit “stairs” at the bottom of the climb point to the direction of the trail. Visitors in the know recommend wearing good walking shoes to negotiate the rocks, planks and slippery slopes that lead to spectacular views. Swimming in the pools proves the perfect reward for a difficult climb and gives travelers a place to relax and unwind before heading back to the city center.

Practical Info

The park is located about 60 kilometers from Siem Reap in the Phnom Kulen Mountain, about 45 minutes north of Pub Street off of Route 67. There is a $20 road toll per person. Because the access road is narrow, traffic is allowed up only between dawn and noon and down between 1 p.m. and sunset.