Phnom Kulen National Park: The Sacred Mountain
Explore Phnom Kulen National Park: Discover ancient temples, stunning waterfalls, and the birthplace of the Khmer Empire in Cambodia.
Phnom Kulen National Park, located approximately 48 kilometers north of Siem Reap, is a site of immense cultural, historical, and natural significance to Cambodia. Known as the 'Mountain of Lychees,' it played a pivotal role in the Khmer Empire's foundation and is home to ancient temples, stunning waterfalls, and the sacred River of a Thousand Lingas.
A brief summary to Phnom Kulen National Park
- 8 ផ្លូវលេខ ៣១៥, រាជធានីភ្នំពេញ, KH
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Wear comfortable shoes suitable for hiking and exploring the park's natural terrain.
- Bring swimwear to enjoy the waterfalls, and remember to dress respectfully when visiting religious sites.
- Visit during the dry season (November to April) for the best weather and clearer views of the River of a Thousand Lingas.
- If driving to the top of the mountain, arrive early as the road is one-way only and closes to uphill traffic around 11:00 AM.
- Consider hiring a local guide to learn more about the park's history, culture, and hidden gems.
Getting There
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Private Vehicle
The most common way to reach Phnom Kulen National Park is by hiring a private car or van from Siem Reap. The journey takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. * **From Siem Reap:** Arrange for a private taxi or van through your hotel or a local tour operator. Expect to pay around $50-$80 for a car or van for the day. * **Entrance Ticket:** Purchase your park entrance ticket ($20 per person) at the ticket office near the mountain entrance. * **One-Way Road:** Be aware that the road to the summit is one-way for cars until 11 AM, so plan to arrive early.
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Tuk-tuk & Hiking
For a more adventurous and budget-friendly option, consider taking a tuk-tuk to the base of Phnom Kulen and hiking up the mountain. * **Tuk-tuk to Base:** Negotiate a price with a tuk-tuk driver in Siem Reap for a round trip to the base of the mountain. Expect to pay around $20-$30. * **Hike Up:** The hike to the top takes approximately 2 hours and offers stunning views of the surrounding jungle. * **Entrance Ticket:** Purchase your park entrance ticket ($20 per person) at the ticket office near the mountain entrance.
Discover more about Phnom Kulen National Park
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Eastern Mebon
32.9 km
Explore the ancient Khmer artistry of Eastern Mebon, a 10th-century temple dedicated to Shiva, featuring intricate carvings and majestic stone elephants.
Ta Nei Temple
35.3 km
Discover Ta Nei Temple: An untouched Angkor gem where jungle meets history, offering a peaceful escape from the crowds.
Srah Srang
35.4 km
Discover Srah Srang, the 'Royal Bath' in Angkor, a serene reservoir offering historical insights and stunning sunrise views.
Banteay Kdei
35.8 km
Explore the tranquil beauty of Banteay Kdei, a historical Buddhist temple in Angkor, rich in culture and stunning architecture.
Prasat Preah Khan
35.9 km
Explore Prasat Preah Khan, a sprawling 12th-century temple complex that once served as a royal city and spiritual center in the Angkor region.
Prasat Ta Keo
36.1 km
Explore Prasat Ta Keo, a monumental sandstone temple in Angkor, showcasing Khmer architecture's transition with its unique, unfinished beauty.
The Goddess Prajnaparamita
36.2 km
Discover the ancient beauty and spiritual significance of The Goddess Prajnaparamita, an archaeological gem in Siem Reap, Cambodia.
World Monuments Fund Visitor Center at Preah Khan
36.2 km
Explore Preah Khan, the 'Royal Sword' temple: a sprawling Angkor complex where jungle meets ancient Khmer architecture and history.
Ta Prohm Temple
36.2 km
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Ta Prohm Temple, where ancient ruins meet nature's embrace in an unforgettable Cambodian experience.
Thommanon
36.4 km
Discover Thommanon Temple: A perfectly preserved 12th-century Hindu gem showcasing intricate Khmer carvings near Angkor Thom's Victory Gate.
Thommanon Temple
36.4 km
Discover Thommanon Temple, a compact yet exquisite 12th-century Hindu sanctuary near Angkor Thom, showcasing remarkable Khmer carvings and architecture.
Prasat Kravan
36.5 km
Discover Prasat Kravan, a unique 10th-century brick temple in Angkor, showcasing intricate bas-reliefs of Vishnu and Lakshmi. A serene escape!
Prasat Chau Say Tevoda
36.5 km
Discover Prasat Chau Say Tevoda, a tranquil 12th-century Angkor temple with intricate carvings and serene atmosphere, dedicated to Shiva and Vishnu.
Victory Gate
36.8 km
Step through history at Angkor Thom's Victory Gate, where Khmer kings once paraded after triumphant battles. A must-see landmark in Cambodia.
Khmoch Gate (Gate of the Dead)
37.1 km
Discover Khmoch Gate, the Gate of the Dead in Angkor Thom, a serene and historically significant passage through the ancient Khmer city.
Unmissable attractions to see
Krohom Temple
7.2 km
Discover the intricate beauty and spiritual depth of Krohom Temple, a hidden gem in Khla Khmum, Cambodia, rich in history and cultural significance.
Kulen waterfall
9.3 km
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Kulen Waterfall in Cambodia, a serene escape surrounded by lush nature and rich heritage. Perfect for adventure and relaxation.
Phnom Kulen Commune
9.7 km
Discover the breathtaking Phnom Kulen Commune, home to ancient temples, stunning landscapes, and the majestic reclining Buddha in Cambodia's sacred mountain retreat.
Wat Preah Ang Thom
9.7 km
Discover the tranquility and spiritual beauty of Wat Preah Ang Thom, a renowned Buddhist temple in Popel, Cambodia, rich in culture and heritage.
Kulen park
9.9 km
Explore the lush landscapes and sacred sites of Kulen Park, a serene retreat in Cambodia perfect for nature lovers and history buffs alike.
Poeng Ta Kho (Amazing Cliff)
10.8 km
Explore the stunning natural beauty and breathtaking views of Poeng Ta Kho, a hidden gem in Cambodia's national park landscape.
Phnom Kulen
10.8 km
Explore the stunning landscapes and rich history of Phnom Kulen, Cambodia's sacred mountain peak, a must-visit destination for nature and culture enthusiasts.
Preah Ang Choub Pagoda
11.6 km
Experience the spiritual serenity and architectural beauty of Preah Ang Choub Pagoda in the heart of Cambodia's cultural landscape.
Angkor Center for Conservation of Biodiversity (ACCB)
13.6 km
Discover Cambodia's wildlife at the Angkor Centre for Conservation of Biodiversity, dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and breeding endangered species.
Kbal Spean
14.9 km
Explore Kbal Spean, a stunning archaeological site in Cambodia known for its intricate riverbed carvings and natural beauty, perfect for culture seekers and adventurers.
Elephant Pond-Srah Damrei
15.5 km
Explore the serene beauty of Elephant Pond-Srah Damrei, an archaeological gem in Cambodia, rich in history and stunning landscapes.
Banteay Srey temple
20.0 km
Banteay Srey Temple, a stunning example of Khmer architecture, features intricate carvings and serene gardens, offering a unique experience for visitors in Cambodia.
Banteay Srei
20.0 km
Discover the enchanting beauty of Banteay Srei, the 'Citadel of Women,' a UNESCO site showcasing exquisite Khmer architecture and intricate carvings.
Baray Banteay Srei
20.2 km
Discover the tranquil beauty and rich history of Baray Banteay Srei, a sacred site that showcases Cambodia's exquisite Khmer architecture.
Monastery of Banteay Srei
20.4 km
Discover the mesmerizing artistry of the Monastery of Banteay Srei, a 10th-century Khmer gem featuring intricate carvings and stunning pink sandstone.
Essential places to dine
Spean Youl Waterfall Kulen Mountain Restaurant (អាហារដ្ឋាន ស្ពានយោលទឹកជ្រោះភ្នំគូលេន)
9.4 km
Experience delectable fast food amidst breathtaking natural beauty at Spean Youl Waterfall Kulen Mountain Restaurant.
Prasat Banteay srey restaurant
20.1 km
Experience authentic Khmer cuisine at Prasat Banteay Srey Restaurant near the iconic temple of Banteay Srei.
Mey Mey Local restaurant
21.0 km
Experience the essence of Cambodia at Mey Mey Local Restaurant with authentic dishes and warm hospitality.
Ptes Borann Restaurant
34.9 km
Experience genuine Cambodian cuisine at Ptes Borann Restaurant in Srah Srang - where flavor meets tradition.
Khmer Village Restaurant
35.1 km
Experience authentic Cambodian cuisine at Khmer Village Restaurant in Siem Reap, where traditional flavors meet warm hospitality.
Khmer Family Restaurant
35.1 km
Experience authentic Cambodian flavors at Khmer Family Restaurant in Siem Reap—perfect for families and food enthusiasts.
Ktom Sre Khmer Food - អាហារដ្ឋាន ខ្ទមស្រែ ស្រះស្រង់ខាងត្បូង
35.5 km
Discover the flavors of Cambodia at Ktom Sre - an organic family-friendly restaurant offering authentic Khmer dishes.
Chita’s cafe
35.6 km
Discover authentic Cambodian flavors and local crafts at Chita’s Cafe in Village 17255 – where every dish tells a story.
Triple K Angkor Restaurant
35.8 km
Experience authentic Cambodian cuisine at Triple K Angkor Restaurant in Siem Reap - where every dish tells a story.
LUM ORNG Farm to Table Restaurant
40.6 km
Experience authentic Cambodian cuisine with fresh farm-to-table ingredients at LUM ORNG Restaurant in Siem Reap.
New Hope Restaurant
42.1 km
Discover New Hope Restaurant: Where Authentic Cambodian Cuisine Meets Community Empowerment in Siem Reap.
Buffet Phum Yerng
42.7 km
Experience the vibrant flavors of Cambodia at Buffet Phum Yerng, where family-friendly dining meets culinary delight in Krong Siem Reap.
Mahob Cuisine
42.9 km
Experience the rich flavors of Cambodia at Mahob Cuisine – where tradition meets taste in an inviting atmosphere.
Mouhot's Dream
43.0 km
Discover the essence of French cuisine at Mouhot's Dream in Siem Reap – where elegance meets flavor in every delightful dish.
Changkran Khmer Restaurant
43.1 km
Experience authentic Cambodian cuisine at Changkran Khmer Restaurant - where tradition meets fine dining in an inviting atmosphere.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Angkor Pavis Souvenir & Mart 2
40.6 km
Discover unique Cambodian gifts and souvenirs at Angkor Pavis Souvenir & Mart 2, a treasure trove in Siem Reap showcasing local craftsmanship.
Jayav Art
42.2 km
Uncover the essence of Cambodia at Jayav Art, your go-to souvenir store for unique handmade crafts and cultural treasures in Siem Reap.
The Cocoon House Art Gallery, Concept Store, Skateshop and Vintage - by Cocoon Limited
42.7 km
Experience the creative fusion of art, fashion, and skate culture at The Cocoon House, a unique destination in Krong Siem Reap.
Sam Orn silver handicraft souvenir shop
43.1 km
Explore the craftsmanship of Cambodia at Sam Orn Silver Handicraft Souvenir Shop, where exquisite silver treasures await every traveler.
Angkor Wat Boutique
43.2 km
Explore Angkor Wat Boutique for authentic Cambodian souvenirs and crafts, capturing the essence of Cambodia's rich culture and artistry.
Chum Theany Angkor Souvenir Shop
43.3 km
Discover authentic Cambodian handicrafts and unique souvenirs at Chum Theany Angkor Souvenir Shop in Siem Reap, a treasure for every traveler.
Khmer Empire
43.4 km
Explore exquisite jewelry inspired by the rich cultural heritage of the Khmer Empire in Siem Reap, Cambodia.
Cambodian cottage industries
43.5 km
Explore the rich craftsmanship of Cambodia at Cambodian Cottage Industries, your destination for unique gifts and authentic handicrafts.
Cartier Siem Reap
43.6 km
Experience luxury shopping at Cartier Siem Reap, home to exquisite jewelry, fashion accessories, and fine perfumes in the heart of Cambodia.
ហាងលក់ភេសជ្ជៈសៀមរាបអង្គរ
43.8 km
Enjoy refreshing drinks and local flavors at Siem Reap's charming beverage shop, your cozy retreat after exploring Angkor Wat.
Coconut Street store
43.9 km
Explore the vibrant Coconut Street Store in Siem Reap for unique handicrafts and local delicacies that celebrate Cambodian culture.
No Planet B Cambodia
44.1 km
Explore No Planet B Cambodia for unique gifts and handcrafted treasures that celebrate Cambodian culture, nestled in Babel Guesthouse.
Flower Shop
44.1 km
Explore the serene Flower Shop in Krong Siem Reap for stunning blooms and unique Buddhist supplies, blending beauty and culture in one delightful stop.
SATU Concept Store
44.2 km
Explore the vibrant SATU Concept Store in Krong Siem Reap for unique gifts and authentic Cambodian crafts that tell a story.
The Heritage Walk
44.2 km
Discover a vibrant shopping experience at The Heritage Walk in Siem Reap, offering diverse shops, delicious dining, and cultural events.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Elephant Bar
43.9 km
Indulge in handcrafted cocktails and a vibrant atmosphere at Elephant Bar, the ultimate cocktail destination in Siem Reap.
Akas Rooftop Sky Bar by The Twizt
44.6 km
Experience breathtaking views, exquisite cocktails, and a vibrant atmosphere at Akas Rooftop Sky Bar in Krong Siem Reap.
Creative Cocktails
44.8 km
Discover the vibrant cocktail culture of Krong Siem Reap at Creative Cocktails, where every sip is a unique blend of local flavors and mixology mastery.
UBUNTU Sports Bar & Grill
44.8 km
Experience the vibrant atmosphere of UBUNTU Sports Bar & Grill in Siem Reap, where delicious food, refreshing drinks, and local culture come together.
Barcode Bar Siem Reap
44.8 km
Unwind with a cocktail at Barcode Bar Siem Reap, where vibrant nightlife meets exceptional service in a lively atmosphere.
SO 26
44.8 km
Experience the vibrant flavors of Asian fusion cuisine and lively nightlife at SO 26, the must-visit bar and restaurant in Krong Siem Reap.
Miss Wong Cocktail Bar
44.8 km
Unwind at Miss Wong Cocktail Bar, where creative cocktails and authentic dim sum meet in a stylish, vibrant atmosphere in Krong Siem Reap.
Laundry
44.8 km
Discover Siem Reap's lively music scene at Laundry, where great vibes, affordable drinks, and fantastic live performances come together.
The Best Friend Bar & Cafe
44.9 km
Discover the charm of The Best Friend Bar & Cafe in Krong Siem Reap, where cozy ambiance meets delightful drinks and friendly service.
Siem Reap Cocktails and Cafe
44.9 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Siem Reap at Siem Reap Cocktails and Cafe, where delicious drinks and a lively atmosphere await.
The Town Bar
44.9 km
Experience vibrant nightlife and refreshing drinks at The Town Bar in Siem Reap, a must-visit for tourists seeking relaxation and fun.
JD's Siem reap
45.0 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at JD's Siem Reap, the ultimate bar for cocktails and local culture in the heart of Cambodia.
Cozy Bar
45.0 km
Discover the vibrant energy of Cozy Bar in Siem Reap, where affordable drinks and a friendly atmosphere await every traveler.
Long's Bar
45.0 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere and unique cocktails at Long's Bar, a must-visit destination in Siem Reap for travelers and locals alike.
Silk Garden Bar and Restaurant
45.0 km
Indulge in scrumptious grilled dishes in a cozy setting at Silk Garden Bar and Restaurant, a true gem in Krong Siem Reap.
