Phnom Kulen: Waterfall, 1000 Lingas River & Reclining Buddha Tour

Summary

Phnom Kulen’s sacred river carvings, waterfalls and mountain temples

You’ll ride north from Siem Reap into Phnom Kulen’s green hills with hotel pickup included, climb up to the Reclining Buddha temple, walk along the sacred 1000 Lingas River with its ancient carvings, and cool off by swimming or wading at Phnom Kulen waterfall—a day full of small surprises and quiet moments you’ll remember long after.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the air to change so quickly after we left Siem Reap. Somewhere past the last village, it got heavier—almost sweet—with that green smell you get before rain. Our guide, Dara, cracked a joke about “mountain air making everyone hungry” just as we passed a roadside stand selling grilled bananas. I probably should’ve tried one but was too busy watching the forest slip by. The drive to Phnom Kulen takes about two hours, but honestly, it felt shorter with Dara pointing out things—like how locals still make offerings along the road during certain festivals. I’d never heard of the 1000 Lingas River before this day trip from Siem Reap to Kulen Mountain, but now I can’t forget it.

Climbing up to the Reclining Buddha temple was… well, my legs noticed it more than my head did at first. The steps are worn smooth and there’s always someone ahead or behind you—sometimes a monk in orange robes, sometimes a family with kids running up like it’s nothing. At the top, incense smoke curls around your face and there’s this hush that settles over everyone. Dara explained how both Hindus and Buddhists come here to pray. I tried to say “thank you” in Khmer when an old woman handed me a lotus flower; she smiled but I probably got it wrong.

The river itself is quieter than I expected—clear water sliding over these ancient carvings in the stone. Dara pointed out the lingas underfoot (I’ll admit I had to Google what that meant later), and some of us just stood there for a while listening to water on rock. It’s strange how something so old can feel so alive. By midday we reached Phnom Kulen Waterfall—the sound hits you before you see it, kind of like distant applause. Some people swam; I just sat on a rock with my feet in the water and watched sunlight flicker through the spray. Still think about that coolness on my skin after all that heat.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Phnom Kulen sacred sites

• Hotel pick up between 7:30-8:30 am
• Drive 2 hours to Kulen Mountain
• Visit Reclining Buddha temple
• Walk to River of 1000 Lingas
• See rock carvings of Hindu deities
• Visit Phnom Kulen Waterfalls
• Swim and relax at waterfall pool

Top questions

How far is Phnom Kulen from Siem Reap?

It’s about 50 km north of Siem Reap city; travel time is roughly two hours by car or van.

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off in Siem Reap are included in your booking.

Can you swim at Phnom Kulen waterfall?

Yes, there’s time to swim or wade in the pool at Phnom Kulen waterfall during the tour.

What is special about the 1000 Lingas River?

The riverbed has hundreds of ancient carvings called lingas—symbols important in Hinduism—and other rock carvings depicting deities.

Do I need to be very fit for this tour?

You should have at least moderate physical fitness; there are steps up to the Reclining Buddha temple and walking involved.

Is lunch provided on this day trip?

No lunch is mentioned as included; bottled water is provided but plan for your own meals or snacks.

Is this tour suitable for children?

Children can join but must be accompanied by an adult; infants are free but do not get their own seat.

What language does the guide speak?

The guide speaks English throughout the tour.

What’s included

Your day includes small-group transport in an air-conditioned vehicle with bottled water provided throughout, hotel pickup and drop-off from anywhere in Siem Reap city, plus guidance from an experienced English-speaking local who knows every story behind each stop—from sacred rivers to mountain-top temples—all without worrying about logistics so you can just take it all in.