Phnom Kulen: Waterfall Swim, River Carvings & Local Lunch

Summary

Swim under Kulen Waterfall, see sacred river carvings & relax with a picnic lunch

You’ll walk jungle trails at Phnom Kulen with a local guide, see ancient riverbed carvings up close, swim beneath Kulen Waterfall, and share a simple picnic lunch right by the water. There’s time for quiet moments at the Reclining Buddha too. If you want Cambodia’s history mixed with laughter and cold water on your skin—this day trip from Siem Reap is probably it.

What’s the experience like?

We’d barely left Siem Reap when the green started to swallow us up—jungle thick on both sides, air already sticky but somehow fresh. Our guide, Dara, kept pointing out little things I would’ve missed: a flash of orange monk’s robe through the trees, the way the mountain road curves like it’s hiding something. The drive up to Phnom Kulen isn’t long but it feels like you’re leaving regular life behind. There were only about ten of us in the van, swapping stories about what we’d heard about the place. Someone said locals believe this is where Cambodia began. I liked that idea.

The first stop was the River of a Thousand Lingas. I’ll be honest—I didn’t know what a linga was until Dara explained (it’s a symbol of Shiva, carved right into the stone under shallow water). The river itself looked ordinary until you crouched down and saw all these carvings just beneath the surface, mossy and ancient. Sunlight flickered on the water and for a second it felt like time paused. There was this quiet—except for birds and someone’s sandals slapping rocks—that made me want to whisper even though nobody else did.

I thought swimming at Kulen Waterfall would be just another “refreshing dip,” but standing under that cold rush with mist in my nose and kids laughing nearby—it hit different. My fried chicken lunch tasted better than it had any right to (maybe because I was starving), and Dara handed out fruit while telling us how his grandmother used to come here as a girl. It wasn’t fancy—rice in a plastic container, hands still damp from swimming—but everyone seemed happy enough to eat in silence or swap jokes about who slipped most on the rocks.

Climbing up to see the Reclining Buddha meant more steps than I expected (my legs still felt wobbly from swimming), but seeing that massive statue stretched out above everything—paint faded, incense smoke curling up—it felt worth it. A local woman touched her forehead to the stone and closed her eyes for so long I almost forgot we were supposed to move on. On the way back down, I kept thinking about how old everything was here—and how small my own worries seemed for an afternoon.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Phnom Kulen National Park

• Hotel pickup from Siem Reap
• Walk jungle trails at Rocky valley
• Visit River of a Thousand Lingas carvings
• See Giant Reclining Buddha and ruins
• Swim and relax at Kulen Waterfall
• Enjoy local picnic lunch by waterfall

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included in this Phnom Kulen tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off from Siem Reap are included.

Can I swim at Kulen Waterfall during this day trip?

Yes, there’s time set aside for swimming in the natural pools at Kulen Waterfall.

What kind of lunch is provided on this tour?

A local picnic lunch with rice and fried chicken is served by the waterfall; vegetarian options include croissant and fruit.

How many people are on this join-in tour?

The group size is capped at 14 travelers per booking.

Are entrance fees included for Phnom Kulen?

Yes, all entry passes for Kulen Mountain are included in your booking.

Is this tour suitable for children?

This shared tour isn’t suitable for infants or kids under 12 years old.

How difficult is the walking or hiking?

The trails are gentle; it’s more of a stroll than a hike and suitable for most fitness levels.

Will there be an English-speaking guide?

Yes, an English-speaking local guide leads the experience throughout.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Siem Reap, all entry tickets for Phnom Kulen sites, guidance from an English-speaking local expert throughout gentle jungle walks, plus three bottles of water per traveler. Lunch by the waterfall features rice with fried chicken (or croissant for vegetarians), seasonal fruits after swimming, cold towels when you need them most—and plenty of small moments you might not expect before heading back in an air-conditioned van.