Siem Reap: Phnom Kulen dirt bike tour with guide & lunch

Summary

Dirt biking through Cambodia’s sacred mountain trails & hidden carvings

You’ll ride dirt bikes from Siem Reap through villages and jungle trails to Phnom Kulen National Park with a local guide. Taste fresh palm sugar at a village stop, explore ancient riverbed carvings and giant stone elephants, then cool off swimming under Kulen Waterfall before heading back — an adventure you’ll remember long after your boots are clean.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the first thing I’d notice would be the smell — that thick, sweet air as we rolled out of Siem Reap on our dirt bikes. The helmets felt a bit awkward at first (I probably looked ridiculous), but once we hit those narrow roads past rice paddies and little roadside stalls, I just forgot about it. Our guide, Dara, waved at every kid who shouted “hello!” and pointed out the palm sugar village where women were boiling syrup in battered pots. He let us taste a chunk — sticky and smoky-sweet — and laughed when I tried to say thank you in Khmer. Didn’t quite nail it.

The ride up to Phnom Kulen was bumpier than I thought it’d be. Sometimes my hands tingled from gripping too tight, but honestly, the countryside just kept pulling my eyes away from the road. We passed monks in saffron robes walking single file along the edge of a field, and once there was this sudden burst of birds from a tree — startled me so much I almost stalled out. When we finally reached the plateau, Dara led us into the jungle trails where sunlight cut through vines in these weird, perfect stripes. The River of 1000 Lingas was quieter than I imagined; water running over ancient carvings you could barely see unless you crouched down close.

Lunch was at some open-air spot near the waterfall — nothing fancy, just grilled chicken and rice with that sharp chili sauce Cambodians love (my lips still tingled after). Most of us jumped into the water after eating; it was cold enough to make me gasp but felt like washing off half a day’s dust and sweat. On the way back we stopped by Srah Damrei to see those stone elephants standing half-hidden in green shadows. There’s something about seeing them up close that makes all those textbook photos feel kind of flat.

I keep thinking about that ride home — sun dropping low behind palm trees, my arms tired but weirdly happy. If you’re looking for a day trip from Siem Reap that’s more than just ticking off Angkor temples, this dirt bike tour to Phnom Kulen is…well, it’s not what I expected in all the best ways.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Kulen Mountain Dirt Bike Adventure

• Pick up bike and gear at Dirtbike Expedition
• Ride to Kulen Mountain via countryside views
• Explore Phnom Kulen National Park and River of 1000 Lingas
• Drive past jungle villages and see stone elephants at Srah Damrei
• Lunch and swim at Kulen Waterfall, return to Siem Reap

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Phnom Kulen dirt bike tour?

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

Do I need previous dirt biking experience for this day trip?

You should have at least moderate physical fitness; prior riding helps but isn’t strictly required.

What is included in the price of the tour?

The tour includes an English-speaking guide, bottled water and snacks, lunch at a local restaurant, entry ticket to Phnom Kulen ($20), full gear (helmet, gloves), and your dirt bike rental.

Can pregnant travelers join this tour?

No, it’s not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiovascular issues.

Will we visit any temples or historical sites?

Yes, you’ll visit ancient sites like Preah Ang Thom temple and see riverbed carvings known as the River of 1000 Lingas.

Is swimming possible during this private Phnom Kulen tour?

Yes, there’s time to swim at Kulen Waterfall after lunch before returning to Siem Reap.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Siem Reap, bottled water and snacks along the way, all necessary riding gear like helmet and gloves, entry tickets for Phnom Kulen National Park, an English-speaking local guide throughout the journey, your Honda XR 250R dirt bike (with upgrade options), plus a local lunch before heading back in the afternoon.