The Kulen Waterfall, River of a Thousand Lingas, and Beng Mealea Small-Group Tour offers travelers a chance to uncover Cambodia’s rich history and natural wonders. From the captivating 12th-century ruins of Beng Mealea to the sacred engravings along the River of a Thousand Lingas, this tour promises an immersive experience. But the real highlight? Witnessing the stunning Kulen Waterfall and indulging in a picnic lunch amidst the serene surroundings of Phnom Kulen National Park. Whether you’re a history buff or nature enthusiast, this small-group adventure is sure to leave you with unforgettable memories of Cambodia’s enchanting landscapes and ancient treasures.
Key Points
- Comprehensive tour exploring Siem Reap’s iconic landmarks, including Beng Mealea temple, River of a Thousand Lingas, and Phnom Kulen National Park.
- Visit the ancient ruins of Beng Mealea temple and discover the intricate carvings at the River of a Thousand Lingas.
- Experience the serene Phnom Kulen waterfalls and see Cambodia’s largest reclining Buddha statue.
- Enjoy a picnic lunch and swimming at the Kulen Waterfall during the tour.
- Maximum group size of 12 travelers with moderate physical fitness required.
👉 Check out our guide to the 20 Best 2 Day Tours In Siem Reap
Contents
- Key Points
- Tour Overview
- Itinerary Highlights
- Tour Inclusions
- Traveler Information
- Booking Details
- Exploring Beng Mealea
- Discovering Phnom Kulen
- River of a Thousand Lingas
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
- Is There an Option to Extend the Duration of the Tour?
- Are There Any Age Restrictions for Participating in the Tour?
- Can We Bring Our Pets Along on the Tour?
- Is There a Place to Store Our Luggage During the Tour?
- Recap
- Our Top Picks in Siem Reap
- More Tours in Siem Reap
- More Tour Reviews in Siem Reap
- Not for you? Here's more things to do in Siem Reap we have recnetly reviewed
Tour Overview
Offering a comprehensive exploration of Siem Reap’s iconic landmarks, the Kulen Waterfall Tour combines visits to the ancient ruins of Beng Mealea temple and the River of a Thousand Lingas (Kbal Spean) with a journey to the sacred Phnom Kulen National Park.
This day trip departs at 8:30 am, with hotel pickups from 7:30 am, and features a shared air-conditioned vehicle and a knowledgeable English-speaking guide.
The tour caters to a maximum of 12 travelers, requiring a moderate level of physical fitness.
Key inclusions are entrance fees, travel insurance, and a picnic lunch with time for swimming at the Kulen Waterfall.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Siem Reap.
Itinerary Highlights
The tour’s Itinerary Highlights take visitors on a captivating journey through Siem Reap’s ancient wonders.
Travelers will explore the ancient ruins of Beng Mealea temple, a sprawling 12th century complex shrouded in jungle.
Next, they’ll discover the River of a Thousand Lingas (Kbal Spean), an intricately carved riverbed featuring centuries-old Hindu carvings.
The tour then visits the sacred Phnom Kulen waterfalls, where visitors can see the largest reclining Buddha in Cambodia and enjoy a picnic lunch and swimming.
Throughout the day, travelers will enjoy the birthplace of the Khmer Empire, taking in the stunning sandstone plateau and natural beauty of this historic region.
Tour Inclusions
This tour includes an array of services to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience.
Pickup and drop-off at your hotel are provided, along with a shared air-conditioned vehicle for transportation. A local, English-speaking guide will accompany the group, providing insights and context throughout the day.
Entrance fees to Phnom Kulen National Park and Beng Mealea temple are included, as is travel insurance. Travelers can expect a picnic lunch and time for swimming at the Kulen Waterfall.
With a maximum group size of 12, this tour offers a personalized and immersive exploration of Cambodia’s natural and historical wonders.
Traveler Information
Typically, this tour accommodates a maximum group size of 12 travelers. A moderate level of physical fitness is required, as the tour involves walking and exploring ancient ruins and natural wonders. Pregnant travelers and those requiring wheelchair accessibility are not recommended for this tour. However, infants do not require a separate seat.
| Traveler Suitability | Suitable | Not Suitable |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Fitness | Moderate | Low |
| Pregnancy | No | Yes |
| Wheelchair Accessibility | No | Yes |
| Infants | Yes | No |
| Group Size | Up to 12 | Over 12 |
The tour is not recommended for those with limited mobility or special requirements, ensuring a comfortable and accessible experience for all participants.
Booking Details
For the Kulen Waterfall Tour, prices start from $129.00 per person, with the final cost varying based on the group size.
Travelers have the flexibility to reserve now and pay later, and cancellations are free up to 24 hours before the experience starts. Confirmation is received at the time of booking, providing a hassle-free planning process.
Three key booking details to consider:
- Multiple pickup points are available for selection, ensuring convenient access to the tour.
- Group size is limited to a maximum of 12 travelers, maintaining an intimate and personalized experience.
- Travel insurance is included, providing an added layer of protection and peace of mind for the journey.
Exploring Beng Mealea
The Kulen Waterfall Tour also includes a visit to the ancient ruins of Beng Mealea temple, an impressive 12th-century temple located approximately 60 kilometers east of Siem Reap.
Travelers can explore the temple’s moss-covered stone structures and intricate carvings, which offer a glimpse into the architectural prowess of the Khmer Empire.
The temple’s remote location adds to its mystique, and visitors can wander through the overgrown ruins, imagining what the site may have looked like centuries ago.
This stop on the tour provides a perfect contrast to the serene Kulen Waterfall, allowing travelers to enjoy Cambodia’s rich history and culture.
Discovering Phnom Kulen
Why does Phnom Kulen hold such significance for visitors to Cambodia? As the sacred birthplace of the Khmer Empire, Phnom Kulen offers a unique glimpse into the country’s rich history and spiritual heritage.
Atop the sandstone plateau, visitors can explore:
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The River of a Thousand Lingas, where centuries-old carvings adorn the riverbed, a testament to the region’s ancient Hindu influences.
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The largest reclining Buddha in Cambodia, an impressive display of the country’s Buddhist legacy.
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The Phnom Kulen waterfalls, a serene natural wonder where travelers can enjoy a refreshing swim and picnic lunch.
Discovering the wonders of Phnom Kulen provides an immersive cultural experience, allowing visitors to connect with Cambodia’s past and gain a deeper appreciation for its enduring traditions.
River of a Thousand Lingas
Nestled atop the sacred Phnom Kulen plateau lies the renowned River of a Thousand Lingas, a mesmerizing natural wonder that captivates visitors to Cambodia.
Carved into the riverbed are thousands of intricate phallic symbols, known as lingas, representing the Hindu god Shiva. These ancient carvings, dating back to the 9th century, showcase the religious significance of the site and its role in the birth of the Khmer Empire.
As visitors explore the river, they’ll discover the largest reclining Buddha statue in Cambodia, adding to the site’s cultural and spiritual richness.
This sacred landscape serves as a testament to Cambodia’s rich history and the enduring influence of Hindu and Buddhist traditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
Travelers can bring their own food and drinks on the tour, as long as they’re not alcoholic beverages. The tour does not include a provided lunch, so bringing your own sustenance is allowed and recommended.
Is There an Option to Extend the Duration of the Tour?
Yes, there’s usually an option to extend the tour duration, though this may come at an additional cost. Travelers should check with the tour provider about availability and pricing for extended tours.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for Participating in the Tour?
The tour doesn’t have any age restrictions, but infants don’t require a seat. Pregnant travelers and those in wheelchairs may find the moderate physical fitness requirement challenging, so they’re not recommended for this tour.
Can We Bring Our Pets Along on the Tour?
Pets are generally not allowed on this tour. The tour operator does not permit bringing pets, as they can be disruptive and may not be suitable for the hiking and walking involved. Travelers are advised to leave their pets at home.
Is There a Place to Store Our Luggage During the Tour?
Unfortunately, there’s no dedicated luggage storage provided during the tour. Travelers will need to keep their luggage with them throughout the day trip. The tour operator suggests packing light to make it easier to manage belongings.
Kulen Waterfall, 1000 Linga River & Beng Mealea Small-Group Tour
“We had the best time with Nak (our tour guide) and Billy (driver). Nak was so knowledgeable of the history of Kulen Mountain and Buddhism. He manag…”
Recap
The Kulen Waterfall, River of a Thousand Lingas, and Beng Mealea Small-Group Tour offers a captivating journey through Cambodia’s rich heritage. Travelers will explore the enchanting Beng Mealea temple, discover the sacred River of a Thousand Lingas, and culminate their experience at the stunning Kulen Waterfall, where they can enjoy the serene beauty of Phnom Kulen National Park.
