A day at Kulen National Park, Siem Reap

Located about 60 km from Siem Reap is Kulen National Park, a protected area spread over 37,000 hectares in Cambodia, popular for its natural beauty and cultural significance.

A few things to remember before you visit Kulen

• Spare at least 4 to 5 hours for your visit to the park. The approach road to the national park from Siem Reap goes through scenic hilly terrain and countryside. You will see many tourists stopping en route to take pictures of the scenery around. So, don't rush it.

  
  
  
  

• Entry to the park and its attractions for Cambodian nationals is free. However, foreign nationals have to buy a ticket for USD 20.00.

  
  

• The park has two glorious waterfalls, a small one that flows into the big one over a hill. There is a wee bit rickety stairway that leads to the big waterfall, but the trek is very short and doable. The view of the waterfall you get at the end of this trek would be well worth your effort.

  
  

  

  
  

• The national park has three main attractions, which I have discussed in detail below. Just remember to keep the waterfall section towards the end of your day. After walking around the park in the sweltering heat, a dip in the cool pool of these waterfalls will feel heavenly. You will see most tourists opting to take the plunge.

  
  

• There is a changing facility close to the waterfall, nothing fancy, but extremely useful, run by locals. For a nominal amount, you can store your clothes and valuables and even hire t-shirts and swimwear.

  
  

  

There are three main attractions inside the park

1000 Lingas at the Kbal Spean River

Also known as the River of 1000 Lingas, the Kbal Spean River has 1000 intricately carved stone lingas. Lingas refer to the phallic symbol representing the Hindu God Shiva.

As per local belief, these lingas symbolise divine energy, and as the water of the river flows over them, it becomes sanctified. This water is used to irrigate the paddy fields around the park.

You could start your day at the park from here. There is a parking facility very close to the river; you will have to walk a few steps to reach the river site.

Preah Ang Thom

This is a sacred Buddhist shrine frequented by the local people and tourists alike. The shrine can be reached through a broad staircase where a huge idol of Buddha in a reclining pose will greet you.

Phnom Kulen Waterfall

There are two waterfalls, as I've mentioned earlier. Both are equally stunning, with gushing cool water that collects in inviting pools.

We had not planned on getting into the water, but after having spent half a day under the scorching sun, this was too good a prospect to miss.

This here is Kulen National Park for you, where you can spend a day amidst lush green surroundings and a waterfall as the icing on the cake!