Koh Ker, Kulen Waterfall and Beng Mealea from Siem Reap
Description
Explore Kulen Waterfall, the majestic ancient city of Koh Ker, and the overgrown ruins of Beng Mealea. Enjoy nature’s beauty and experience the mystery of these incredible Cambodian sites.
Tour Options
Itinerary
We will pick you up from your hotel in Siem Reap between 6:30 AM and 7:00 AM in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. The journey to the mountain takes approximately 2 hours, offering scenic views of the Cambodian countryside along the way. You will spend the day exploring Phnom Kulen’s historical and natural attractions, including the cliff, the Reclining Buddha, the River of a Thousand Lingas, and the waterfall, as well as Koh Ker Group temples and Beng Mealea Temple. After a full day of exploration, we will drop you off at your hotel in the evening, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience from start to finish.
We have visited Peng Chruonh, also known as Peung Takhu, a hidden natural viewpoint located on the ridge of Kulen Mountain. Before reaching the base of the mountain, we have seen a small signpost on the left side of the road, just 50 meters from the turnoff. This quiet spot has given us beautiful views and a peaceful atmosphere.
We visited the two main waterfalls in Kulen National Park: • The first waterfall is about 4–5 meters high and around 25 meters wide during the rainy season. • The second waterfall is taller, measuring about 15–20 meters in height and around 15 meters in width.
We have walked along the River of 1000 Lingas, where ancient carvings of lingas, yonis, and a large image of Vishnu have appeared across the riverbed and rock surfaces. This sacred site has shown us the spiritual importance of water and fertility in Khmer history.
Preah Ang Thom is an 8 meters (26 ft) tall statue of the reclining Buddh reaching nirvana. The statue is carved into a huge natural sandstone boulder to which a modern staircase has been added along with a shelter over the Buddha. It is a very sacred and special site for all Cambodians..
Midday: Koh Ker – The Forgotten Capital • Travel to Koh Ker, a 10th-century Khmer capital. Begin your exploration at Prasat Thom, a towering seven-tiered pyramid temple. Climb to the top for breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. • Continue your journey to lesser-known temples like Prasat Pram, famous for its picturesque towers entwined with tree roots, and Prasat Neang Khmau, showcasing unique black sandstone structures. • Enjoy a traditional Khmer lunch at a local restaurant near Koh Ker, savoring authentic Cambodian flavors.
Afternoon: Beng Mealea – The Jungle Temple • Head to Beng Mealea, a sprawling temple complex built in the early 12th century. This mysterious site, largely unrestored, is engulfed by thick vegetation, creating a mystical atmosphere. • Walk along wooden pathways and climb through fallen stones to explore its intricately carved galleries and hidden sanctuaries. This site offers a rare glimpse into how nature reclaims human creations. • Capture unforgettable photos of towering trees and crumbled ruins intertwined in perfect harmony.
Evening: Return to Your Hotel • Depart for your hotel, reflecting on a day filled with history, nature, and cultural discovery.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
- Tour guide and driver will pick-up you at the hotel lobby. - Pick-Up time 6:30am to 7:00am depending on your hotel location. - We will contact you to inform the exact pick-up time the day before tour starts. - We encourage you to use the same tour booking name and hotel rooming list.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- Dress Code: Respectful dress with cover your shoulders and knees is required (only real dress scarf not allow).
- Flying drone at temple do not allow. (only ask permission from APSARA)
- Normally our guide will stop at a local restaurant in the national park for lunch during lunch time and it can be more expensive than restaurants in town, but it is only best choice on this tour.
- Temples entrance fee also accept visa cards and available to purchase on the day of the tour just before sunrise
Reviews(15)
It was a very entertaining and interesting excursion. We learned a lot, and our guide was super nice, friendly, and patient. An absolutely perfect and successful day.
The tour was great! Super tour guide, who had a lot to share, was very patient, and even took photos for us. The tour was diverse and exciting!
In the Mount Kulen area, we enjoyed nature and Cambodian culture with cliffs, waterfalls, 1000 linga and the Nirvana Buddha. Ko Kea area is far from Siem Reap city so it's quiet, but it turns out there used to be a city here. Although Bemmeria has not been restored, it is a beautiful site that makes you feel the passage of time. The tour was conducted in English, but the guide, Mr. Tan, explained it clearly, and the car was comfortable, with water and a tumble. This tour is recommended for exploring this area.
Tann is one of the best guides we have ever had. Knowledgeable, friendly, good sense of humour and ready to take photos for your memories. Just a delightful day.
I believe this is a tour that is new to Viator and it certainly is an amazing experience. The drive up to the mountains takes you through some pretty countryside. Waterfall was lovely and being close to the villages gives you a real insight into how these beautiful people live. The temples were the best part though. Such a variety of temples which so much old and mysterious history surrounding them. Tan, our tour guide was such a wealth of knowledge who guided us through the day effortlessly. He was very responsive to the needs of the tourists on board, and really looked after our well being on a rather hot day. He spoke very good English and was a genuinely nice person. My sister and I had the best day, long but well worth it.
We had a very interesting day together with our excellent guide Sopheap Rath and excellent driver Nat. Sopheap shared his wide range of knowledge with us and Nat always provided us with cool refreshing towels and cold water. So in spite of the heat we really enjoyed the tour and can absolutely recommend it.
We had a very interesting day together with our excellent guide Sopheap Rath and excellent driver Nat. Sopheap shared his wide range of knowledge with us and Nat always provided us with cool refreshing towels and cold water. So in spite of the heat we really enjoyed the tour and can absoluter recommend it.
Dear Ulrike, Thank you very much for sharing your wonderful feedback. We are delighted to hear that you had such an interesting and enjoyable day with our guide Sopheap Rath and our driver Nat. It is great to know that Sopheap’s wide range of knowledge helped enrich your experience, while Nat’s refreshing towels and cold water kept you comfortable despite the heat. We truly appreciate your kind recommendation and are very happy to know you enjoyed the tour. We look forward to welcoming you again on another memorable experience with us. Kind regards, Srey Rath
We hesitated a lot before validating this day because of the rather high price of activity and admissions. We had already made 2 days of visit to the temples of Angkor and we were not sure if this day was worth the expense, but we wanted to go off the beaten track, in small group, and we absolutely do not regret our decision. The magnificent cliffs of Poeng Ta Kho, the casdade of Phnom Kulen, the 1000 lingas, the beautiful pagoda with the reclining Buddha, the Koh Ker complex with its huge pyramid and finally, in apotheosis, the magnificent temple of Beng Mealea. It was a fabulous day with our awesome driver guide, Tann. Everything was perfect. A high-end vehicle, super comfortable. The explanations in English and Tann's kindness. And that shared wonder in Beng Mealea, almost empty at the end of the day. What a marvel, this temple! One can imagine how the discoverers must have felt about this huge building, which has largely collapsed, but whose galleries and walls make it possible to imagine its past beauty. If you want to take full eyes, away from the crowds of Angkor, with extraordinary sites, then this day will exceed your expectations, I am sure!!!
Dear Yves, Thank you very much for taking the time to share your detailed and wonderful feedback. We are thrilled to hear that your day exceeded expectations and that our guide Tann provided an exceptional experience throughout the tour. It is wonderful to know that you enjoyed the Poeng Ta Kho cliffs, Phnom Kulen waterfall, the 1000 Lingas, the Reclining Buddha Pagoda, the Koh Ker complex, and the magnificent Beng Mealea temple. We are delighted that the high-quality vehicle, comfort, and Tann’s explanations and kindness enhanced your journey. Your description of the shared wonder at Beng Mealea is truly appreciated. We sincerely appreciate your recommendation and look forward to welcoming you again on another unforgettable tour. Kind regards, Srey Rath
We loved this tour! It allowed us to see many beautiful places all in one day. Great thing about this tour is that it starts early enough to catch these amazing places before other tourists – we were all alone at the waterfall!! Our tour guide Tann was super nice, told us a lot about Cambodia History and current events, he had great knowledge about the temples. He was also an amazing photographer and took a lot of pictures for us! The transportation was very comfortable, punctual, the lunch was tasty. Tour wasn’t rushed and we felt like we could experience places we visited exactly as we wanted. We highly recommend taking this tour, its a new tour so it doesnt have many reviews but i’m sure it will be very popular soon.
Dear Ewelina C, Thank you very much for your kind review. We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed the tour, the temples, and the waterfall, and that our guide Tann provided informative, engaging, and attentive service. We are pleased that the transportation, lunch, and pace of the tour contributed to a comfortable and memorable experience. We truly appreciate your recommendation. Best Regards, Srey Rath
Highly recommended excursion. Beautiful day in the company of Tann who has always made us find fresh water and some sneakers. Very good and engaging he also took pictures that he then sent us. Wonderful places and Tann is really great!!!
Dear Jacobo p, Thank you very much for your kind review. We are delighted to hear that you had a beautiful day and enjoyed the excursion. It is wonderful to know that Tann’s attentiveness, care, and engaging personality made your experience even more special, from offering fresh water and snacks to taking photos for you. We are also glad that you enjoyed visiting such wonderful places and that Tann’s guidance added so much to your day. We truly appreciate your recommendation and look forward to welcoming you back for more memorable experiences. Warm regards, Srey Rath
