Kulen Mountain with Beng Mealea and Tonle Sap Small Group Tour
Description
Experience the best of Siem Reap on a combined full-day tour to Kulen Mountain, Beng Mealea, and Tonlé Sap Lake. Discover magnificent waterfalls, a giant reclining Buddha, and the sacred 'River of a Thousand Lingas.' Explore the enigmatic jungle temple of Beng Mealea and enjoy a boat ride to a floating village on Southeast Asia's largest lake. This small-group tour offers a diverse blend of nature, ancient temples, and traditional stilt houses—providing an incredible day of discovery with a knowledgeable guide and inclusive all the admission tickets and a delightful picnic lunch featuring authentic local dishes, set beside the sacred river of Kulen Mountain, surrounded by peaceful natural beauty.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Kulen Mountain with Beng Mealea and Tonle Sap Tour: We'll collect you from your hotel between 7:30-8:00 am – please wait in the lobby by 7:30 sharp. This is going to be a packed day, but trust me, every minute is worth it.
First, we're heading straight into the real Cambodia. You'll see locals going about their morning routines, endless stretches of emerald rice paddies, and those classic wooden houses on stilts. Our first stop? The Palm Sugar Village, where families have been crafting traditional Cambodian sugar the same way for generations. Watch the whole process from palm tree to sweet, golden crystals.
This is big stuff – the actual birthplace of the Angkor Empire. We'll climb to the summit of Kulen Mountain for those jaw-dropping views, then visit the massive reclining Buddha carved right into the rock. The River of a Thousand Lingas is next – these ancient carvings in the riverbed are absolutely mind-blowing. This viewpoint is exactly what it sounds like. The panoramic views stretch across canyons and forests as far as your eyes can see. Just a short walk from the parking area, but the payoff is incredible.
Picture an 8-meter reclining Buddha carved right into the mountainside – we're talking 1,000 years of pilgrims making this exact climb you're about to take. Local families light incense, monks offer quiet prayers, and somehow that ancient stone face seems to shift expression with the changing light. Spiritual or not, standing here just hits different.
Thousands of sacred fertility symbols carved into the actual riverbed by 11th-century priests – turning flowing water into holy water for the entire Angkor kingdom.
This is where your day truly becomes unforgettable. Discover crystal-clear natural pools fed by limestone-filtered mountain water, inviting you in for a refreshing swim—the kind of cool, invigorating water that awakens your senses instantly. The purity of the water is remarkable, allowing you to see every pebble beneath the surface. After your swim, relax and enjoy a delightful picnic lunch featuring authentic local dishes, set beside the sacred river of Kulen Mountain, surrounded by peaceful natural beauty.
After lunch, we're off to something truly special. Beng Mealea Temple is what Angkor Wat might look like if nature had been left to reclaim it ultimately. Built in the 12th century, this temple is absolutely wrapped in jungle vines and massive tree roots. It's raw, authentic, and feels like you're the first person to find it.
Our final stop takes us to one of Cambodia's most fascinating floating villages. These families live their entire lives on the water, surrounded by towering stilt houses and thick mangrove forests. We'll visit a Buddhist monastery built on an artificial island – it's unlike anything you've seen before.
We'll have you back in town by 6:30 pm. Want to head straight to your hotel to rest those tired feet? Or would you prefer we drop you at the Old Market for some evening shopping and dinner? Your call.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
Please wait in the hotel lobby 10 minutes before your scheduled pickup time.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- The end of March to the end of July is a crucial time in all the floating villages in Siem Reap, as the water levels start to recede and present a unique opportunity for tourists to experience a new perspective. Although the picturesque landscape of the floating community may lose some of its charm during this time, visitors have a chance to immerse themselves in the daily life of the villagers living in the dried season. While some boats may become stuck, and smaller canoes are unable to traverse the jungle forest, these challenges add to the thrill of the experience. The dry season in floating village of Kompong Phluk may not be the ideal time to visit for those seeking postcard-perfect photos, but it offers a chance to witness a facet of the village’s daily life that is not typically seen. As they say, when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. We recommend visitors to embrace this rare chance to witness a different facet of this incredible destination and truly get a different taste of life in the village.
- Dress code: All visitors are not allowed to wear as shorts as you want for this experience. Please make sure that your knees and shoulders are covered.
- For small group tour is limited to 14 participants to ensure a more personal experience from our guide.
- What should to bring: Insect repellent, sunscreen, sun hat.
- For lunch, there is a vegetarian option like fried rice vegetable with eggs and fried spring rolls, but no vegan option.
Reviews(1,160)
Cool, the best experievet what I get in Camdodia. Nice to meet with our team group tooo
Great day and value for the cost. Our guide, Jan did a great job explaing history of all sights visited.
Dear valued guest, Thank you so much for your Tripadvisor review! We truly appreciate it. We’re delighted to hear you had a great day on our Kulen Mountain with Beng Mealea and Tonle Sap Small Group Tour and that you felt it was excellent value for the cost. It’s wonderful to know that your guide Jan did a great job explaining the history of all the sights you visited. Warm regards, Ms. Jessica | Guest Relations Manager
Visiting Phnom Kulen was easily one of the absolute highlights of our trip to Cambodia. This tour is the perfect blend of rich Khmer history, culture, and stunning natural scenery. Why I highly recommend this tour: Sacred Riverbed Carvings: Seeing the Valley of a Thousand Lingas with ancient carvings visible through the crystal-clear water was truly unique and mesmerizing. Preah Ang Thom Pagoda: The massive Reclining Buddha carved directly into a giant sandstone boulder is breathtaking, and the views from the temple are spectacular. The Waterfalls: Ending the day with a refreshing swim in the cool jungle waterfall was the ultimate highlight. Everything was impeccably organized by the tour operator. Our guide was exceptional—friendly, punctual, and deep with knowledge about the history of the Khmer Empire and local spiritual customs. Pickup and transport were seamless and comfortable from start to finish. If you are visiting Siem Reap, do not miss this trip. It’s worth every penny!
Dear valued guest, Thank you so much for your Tripadvisor review! We truly appreciate it. We’re absolutely delighted to hear that your day trip to Phnom Kulen was one of the highlights of your trip to Cambodia. It makes us very happy to know you loved the perfect balance of Khmer history, culture, and stunning nature. Thank you for sharing all the special moments—seeing the Valley of a Thousand Lingas, visiting Preah Ang Thom Pagoda, and finishing the day with a refreshing swim at the waterfall. We’re also grateful you mentioned that everything was impeccably organized, with seamless and comfortable pickup and transport. Most of all, we’re proud to hear your guide was exceptional—friendly, punctual, and full of knowledge about the Khmer Empire and local spiritual customs. Warm regards, Ms. Jessica | Guest Relations Manager
Me mony is a very good guide and the tour was very informative
Dear valued guest, Thank you so much for this wonderful feedback! We're delighted to hear that Mr. Mony was such a great guide and that you found the tour very informative. We'll be sure to pass along your kind words to him; he'll be delighted to know his knowledge and dedication made your experience so enjoyable. Thank you again for taking the time to share your experience with us. We hope to welcome you back to Cambodia for more memorable adventures soon! Warm regards, Ms. Jessica | Guest Relations Manager
It was amazing. I definitely recommend this to my friends. There is no doubt.
Dear valued guest, Thank you so much for your Tripadvisor review! We truly appreciate it. We’re very happy to hear you had a 最高 experience on our Kulen Mountain with Beng Mealea and Tonle Sap Small Group Tour. It means a lot to us that you would definitely recommend it to your friends—thank you! Warm regards, Ms. Jessica | Guest Relations Manager
This was a best of the best day tour! It covers all the main points of interest in the area besides doing the temple circuits. Beautiful scenery, interesting facts, and a wonderful tour guide in Mr. Sareik. It gets no better than him as a tour guide. This tour even exceeded expectations from the already great reviews. Do this tour when in town, you won't regret it!
Dear Ms. Megan, Thank you so much for your Viator review! We truly appreciate your kind words and for sharing such strong recommendations. We’re delighted to hear this was a best of the best day tour and that it exceeded your expectations. It’s great to know that you enjoyed the full itinerary covering the main points of interest in the area (including stunning scenery and interesting facts), and that your experience was made truly special by your wonderful tour guide, Mr. Sareik. Thank you again for advising others to do this tour when visiting Siem Reap—we would love to welcome you back for another memorable day in Cambodia. Warm regards, Ms. Jessica | Guest Relations Manager
We had a wonderful time with our tour guide Mony and driver Mr Therea today. The itinerary is well planned with plenty of walking and rest and a delicious lunch. Highly recommended.
Dear valued guest, Thank you so much for your Tripadvisor review! We truly appreciate it, and we’re very happy to hear you had a wonderful time on our Kulen Mountain with Beng Mealea and Tonle Sap Small Group Tour. It’s great to know that your tour guide Mony and driver Mr. Therea helped make the experience enjoyable. We’re also glad you found the itinerary well planned, with plenty of walking and rest, and a delicious lunch. Warm regards, Ms. Jessica | Guest Relations Manager
We had a wonderful day with our Tour guide Mr.Jan. He explained a lot about the country and culture. Kulen Mountains were wonderful, lying buddha and beng malea temple very interesting and the floating village in tonle sap was best also in low water season. We asked If we can bring our children with us (8 year old) and they were welcomed and loved the trip (espacially swimming in the waterfalls). Very nice Picknick Lunch!
Dear Loren, Thank you so much for your Tripadvisor review! We truly appreciate it. We’re delighted to hear you had a wonderful day on our Kulen Mountain with Beng Mealea and Tonle Sap Small Group Tour with Mr. Jan. It’s great to know that he explained a lot about Cambodia’s country, culture, and history, and helped make the experience more meaningful. We’re also very happy you enjoyed all the highlights—Kulen Mountain, the lying Buddha, Beng Mealea, and the floating village on Tonle Sap, especially during the low water season. Thank you for mentioning how welcome your family felt. We’re glad we could accommodate your 8-year-old, and that your children were loved and enjoyed the trip—particularly swimming in the waterfalls. We’re also happy you enjoyed the very nice picnic lunch. Warm regards, Ms. Jessica | Guest Relations Manager
This excursion is definitely worth it so if you’re visiting Siem Reap I would 100% recommend this one. It is packed with different things to see for the day and is well and truly good value for money. The waterfall is especially incredible and also the boat ride along Mekong river seeing all the fisherman fishing in the floating village is something you have to see. Jan and his driver were amazing, looked after us very well, were very informative and I felt very safe with them. Jan also takes the best photographs for you throughout the day 😊 thank you both for an amazing day
Dear Sermin, Thank you so much for your Viator review! We truly appreciate it. We’re delighted to hear you found our Kulen Mountain with Beng Mealea and Tonle Sap Small Group Tour to be “a must do” and that you would 100% recommend it if you’re visiting Siem Reap. It’s wonderful to know you felt the day was packed with great sights, was excellent value for money, and that you especially enjoyed the incredible waterfall and the boat ride along the Mekong River to see the fishermen in the floating village. Thank you as well for your kind words about Jan and your driver. We’re so happy they looked after you very well, were informative, and made you feel safe throughout the day. And we’re glad you enjoyed the photos Jan took for you 😊 Warm regards, Ms. Jessica | Guest Relations Manager
Fantastic full day out with MrSam & Mr Thera. Collection was on time. Cold water and fresh cold towels each time we got on the bus. Small group was good. We saw and learned loads. Would thoroughly recommend!
Dear Mr.Paul, Thank you so much for your Viator review and for sharing your great feedback! We truly appreciate it. We’re delighted to hear you had a fantastic full day out on our Kulen Mountain with Beng Mealea and Tonle Sap Small Group Tour with Mr. Sam and Mr. Thera. It’s wonderful to know that the collection was on time, and that you appreciated the cold water and fresh cold towels each time you got back on the bus—those comfort details make the day much more enjoyable. Thank you as well for mentioning that the small group size was a positive experience, and that you were able to see and learn loads throughout the tour. We truly appreciate your recommendation. Warm regards, Ms. Jessica | Guest Relations Manager
