Kulen Waterfall - ទឺកជ្រោះភ្នំគូលែន
1 / 10

Kulen Waterfall

4.5
·2k reviews·Popel, Cambodia

A refreshing natural escape with cascading waters and local charm, perfect for a cool dip and a relaxing picnic.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Dry season mornings

Clearer water, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Kulen Waterfall - ទឺកជ្រោះភ្នំគូលែន

Kulen Waterfall

Best Time

Dry season mornings

Clearer water, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A refreshing natural escape with cascading waters and local charm, perfect for a cool dip and a relaxing picnic.

4.5
(2k reviews)

"Awesome place for relaxing and enjoying, expensive and a long ride, be sure to to stop and check out the views along the way."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 AC Vehicle Recommended

Opt for an air-conditioned car or van for a comfortable journey, especially during the rainy season. :car:

☀️ Dry Season for Clarity

Visit during the dry season for the clearest water; the wet season can lead to muddy conditions. :sunny:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Main Waterfall

The Main Waterfall

Lower area

Experience the refreshing, cool water cascading from a moderate height. A truly invigorating natural shower.

Reddit
Upper Pool Relaxation

Upper Pool Relaxation

Upper area

Enjoy a serene spot above the main fall, perfect for a relaxing dip or a picnic with a view.

Reddit
Stream Walk

Stream Walk

Down the stream

A pleasant walk along the stream offers more opportunities to enjoy the natural beauty and cool water.

Reddit
Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything for Clear Waters

Visit during the dry season for clearer water, as the wet season can make it muddy. The $20 entrance fee is a consideration, so weigh it against other activities. Reddit

Comfortable Travel is Key

The journey can be long and bumpy, especially in the rainy season. An air-conditioned vehicle is highly recommended over a motorcycle. Reddit

Best Times

When
Dry season mornings
Why
Clearer water, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Sunny afternoons
Why
Best for swimming and views
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Anyone been to the Kulen Waterfalls recently, should I go?

🚗 AC Vehicle Recommended

Opt for an air-conditioned car or van for a comfortable journey, especially during the rainy season. Reddit :car:

☀️ Dry Season for Clarity

Visit during the dry season for the clearest water; the wet season can lead to muddy conditions. Reddit :sunny:

reddit.com

Kulen Mountain National Park Waterfall

reddit.com

Staying 5 days in Cambodia, do you recommend Kulen Prum Tep?

💰 Entrance Fee Check

Be aware of the $20 entrance fee; consider if it aligns with your budget and expectations. Reddit :moneybag:

🏊‍♀️ Local Hangout Vibe

Embrace the local atmosphere; it's a popular spot for Cambodians to cool off. Reddit :swimmer:

reddit.com

Kulen Mountains, Beng Mealea and Koh Ker in 1 day

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 AC Vehicle Recommended

Opt for an air-conditioned car or van for a comfortable journey, especially during the rainy season. Reddit :car:

☀️ Dry Season for Clarity

Visit during the dry season for the clearest water; the wet season can lead to muddy conditions. Reddit :sunny:

💰 Entrance Fee Check

Be aware of the $20 entrance fee; consider if it aligns with your budget and expectations. Reddit :moneybag:

🏊‍♀️ Local Hangout Vibe

Embrace the local atmosphere; it's a popular spot for Cambodians to cool off. Reddit :swimmer:

What Travellers Say

4.5
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Kulen Waterfall offers a refreshing natural escape with opportunities for swimming and relaxation, particularly enjoyed by locals. While some visitors find the $20 entrance fee steep for the waterfall's scale, others appreciate the clear waters during the dry season and the pleasant picnic spots. The journey can be challenging, especially in the wet season, making comfortable transport a key consideration.

"This Waterfall is one of the best ones I visited. Less crowd and not very deep to reach the Waterfalls. The day we went was clear and sunny... so, the water was clear. Rainy days, the water would be muddy. Thank God that it was sunny for us. It's a different experience standing under the Waterfalls as the water falls from little high. We went with Siem Reap Shuttle Tours and they provided us lunch near the Waterfalls."

Sridhar Kumar Pasupuletti

"Awesome place for relaxing and enjoying, expensive and a long ride, be sure to to stop and check out the views along the way, road is marginal in the rainy season with repairs done as needed by hand by what seemed to be mostly old people and kids, not to say they weren't making a valiant effort, an air-conditioned van or car a must, a long bumpy ride on a motorcycle, which is what we did. I don't recommend it. but when you get there it all seems worth it"

Greg Ochylski

"Beautiful waterfall in recreational area, so many people enjoying the scenery, many people swimming, there are many places for families to enjoy the water and the forest, the upper area above the large fall and the lower area and the walk down the stream is very nice. Definitely worth the trip."

Star Sullivan

What People Like

Refreshing cool water
Local hangout vibe
Picnic spots

What People Dislike

High entrance fee
Muddy water (wet season)
Long bumpy ride

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The most common way to reach Kulen Waterfall is by hiring a private car or van from Siem Reap. The journey takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. Some tours also offer transport, often including lunch. Reddit

Yes, the road conditions can be challenging during the rainy season, with repairs often done manually. An air-conditioned vehicle is strongly recommended for a more comfortable ride. Reddit

While possible, it's not recommended due to the long and potentially bumpy ride, especially in the wet season. Reddit

Kulen Waterfall is located about 48 kilometers (30 miles) northeast of Siem Reap. The travel time can vary depending on road conditions and traffic. Reddit

Public transport options are limited. Hiring a private taxi or joining an organized tour are the most practical ways to get there. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The entrance fee for Kulen Waterfall is approximately $20 USD per person. This fee grants access to the recreational area and its attractions. Reddit

While not explicitly stated in all sources, the $20 fee is generally understood to be for foreign visitors. Local pricing may differ. Reddit

The entrance fee typically covers access to the waterfall area, the riverbeds, and the surrounding recreational grounds. Reddit

Tickets are usually purchased at the entrance gate upon arrival. It's advisable to have cash ready for the entrance fee. Reddit

Kulen Waterfall is generally open daily from morning until late afternoon. It's best to confirm exact hours with your tour operator or local information sources. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

Opinions vary. Some find it a great relaxing experience, especially for swimming and enjoying nature. Others feel it's underwhelming for the $20 fee, particularly if expecting a grand waterfall. Reddit

You can swim in the refreshing water, relax by the falls, walk along the stream, and enjoy picnics. It's also a place to observe local families enjoying their day. Reddit

The water clarity depends on the season. During the dry season and on sunny days, it's usually clear. The wet season can make the water muddy. Reddit

Basic facilities are usually available in the recreational area, though they might be simple. It's advisable to be prepared. Reddit

Yes, swimming is a popular activity at Kulen Waterfall. The water is described as cool and refreshing. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there are usually local vendors or small eateries offering food and drinks near the waterfall area. Some tours also include lunch. Reddit

Absolutely! Many visitors enjoy having picnics by the water, taking advantage of the scenic surroundings. Reddit

You can typically find local Cambodian dishes, snacks, and refreshing drinks from vendors. Reddit

While options might be limited, you can often find rice dishes or vegetable stir-fries. It's best to ask vendors directly. Reddit

Bringing your own water and snacks is always a good idea, especially if you have specific dietary needs or prefer to save money. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The main cascade, the upper pool, and the stream offer beautiful photographic opportunities. Capture the natural beauty and people enjoying the water. Reddit

Sunny afternoons provide good lighting for vibrant photos. However, early mornings can offer softer light and fewer people. Reddit

Given the water activities, a waterproof camera or a protective case for your phone is highly recommended to avoid damage. Reddit

Generally, there are no specific restrictions on photography for personal use. However, always be respectful of local customs and privacy. Reddit

Expect to capture lush greenery, cascading water, people swimming and relaxing, and scenic views of the surrounding landscape. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Kulen Waterfall offers a fun and refreshing outing for families. The shallow areas and cool water make it suitable for children to play and swim safely, especially during the dry season when the water is clearer. The recreational area provides space for picnics and relaxation, allowing families to spend quality time together amidst nature. Reddit

It's advisable to bring extra clothes and towels for the kids, as they'll likely want to get wet. Consider packing kid-friendly snacks and plenty of water, as options at the site might be limited or basic. The journey can be long, so ensure children are comfortable in the vehicle, reinforcing the recommendation for an air-conditioned car. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

While the $20 entrance fee is a significant cost, budget travelers can still make the most of a visit to Kulen Waterfall. Consider joining a group tour if it offers a better per-person rate for transport and entry. Alternatively, if traveling with friends, sharing the cost of a private taxi can be more economical than individual motorcycle rentals. Reddit

To save on food expenses, pack your own picnic lunch and plenty of water. This not only cuts down costs but also ensures you have food you enjoy. Focus on enjoying the natural beauty and swimming, which are free activities once you've paid the entrance fee. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Understanding the Kulen Waterfall Experience

Kulen Waterfall, also known as Phnom Kulen Waterfall, is a popular natural attraction located in the Kulen Mountain National Park. It's a significant site for both locals and tourists, offering a refreshing escape, especially during the hotter months. The waterfall itself is not a single, massive drop but rather a series of cascades and pools, with the main fall being the most prominent. Visitors can swim in the cool, clear waters, which are particularly inviting after a journey through the Cambodian heat. Reddit

Beyond the waterfall, the area is a recreational zone where families gather. The upper area above the large fall and the lower area provide different experiences, with the walk down the stream offering further exploration. While the natural beauty is a draw, it's important to manage expectations regarding the waterfall's grandeur compared to more famous international falls. The $20 entrance fee is a point of discussion among visitors, with some finding it worthwhile for the experience and others deeming it a bit steep for what's offered. Reddit

Travelers often highlight the importance of the season when visiting. The dry season generally offers clearer water, whereas the wet season can result in muddier conditions due to runoff. The journey to the waterfall can also be an adventure in itself, with road conditions varying significantly. Therefore, choosing the right mode of transport and time of year can greatly enhance the visit. Reddit

Navigating the Journey to Kulen Waterfall

The trip to Kulen Waterfall from Siem Reap is a significant part of the experience, often described as a long and bumpy ride. An air-conditioned vehicle is highly recommended, especially if traveling during the rainy season when road repairs are ongoing and conditions can be challenging. Many visitors opt for private car or van hire, which offers comfort and flexibility. Some organized tours also include transportation, often bundled with lunch, making it a convenient option for those who prefer a hassle-free arrangement. Reddit

For the adventurous, a motorcycle might seem appealing, but reviews suggest it's a less comfortable option for the distance involved. The road quality can be a deterrent, with some sections being rough and unpaved. The effort involved in reaching the waterfall is often mentioned, with the advice to stop and check out the views along the way to make the journey more enjoyable. This suggests that the scenic route, despite its potential difficulties, can offer its own rewards. Reddit

You may also like

1 of 2