Motorbike Adventure to Phnom Kulen: Ride the Sacred Mountain
Poeng Ta Kho pointview cliff. Photo taken by Paul Mackie.
For the independent adventurer exploring the Kingdom of Wonder, there’s no better way to discover the spiritual and natural majesty of Phnom Kulen (Kulen Mountain) than on a motorbike. This sacred mountain, the birthplace of the Khmer Empire, offers a thrilling mix of winding roads, ancient history, and refreshing natural beauty, all easily accessible on your own two wheels.
A day-trip to Kulen is a must. For a reliable ride, we highly recommend checking out our motorbike rentals. We offer a range of 50cc to 450cc well-maintained bikes, perfect for navigating Cambodia’s varied terrain, ensuring you have the right machine for the journey ahead.
Wat Preah Ang Thom entrance. Photo taken by Paul Mackie.
The Western Ascent: An Amazing Start
To truly appreciate the mountain's grandeur, we suggest taking the western route for your ascent. The road climbing up from this side is genuinely amazing, offering stunning views and a sense of true adventure as you gain elevation. It is also the only route to get the pass for all POI before 11 AM.
🚨 Important Ticket & Timing Info: Plan to arrive at the entrance gate before 11:00 AM. The road leading up the mountain follows a strict one-way schedule: vehicles can only go up before 11:00 AM, and only come down from the same side after 1:00 PM. You may descend at any time if heading East.
The entrance ticket for foreign visitors is $20 USD per person. It’s quite a fee compared to some other local sites, but it's really worth the price considering the sheer volume of cultural and natural sights you can access across the whole mountain plateau. This single ticket covers all the main Points of Interest (POI) mentioned below.
1000 lingas carvings. Photo taken by Paul Mackie.
Must-See Attractions on Kulen Mountain
Once on the plateau, the park is a treasure full of history, spirituality, and nature.
🌄 The Amazing Cliff Viewpoint (Poeng Ta Kho): Start your day here for the best light! This breathtaking cliff offers a stunning, panoramic view over the vast forests and distant plains below. It’s an iconic spot for photo shoots. You'll often find local vendors nearby selling delicious red bananas—a unique and sweet snack that adds to the authentic experience.
💦 Kulen Waterfall: The jewel of the mountain's natural attractions. You'll find two tiers of cascading water. The main, lower fall tumbles into a wide basin, making it the perfect spot for a refreshing swim. Bring your swimwear and a towel!
🔱 The River of 1000 Lingas (Kbal Spean): An ancient riverbed upstream from the waterfall features intricate carvings of Shiva lingas and Hindu deities etched into the stone, believed to bless the water as it flows down the mountain. It is a fascinating and spiritual site, especially with the holy spring source further up the trail.
🧘 Wat Preah Ang Thom & The Reclining Buddha: This is the most sacred site. A short climb up a grand staircase (located near the village and market) leads to the pagoda, which houses a massive, 8-meter-long Reclining Buddha carved directly into a huge sandstone boulder at the top.
Local Tips for Interaction:
Before the stairs, an old lady selling fresh coconuts can watch your bike after you buy her coconut.
Consider giving a few small Cambodian notes to the older widows near the stairs; their grateful smile is meaningful.
Support Local Kids Wisely: Buying fruits from the local children is recommended; they often sell after school to support their families and gain valuable business skills. Crucially, avoid giving money to children who are begging, as this often encourages families to keep them out of school and does not help improve their long-term situation.
Himalayan 450 on red dirt (Koulen Northern foothill). Photo taken by Paul Mackie.
Road/Parkings: Conditions & Cautions
The roads on Kulen are a mix of paved sections, sometimes just a narrow concrete strip, and well-maintained dirt trails.
Be cautious: Although the roads are generally well-maintained, some dirt sections can be slippery, especially if you are using standard road tyres (which many rentals are equipped with, especially for scooters). Take it easy and manage your speed. Dual-sport tires are certainly a comfort bonus here. Most motorbikes have such tires at Mototom Cambodia.
Parking: Stay at a busy parking nearby a guardian or always keep an eye on your motorbike. You can lock it for peace of mind. Eat a snack or a coconut, then ask the shopkeeper if you can keep your motorbike next to their place for safety.
The Eastern Descent: The road down on the eastern side offers a delightful finale. It's mostly concrete with fun twisties that weave through charming, simple local villages before dropping you down to Svay Leu village at the foothill. Enjoy the slower pace and take in the glimpses of rural Cambodian life.
Route through Koulen mountain from Banteay Srei and Svay Leu (West to East)
⏱️ Planning Your Day: Maximising Your Visit
Go Early! We strongly recommend starting your journey as early as possible. Not only do you ensure you get past the entrance before the 11 AM cut-off, but you also avoid the crowd surge that typically hits just before lunchtime.
Duration: You’ll likely need the whole day if you want to visit all the main sites and take the time for a proper swim and lunch. A "good half-day" is possible if you only hit the main, quick spots. For late lunch, if you do a quick early visit to the mountain, we recommend eating a simple, clean meal at Foodo 7 in Veal Veng at the foothill.
Beyond Kulen: If you manage your time well, you can be back to Siem Reap in the late afternoon. Alternatively, if you're travelling further, you have enough time to head North up to Koh Ker and aim to be there mid-afternoon or at least before dawn.
Chris exploring roads in Cambodia
A Word of Warning: Night Riding
Avoid night riding at all costs. After sunset, the roads become extremely unsafe due to:
Dogs roam freely.
Local tillers (small farm vehicles) often travel with no lights.
Unpredictable potholes and bumps that are tricky to spot on time in the dark.
The Trade-Offs: What to Expect
While the experience is overwhelmingly positive, a few personal observations stand out:
The views, the jungle, and the refreshing waterfall are truly rejuvenating. Entrance Price: The $20 USD per person fee is the highest barrier for independent travellers. Profound History: Stepping into the birthplace of the Khmer Empire offers a unique cultural immersion. Waterfalls Area: The setting near the main waterfall is a bit of a let-down. The local stands and restaurants feel poorly set up and lack hygiene standards. Authentic Ride: The motorbike loop provides a genuine, intimate look at the Cambodian countryside. Food Hygiene: We recommend you pack your own lunch or snacks for the day, as the hygiene at the local food stalls by the waterfall is questionable. You can also eat light with all the fruits and healthy snacks that local stalls are selling.
Phnom Kulen is a powerful and memorable destination. It’s clean, entertaining, and offers a perfect, exhilarating contrast to the stone temples of Angkor. Get your rental from Mototom, hit the road early, and enjoy the ride!
