Kulen Mountain Day Trip: A Review of the Kulen Elephant Forest and More

Looking to get away from the temples of Siem Reap for a change of scenery? A day trip to Kulen Mountain is often that adventure so many people are searching for. Add in a picnic lunch and a visit to the Kulen Elephant Forest, and you’ve got a recipe for an unforgettable day. So, what’s the real story about this trip? Here’s my review, sharing all the things that make it a truly special experience, plus some tips to help you make the most of your visit.

Getting to Kulen Mountain

The drive to Kulen Mountain, which locals know as Phnom Kulen, is part of the adventure, really. Usually, it takes roughly an hour and a half from Siem Reap, traveling northeast. So, the roads, they’re usually pretty bumpy for a spell there, too. Consider this a heads-up if you are easily carsick! You’ll likely go through some small villages, giving you a real taste of rural Cambodian life. Often you’ll spot kids waving hello or farmers tending their fields. It’s just a totally charming look at a side of Cambodia you might not see around Angkor Wat. Just to keep in mind, there’s actually a fee to enter Kulen Mountain National Park. This is usually included in your tour package, though, it’s just a little detail to check beforehand so there’s no surprises. It does support the upkeep of the park, it appears.

Exploring the Holy Mountain

Once you arrive, Phnom Kulen shows you what it means to be a really historic and significant location for Cambodians. Did you know that this mountain, at times, gets talked about as the birthplace of the Khmer Empire? So, back in 802 AD, King Jayavarman II declared independence from Java right here. What makes it even more special? Well, it’s regarded as a holy site, full of temples and shrines. What to see first? Wat Preah Ang Thom is the first obvious choice. This is where the big reclining Buddha statue lives – you can’t miss it, really. And there’s these cool views from up there, of course. The River of a Thousand Lingas, or what locals call “Srei River”, is almost always another highlight. What they did, in a way back when, was carve lingas (those are symbols representing the god Shiva) into the riverbed. Walking along the river and seeing them all is pretty impressive. Often you get to explore some smaller temples and hidden spots on Kulen Mountain, if you are the wandering sort, but be aware that the trails aren’t usually as well-maintained. A guide is often extremely helpful for knowing what you’re seeing, to boot.

Lunch with a View: The Picnic Experience

What is better than eating outside, I always say. A lot of Kulen Mountain trips include a picnic lunch. Usually that means your guide or driver will bring along a pre-packed meal. Just picture this: settling down in a calm spot with a spectacular view of the mountains, enjoying some tasty food. Sometimes the food will be what you may expect: classic Cambodian fare like amok (that’s a creamy coconut curry dish) or fried rice. That, of course, could change depending on your tour operator, too it’s almost worth checking the meal options in advance if you’re someone with particular tastes or dietary restrictions. It is, too, worth letting them know in advance if you don’t eat meat or require gluten-free food or the like. Trust me.

Kulen Elephant Forest: A Visit with Gentle Giants

Okay, if you have the chance to add the Kulen Elephant Forest to your itinerary, I recommend that you do just that. This sanctuary is often a place where elephants that used to work carrying tourists around Angkor can enjoy retirement, very much. Now, so many visitors seem to think that ethical tourism means avoiding elephant riding completely, you know. What the Kulen Elephant Forest really concentrates on is providing a safe and supportive home for the animals. You may just get to watch them roam freely, bathe, and socialize, just like they would do if you saw them in nature. Usually, what a visit includes is feeding the elephants or helping to give them a bath. Interacting with the elephants this way allows them to do their elephant things. By visiting the sanctuary, you are definitely contributing to their welfare. They need funds, very much. Keep in mind that responsible tourism is really the main deal here. That means respecting the animals and following the sanctuary’s guidelines. What that means on a very practical level is keeping a safe distance, listening to the staff’s instructions, and basically never doing anything that might stress the elephants. Okay?

Waterfalls of Kulen Mountain

One of the other real natural treats on Kulen Mountain has to be the waterfalls. The mountain boasts a pair of great falls that make great stops to cool off, of course. The bigger one offers lots of space to sit and unwind by the water, or have a splash around. Usually, at the smaller falls, the water is a bit more mellow, ideal for families with kiddos who want to take a load off and cool off their tootsies. So, getting to them? The access to these falls tends to be pretty straightforward, though do plan on a bit of a walk to get there. Because, depending on the time you go, you should get ready for those spots to be busy with tourists and locals taking a load off. Changing rooms are often available, as are snack vendors. But, still, it’s a totally smart idea to wear your swimsuit under your clothes. Then you get to take full advantage of your swim there.

What to Bring for Your Day Trip

Okay, so being prepared is, very much, part of the trick, so the question is “what should you bring”? Here are my tips, alright? Bring sunscreen, really, because the sun can get pretty intense. Pack insect repellent because there’s mosquitoes everywhere. Obviously, wear comfy shoes since you’ll be doing some walking. It’s often nice to bring a hat and sunglasses. Oh, yeah: pack a swimsuit and a towel if you want to swim in the waterfalls! Bringing bottled water is, really, a smart idea so you stay hydrated during the day, just in case your tour doesn’t provide it. If you plan on doing any visiting of temples, you know what to do – shoulders and knees covered out of respect, alright?

Final Thoughts: Is Kulen Mountain Worth It?

So, is a Kulen Mountain day trip worth doing? Here’s what I think: it’s often a super awesome break from the more typical tourist spots of Siem Reap. What’s very cool, in some ways, is seeing the historic sites, natural beauty, and getting to interact with the elephants. But that rough road, combined with crowds, can be a deal-breaker, even though this day is wonderful for so many folks. I will always say that I really recommend booking with a reliable tour operator, especially so you get transportation, a guide, and entrance fees all looked after. Going to the Kulen Elephant Forest is, also, a way to support ethical tourism and assist the welfare of these amazing creatures. Very cool if you ask me. So, if you have got an extra day while you’re visiting Siem Reap, then definitely give Kulen Mountain a chance!