Last updated: October 2026, by the Kulen Revealed team.
Most visitors drive up Phnom Kulen. But there is another way to the top: an old staircase and jungle trail that climbs from the foot of the mountain to the plateau. It takes about an hour, passes a hillside pagoda, and is one of the best ways to see Kulen’s forest, butterflies and wildlife up close.
Quick facts
- Time: about 1 hour to the top, depending on your pace and how often you stop.
- Difficulty: moderate. A mix of stone steps and dirt trail.
- Start: the trailhead at the foot of the mountain, near Kulara Water Co. Ltd (EK1).
- Finish: a small village on the plateau, then the main road to the waterfall.
- On the way: Preah Ang Choub Pagoda, butterflies and, if you are lucky, wildlife.
- Ticket: a national park ticket is required. Buy it at a discount at City Angkor Hotel in Siem Reap, or pay $20 at the booth at Kulen.
- Best time: early morning.
Before you go: get your ticket
You need a Phnom Kulen National Park ticket to hike. The best option is to buy a discounted ticket in Siem Reap the day before, at the national park office inside City Angkor Hotel on National Road 6. You can also buy it at the ticket booth at Kulen for $20 (cash). See our full guide to the Phnom Kulen entrance fee.
How to find the trailhead
The trail starts at the foot of the mountain. For directions, type KULARA WATER CO.Ltd (EK1) into Google Maps, or open our pin below. The entrance is a small open-sided building at the end of a red dirt road, with the steps starting just behind it.
The hike
From the entrance, head up the stone steps into the forest. The route is a combination of staircases and dirt trail, steep in places but never technical. Take your time and stop to catch your breath: the shade, the birdsong and the butterflies are half the point.
Along the way you will reach Preah Ang Choub Pagoda, a peaceful hillside shrine and a good place for a rest. Keep climbing and the trail eventually brings you out at a small community on top of the mountain. From there, follow the main road to the Kulen waterfall.
Getting there and back
Option 1: Drop-off and pick-up (recommended)
Book a driver to drop you at the trailhead, meet you at the top and drive you back to Siem Reap. You hike up once and get to enjoy the waterfall and Preah Ang Thom without worrying about the way down.
Remember the mountain road is one-way: cars can only drive up between 7:00 and 11:00am, and come down from around 11:45am. Make sure your driver heads up the main road before 11:00am to meet you. Read more in our guide on how to get to Phnom Kulen.
Option 2: Park at the trailhead
Some hikers ride a moped or drive to the trailhead, park, and hike back down the same way. Be careful: there is no security at the trailhead, so do not leave anything valuable in or on your vehicle.
Tips for hiking Phnom Kulen
- Start early. Mornings are cooler and the best time to spot butterflies and animals.
- Bring water. At least 1 to 2 liters per person. It is a sweaty climb.
- Wear proper shoes. The steps can be slippery, especially in the wet season (roughly May to October).
- Pack insect repellent and sun protection.
- Bring cash for your ticket (if you have not bought it), lunch (around $5 a plate) and drinks at the top.
- Dress respectfully for the pagodas: cover your shoulders and knees.
- Swimwear if you plan to cool off at the waterfall afterwards.
Rather have a guide?
Our local guides grew up in the Kulen area and know the mountain well. Join a group tour or book a private Phnom Kulen tour with hotel pick-up and your national park ticket included. Get in touch if you would like to add the hike to your day.
Frequently asked questions
About an hour from the trailhead to the top, depending on your pace and how often you stop.
It is moderately difficult: a mix of stone steps and dirt trail, steep in places but not technical. Most reasonably fit people can do it.
Yes. You need a Phnom Kulen National Park ticket. Buy it at a discount at the national park office in City Angkor Hotel in Siem Reap, or pay $20 at the ticket booth at Kulen.
At the foot of the mountain, near Kulara Water Co. Ltd (EK1). Type that name into Google Maps for directions.
Most hikers arrange for a driver to meet them at the top and drive them back to Siem Reap. You can also hike back down the same trail to your vehicle at the trailhead.