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Weather in Phnom Kulen
Sacred plateau where the Khmer civilisation began
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About Phnom Kulen
This sacred plateau marks Khmer civilization's birthplace where Jayavarman II declared independence from Java in 802 CE, establishing the Angkorian period that created Southeast Asia's greatest temples. The mountain retains spiritual significance with waterfalls, stone carvings, and temple ruins scattered through jungle. Pilgrims climb this holy peak seeking blessings.
Best months to visit
January, February, November, December
Things to do in Phnom Kulen
Hike sacred mountain plateau trails
Explore river-bed stone carvings
Visit waterfall at summit temple area
Climb to mountain viewpoint
Explore hidden jungle temples
Camp on plateau experiencing Khmer heritage
Weather by month
Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.
Recommended
January
29C
Warm and pleasant, and mostly sunny skies.
Recommended
February
31C
Hot and humid, and mostly sunny skies.
March
32C
Hot and humid, with occasional showers.
April
32C
Hot and humid, with regular rainfall.
May
31C
Hot and humid, with frequent heavy rain.
June
30C
Hot and humid, with frequent heavy rain.
July
29C
Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.
August
29C
Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.
September
28C
Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.
October
29C
Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.
Recommended
November
29C
Warm and pleasant, with some rainy days.
Recommended
December
28C
Warm and pleasant, and mostly sunny skies.
Phnom Kulen is the sacred mountain that Angkor's kings considered the birthplace of their empire — a forested plateau north of Siem Reap scattered with hundreds of lingas carved directly into a riverbed (the 'River of a Thousand Lingas'), a reclining Buddha cut from a single boulder, and a waterfall held sacred by Khmer pilgrims. It's a cooler, quieter counterpoint to the temple crowds below, best combined with an early start.
Best areas to stay in Phnom Kulen
River of a Thousand Lingas
A shallow riverbed carved with rows of linga and yoni motifs, reached via a short forest walk.
Preah Ang Thom
A hilltop pagoda housing Cambodia's largest reclining Buddha, carved from a single sandstone boulder.
Phnom Kulen Waterfall
A multi-tiered waterfall with swimming pools, popular with local families on weekends.
Kbal Spean approach road
The winding mountain access road itself, lined with forest and occasional viewpoints over the plains below.
Getting to Phnom Kulen
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Flights
Fly into Siem Reap International Airport; Phnom Kulen is reached by car or tuk-tuk from the city.
⏱
From London
~12-13 hours from London with one stop, via Bangkok or similar hubs.
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Getting around
A hired car, tuk-tuk or guided tour is necessary — there's no public transport up the mountain, and the access road has timed one-way traffic.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Phnom Kulen from Siem Reap?
About 1.5-2 hours by road, mostly along a winding mountain route that's one-way in each direction at set times of day.
What is the River of a Thousand Lingas?
A stretch of riverbed carved with hundreds of yoni and linga motifs by 11th- and 12th-century stonemasons, believed to bless the water flowing down to Angkor.
Is the waterfall worth visiting?
Yes — it's a popular spot for Cambodian families to swim and picnic, and offers a refreshing break after the temple sites, though it can be busy on weekends.
Do I need a separate ticket for Phnom Kulen?
Yes — entry is a separate fee from the main Angkor Archaeological Park pass.
What should I wear?
Comfortable walking shoes for uneven, sometimes slippery paths to the riverbed carvings and waterfall, plus modest clothing for the reclining Buddha shrine.
Traveler reviews
★★★★☆
A nice change of pace from the main temples — cooler air, fewer people, and the riverbed carvings were more impressive than I expected.
Ben H. · January 2024
★★★★★
Came with family for the waterfall, which was packed but fun — the reclining Buddha shrine higher up was much quieter and worth the climb.
Sopheap L. · April 2024
★★★★☆
Early start paid off — had the lingas in the riverbed almost to ourselves before the heat and crowds picked up.
Diane W. · November 2023
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