Waterfalls Near Siem Reap

Sometimes spelt as Phnom Koulen, there are actually 2 waterfalls within the national park. The 1st stage is about 5 metres tall and can be as wide as 25 metres across during the rainy season, while the 2nd is nearly 20 metres tall and 15 metres wide.

The latter is naturally the most popular waterfall in Phnom Kulen, with the height and the rocky bottom of the falls creating a misty water spray at the edge of the cool plunge pool. The gorge the falls have created is nicely enclosed, giving the sense of being separated from the world in a beautiful little cove.

The banks and bedrock of the Kbal Spean River are famous for having been carved with 1,000 lingas – phallic religious symbols – as well as representations of Buddha and Buddhist imagery.

The rocky, downhill nature of the river means that it technically qualifies as a waterfall, but you shouldn’t go expecting the sort of epic cascade you get at Phnom Kulen. However, the gentle flowing of the cool and clear water through the pristine forest still creates a peaceful atmosphere.