Siem Reap is Cambodia's cultural heart and gateway to the magnificent Angkor temple complex, one of the world's greatest archaeological wonders. The city blends ancient Khmer heritage with a vibrant modern tourism scene, offering travelers world-class temples, lush countryside, and warm Cambodian hospitality.
Top trails
Routes worth lacing up your boots for.
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1
Phnom Kulen National Park - Waterfall Trail
Phnom Kulen is Cambodia's most sacred mountain and national park, located 50km northeast of Siem Reap. The main trail leads to Cambodia's largest waterfall, a multi-tiered cascade that is a major pilgrimage site for Cambodians. The hike passes through beautiful forest and the summit plateau contains a giant reclining Buddha carved directly into the rock. The river at the top is perfect for swimming.
Trailhead: Phnom Kulen National Park entrance, 50km from Siem Reap
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2
Kbal Spean - River of a Thousand Lingas Trek
Kbal Spean, the 'River of a Thousand Lingas', is reached via a 2km forest trail from the car park. The jungle path climbs gently through beautiful protected forest before reaching the Siem Reap River's rocky bed, which has been carved with hundreds of Shiva lingas and mythological bas-reliefs by Khmer artists in the 11th-12th centuries. The carvings were intended to sanctify the river water flowing downstream to Angkor. The path continues upstream to several waterfalls.
Trailhead: Kbal Spean car park, 50km north of Siem Reap (near Phnom Kulen)
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3
Angkor Archaeological Park Walking Tour
While most visitors explore Angkor by tuk-tuk or bicycle, walking between temples within the inner complex (Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Ta Prohm) is very rewarding and allows you to discover small shrines, stone carvings, and quiet corners that vehicle-based tourists miss. The flat terrain is easy to walk, though the tropical heat makes early morning walks essential.
Trailhead: Angkor Wat main gate
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4
Phnom Bakheng Hill Trail
A short but rewarding climb to the hilltop temple of Phnom Bakheng, the first major temple built at Angkor (9th century). The dirt trail winds up through the forest to the summit, where the 9th-century pyramid temple offers panoramic views over Angkor Wat and the surrounding jungle. Popular for sunrise and sunset viewing.
Trailhead: Angkor Archaeological Park (between Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom)
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5
Beng Mealea Temple Trail
Beng Mealea is a massive 12th-century temple 68km east of Siem Reap that has been left largely unrestored. Exploring the temple involves walking over and through tumbled stone blocks, navigating narrow corridors, and clambering on walkways above the rubble. A local guide (available at entrance for $5-10) will reveal hidden passages and the most photogenic spots. The surrounding jungle and the absence of crowds make it feel like genuine exploration.
Trailhead: Beng Mealea entrance, 68km east of Siem Reap
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6
Kulen Mountain Loop Trail
For more serious hikers, the Phnom Kulen plateau has extended trail networks that can be explored with a local guide. The mountain plateau contains numerous ancient temple ruins, sacred sites, and stunning viewpoints over the plains below. A guide is essential as trails are not well-marked and getting lost in the dense jungle is a real possibility.
Trailhead: Phnom Kulen National Park
Trail difficulty levels
Pick a route that matches your fitness and experience.
Mostly flat, well-marked paths. Suitable for families and casual walkers.
Some elevation gain, longer distances. Requires basic fitness.
Significant climbs and exposure. Requires good fitness and route-finding.
Technical terrain, scrambling, or alpine conditions. Experience essential.
Local hazards
What to watch out for on the trail.
Sudden weather changes — always carry rain gear and warm layers.
Wildlife encounters — make noise on the trail and store food properly.
Trail conditions can deteriorate after rain — check recent reports before setting out.