Kulen Elephant Forest

Kulen Elephant Forest is a sanctuary located near Phnom Kulen National Park, providing a dignified retirement for elephants that formerly worked in the Angkor archaeological site. The project was initiated following the official cessation of elephant rides at Angkor Wat in 2020. Set within approximately 400 hectares of lush, protected forest, the elephants are free to roam and engage in natural behaviors without the burden of carrying tourists. Visitors can participate in ethical encounters, joining the elephants on forest walks and observing them as they forage and bathe in natural ponds. The sanctuary adheres to strict non-riding policies to prioritize the physical and mental health of the animals. Its mission is to raise awareness about Asian elephant conservation and to protect the vital forest corridor in the Kulen region. Professional mahouts and conservationists manage the facility, ensuring the highest standards of animal welfare. Kulen Elephant Forest has a peaceful alternative to traditional animal tourism, highlighting a shift toward more compassionate and sustainable wildlife management in Cambodia.

Nearby cities

Siem Reap

Serving as the gateway to the majestic ruins of Angkor, this city is the country's main tourist hub with a vibrant cultural scene.

Kampong Phluk

An authentic fishing village on the Tonle Sap lake, famous for its towering seven-meter stilted houses and the surrounding flooded mangro…

History & landmarks

Kbal Spean

A sacred river in the mountains, whose riverbed is intricately carved with numerous reliefs and Hindu symbols.

Lolei

A small temple of the Roluos Group that originally stood on an island in the historical Indratataka reservoir.

Preah Ko

The first temple built in the ancient capital of Hariharalaya, known for its surviving stucco decorations.

East Mebon

A monumental temple that once stood on an artificial island in the middle of the now-dry East Baray reservoir.

Pre Rup

Pre Rup is a brick and laterite temple mountain in the Angkor area.

Banteay Kdei

A fascinating Buddhist monastic complex in Angkor, whose ruins are peacefully shaded by tall trees today.

Ta Keo

An unfinished, massive sandstone temple mountain that stands out due to its simplicity and lack of external carvings.

Thommanon

A small, well-preserved Hindu temple in Angkor, known for its detailed Devata carvings.

Nature

Tonle Sap Lake

The largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, whose water level rises drastically during the monsoon, hosting unique biodiversity.

More places

Phnom Kulen National Park

Phnom Kulen National Park covers a sacred mountain range north of Siem Reap.

Phnom Kulen Plateau

A sacred mountain plateau considered the birthplace of the Khmer Empire.

Angkor Centre for Conservation of Biodiversity

Located near Siem Reap, the ACCB is dedicated to protecting and rehabilitating Cambodia's threatened wildlife.

Banteay Srey Butterfly Centre

This interactive centre showcases a vast variety of native butterflies in a tropical netted enclosure.

Banteay Srei

A Hindu temple made of red sandstone, renowned for its extremely fine and intricate carvings.

Roluos Group (Bakong)

Some of the earliest permanent temples of the Khmer Empire, with Bakong featuring the first significant temple-mountain architecture.

Beng Mealea

A partially collapsed, largely unrestored temple that has been thoroughly consumed by the surrounding nature and tree roots.

Ta Som

A small Buddhist temple whose eastern entrance is famously engulfed by the massive roots of a sacred fig tree.