Phnom Kulen / Kulen Mountain
Cambodia’s Most Sacred Peak
About
Phnom Kulen National Park or Kulen Mountain which means “Mountain of Lychees” is considered by Khmers to be the most sacred mountain in Cambodia. Located 40 kilometers northeast of Angkor Wat and the beautiful town of Siem Reap, Phnom Kulen is a holy mountain which serves as a place of pilgrimage on weekends and special occasions. It stretches over an area of 25 by 10km and is covered by a chain of small mountain plateaus.
Phnom Kulen is believed to be the birthplace of the Khmer Empire where King Jayavarman II was crowned as ‘God-king’. At present, Kulen Mountain is a favorite spot among Cambodian families for weekend getaways and special holidays. This is where families usually gather together and the place where visitors go for outdoor activities.
Phnom Kulen Entrance Fee
Khmers can get through Phnom Kulen for free while foreign visitors have to pay US$20 to enter. The tickets can be purchased at the site before entering the park. Please do take note that the US$20 entrance fee to Phnom Kulen is different from the standard Angkor temple pass, and is valid only on the same day.
Siem Reap to Phnom Kulen – How to Get There
Phnom Kulen is about two hour drive from Siem Reap town and the most convenient way to get there is by car or by van. Taking a motorcycle can also be an option, on the other hand, the roads to the mountain are just too difficult. Taking a car or van comes handy as it can easily make its way to the mountain. Taking a tuk tuk should never be an option as it is impossible for it to make its way on top of the mountain. Kulen Mountain is open to visitors any day of the week from 7am til 12nn.
Phnom Kulen Attractions
Phnom Kulen Waterfalls
The waterfalls of Phnom Kulen are a must-see sight. After climbing up to the mountain and exploring around, the waterfalls in Phnom Kulen are a perfect spot to cool off. Plunge into the cold refreshing water that flows through the falls and do not miss to take photos as the falls can be a perfect backdrop. There are also places nearby where you can have a picnic lunch. Food stalls are also available at the site or you can bring your own food just like what most locals do.
Reclining Buddha
On top of the mountain you can have a look at a massive reclining Buddha. The Buddha statue is made of sandstone and is one of the biggest of its kind in Cambodia. Locals usually come and visit the pagoda to pray and do some offerings. The views from the top will not disappoint you as you can cast an eye on Cambodia’s lush forests and jungles. Also, the hilltop houses 56 Angkorian temples which are made of bricks and volcanic stones.
The River of A Thousand Lingas
Another attraction is The River of A Thousand Lingas. This attraction is in the western part of the Kulen mountain within the Phnom Kulen National Park. It features carvings of sacred lingas in sandstone formations on the river bed and banks. A linga is a stylized image of a phallus representing the essence of the God Shiva. The carvings are visible when the water is at its lowest level. It is believed that they have been carved into the river for nearly a thousand years and are meant to bless the water that goes through them. Cambodians usually splash some water on their hands and faces as they believe that the water which flows through these sacred carvings gives good luck and good health.
Phnom Kulen Tour
Temples Hidden in the Jungle – Fasten your seat belt and get ready to experience Phnom Kulen via Cambodian Jeep. Visit the 1000 lingas and Buddha Monastery in the morning and enjoy picnic lunch by noon. Continue your adventure by visiting remote temples such as Srah Damrei & Prasat Rong Chen tucked in the Cambodian jungle. The tour ends with a refreshing bath with the stunning nature views at the waterfalls. The tour includes Cambodian jeep with your personal driver, entrance fee & lunch. This tour is perfect for families who want to delve deeper into adventure for a day, a unique jeep experience in Siem Reap!
If you have any questions about visiting Phnom Kulen, the best time to go there, or even about the weather forecast, please don’t hesitate to contact Navutu Dreams and we will be happy to arrange a trip to Kulen Mountain for you.
Where to Stay in Siem Reap
Just minutes away from Angkor Wat and Siem Reap town is a tropical paradise called Navutu Dreams. Navutu Dreams is one of Siem Reap’s finest boutique hotels and resorts which features 28 spacious guest rooms and suites, three gorgeous swimming pools, yoga and detox/wellness programs.
Booking directly with us automatically includes courtesy airport pick up, daily breakfast, a 15-minute foot spa experience and a complimentary tuk tuk shuttle to Siem Reap town center, 12 hours daily. Escape to your own luxurious hideaway where you can truly rest, relax and getaway.
