Kulen Mountain: A Sacred and Scenic Destination in Cambodia

Kulen mountain is not only a natural attraction, but also a historical and religious site. It was here that King Jayavarman II declared independence from Java in 802 CE and established the Khmer Empire12 The mountain is home to several ancient temples, carvings, and statues that reflect the Hindu and Buddhist heritage of Cambodia.

The mountain is also a popular destination for locals who come to enjoy the fresh air, picnic, and swim in the waterfalls. The waterfalls are especially refreshing during the hot and dry season, and are believed to have healing properties.

Activities

There are many things to do and see on Kulen mountain, depending on your interests and time. Here are some of the highlights:

• Visit the Preah Ang Thom pagoda, where you can see the giant reclining Buddha carved out of a sandstone boulder. The Buddha is 8 meters long and 4 meters high, and is the largest in Cambodia

• Enjoy the scenic views and the cool breeze at the two waterfalls on the mountain. The first waterfall is about 5 meters high and 25 meters wide, and the second one is about 20 meters high and 15 meters wide. You can swim, relax, or take photos at the waterfalls, but remember to dress modestly and respect the local culture

• Explore the ancient temples and ruins that dot the mountain, such as Prasat Rong Chen, the first pyramid temple built by the Khmer kings, Prasat Krau Romeas, a brick temple with a unique design, and Prasat Damrei Krap, a temple with elephant statues.

Ticket Price

To enter the Kulen National Park, which covers the mountain and its surroundings, you need to buy a separate ticket from the Angkor Archaeological Park. The ticket costs $20 per person and can be bought online or at the gate. Cambodians can enter the park for free.

How to Get There

Kulen mountain is about 50 kilometers from Siem Reap and can take 1.5 to 2 hours to reach by car or van. The road is one-way traffic only, so you need to go up before 11 am and come down after 12 pm. You can hire a private driver, join a tour, or rent a motorbike to get there. Tuk tuks are not recommended as they are not capable of making the steep journey to the top.

How to Book

If you want to book a tour or a driver to Kulen mountain, you can do so online or through your hotel or a travel agency in Siem Reap. There are many options available, ranging from half-day to full-day tours, and from shared to private tours. You can also customize your itinerary and combine Kulen mountain with other attractions, such as Beng Mealea temple or Banteay Srei temple.

Contact Information

Here are some useful contact information for Kulen mountain:

• Ticket price: $20 per person

• Phone: +855 63 760 069

• Website: Kulen National Park

• Open hour: 7 am to 5 pm

• Address: Phnom Kulen National Park, Svay Leu District, Siem Reap Province, Cambodia