Phnom Kulen Mountain

Located approximately 50 kilometers from the city of Siem Reap, Phnom Kulen is one of Cambodia's most sacred mountains. It is also a major pilgrimage site for the Khmer population. Situated 30 kilometers northeast of the Angkor Archaeological Park, Phnom Kulen is a must-visit destination during any trip to Cambodia.

History

According to historical records, in the year 800, King Jayavarman II relocated the capital of Cambodia to Phnom Kulen, then known as Mahendraparvata. Two years later, on this same mountain, the king performed the famous "magical ritual" and proclaimed the country’s independence from Java. In 1992, the site was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

Discovering Phnom Kulen

Geography

Phnom Kulen is a mountain range that rises to an altitude of 487 meters. It is the source of the rivers that irrigate the Angkor site. The tropical climate of this mountainous region favors fruit production and contributes to the area’s renown.

What to do at Phnom Kulen?

• Go hiking

The legendary mountain of Phnom Kulen offers opportunities for full-day hiking adventures. You can also spend the night in a pagoda and continue your trek through limestone plains and forested areas. Deep within the forest, you will encounter the immense carved rocks of Sra Dumrei. Along the way, you will enjoy breathtaking landscapes and uncover Khmer beliefs and legends. The hike promises spectacular views dotted with hills and valleys.

• See the river of a thousand lingas

The River of a Thousand Lingas and its beautiful waterfalls are among the main attractions at Phnom Kulen. It is a popular spot for picnics among visitors. During your visit, you can also experience the daily life of local villagers while admiring the serene beauty of the river. The Siem Reap River, which supplies Angkor, originates here.

The river is called the River of a Thousand Lingas because of the thousands of small stone carvings (lingas) crafted by the Khmer, which adorn the riverbed.

These lingas are small, rounded monolithic shapes that symbolically represent the male phallus, revered in Khmer spiritual traditions. Following a hidden trail along the river, you will reach the spring where the river originates. According to legend, the king used to bathe in this shallow spring, which cured him of leprosy. To this day, the belief that the spring water is sacred remains strong. Many Cambodians come here to pray and make wishes by tossing money into the spring or drinking its water.

• Visit the village market

As you venture deeper into the Kulen Mountain forest, you will come across a small village and its market — quite different from those found in Cambodia’s larger cities. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by the mouth-watering aromas of local grilled cuisine.

The market is filled with stalls selling various medicinal roots, animal skins, and bones, believed to cure a wide range of illnesses, including some life-threatening ones. At the far end of the market, you will find the entrance to the religious site marked by a large statue of the god Shiva.

• Visit Wat Preah Ang Thom Temple

At the summit of Kulen Mountain stands a small Buddhist temple known as Wat Preah Ang Thom. The temple entrance is guarded by stone statues of lions, garudas, serpents, and tigers. Beyond the entrance, a staircase leads to a large statue of Vishnu and a naga balustrade with five heads, typical of Cambodian temple architecture.

Along the staircase, beggars solicit alms from the pilgrims.

Dating back to the 16th century, the temple is relatively small and was originally a Hindu site before the spread of Buddhism. It still houses numerous Hindu carvings.

The most remarkable feature is the reclining Buddha statue, carved directly into a giant sandstone rock. Uniquely, this Buddha lies on his left side, unlike most reclining Buddha statues elsewhere.  

How to get there

To reach Phnom Kulen, you can rent a car from Siem Reap, with rental costs around $60 USD. Upon arrival at the park entrance, you will need to undertake a moderately challenging one-hour hike through the forest to reach the waterfall.

Opening hours and tickets

You can purchase your entrance ticket at the base of the mountain. Alternatively, tickets are often available at a lower price in Siem Reap.