Kulen Mountain

Kulen Mountain

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Address:
Phnum Kulen, Cambodia, Siem Reap & Angkor
Description:

Kulen Mountain (Phnom Kulen) means “mountain of the lychees”. There is a sacred hilltop site on top of the range. It also has spectacular waterfalls.

Kulen Mountain is considered a holy mountain in Cambodia of special religious significance to both Hindus and Buddhists, who flock to the mountain to pilgrimage. Kulen Mountain also features the famed river of 1,000 lingas.

Significance of Kulen Mountain

Phnom Kulen has a major symbolic importance for Cambodians as the birthplace of the ancient Khmer Empire, as it was there that King Jayavarma II proclaimed independence from Java in 804. Jayavarman II initiated the Devaraja cult of the king, a linga cult, in 804, declaring his independence from Java of whom the Khmer had been a vassalage state.

Kulen mountain Things to do in Siem Reap
Phnom Kulen waterfall

Getting to Kulen Mountain

The journey up the mountain is breathtakingly beautiful with a good track road and lots of forested areas to drive through. We recommend you take a tour guide and rent a Jeep, especially if you bring camera equipment with you. There is a picnic spot at the top where you can unwind in a gazebo by the river and rehydrate. The waterfall is incredible to visit, especially in the wet season.

Where is Kulen Mountain?

It is located some 30km north of Angkor Wat, close to Siem Reap.

Nearby Attractions

Although the waterfalls are a fair drive from Angkor, they are easily accessible from Siem Reap. This means that you can combine a trip here with the temples of Angkor, including Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom, as well as enjoying the nightlife and shopping opportunities offered in the main tourist town of Cambodia.

Let the adventure begin.