Discover the mysterious beauty of Phnom Kulen National Park
With the majestic waterfalls, the Buddhist architectural and sculpture and the sacred stream, Phnom Kulen National Park attracted many tourists to visit here. Phnom Kulen National Park promises to be an attractive tourist destination in Laos and cambodia tours with a lot of mysterious beauty for visitors to explore.
General information about Phnom Kulen National Park
Discover the mysterious beauty of Phnom Kulen National Park
Located about 50 kilometers from the north of Siem Reap, Phnom Kulen National Park is one of the most ancient and respectable places in Cambodia. In Phnom Kulen National Park, there is the sacred mountain Kulen which is also known as Mahendraparvata. The national park is also a resort with the cultural and historical value marking the origin of the Khmer empire in the 9th century when King Jayavarman II declared the independence from Java and called himself "Chakravartin", meaning "the king of a separate country".
Stretching over 13 kilometers down to the Angkor plain, Phnom Kulen National Park is home to many temple relics, reliefs as well as art sculptures that have been passed through for centuries. Furthermore, since most of the area in Phnom Kulen is still intact, visitors can immerse themselves in the poetic nature of the countryside with its evergreen forests, rivers, and waterfalls.
How to travel to Phnom Kulen National Park
Stretching over an area of about 37,500 hectares, visitors can reach Phnom Kulen National Park by car, truck or tuk-tuk. The taxi/car rental for a day is around $50 and the van rental ranges from $60 to $80. The transfer takes about two hours to get here from Siem Reap. In addition, the famous Angkor Wat is just 30 kilometers away. There is a private path leading to the main attractions of the park. However, since the area has been demolished, visitors should travel with a tour guide who knows well the way to get inside the Phnom Kulen National Park.
Discover the mysterious beauty of Phnom Kulen National Park
The ticket office is located at the foot of Phnom Kulen mountain and also the entrance to the Phnom Kulen National Park. If you do not buy a ticket in town, you have to pay for your ticket and show it to go through the entrance. The good and clean toilet facilities are available here.
Things to do and see in Phnom Kulen National Park
The archaeological site of Kbal Spean
One of the most notable attractions in Phnom Kulen National Park is the archaeological site of Kbal Spean. Located in the western area of the Phnom Kulen Mountains, Kbal Spean, also known as 'The river of a thousand Lingas', features a carving sandstone arch with many sculptures from the 11th and 12th centuries. The texts and legends carved on it are classified into three elements that illustrate the Hindu Trinity gods: Lord Vishnu, Lord Brahma, and Lord Shiva.
Among them, the carvings of Vishnu lying on the snake Ananta with the Lakshmi king and a lotus-filled from Vishnu's navel embracing the image of Brahma are noteworthy. This area is used to christen and the water flowing through here is considered a sacred stream to wash away the guilty.
Discover the mysterious beauty of Phnom Kulen National Park
Chup Preah
Another notable attraction located in Phnom Kulen is Chup Preah. This is plain with streams winding around the valley. Chup Preah is truly a peaceful destination with a Buddhist image in the 16 century, next to a tree about 15 meters high running along it.
Preah Ang Thom
Preah Ang Thom is the main temple located at Kulen Mountain. This is a Buddhist temple consisting of a 17-meter long statue of a Buddha lying and Sdach Kampung's terrace with a small brick temple in the center. The studies show that this Cambodian destination has been covered by lava for hundreds of years. Besides, there are two impressive waterfalls that form the highlight of Phnom Kulen.
Srah Damrei
You take a walk to reach Srah Damrei or Elephant Pond. This is an area with many stone-carved animals. These ancient Khmer sculptures also go with several lions and other animals' remnants. This destination is a really worthy landscape to trek off the beaten path. Look for the guides around Preah Ang Thom and they will show you the way.
Waterfall & Picnic area
The top part of the waterfall is very flat and ideal for families with young children who want to immerse in the cool water. It is also near the picnic area which is a great site to take the afternoon to duck in the water. There is a small waterfall located further which is perfect for timid swimmers and children.
Phnom Kulen National Park is not only a natural attraction for Cambodia but also a valuable temple for those who love culture and belief in Buddhism. To know more information about Cambodia tours packages, via our website. Share this article if it is useful for you. Have a nice trip!