Full Day: Car $75
Phnom Kulen Mountain
Phnom Kulen Mountain contains many interesting sites, all of which are located in a small geographical area. These include the mystical Kbal Spean River, stunning waterfalls, Preah Ang Thom Temple and magnificent statues hidden in the depths of the forest. Chanthy can take you by car to the top of the mountain where many of these amazing sights can be reached by a short walk. Maybe you can even sample some of the local red bananas along the way!
The mountain top is home to Kbal Spean, otherwise known as ‘The valley of the thousand lingas’. Here, Yoni and Linga can be found on the bed of the Kbal Spean River, a tributary of the Siem Reap River. These carvings were thought to have been created to bless the waters as they flowed from the mountain top to the citadel of Angkor below. In addition to the phallic carvings on the river bed, there are many depictions of Hindu gods including Shiva, Vishnu, Brahma, Lakshmi, Rama and Hanuman.
Once you have marvelled at the thousands of linga, you will explore the magnificent Preah Ang Thom Temple, which is accessed by several flights of steps ascending a massive sandstone boulder. It is remarkable to think that, in the sixteenth Century, local artisans scrambled this impossibly steep monolith to carve a giant statue of a reclining Buddha at the very top. The temple is made more easily accessible to the modern day visitor by a concrete stairway which, once ascended, affords beautiful views of the surrounding Cambodian countryside.
Perhaps one of the true delights of the mountain is the awe inspiring Phnom Kulen Waterfall where visitors will find local families taking advantage of the cooling waters. The pool at the foot of the falls is perfect for a refreshing dip after an afternoon’s exploration and hundreds of butterflies can often be seen fluttering around.
For the more adventurous visitor, it is possible to take a seven kilometre motorbike ride along the jungle pathways and bouncy dried riverbeds to visit the site of animal carvings which lie deep in the forest. Huge statues of frogs, elephants and cows can be seen gathered around what was once an ancient waterhole in what feels like a million miles away from the crowds at the falls. On the return journey, stop at the Bat Cave where you can see thousands of local bats clinging to the ceiling of a deep, dark cave buried in the mountain side. This subterranean addition to the trip is well worth it for those who feel able to make the journey by motorbike. An additional charge is made by the local youths who ferry willing visitors to this remote location.
Beng Mealea Temple
Beng Mealea Temple is a valuable addition to the small tour and perhaps one of the area’s most enjoyable visits for the more adventurous. On the way, you will have the chance to see a little of rural life as you travel the back roads through the paddy fields and small villages that lie off the beaten track. The temple itself is a little outside the main group and is largely unrestored. Here visitors can scramble over the fallen ruins and discover the hidden chambers and galleries within. As this gem is a little off the usual tourist routes, it is quieter and often you will find yourself wandering around alone.
Tours of Angkor 