Cambodia #15: Kulen Mountain - Lychee Mountain

Kulen Mountain, called in Khmer "Phnom Kulen", which means "Lychee Mountain" is considered by Cambodian people to be the most sacred mountain in Cambodia. Situated 40 kilometers northeast of Angkor Wat and the wonderful town of Siem Reap, Kulen Mountain is a holy religious mountain which serves as a place of pilgrimage on weekends and unique events. It extends over a range of 25 by 10km and is covered by a chain of small mountain plateaus.

Kulen Mountain is believed to be the birthplace of the Khmer Empire where King Jayavarman II was crowned as 'God-King’. Now, Kulen Mountain is a most loved spot among Cambodian families for weekend getaways and special holidays.

Kulen Mountain Entrance Fee and Hour

Kulen Mountain is inside the Kulen National Park, which requires a separate ticket to the Angkor Archeological Park. It is $20 per person for foreign visitors if purchased at the gate at the entrance to the mountain yet you can ask your guide or driver to get tickets for you in town. Please do take note that the $20 entrance fee to Kulen Mountain is not the same as the standard Angkor temple pass, and is valid only on the same day. Cambodian people can enter for free.

If you’re going to the top of the mountain by car, van or motorbike, you need to go up before 11am. The road is one-way traffic only and the traffic going up finishes early, so don’t be late!

How to Get There Kulen Mountain from Siem Reap

Kulen Mountain is 48km from Siem Reap and around two hour drive from Siem Reap town and the most convenient approach to arrive is via car or by van. Taking a motorbike can likewise be a choice, on the other hand, the roads to the mountain are difficult. Taking a car or van comes convenient as it can easily make its way toward the mountain. Taking a tuk tuk ought to never be an alternative as it is impossible for it to make its way on top of the mountain.

Kulen Mountain Most Attractions

1. Kulen Mountain Waterfalls and Picnic Area

The top section of the waterfall of Kulen Maountain is quite flat and useful for families or youthful youngsters that need to dip into the refreshingly cool water. It's likewise near the picnic area, which makes it a truly incredible spot to spend the afternoon ducking in and out of the water. Food stalls are also available at the site or you can bring your own food just like what most local people do. Further down is also a small waterfall; great for timid swimmers and children.

Follow the stairs to get to the lower part of the beautiful waterfall which is the main attraction. In wet season, when the waterfall is at its strongest, the sound of the water smashing is very attractive. But it doesn't prevent people from going and encountering the full force up very close! The water is not so deep and in many segments of the basin of water under the waterfall, you can nearly touch the ground. Nonetheless, best in the event that you can swim and feel positive about the water.

2. Reclining Buddha

There is the main pagoda at Kulen Mountain, it's essential to take off your shoes before entering the pagoda. There are women at the point where you have to give up your footwear, don't worry, they'll take great care of your shoes for a reasonable charge. Once inside you can advance up to the monster reclining Buddha statue made of sandstone, revealed as the biggest in Cambodia, however there are many sitting Buddha's that dwarf this one. Offering boxes line the length of the Buddha statue and many blossoms and different tributes are put all around. Local people normally come and visit the pagoda to pray and do a few offerings. The perspectives from the best will not disappoint you as you can look at Cambodia's rich forests and jungles. Additionally, the hilltop houses 56 Angkorian temples which are made of bricks and volcanic stones.

3. A Thousand Lingas

A Thousand Lingas is another attraction that located in the western part of the Kulen Mountain inside the Phnom Kulen National Park. It highlights carvings of sacred lingas in sandstone arrangements on the river bed and banks. A linga is an adapted picture of a phallus representing the embodiment of the God Shiva. The carvings are noticeable when the water is at its lowest level. It is trusted that they have been engraved into the river for about a thousand years and are tended to favor the water that goes through them. Cambodian people typically splash some water on their hands and faces as they trust that the water which moves through these holy carvings gives good fortunes and great wellbeing.

4. Srah Damrei

Only accessible by foot, Srah Damrei or Elephant Pond, is a territory loaded with stone- carved animals. This ancient Cambodian people carve is likewise joined by two or three lions and remnants of some different animals. This is an exceptionally rewarding sight and worth trekking out of the way. There are guides that will be processing around the Preah Ang Thom region, search one out and they will demonstrate to you the way.

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