Phnom Kulen National Park

Phnom Kulen National Park centers around the sacred mountain massif that is considered the birthplace of the ancient Khmer Empire. It was here in 802 AD that King Jayavarman II declared independence from Java and proclaimed himself a universal monarch. The park is home to significant archaeological sites, most notably Kbal Spean, also known as the 'River of a Thousand Lingas,' featuring intricate Hindu carvings directly on the riverbed. Another spiritual landmark is the Preah Ang Thom pagoda, which houses a massive 16th-century reclining Buddha carved into a natural sandstone boulder. The natural landscape is characterized by tropical rainforests, diverse wildlife, and iconic twin waterfalls that attract both pilgrims and tourists. Geologically, the plateau served as the primary quarry for the sandstone used to construct the temples of Angkor. Today, the national park plays a vital ecological role as the primary watershed for the Siem Reap region, making its conservation essential for local water security.

Nearby cities

Siem Reap

Serving as the gateway to the majestic ruins of Angkor, this city is the country's main tourist hub with a vibrant cultural scene.

Kampong Phluk

An authentic fishing village on the Tonle Sap lake, famous for its towering seven-meter stilted houses and the surrounding flooded mangro…

History & landmarks

Kbal Spean

A sacred river in the mountains, whose riverbed is intricately carved with numerous reliefs and Hindu symbols.

Lolei

A small temple of the Roluos Group that originally stood on an island in the historical Indratataka reservoir.

Preah Ko

The first temple built in the ancient capital of Hariharalaya, known for its surviving stucco decorations.

East Mebon

A monumental temple that once stood on an artificial island in the middle of the now-dry East Baray reservoir.

Pre Rup

Pre Rup is a brick and laterite temple mountain in the Angkor area.

Banteay Kdei

A fascinating Buddhist monastic complex in Angkor, whose ruins are peacefully shaded by tall trees today.

Ta Keo

An unfinished, massive sandstone temple mountain that stands out due to its simplicity and lack of external carvings.

Thommanon

A small, well-preserved Hindu temple in Angkor, known for its detailed Devata carvings.

Nature

Tonle Sap Lake

The largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, whose water level rises drastically during the monsoon, hosting unique biodiversity.

More places

Phnom Kulen Plateau

A sacred mountain plateau considered the birthplace of the Khmer Empire.

Kulen Elephant Forest

A spacious sanctuary where former working elephants can live a peaceful and natural life.

Angkor Centre for Conservation of Biodiversity

Located near Siem Reap, the ACCB is dedicated to protecting and rehabilitating Cambodia's threatened wildlife.

Beng Mealea

A partially collapsed, largely unrestored temple that has been thoroughly consumed by the surrounding nature and tree roots.

Banteay Srey Butterfly Centre

This interactive centre showcases a vast variety of native butterflies in a tropical netted enclosure.

Banteay Srei

A Hindu temple made of red sandstone, renowned for its extremely fine and intricate carvings.

Roluos Group (Bakong)

Some of the earliest permanent temples of the Khmer Empire, with Bakong featuring the first significant temple-mountain architecture.

Ta Som

A small Buddhist temple whose eastern entrance is famously engulfed by the massive roots of a sacred fig tree.