Phnom Kulen Plateau

The Phnom Kulen Plateau is considered the most sacred mountain in Cambodia and is the birthplace of the ancient Khmer Empire. In 802 AD, King Jayavarman II declared himself a god-king (Devaraja) here, establishing independence from Java. The plateau is located about 40 kilometers north of Siem Reap and reaches an average elevation of 480 meters. The region is rich in archaeological treasures, including the "River of a Thousand Lingas," where the riverbed is adorned with countless intricate stone carvings. Another highlight is the massive reclining Buddha at the Preah Ang Thom temple, carved directly into a giant rock. Geographically, the plateau is made of sandstone, which historically served as the primary building material for the temples of Angkor. The easy on the eye waterfalls of Phnom Kulen are a favorite destination for both locals and tourists seeking natural beauty. Today, the plateau is protected as a national park and remains a central site for religious ceremonies and spiritual reflection throughout Cambodia.

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 National Park

Phnom Kulen National Park covers a sacred mountain range north of Siem Reap.

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.