Phnom Kulen Sacred Sites and Waterfall Exploration
- Visit Srah Damrei, or the Elephant Pond, a collection of giant stone animals guarding this sacred mountain.
Explore 1,000 Lingams, located on the top of the mountain along Stung Siem Reap. The site features impressive riverbed rock carvings, including innumerable yoni and lingam carvings set on the bottom of a stream through which water flows year-round.
Continue to Chub Preah, a plain on the flank of the mountain. The cool water flowing between the rocks can refresh weary travellers before they continue their journey. Nearby stands a large and rare Champa tree, 0.7 meters in diameter and 15 meters tall. The site also has a large Buddha statue and many small statues built in the 16th century.
Then visit Preah Ang Thom, or Big Buddha. Located on the mountaintop, it attracts Khmer pilgrims during religious festivals. Built in the 16th century, it features a large reclining Buddha reaching nirvana. The statue is 7.5 meters tall and 8 meters long, carved into a huge sandstone boulder. The site also offers spectacular views across the lush jungle. There are two Champa trees here, and Preah Ang Thom is close to Chhat Ruot, a multilayered umbrella; Preah Bat Coan Tuk, the footprints of Buddha; and Peung Chhat, Peung Eyso, and Peung Eysey, overhanging rocks.
Visit the Terrace of the Leper King, or Preah Learn Sdech Kunlung, a smooth volcanic terrace. At the center of the terrace is a small brick temple that has been smashed to pieces. Based on the rocks found there, scientists believe the site might have been a volcano millions of years ago.
Also visit Phnom Kulen Waterfall farther downstream, a good spot to cool off after your explorations. It has two levels. The first level is 4 to 6 meters high and 10 to 15 meters wide, depending on whether it is the dry or rainy season. The second level is 15 to 20 meters high and 6 to 8 meters wide, depending on the season. Near the waterfall is a small jungle-covered laterite temple called Kraol Remeas Temple.
