1 Day Trip To Visit The Famous Sites Of Siem Reap In Cambodia

Siem Reap

Phnom Penh Lake

Highlights

Srah Damrey or The Elephant Pond

1,000 Lingams

Chub Preah

Preah Ang Thom

Terrace of The Leper King

Phnom Kulen

Siem Reap

archaeological, historical, sightseeing

Group Tour

1 Day

Easy

English

Description

Explore Phnom Kulen, the most sacred mountain in Cambodia. Visit Minor temples which are found around the plateau, including Rorng Chen temple, the first pyramid built by an Angkorian King, and many more. Traverse along numerous important sites like Big Buddha, 1000 lingams, Elephant Pond, etc. which lie scattered across the mountaintop, which is accessible by foot or by car.

Itinerary

Sightseeing in Siem Reap
- Visit Srah Damrei or the Elephant Pond which is a collection of giant stone animals guarding this sacred mountain.
- Explore 1,000 Lingams, one thousand lingams that are located on the top of the mountain, along Stung Siem Reap. The site features impressive riverbed rock carvings which include innumerable scores of yoni and lingam that sit on the bottom of a stream from which water flows year-round.
- Chub Preah, which is a plain on the flank of the mountain. The cool water that flows between the rocks can refresh weary travellers before they continue their journey. Nearby is a large, 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, go to Preah Ang Thom or Big Buddha. It is located on the mountaintop and attracts Khmer pilgrims during religious festivals. Built in the 16th century, it features a large statue of the 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 at the site. Preah Ang Thom is close to Chhat Ruot, a multilayered umbrella; Preah Bat Coan Tuk, footprints of Buddha; and Peung Chhat, Peung Eyso and Peung Eysey, overhanging rocks.
- Terrace of the Leper King or Preah Learn Sdech Kunlung is 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 they were found, scientists believe the site might have been a volcano millions of years ago.
- Also, visit Phnom Kulen – Waterfall farther downstream. It is a good spot to cool off after 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.

What's Included

Welcome drinks and cool towel during the trip

All taxed included

Complementary round-trip airport transfer

Transportation in and around town

Know Before You Go

Phnom Kulen is considered by Khmers to be the most sacred mountain in Cambodia and a popular place of pilgrimage during weekends and festivals.

Phnom Kulen is in Svay Leu and Varin district, about 60 kilometres from Siem Reap provincial town and 25 kilometres from Banteay Srei. Phnom Kulen, originally called Mount Mahendraparvata, is the mountain where the 500-year long Age of Angkor began. Phnom Kulen is the mountain on which, when King Jayavarman II (AD 802–850) proclaimed independence from Java in 802, the Angkorian Empire was born.

He initiated the royal “God of the king “linga cult in 802 AD, declaring a unified and independent Khmer Empire. Jayavarman II moved his capital from Phnom Kulen to the area near the modern town of Roluos Group.

There are several minor ruins at Phnom Kulen including hundreds of linga stands in the Siem Reap River. Waterfall and active pagoda. It’s a bit over 50km each way from Siem Reap so set aside at least a half day for the trip there and back. Regular admission ticket is not required. There is a separate entrance fee of $15 for Phnom Kulen.

Many minor temples are found around the plateau, including Rorng Chen temple, the first pyramid built by an Angkorian King, but many of them are difficult to reach. Numerous important sites lie scattered across the mountaintop, which is accessible by foot or by car. (No Pax 1-4)