Phnom Kulen National Park

Phnom Kulen (translated from Khmer "Lichie Mountain") is a national park located in the mountain range of the same name 50 km from the city of Siem Reap. One of the most picturesque and historically significant places in Cambodia. This sacred mountain has an amazing energy and is known among pilgrims as a place of power. The tranquility and silence of these places, as if born from the surrounding sea of jungle.

On the Phnom Kulen Plateau in 802, the ruler Jayavarman II proclaimed himself Devaraja (king-god). It is believed that from this place and time Cambodia began its existence. Phnom Kulen has a special sacred and mystical status and is revered by many local residents and pilgrims. At the highest point of Mount Kulen is an ancient Buddhist temple and monastery, and from the peak of this mountain is carved a statue of a recumbent Buddha. On the territory of the national park, the sacred river of thousands of lingams flows, which flows into the Siem Reap River, filling the canals and ditches of Angkor with its sacred water. Lingam is a phallic symbol symbolizing the masculine principle. Lingams were carved at the bottom of the river and flowing through them, the water, according to Hindu beliefs, becomes sacred.

The stream ends with a 15-meter waterfall. In the fall of the waterfall there is a dam, where swimming in clean cool water, you can get a free session of ichthyomassage (peeling fish). Also on the territory of the park, in a cafe near the river you can taste local cuisine, drink beer, and later, happy and enlightened fall asleep in a hammock.