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Phnom Kulen waterfall
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Phnom Kulen Overview

Phnom Kulen National Park, located in Siem Reap Province, Cambodia, is a significant historical and natural site, about 48 kilometers (approximately 30 miles) from the renowned Angkor Wat. Established as a national park to protect its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, it covers an area of approximately 373 square kilometers (about 144 square miles). Phnom Kulen, meaning “Mountain of the Lychees,” holds a special place in Cambodian history as the birthplace of the ancient Khmer Empire in the 9th century when King Jayavarman II declared independence from Java and initiated the Devaraja cult.

The park is renowned for its religious significance, featuring ancient temples, a thousand Lingas carved into the riverbed, and a giant reclining Buddha at Preah Ang Thom monastery, which is the largest of its kind in Cambodia. The lush landscape of Phnom Kulen is characterized by its dense tropical forest, waterfalls, and streams, offering a refreshing retreat from the Cambodian heat.

Among its natural attractions, the two-tiered waterfall is a popular spot for both locals and tourists, providing a serene setting for relaxation and picnics. The upper tier falls from a height of about 4-5 meters, while the lower tier cascades down from about 15-20 meters, creating a picturesque and inviting natural pool.

Phnom Kulen National Park is not only a place of natural beauty but also an archaeological treasure trove, with hidden ruins and relics scattered throughout the forest, waiting to be explored. The park’s significance in Khmer history, combined with its natural beauty, makes it a fascinating destination for those interested in Cambodia’s past and those seeking the tranquility of its landscapes.

Visitors to Phnom Kulen National Park can enjoy a day of hiking, exploring ancient ruins, swimming in the waterfall, and experiencing the spiritual and historical essence of Cambodia.

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Park Map
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Phnom Kulen National Park Highlights

Popular Species

Phnom Kulen National Park is home to a wide range of wildlife, including rare mammals, reptiles, and amphibians that thrive in its dense forests and waterfalls.

Indochinese Leopard is a rare and elusive big cat known for its stunning spotted coat, often hiding in the thick jungle surrounding the park’s waterfalls and hills.

Asian Elephant roams the park’s forests in small herds, contributing to the biodiversity and cultural significance of Cambodia’s wildlife.

Sunda Pangolin is a critically endangered mammal, known for its protective scales and nocturnal habits, often hiding in burrows within the park.

Bengal Monitor is a large, slow-moving lizard that can be spotted basking in sunny areas near water sources or climbing trees in search of prey.

Pileated Gibbon is a rare primate species that inhabits the forest canopy, recognized by its distinctive loud calls and agile tree-swinging behavior.

Asiatic Black Bear is a large mammal with a characteristic white chest marking, often roaming the park’s dense woodlands and sometimes seen near water sources.

Malayan Porcupine is a nocturnal rodent that uses its sharp quills for defense and is typically found in the park’s rocky, forested terrain.

Long-tailed Macaque is a common monkey species known for its playful nature, often seen foraging near water bodies and in the trees of Phnom Kulen.

King Cobra is a highly venomous snake that can be spotted in the park’s undergrowth, often moving stealthily through the forest in search of prey.

Asian Water Dragon is a semi-aquatic lizard that thrives near the park’s rivers and waterfalls, known for its ability to dive into water to escape predators.

Bird Species

Phnom Kulen National Park is a birdwatcher’s haven, with diverse avian species thriving in its lush forests and along its rivers.

Crested Serpent Eagle is a large raptor with a striking crest, often seen soaring over the park’s forests searching for snakes and small mammals.

Oriental Pied Hornbill is a distinctive bird with a large casque, often seen flying between the park’s tall trees and feeding on fruits and small animals.

Great Slaty Woodpecker is the largest woodpecker in Asia, known for its drumming sounds echoing through the park’s forests as it searches for insects.

Red-breasted Parakeet is a brightly colored bird found in the park’s forests, known for its vibrant plumage and social behavior in small flocks.

White-rumped Shama is a songbird admired for its melodious calls, often heard in the dense undergrowth of Phnom Kulen’s forests.

Black Baza is a small, striking raptor with a distinctive black-and-white plumage, often seen in the park’s open areas and forest edges.

Scarlet Minivet is a brilliantly colored bird with vivid red and black feathers, commonly spotted in pairs or small groups in the park’s canopy.

Common Hill Myna is a glossy black bird with yellow patches on its head, known for its remarkable ability to mimic sounds and human speech.

Asian Koel is a parasitic cuckoo often heard before it is seen, with a distinctive, repetitive call that echoes through the park’s trees.

Blue-winged Pitta is a colorful bird that migrates through the park, distinguished by its vibrant plumage and its preference for moist, forested habitats.

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Engaging Phnom Kulen National Park

Phnom Kulen National Park is steeped in history, with ancient temples and ruins scattered throughout the park. One of the most significant sites is the Preah Ang Thom, a large reclining Buddha statue carved into a massive rock, which is a key pilgrimage site for Cambodians.

Visitors can also explore ancient temples such as Prasat Krau Romeas and Beng Mealea, remnants of the Khmer Empire, offering a glimpse into Cambodia’s rich cultural heritage. The park’s sacred sites allow visitors to connect with the spiritual history of the region while enjoying the peaceful natural surroundings.

The Phnom Kulen waterfalls are one of the park’s most popular attractions. The two-tiered falls cascade into natural pools, offering visitors a refreshing spot to swim and relax. Surrounded by lush greenery and serene forest, the waterfalls provide a perfect retreat from the heat.

Visitors can enjoy a picnic by the falls or simply soak in the beauty of the landscape. The area around the waterfalls is also a popular spot for families and groups to gather, making it a must-visit for nature lovers.

Phnom Kulen National Park offers a range of trekking opportunities through its lush forests, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the rich biodiversity of the region. The forest is home to diverse plant and animal species, including butterflies, monkeys, and unique flora.

Treks vary in difficulty, catering to both casual walkers and more experienced hikers. Along the way, trekkers can explore hidden waterfalls, ancient ruins, and scenic viewpoints. Trekking in the park provides an immersive nature experience, with the chance to connect with Cambodia’s stunning natural landscapes.

Phnom Kulen National Park Trails

Preah Ang Thom Trail

Rating: Easy

Distance and Elevation Gain: 1.5 kilometers round trip, with minimal elevation gain.

Description: This easy trail leads to the revered Preah Ang Thom monastery, home to Cambodia’s largest reclining Buddha.

Surrounded by lush forest, the path is flat and well-maintained, making it accessible to visitors of all ages. Along the way, hikers can enjoy the serene atmosphere, with the sound of monks chanting in the distance.

It’s a spiritual journey into the heart of Khmer culture.

Kbal Spean Trail

Rating: Moderate

Distance and Elevation Gain: 3 kilometers round trip, with an elevation gain of about 150 meters.

Description: The Kbal Spean Trail offers a moderate hike through the jungle to the “River of a Thousand Lingas,” where ancient Hindu carvings are etched into the riverbed and rocks.

The trail is somewhat rocky and includes a steady climb, but it’s well worth the effort to see these unique religious symbols and nearby waterfalls, especially during the wet season when the river is full.

Phnom Kulen Waterfall Trail

Rating: Easy

Distance and Elevation Gain: 0.5 kilometers one way, with minimal elevation gain.

Description: This short, easy trail takes visitors directly to the base of Phnom Kulen’s main waterfall. The waterfall is a popular spot for both locals and tourists, offering a refreshing break from the heat with its cool, clear waters.

Surrounded by dense jungle, the area is also great for picnicking and relaxing in a natural setting.

Terrace of Sdach Kamlung Trail

Rating: Easy

Distance and Elevation Gain: 2 kilometers round trip, with minimal elevation gain.

Description: Leading to the Terrace of Sdach Kamlung, a moss-covered ruin hidden in the forest, this trail is like stepping back in time. The path is easy, with flat terrain that makes it suitable for a leisurely walk.

Visitors will be rewarded with the sight of the mysterious, overgrown ruins and a chance to ponder the history of this ancient civilization.

Bat Cave Trail

Rating: Moderate

Distance and Elevation Gain: 4 kilometers round trip, with an elevation gain of about 200 meters.

Description: For those interested in wildlife, the Bat Cave Trail offers a moderate hike up Phnom Kulen’s slopes to a series of caves inhabited by thousands of bats. The trail can be steep and rocky in places, requiring sturdy footwear.

The sight of bats swarming out of the caves at dusk is an unforgettable experience, offering a unique glimpse into the park’s natural biodiversity.

Sources
  • Asia Package Travel, Phnom Kulen National Park, Cambodia, https://www.asiapackagetravel.com/blog/mysterious-beauty-of-phnom-kulen-national-park-cambodia.html, retrieved April 2024.
  • Culture Trip, A Brief History of Phnom Kulen, the Most Sacred Mountain in Cambodia, https://theculturetrip.com/asia/cambodia/articles/a-brief-history-of-phnom-kulen-the-most-sacred-mountain-in-cambodia/, retrieved April 2024.
  • Siem Reap, Phnom Kulen National Park, https://www.siemreap.net/visit/attractions/sightseeing/phnom-kulen/, retrieved April 2024.
  • The Telegraph, Beyond Angkor: Inside the lost world of Phnom Kulen, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/asia/cambodia/articles/Beyond-Angkor-Inside-the-lost-world-of-Phnom-Kulen/, retrieved April 2024.
  • Tourism Cambodia, Phnom Kulen National Park, https://www.tourismcambodia.com/travelguides/provinces/siem-reap/what-to-see/78_phnom-kulen-national-park.htm, retrieved April 2024.