Phnom Kulen National Park

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.

Park Map

Phnom Kulen National Park Highlights

Wildlife

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.

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.