Phnom Kulen
Phnom Kulen, about 50 km northeast of Siem Reap
Cambodia’s sacred mountain, with a waterfall you can swim in, a giant reclining Buddha, and a riverbed carved with ancient lingas.
History: In 802 AD, King Jayavarman II declared himself “god-king” on this mountain, founding the Khmer Empire. Phnom Kulen is still a holy place of pilgrimage for Cambodians.
Highlights: Kulen Waterfall, the Reclining Buddha at Preah Ang Thom pagoda, and the River of a Thousand Lingas.
Opening hours: Daytime, roughly 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tickets: $20 per person, paid in cash (USD or Riel). It’s not included in the Angkor Pass.
Best time to visit: In the rainy season (June to October) the waterfall is at its biggest. Go on a weekday to avoid local crowds.
How to get there: About 1.5 hours by car. Bring swimwear and a change of clothes.