Facts
- Elevation: 496 m (1,627 ft)
- Prominence: 404 m
- Peak category:
Spesial - Region:
Cambodia - Coordinates: 13.5800, 104.2150
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Loading... - Other names: ភ្នំគូលែន
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Phnom Kulen is a sacred sandstone plateau in Siem Reap Province, revered as the birthplace of the Khmer Empire where King Jayavarman II proclaimed independence in 802 CE (then named Mahendraparvata, “Mountain of Great Indra”). The forested plateau is now Phnom Kulen National Park, featuring memorial temples, ancient river carvings, hidden ruins and multiple waterfalls. In Angkorian times the area was used as a sandstone quarry.
Trails are generally informal but increasingly maintained by park rangers and local guides usually accompany groups to historic sites such as the Kbal Spean “River of a Thousand Lingas” carvings, the giant reclining Buddha at Preah Ang Thom monastery, Srah Damrei sandstone elephant sculpture and other temple ruins hidden in jungle groves.
The hike usually takes 4-6 hours on foot including cultural and pilgrimage stops but for a more immersive experience, guided sunset or sunrise treks and overnight camping or homestays and eco-resorts are available around the plateau edge.
It is unclear what is at the very highest spot or if it is possible to access, but it’s only 300 metres west of Kulen basecamp and eco-resort. A secondary peak of similar elevation lies 3 kilometres north-west from the main part of the plateau, around 2km up the ridge north-east of Prasat Kraham Hindu temple.
Practicalities
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- Getting there: Approximately 50 km (1.5–2 h) north-east from Siem Reap via rural roads to Phnom Kulen National Park entrance. From there a short road climb or hike leads to trailheads and picnic areas. Options include car, tuk‑tuk, motorbike or shared van.
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- Permits: A ticket (approx US $20) is required to enter Phnom Kulen National Park. Cambodian citizens may have free access. Rangers often accompany hiking groups.
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- Water sources: Fresh water is available at Kulen waterfall pools, otherwise carry your own water for the hike.
Local Average Monthly Rainfall (in Phnom Penh)
Location
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Origins and Meaning
The name means “Mountain of Lychees” in Khmer, referring to former lychee groves.