Wake early to make the most of this adventurous day. Drive out to Preah Ang Thom Temple at the base of Kulen Mountain. It was here that Jayavarman II gave birth to the Khmer Empire in AD 802. Trace the steps of this mighty king on the back of a motorbike.
The first stop is the impressive Poeng . See the moss-covered stone carvings of Shiva, Vishnu, Ganesh, and other Hindu icons and learn about the early beginnings of the Khmer Empire when Hinduism was the dominant religion.
Continue to nearby Prasat . This 3-tiered pyramid temple is arguably the most important site in all of Cambodia. Feel the echoes of history as it was here that Jayavarman II declared himself king and announced Cambodia’s independence from Java.
Venture deeper into the jungle-covered Phnom Kulen, learning about the importance of the mountain. The quarries of Kulen Mountain provided the stones used to build Angkor Wat and its river was a main source of water for the Siem Reap River.
Take a break for lunch in a scenic spot and then continue exploring with a visit to the Bat Cave. Use torches to head into the deep cave where to visit a modern shrine that is a popular pilgrimage site.
Then it’s on to Damrei to see the impressive ancient stone statues. Prepare to by the life-size Elephant Statue, which represents the mountain’s guardian, and the smaller statues of lions, a cow and a frog. Seeing these ancient carvings in the middle of the jungle is a unique experience and a poignant reminder of the strength of the early Khmer Empire. More stone carvings lie just around the corner at Damrei .
Loop back to Preah Ang Thom Temple, hop off the motorbike and continue by car and on foot to the River of A Thousand Lingas. After with incredible sites, this may be the most impressive. Stare in awe at the hundreds of linga carvings found on the bed of the river.
Before returning to Siem Reap, cool down from the day’s adventure with a swim at Kulen Waterfall. Relax and reflect on the natural wonders of Phnom Kulen and its rich history.
Return to Siem Reap early this evening.
Notes
For the motorbike experience it is necessary to sign a waiver form. We recommend wearing long trousers and using insect repellent for this pioneering but rewarding experience. Not available for children under 12 years old