1 Day Tour D2

Trip to Phnom Kulen

Phnom Kulen has a major symbolic importance for Cambodians as the birthplace of the ancient Khmer Empire, for it was at Phnom Kulen that King Jayavarma II proclaimed independence from Java in 802 A.D.The site is known for its carvings representing fertility and its waters which hold special significance to Hindus. Just 5 cm under the water's surface over 1000 small carvings are etched into the sandstone riverbed. The waters are regarded as holy, given that Jayavarman II chose to bathe in the river, and had the river diverted so that the stone bed could be carved. A lotus flower protrudes from his navel bearing the god Brahma. The river then ends with a waterfall and a pool.

Trip description

We leave early in the morning Siem Reap and hit to road to Kulen Mountain. This mountain is widely considered by Khmers to be the most sacred mountain in Cambodia. It played a significant role as the birthplace of the ancient Khmer empire and is around 50 Km away from Siem Reap. Shortly after starting the tour, we get off the paved road and you will find yourself in the middle of the authentic Cambodia; away from tourists and TukTuk´s. We cross some small villages and be most of the time on small single trails and dirt roads. We will have time to stop at local shops to refresh and get in contact with the locals. After around 40 Km we reach the bottom of Kulen Mountain. Here we have to stop and get the entrance tickets (included in the tour price) to enter the national park. Now 12km of hard, steep mountain trails are waiting for us, but don´t worry; also beginners are able to handle it. At the hilltop site, there are many different things to visit or do. We leave it up to you to decide what you prefer to do. We can straight go on trough rough, thick forest trails to visit some hidden spots, or you just relax at the waterfall and refresh. Either way we will have lunch near the waterfall. Things that can be visit on top of Kulen Mountain: The country’s largest reclining Buddha, a large waterfall and above it are smaller bathing areas and a number of carving in the river bed, including numerous lingas. There are plenty of other Angkorian sites on Kulen Mountain, the most important of which is Prasat Rong Chen, the first pyramid or temple-mountain to be constructed in the Angkor area. The most impressive of all are Prasat Ou Pho Ung, Kror beiKrab and stone animals or guardians of the mountain, known as Sra Damrei (Elephant pond), life-size replica of a stone elephant, smaller statues of lions, a frog and a cow and from here there are spectacular views across the plains below. Last but not least, Prasat Krau Romeas, dated in the 9th century. In the early afternoon, we get ready and start our way back to Siem Reap, where we will arrive again around 4:30p.

Prices Person

Including

Motorbike Honda XR 250cc + Guide + Motorbike gear + Gas + Minor repair + Fun

Not including

Insurance + Motorbike Boots + Major damage + Entrance ticket for Phnom Kulen

Map

Upgrade

• Upgrade to Yamaha WR 250cc 50$ per bike per day on top of the above price.
• Upgrade to Yamaha WR 400cc 70$ per bike per day on top of the above price.
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