Tracking in Phnom Kulen

This morning we travel to Phnom Kulen, the sacred mountain that was the birthplace of the Khmer empire. It was here that Jayavarman II proclaimed independence from Java in 802, setting the stage for the glories of the Angkor-era that was to follow. This mountain plateau was the capital of the Khmer empire before it relocated south to Hariharalaya, known today as Roluos.

We enjoy a picnic lunch before further exploration of some of the numerous early Angkorian temples (‘prasats’ in Khmer) such as Prasat Damrei Krap that dot the landscape and where researchers are only just beginning to scratch at the surface to understand more about these structures and the people that built them.

And after lunch, we continue our trek to pay a visit to the giant reclining Buddha of Preah Ang Thom, more ancient temples, river-bed rock carvings and lingas and a 35-metre waterfall that will provide you with a cool and refreshing swimming and bathing opportunity, before we make our way back to our Siem Reap base.