Tag Archives: Swimming

View Over Valley Of Kulen Mountain

Phnom Kulen Mountain

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Phnom Kulen Mountain is another “Must See”. You’ll have to take a motorbike or a car up the mountain though, a Tuk Tuk can not make the journey up the bumpy mountainside roads. Once up the mountain you can drink from one of the most pure water springs on earth and play in a massive waterfall!

🏞️ Phnom Kulen Mountain – A World Hidden In The Jungle

🛕 What is Phnom Kulen?
  • Phnom Kulen is widely regarded as the birthplace of the Khmer Empire. In 802 CE, King Jayavarman II declared independence from Java atop this mountain, marking the start of a unified Khmer kingdom and the Devaraja cult.
  • The mountain’s name means “Mountain of the Lychees,” and it holds deep spiritual importance for both Hindus and Buddhists, with numerous sacred sites scattered across its jungle-covered slopes.
    • 🌇 Why Visit Phnom Kulen?
  • Visitors can explore Mahendraparvata, the lost city that predates Angkor, with over 40 hidden temples and ancient structures.
  • The mountain is home to two breathtaking waterfalls, one wide and serene, the other taller and tucked into dense greenery—both perfect for a refreshing dip or quiet reflection.
  • Phnom Kulen is also rich in biodiversity, boasting over 800 plant species, 40 mammal species, and 200 bird species.
    • 🚶‍♂️ Access
  • Located about 48 km from Siem Reap, Phnom Kulen is accessible by road. The route winds through scenic countryside and forests.
  • Visitors often trek to reach sacred waterfalls, carvings like the River of a Thousand Lingas, and temple sites nestled deep in the jungle.

    • 🧭 Phnom Kulen Mountain Tour

    🗺️ Tour Highlights:
    • Journey through the Cambodian countryside
    • Visit Waterfalls
    • See the Carved Riverbed
    • See the Natural Spring
    📖 Tour Walkthrough:

    When you arrive at Phnom Kulen, take your time to walk slowly through the local market strip and bargain with the local sellers. Once you have browsed to your heart’s content, walk up a long set of stairs towards a local pagoda. Once you have caught your breath at the top, visit a reclining Buddha made from sandstone; the biggest of its kind in Cambodia. You can take in the views of Cambodia’s lush forests and jungles whilst on top, then casually walk around the pagoda, taking in all the detail.

    Next, eat lunch at a local restaurant and taste the tantalising flavours that Cambodian food has to offer. You will want to rest before continuing your journey, so be sure to sit by the river and watch as locals picnic on the banks and have fun in the water. Once you are energised, take a walk to the waterfalls of Phnom Kulen and plunge into the refreshing water. Be sure to bring a change of clothes, as it is customary to frolic in the water fully clothed in Cambodia. Once you are ready to leave (though we doubt you will want to), head back to your tuk-tuk and sleep on the journey home.

    ⏳ Estimated Tour Time:
  • Full-day

    • ✅ Tour Includes:
  • Hotel Pickup; Transport to and from Phnom Kulen, a cold bottle of water and fresh fruit.

    • ❌ Tour Excludes:
  • Phnom Kulen entry fee ($20 USD)

    • 💵 Tour Cost:
    Car $65 USD

    Location: Phnom Kulen Mountain

    Time: 8 hours

    Description: If you have seen Angkor Wat this IS the second best place to see. There is a natural spring with the best water you have ever tasted. 1000’s of carvings right in the riverbed. Contact us for a secret, unadvertised, off-road tour.

    Small Outer Temple Beng Melea

    Beng Mealea

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    Beng Mealea is one of the more interesting stops. Much of the Temple has fallen in but there are many hidden treasures to be seen.

    🏯 Beng Mealea – Quick Background

    🛕 What is Beng Mealea?
  • Beng Mealea is a largely unrestored Hindu temple located about 70 km east of Siem Reap. Its collapsed galleries and towers, overgrown with trees and thick brush, create a captivating, adventurous atmosphere.
  • Originally built in the 12th century, it was later converted for Buddhist use. The moss-covered sandstone blocks and sprawling ruins make it a must-see for exploration lovers.
    • 🌿 Why Visit Beng Mealea?
  • Unlike the restored temples of Angkor, Beng Mealea offers a raw, untouched temple experience with plenty of hidden treasures.
  • Adventurous visitors can explore slippery swimming spots behind the temple and enjoy peaceful picnics surrounded by bushland.
    • 🚶‍♂️ Access
  • The temple is approximately 70 km from Siem Reap, reachable by tuk tuk or car.
  • Bring sturdy shoes and plenty of water, as the site is less developed and can be humid and slippery in places.

    • 🌿 Beng Mealea Adventure Tour

    🗺️ Tour Highlights:
    📖 Tour Walkthrough:

    The drive to Beng Mealea is long but rewarding. Explore the collapsed galleries and moss-covered sandstone blocks, wander among the dense vegetation, and soak in the historic ambiance of this 12th-century temple. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the slippery swimming area behind the temple.

    After your visit, enjoy a meal at a local restaurant near the temple entrance or pack a picnic to savor in the peaceful bushland surroundings.

    ⏳ Estimated Tour Time:
  • Full Day
    • ✅ Tour Includes:
  • Hotel Pickup And Drop Off, Transport To Beng Mealea, A Cold Bottle Of Water And Fresh Seasonal Fruit
    • ❌ Tour Excludes:
  • Angkor Archaeological Park Entry Fee ($37 USD 1 Day / $62 USD 3 Day)
    Entry Fee To Beng Mealea ($5 USD)
    Meals
    • 💡 Suggestions:
  • Wear Comfortable Sandals Or Shoes Such As Keen Or Teva
  • $20-$50 For Meals, Extra Water, Souvenirs Etc.
    • 💵 Tour Cost:
    Tuk Tuk $40 USD
    *At Sunrise Or Sunset Add $5 USD

    Car $50 USD
    *At Sunrise Or Sunset Add $5 USD

    Location: Beng Mealea

    Time: 8 hours

    Description: Beng Mealea is an amazing place to see ruins directly in a jungle settings. All around you will see carved reliefs on the ground for easy close up pictures.