Phnom Kulen 4WD

Day 1: Siem Reap – Phnom Kulen

Located 40km north of Angkor Wat, the Phnom Kulen mountain range provides Siem Reap with water and dominates the skyline of the flat plains surrounding it. Although the highest peak of the mountain range lies at only 487m, Phnom Kulen has much to offer visitors. The Cambodian people regard the site as the birthplace of the ancient Khmer Empire. King Jayavarman II claimed independence from Java there in 802 A.D.

You’ll be picked up from your hotel in Siem Reap at 08:00 AM. We’ll then set out on the road until we reach An Chang village and a series of rice paddy farms through which we will navigate on unpaved roads. Our first stop is the Banteay Ampil temple where we will learn a bit about Buddhism. We will then continue to Kulen Mountain via Trao Kad Lake. We will take lunch by the waterfront once we reach the top of Phnom Kulen. Afterward, we’ll take a gander at the 1000 Lingas River and continue on to the bat cave that is used by local hermits as a spot for meditation. Later on, we’ll set off on a one-hour trek into the jungle to visit Sras Damrey, where you find enormous 9th-century statues of elephants, lions, and tigers, all carved in stone. We’ll then return to our 4WD vehicle and head over to Wat Preah Kral to see the largest reclining Buddha in the country and enjoy a view of a waterfall that cascades over 32 meters while our crew prepares a tasty dinner. We’ll camp out by the river at Youth Camp Site.

Included for the day:
Transport: 4WD and driver – 75km
Tour guide: English-speaking guide
Meals: Lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Adventure Tent with pillow, mattress, and blanket (or homestay)

Day 2: Phnom Kulen – Peourng Kamnou – Siem Reap

Early morning at 6.30 we drive downhill to have breakfast at the local restaurant and drive further to visit Peourng Kamnou, located north of Wat Svay Leu and at the foothills of Phnom Kulen, Peung Komnou features stunning rock carvings. There are actually several separate carvings to see here on a group of rock monoliths. The area, just like the rest of Kulen, is quite stunning with the journey that has a slight incline up to the site offering some nice views over the rocky valley. Continue to drive back to Siem Reap, and stop on the way to visit villages and have lunch at the local restaurant. We arrive in Siem Reap at about 3.00 pm, drop off, and end of service!

Included for the day:
Transport: 4WD and driver – 85km
Tour guide: English-speaking guide
Meals: Breakfast, lunch.