Phnom Kulen (ភ្នំគូលេន)

Phnom Kulen (ភ្នំគូលេន), 

Phnom Kulen is in Svay Lue and Varin districts, about 60 killometers from Siem Reap Province town and 25 kilometers from Banteay Srey. Phnom Kulen, originally called Mount Mahendraparvata, i the holy mountain where, when king Jayavarman II (AS 802-850) proclaimed independence from Java in 802, the angkorian Empire was born.

This Mountain plateau served as the capital of the first Khmer Empire for more than half a century before it relocated south to Hariharalaya, know today as Roluos. As many as 20 mirror temples are found around the plateau, including Rorng Chen Temple, the first pyramid built by an Angkorian King, but many of them are difficult to reach. Numerous important site lie scatters across the mountaintop, which include :

Chub Preah is a plain on the flank of the mountain. The cool water that flows between the rocks can refresh weary travelers before they continue their journey.  Nearby is a large, rare Champa tree, 0.7 meters in diameter and 15 meters tall. The site also has a large Buddha statue and many small statues built in the 16^th century.

1000 lingamas, one thousand lingams are located on the top of the mountain, along Stung Siem Reap. The sited features impressive riverbed rock carvings include innumerable scores of yoni and lingam that sit on the bottom of a stream from which water flows year round.

Srah Damrey or the elephant Pond is a collection of giant stone animals guarding this sacred mountain.

Terrace of the Leper King or Preah Learn Sdach Kunlung  is a smooth, volcanic terrace.  At the center of the terrace is a small brick temple that has been smashed to pieces. Based on the rocks they were found, scientists believe the site might have been a volcano millions of years.

 Preah Ang Thom is located on the mountaintop and attracts Khmer pilgrims during religious festival. Built in the 16^th century, it features a large statue of the reclining Buddha reaching nirvana. The statue is 7.5 meter tall and 8 meters long, carved  into a huge sandstone boulder. The site also offers spectacular views across lush jungle. There are two Champa trees at the site, and local people worship there because they believe the site holds great power. Preah Ang Thom is close to Chhat Rout, a multilayer umbrella; Preah Bat Choan tuk, footprint of Buddha; and Peung Chhat, Peung Eyso and Peung Eysey, overhanding rocks.

Phnom Kulen Waterfall, Phnom Kulen waterfall farther downstream, is a good spot to cool off after explorations. It has two levels. The first level is 4 to 6 meter high and 10 to 15 meters wide, depending on whether it is the dry or rainy season. The second level is 15 to 20 meters high and 6 to 8 meters wide, depending the season. Near the waterfall is a small jungle-covered laterite temple called Kraol  Romeas Temple.