07:30 AM – Hotel Pickup in Siem Reap

Our comfortable, air-conditioned mini van picks you up from your hotel. Meet your professional English-speaking guide who will brief you on the day ahead. As we drive out of Siem Reap, enjoy views of the countryside and rice paddies, gaining insight into the rural life of modern-day Cambodia.

09:00 AM – Arrival at Phnom Kulen National Park

Upon arrival at Phnom Kulen (meaning “Mountain of Lychees”), you’ll learn that this sacred site played a central role in Khmer history. In 802 AD, King Jayavarman II performed a ritual here to declare Cambodia’s independence from Java and proclaim himself the “Chakravartin” (Universal Monarch), marking the beginning of the Khmer Empire and Angkor civilization.

09:30 AM – Visit the Reclining Buddha (Preah Ang Thom Pagoda)

Climb the stairs to the summit where the giant reclining Buddha, carved directly into sandstone in the 16th century, rests inside a mountaintop pagoda. This serene image is one of the largest of its kind in Cambodia. Your guide will explain the blend of Hindu and Buddhist influences during and after the Angkorian period and the importance of the site as a pilgrimage destination.

10:30 AM – Explore the River of a Thousand Lingas (Kbal Spean on Kulen)

Walk along a shaded path to a shallow riverbed where hundreds of lingas (phallic symbols of Shiva) and Yonis are carved into the stone riverbed. These carvings were made during the reign of King Suryavarman II in the 11th-12th centuries. The purpose was religious: to purify and bless the water before it flowed downstream to Angkor Wat. Your guide will explain how the water symbolized life, fertility, and divine blessing in Hindu cosmology.

11:30 AM – Visit Ancient Temples and Shrines Hidden in the Forest

Phnom Kulen is dotted with smaller, lesser-known Angkorian temples—many still hidden in the jungle. Your guide will take you to one or two of these spots, explaining how these temples served local hermits and monks who chose to meditate in isolation, connecting with the spiritual energy of the mountain.

12:30 PM – Kulen Waterfall: Swim and Relax

Arrive at the base of the Kulen Waterfall, a popular local retreat and film location (featured in Lara Croft: Tomb Raider). The waterfall is not only beautiful but also spiritually significant; Khmer people often believe the waters here carry blessings. Take a swim, relax, or enjoy a scenic lunch nearby.

01:30 PM – Lunch Break (Optional, Local Restaurant)

Enjoy a delicious Cambodian meal in a local restaurant near the waterfall. Your guide may suggest traditional dishes such as Amok, Lok Lak, or Khmer curry (lunch is at your own expense unless pre-arranged).

02:30 PM – Begin Return Journey to Siem Reap

Reflect on the day’s experiences as you journey back through scenic countryside. Your guide will be available to answer any final questions about the Khmer Empire, Phnom Kulen’s role in Cambodian culture, or recommendations for further exploration.

04:00 PM – Drop-off at Your Hotel

Arrive back in Siem Reap with unforgettable memories of sacred sites, ancient history, and Cambodia’s natural beauty.