Phnom Kulen National Park

Phnom Kulen is the most sacred mountain in Cambodia, revered as the birthplace of the Khmer Empire after King Jayavarman II proclaimed independence there in 802 AD. The national park covers a broad sandstone plateau rising to about 487 meters above sea level, blanketed in dense forest and home to numerous shrines, waterfalls, and archaeological sites. Key attractions include the famous reclining sandstone Buddha carved into a large boulder, the submerged linga carvings at Kbal Spean, the Kulen waterfall and bathing pools, and forest trails that lead to remote temples and ancient inscriptions. The mountain is considered holy ground by Cambodian Buddhists and attracts thousands of pilgrims, particularly on weekends and religious holidays.