Phnom Kulen

Sadly most temple ruins are inaccessible and/or no longer in any condition to inspire awe. The waterfall is impressive and there are more modern shrines, including a reclining Buddha, that are worth visiting, but not necessarily worth the $20 admission.

Description: This former Khmer pilgrimage site, is one of the most sacred in Cambodia and is one of the most beautiful areas in north-central Cambodia. Kulen Mountain is the highest peak for hundreds of miles in any direction, features a spectacular waterfall as well as numerous Buddhist and ancestral shrines, and was the site where Jayavarman II became the first spiritual leader of the Khmer Empire, marking the beginning of the Angkor era.

Unfortunately, despite is proximity to other popular day-trip destinations, including Banteay Srei temple and Beng Mealea temple, a $20/person admission fee for foreigners makes a visit to Phnom Kulen National Park prohibitive. In addition to the beautiful waterfall, the reclining Buddha and small shrines hidden along winding trails alongside massive sandstone boulders are the major attractions; the riverbed features some carved lingas, animals, and other Hindu imagery, but they are not as splendid as Kbal Spean, and the temple ruins have nearly all been ravaged by time and the jungle.

If money is no object, or you can pass yourself off as a Cambodian citizen, its almost worth going to Phnom Kulen simply to swim in the pool at the foot of the falls to cool down in the heat of the sun; there are some shady gazebos for picnicking near the top of the falls and the area is incredibly popular with locals. There are many people selling food and drinks here and the site is often packed full of local visitors by mid-morning, particularly on the weekends.

There is only a small wire fence to protect you from falling over the edge in many places so do take care if you wish to swim in the falls. Access to the falls is simple on a set of wooden stairs, but be prepared to get wet as the spray from the falls is hard to avoid.