Sacred Nature & Ancient Ruins: A Day trip to Kulen Mountain & Beng Mealea Temple

For travelers seeking a deeper connection to Cambodia’s spiritual heritage and natural beauty, a visit to Phnom Kulen (Kulen Mountain) combined with the mysterious Beng Mealea Temple offers a perfect day of exploration beyond the Angkor temples.

Tour Itinerary

Kulen Mountain – The Sacred Birthplace of the Khmer Empire

Located about 50 km from Siem Reap, Phnom Kulen is considered the most sacred mountain in Cambodia. It was here that King Jayavarman II declared independence from Java in 802 AD, marking the birth of the Khmer Empire.

Today, Kulen Mountain is a spiritual destination for Cambodians and a refreshing retreat for travelers. The mountain is home to waterfalls, jungle trails, and ancient relics hidden in the forest.

Highlights:

Thousand Lingas River: Carvings of Hindu lingas in the riverbed, believed to bless the flowing water.
Preah Ang Thom: A massive reclining Buddha statue carved into sandstone at the top of the mountain.
Waterfalls: A popular picnic and swimming spot, especially for locals on weekends.
Lush Scenery: Escape the heat with cooler mountain air and shaded forest trails.

Beng Mealea – The Jungle Temple of Mystery

Located about 40 km from Kulen Mountain (or 70 km from Siem Reap), Beng Mealea is a hidden gem among Cambodia’s ancient temples. Built in the early 12th century, possibly by King Suryavarman II, the same king behind Angkor Wat, this vast temple complex lies mostly in ruins, swallowed by the jungle.

Beng Mealea is one of the few temples that hasn’t been heavily restored, allowing visitors to experience the raw, untouched beauty of a temple lost to time.

Highlights:

Atmospheric ruins: Massive stones scattered across the ground, with trees growing through walls and doorways.
Adventurous feel: Walk on wooden walkways or climb over fallen stones for a “Tomb Raider” experience.