Phnom Kulen - Kulen mountain

Kulen Mountain is an interesting place which located in Svay Leu and Varin districts, about some 53 kilometers from Siem Reap and about 25 kilometers from Banteay Srei Temple. Phnom Kulen, original called Mount. Mahendraparvata is the holy mountain where, when king Jayavarman II (802-850) proclaimed independence from the Java ruler in 802, giving birth to modern-day Cambodia. Soon after the holy religious God-Ceremony, the king Jayavarman II moved his capital from Kulen to Hari-Haralaya, known today as Rolous where it was to remain for almost a century before moving it to the Angkor Area.

There are more than 20 minor temples are found around the plateau, including hundreds of Shiva-Lingas stand in the Siem Reap river-bed rock carvings include in numerable scores of Yonis and Lingas that sit on the bottom of a stream from which water flows all year round . Water-Fall: is an attractive spot so as to cool off after explorations. It has two levels; the first level is 4-6 meters high and 10-15 meters wide, depending on whether it is the dry or rainy season. The second level is 15-20 meters high and 6-8 meters wide, depending on the season. Near the top of the water fall is a jungle.  Clad temple known as Prasat Kraol Romeas temple, dating from the 9th AD. 

Srah Damrey or Elephant Pond: is a collection of giant stone animals or guardians of Kulen Mountain. Terrace of Leper King or Preah Learn Sdech Kumlung: is a smooth, volcanic terrace. Based on the rocks they were found, scientists believe the site might have been a volcano millions of years ago.