TOUR HIGHLIGHT
Phnom Kulen mountain the water fall park
Beng Mealea temple remote area 50km from the town
AM: Excursion to Phnom Kulen is considered by Khmers to be the most sacred mountain in Cambodia and is a popular place of pilgrimage during weekends and festivals. It played a significant role in the history of the Khmer empire, as it was from here in AD 802 that Jayavarman II proclaimed himself a devaraja (god-king) and announced independence from Java, giving birth to modern-day Cambodia.
Phnom Kulen is a huge plateau around 50km from Siem Reap. To get here on the new toll road, take the well-signposted right fork just before Banteay Srei village and go straight ahead at the crossroads. Just before the road starts to climb the mountain, there is a barrier and it is here that the charge is levied. It is only possible to go up before 11:00 and only possible to come down after midday, to avoid vehicles meeting on the narrow road.
PM: Visit Beng Mealea is most interesting temple by many tourists. Beng Mealea temple was built in the 12 century, the layout and style of Beng Mealea are very similar to Angkor Wat. Its current state, however, is dominated by jungle. Trees have grown out of the towers and vines entangle columns. Lintels and others building blocks lay around in a tumble and require visitors to climbed up and down as they approach the completely collapsed central towers.
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