Adventure Tours
An ancient Khmer, Phnom Kulen was called Mahendraparvata, “Mountain of Indra, the King of the Gods”. It was a thriving city around the size of modern Phnom Penh and the birthplace of the Khmer empire, where King Jayavarman II proclaimed Cambodia’s independence from Java in AD 802. Following this, the capital moved to Roluos (formerly called Hariharalaya).
Though known of by locals, the Kulen’s ancient city was formally rediscovered by explorers in 2012. Starting with a ground expedition and later employing LIDAR technology, Jean-Baptiste Chevance and Damian Evans uncovered Mahendraparvata and several historically important temples, like Prasat O’Paong, which is shaped like a pyramid, with three levels and five towers, similar to those of Angkor Wat
Phnom Kulen is within the Kulen National Park, which requires a separate ticket. It’s $20 per person if bought at the gate at the entrance to the mountain. Cambodians can enter the park for free.
Devote an entire day to exploring the incredible temples at Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom under the leadership of a local, English-speaking guide. Discover the UNESCO-listed ruins at Angkor Wat and the ancient capital city of Angkor Thom—established by the prosperous Khmer Empire in the 12th century.
