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the Kulen Falls are a popular bathing place
especially on festival days
This is the most sacred of
all Khmer Pilgrimage sites situated in a picturesque location 1 hour drive from Siem Reap.
Approached by a scenic mountain road it give some of the best
landscape views in the Area.
The falls are a popular bathing
place for local families. At festival times the the Wats and
Reclining Buddha are a place of great atmosphere. There is an area
of Hindu Lingas on the riverbed; though nothing as extensive as Kbal
Spean.
Above the Falls there are a
number of temple sites and carved animal figures scattered
around on the top of the hill.
It is always busy; so don't expect
to be alone.
Admission fee $20
for foreigner
 
Mountain view from the road
Shrine along the road
To get
to Phnom Kulen you have to drive to Banteay Srey and take a road
north for about half an hour ; then take the steep toll road for
15kms approx. the road is in generally good condition though it
is steep
The Upper Falls
The upper falls are easy to see and are used as a
locals swimming pool. the Water thunders over the edge down a
couple of steps to the main falls which are spectacular. It
looks hazardous up there, with only a wire fence for protection.
Access to the falls are down some newly built wooden
steps. These are in good condition; however getting to the most
spectacular part of the falls involves wading through fast flowing
water and slippery rocks in the rainy season. In the Dry season It
is a lot easier but of course the falls are less spectacular then.
Unless you have a camera which is weather resistant
or a waterproof. Its best not to take the risk. The photos of the
falls taken here in October 2007 were difficult due to spray
which fogged my lens within seconds and I had to return to the river
bank to change lenses.
Offerings and Prayers at Spirit Festival October 2007
Gate and Sleeping Buddha with new Buddha house right
The 1000 Lingas pre date the ones at Kbal Spean, They
are not so extensive or even protected from he feet of locals
crossing the river.
All images and text © Dave Perkes 2009 www.peaceofangkor.com
Peace Of Angkor Tours 0435 Wat Bo Village, Siem Reap, Cambodia.
PO Box 93125 855 (0)63 760 475
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