This morning we embark on an amazing journey to the unexplored and beauty of the lush mountain region of the north. Phnom Kulen is the holiest mountain in Cambodia. Kulen is no doubt the mount the most sacred of Cambodia, a very active pilgrimage place and a picnic destination for Khmer families. Few foreigners visit this magnificent place making this destination very unique. A 1½ hour drive from Siem Reap, we pass through local villages, farm land, rice fields and temples taking us to a trail through dense jungle leading to the top of the mountain.

 

Here stands Preah Ang Thom, a 16th century Buddhist monastery notable for the giant reclining Buddha carved into the top of a 20-m boulder. We climb the wooden staircase to a landing that surrounds the 17m long Buddha, where monks and believers bow, and burn incense and leave fruit. We continue downstream to the magnificent series of tiered waterfalls. The waters hold special religious significance for Hindus, thanks to the hundreds of phallic images carved into the sandstone floors along the shady brook area. Having the opportunity to walk right into the shallow river to photograph the sculptures and underwater carvings is simply amazing. The river then drops about 4 m to a landing where court officials once bathed. Beyond that, the water cascades another 20 m and creates a pool where the masses once washed.