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1 / 10

Preah Ang Thom Kulen

4.7
·23 reviews·Popel, Cambodia

Discover the spiritual heart of Phnom Kulen, home to an 8-meter reclining Buddha and ancient grottoes carved into boulders.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Mid-day, weekdays

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
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Preah Ang Thom Kulen - close up, bokeh, macro, blur, blurred background, close focus, bible, old testament, hebrew bible, christian, judaism, history, text, reading, bible study, devotions, text, NIV, New International Version, type, typography, canon, christianity, holy scripture, holy bible, scripture, old testament, hebrew bible, תְּהִלִּים, psalms, psalter, psalm, ketuvim, writings, tanakh, king david,

Preah Ang Thom Kulen

Best Time

Mid-day, weekdays

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover the spiritual heart of Phnom Kulen, home to an 8-meter reclining Buddha and ancient grottoes carved into boulders.

4.7
(23 reviews)

"Felt this place in my soul. It was a very spiritual experience."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Scooter to the Temple

Follow local advice and take a scooter through the shop-lined street to reach the stairs leading up to the temple. :scooter:

🙏 Modest Attire Required

Cover shoulders and knees. Stoles are available for rent or purchase if needed. :clothing:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Reclining Buddha

Reclining Buddha

Main temple area

An 8-meter-long reclining Buddha carved from a single boulder, a truly impressive and spiritual sight.

Sacred Grottoes and Shrines

Sacred Grottoes and Shrines

Surrounding natural rock formations

Unusual collection of ancient grottoes and shrines nestled amongst huge boulders, offering a unique spiritual atmosphere.

Spiritual Blessing

Spiritual Blessing

Temple grounds

Experience a unique spiritual moment, perhaps even having a traditional Khmer Sak Yant tattoo blessed by a monk.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit to Preah Ang Thom

While some reviews mention having the place to yourself, others note it's popular with locals, especially on full moons. Consider visiting outside of these peak times for a more serene experience. The drive from Siem Reap is about 2 hours, so plan accordingly.

Dress Code and Respectful Exploration

As a religious Buddhist temple, modest dress is essential. Ensure your shoulders and knees are covered, or be prepared to rent or buy a stole on-site. This shows respect for the sacred nature of Preah Ang Thom and its spiritual significance.

Best Times

When
Mid-day, weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Outside of full moon
Why
Avoid local religious gatherings
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Anyone been to the Kulen Waterfalls recently, should I go?

🚗 Scooter to the Temple

Follow local advice and take a scooter through the shop-lined street to reach the stairs leading up to the temple. :scooter:

🙏 Modest Attire Required

Cover shoulders and knees. Stoles are available for rent or purchase if needed. :clothing:

reddit.com

Phnom Kulen looks so beautiful in the rainy season.

reddit.com

Floating villages or Kulen mountain tomorrow

💧 Pour Water on Linga

Participate in a local tradition by pouring water on a linga for blessings. :pray:

🛍️ Souvenir Shops On-Site

Browse various shops for food and souvenirs after your visit. :shopping_bags:

reddit.com

Staying 5 days in Cambodia, do you recommend Kulen Prum Tep?

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Scooter to the Temple

Follow local advice and take a scooter through the shop-lined street to reach the stairs leading up to the temple. :scooter:

🙏 Modest Attire Required

Cover shoulders and knees. Stoles are available for rent or purchase if needed. :clothing:

💧 Pour Water on Linga

Participate in a local tradition by pouring water on a linga for blessings. :pray:

🛍️ Souvenir Shops On-Site

Browse various shops for food and souvenirs after your visit. :shopping_bags:

What Travellers Say

4.7
(23 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Preah Ang Thom is lauded for its deeply spiritual and serene atmosphere, highlighted by an impressive reclining Buddha carved from a boulder and unique grottoes. Visitors often find it a peaceful and moving experience, with some even receiving blessings from monks. While generally well-regarded, some note potential littering issues in the broader Phnom Kulen area and advise on respectful attire.

"A large recumbent Buddha carved out of a boulder. Lots of stairs. very unusual collection of grottoes and shrines, surrounded by huge boulders and natural outcroppings of rock. very impressive work, shows a great amount of commitment. Must see if you go to Phnom Kulen. Had the place all to myself, in the middle of the day. Cooler temperatures inside the caves."

Greg Ochylski

"A beautiful and ancient site. Serene, peaceful and calming. I’m not particularly religious but I felt this place in my soul. It was a very spiritual experience. I was lucky enough to have my newly acquired ancient Khmer Sak Yant tattoo blessed by a monk here, what a unique experience that will stay with me always."

Anita Chiasson

"If you visit Kulen Waterfall, it's worth to visit this place, it's really close to waterfall. Following the advice of local guy, I went on scooter through the street with shops and stopped at the stairs going up to the temple. It is not very long or demanding way up and temple with laying Buddha is impressive."

Petra Kubrova

What People Like

Impressive reclining Buddha
Spiritual and serene atmosphere
Unique grottoes and shrines

What People Dislike

Potential littering nearby
Crowds on full moon

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Preah Ang Thom is located on Phnom Kulen mountain, approximately a 2-hour drive from Siem Reap. Many visitors opt for a half-day trip. You can hire a taxi or tuk-tuk, or if you're adventurous, rent a scooter to navigate the local roads leading to the temple's base. Reddit

Yes, Preah Ang Thom is often included in half-day or full-day tours to Phnom Kulen from Siem Reap. It's conveniently located near the Kulen Waterfalls, making it easy to combine visits. Reddit

While organized tours are common, some travelers prefer to rent a scooter for more flexibility. Local advice suggests following the street with shops to find the stairs leading up to the temple. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

While specific ticket information for Preah Ang Thom itself isn't always detailed, access to Phnom Kulen generally requires a park entrance fee. It's advisable to confirm current pricing when booking tours or arranging transport. Reddit

As a religious site, Preah Ang Thom is generally accessible during daylight hours. However, it's most popular with locals on full moon days, which might affect crowd levels. Reddit

Advance booking is typically for tours that include Phnom Kulen. For independent travel, you can usually pay entrance fees upon arrival at the park. Reddit

The primary restriction is the dress code. Visitors are expected to dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, out of respect for the religious nature of the site. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The iconic 8-meter reclining Buddha is a must-capture. Also, explore the unique grottoes and shrines nestled within the natural rock formations for atmospheric shots. The surrounding lush landscape also offers beautiful photographic potential. TikTok

Photography is generally permitted, but always be mindful of worshippers and avoid intrusive flash photography, especially in sacred areas. The cooler temperatures inside the caves can create interesting lighting conditions. Reddit

Mid-day can offer bright light, but early morning or late afternoon might provide softer, more dramatic lighting. Visiting during quieter periods, like weekdays outside of full moon celebrations, will also allow for more unobstructed shots. Reddit

🎫 🙏 Onsite Experience

Preah Ang Thom is a sacred Buddhist temple and considered the heart of worship on Kulen Mountain. It's a place of deep spirituality where visitors can feel a profound connection. Reddit

While not guaranteed, some visitors have had the unique experience of having blessings performed by monks, including for traditional Khmer Sak Yant tattoos. It's a deeply personal and spiritual encounter. Reddit

You'll find the impressive reclining Buddha, numerous grottoes and shrines carved into natural rock formations, and a serene, spiritual atmosphere. It's a place that evokes a sense of peace and ancient history. Reddit

Yes, there are shops on-site selling food and souvenirs. Restroom facilities are also typically available within the Phnom Kulen park area. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Preah Ang Thom offers a unique cultural and spiritual experience that can be engaging for families. The impressive reclining Buddha is a visual marvel for children, and the surrounding natural rock formations can spark their imagination. While the climb up the stairs is not overly strenuous, keep in mind that the site is religious, so encourage children to be respectful of the environment and worshippers. Reddit

Consider bringing snacks and water, as there are shops on-site but having your own can be convenient. The drive from Siem Reap is about two hours, so plan for breaks if needed. Emphasize the importance of modest dress to children beforehand to avoid any issues upon arrival. The spiritual atmosphere, while perhaps not fully grasped by younger children, can still impart a sense of peace and wonder. Reddit

🧘 Spiritual Seekers

For those on a spiritual journey, Preah Ang Thom offers a profound and deeply moving experience. The serene and peaceful atmosphere, coupled with the ancient energy of the site, is often described as soul-stirring. The presence of the massive reclining Buddha and the numerous grottoes and shrines create an environment conducive to meditation and introspection. Reddit

Consider participating in local customs, such as pouring water on a linga, to connect more deeply with the spiritual practices. The possibility of having a Sak Yant tattoo blessed by a monk is a rare and powerful opportunity for those seeking a unique spiritual ritual. Visiting during quieter times, away from peak crowds, will enhance the sense of tranquility and allow for a more personal connection with the sacred space. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Sacred Heart of Phnom Kulen

Preah Ang Thom is more than just a temple; it's the spiritual nucleus of Phnom Kulen mountain. This ancient site is home to an 8-meter-long reclining Buddha, masterfully carved from a single, massive boulder. Its creation dates back to the late Angkorian and post-Angkorian periods, spanning the 12th to 16th centuries, showcasing incredible artistry and devotion. The site is deeply revered by locals, who often visit on auspicious occasions like the full moon, seeking blessings and spiritual connection. Reddit

Beyond the iconic Buddha, the area is characterized by a unique collection of grottoes and shrines intricately woven into the natural landscape of huge boulders and rock outcroppings. These sacred spaces offer a sense of mystery and tranquility, with some visitors noting the surprisingly cooler temperatures inside the caves. The overall atmosphere is described as serene, peaceful, and profoundly spiritual, resonating deeply even with those who aren't particularly religious. Reddit

For those seeking a truly unique experience, Preah Ang Thom offers opportunities for spiritual blessings. Travelers have shared heartwarming accounts of having traditional Khmer Sak Yant tattoos blessed by monks here, an experience that leaves a lasting impression. The act of praying and pouring water on a linga is also a common practice, further immersing visitors in the site's rich cultural and religious heritage. Reddit

Navigating Your Visit: Practicalities and Etiquette

Reaching Preah Ang Thom involves a journey of about two hours from Siem Reap. Many visitors opt for organized tours, but independent travel is also feasible. Local advice suggests that if you're traveling by scooter, you can follow the street lined with shops until you reach the stairs leading up to the temple. This approach is often recommended for its directness and local insight. Reddit

Crucially, Preah Ang Thom is an active religious site, and visitors are expected to adhere to a modest dress code. This means ensuring your shoulders and knees are covered. If you arrive unprepared, there are facilities on-site to rent or purchase stoles to meet the requirements, ensuring you can explore respectfully. Reddit

While the site is impressive, some reviews have cautioned about potential littering, particularly near the nearby waterfalls, and concerns about water levels during the dry season. However, Preah Ang Thom itself is generally well-maintained as a sacred space. Visiting during weekdays and avoiding full moon periods can help you experience the site with fewer crowds, allowing for a more personal and contemplative visit. Reddit

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