Phnom Kulen

Date : 9th century Religion: Hindu Reign : lasovarman II Style : Phnom Kulen Phnom Kulen is widely regarded as the birth   place of the ancient Khmer Empire. Situated 48km from Siem Reap this hilltop site has the country's largest reclining Buddha and it was here, in 802A.D., that King Jayavarman II proclaimed independence from 'Cheva' (probably a reference to the Chams). Khmer Rouge activity in this area has rendered Phnom Kulen naccessible in the past but it is now safe to visit. Road conditions are still poor espe-cially in the rainy season but this is, ironically, also the best season to see the falls in their full glory. Cutting through the area is the River of 1000 Lingas. Just 5cm under the water's surface are 1000 small carvings etched into the sandstone riverbed, while further downstream larger blocks of stone are carved with Apsaras, Vishnu repre-sentations and other figures.