Kulen Mountains

In Cambodia, some 40 kilometers (24.85 miles) northeast of Angkor, is the mountain range of Phnom Kulen. This sandstone plateau is a sacred site to Hindus and Buddhists.The Phnom Kulen mountain range is located 30 km northwards from Angkor Wat. Its name means "mountain of the lychees". There is a sacred hilltop site on top of the range. 

Phnom Kulen is considered a holy mountain in Cambodia, of special religious significance to Hindus and Buddhists who come to the mountain in pilgrimage.

It also has a major symbolic importance for Cambodians as the birthplace of the ancient Khmer Empire, for it was at Phnom Kulen that King Jayavarma II proclaimed independence from Java in 804 CE. Jayavarman II initiated the Devaraja cult of the king, a linga cult, in what is dated as 804 CE and declaring his independence from Java of whom the Khmer had been a vassalage state (whether this is actually "Java", the Khmer chvea used to describe Champa, or "Lava" (a Lao kingdom) is debated, as well as the legend that he was earlier held as a ransom of the kingdom in Java.  During the Angkorian era the relief was known as Mahendraparvata (the mountain of Great Indra). The Samré tribe was formerly living at the edge of Phnom Kulen, quarrying sandstone and transporting it to the royal sites. 

Kbal Spean is known for its carvings representing fertility and its waters which hold special significance to Hindus. Just 5 cm under the water's surface over 1000 small linga carvings are etched into the sandstone riverbed. The waters are regarded as holy, given that Jayavarman II chose to bathe in the river, and had the river diverted so that the stone bed could be carved. Carvings include a stone representation of the Hindu god Vishnu lying on his serpent Ananta, with his wife Lakshmi at his feet. A lotus flower protrudes from his navel bearing the god Brahma. The river then ends with a waterfall and a pool.

Near these mountains is Preah Ang Thom, a 16th-century Buddhist monastery notable for the giant reclining Buddha, the country's largest.

The Khmer Rouge used the location as a final stronghold as their regime came to an end in 1979.

Let's include the Kulen Mountain area on your adventure, and I will be most happy to take you there!

Tonle Sap Lake

Tonle Sap Lake is located about 15 km south of Siem Reap. Tonlé Sap refers to a seasonally inundated freshwater lake and an attached river, the 120 km (75 mi) long Tonlé Sap River, that connects the lake to the Mekong River. They form the central part of a complex hydrological system, in the 12,876 km  (4,971 sq mi) Cambodian floodplain covered with natural and agricultural habitats that the Mekong replenishes with water and sediments annually. The central plain formation is the result of millions of years of Mekong alluvial deposition and discharge. 

The Lake is the largest fresh water in South East Asia. Its dimension changes depending on the monsoon and dry season. During raining season from June to October, the lake is filled by water flowing from the Mekong with 14 meters in depth and expands the surface of 10,000 square Kilometers. In dry season from November to May its size 3,000 square kilometers with two meters in depth and water flows out from the Lake to the Mekong, in and out flowing is the natural phenomenon occurrences. The flooded forest surrounding the edge of the lake is the best shelter and also very important for all kinds of fishes spawned and breeding babies. This lake providing many of biodiversities, over 300 species of fresh water fishes, as well as snakes, crocodiles, tortoises, turtles and otters. More than 100 varieties water birds including storks, pelicans, etc.

Five provinces circle the area of Tonle Sap Lake with more than three million population inhabiting the area in and around the bank of the Lake; 90% of which earn their living by catching fish and farming. Chong Khneas is the name of famous floating village at the edge of the lake. It takes only about 30 minutes by vehicle from Siem Reap to the boat dock where there are always boats waiting for visitors. The boat trip through the floating village takes approximately two hours. You will see and explore the different Khmer, Muslim and Vietnamese floating households as well as the floating markets, fisheries, clinics, schools, basketball course, pigsty and other boatloads of tourists. 

A must see, so what about you? 

I will most happily be your guide and driver!

Saying Hello

 In Cambodia social interactions are usually governed by centuries-old traditions of respect and hierarchy that may not be immediately obvious to the average expat. This is evident every time Cambodians greet you or each other. Similar to the Thai wai, this is called the sampeah, and it is how Cambodians greet one another, particularly for the first time. The formal greeting in Khmer is “Choum reap sor” and should be said while sampeahing. (The more informal “Susaday” is reserved for casual situations and does not involve a sampeah.) “Choum reap lear” is the formal good-bye. 

Visiting Angkor Wat Temple Complex

Angkor, in Cambodia’s northern province of Siem Reap, is one of the most important archaeological sites of Southeast Asia. It extends over approximately 400 square kilometres and consists of scores of temples, hydraulic structures (basins, dykes, reservoirs, canals) as well as communication routes and forested areas. Angkor Archaeological Park contains the magnificent remains of the different capitals of the Khmer Empire, from the 9th to the 15th century. They include the famous Temple of Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, and the Bayon Temple with its countless sculptural decorations. 

For several centuries Angkor, was the center of the Khmer Kingdom. With impressive monuments, several different ancient urban plans and large water reservoirs, the site is a unique concentration of features testifying to an exceptional civilization. Temples such as Angkor Wat, the Bayon, Preah Khan and Ta Prohm, exemplars of Khmer architecture, are closely linked to their geographical context as well as being imbued with symbolic significance. The architecture and layout of the successive capitals bear witness to a high level of social order and ranking within the Khmer Empire. Angkor is therefore a major site exemplifying cultural, religious and symbolic values, as well as containing high architectural, archaeological and artistic significance.

Who wouldn't want to visit the 7th Wonder of the World and a precious UNESCO heritage site. Call me for arrangements, and I will happily take you there!

A Satisfied Customer

I am happy to report that the author of this blog site is also a satisfied customer. Ms. Barbara "Mom" arrived at Siem Reap International Airport in December, and I was so pleased to have her as a customer. Ms. Barbara used my services for two (2) days during her stay in Cambodia, visiting Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom and Bayon Temple. The next day, we ventured further into the Cambodian countryside to visit Kulen Mountain, River of Thousand Shivalingas, and the floating/fishing village at Tonle Sap Lake. She also joined my family and me for dinner at our country home outside Siem Reap, and became part of our family by spending time with my daughter and her cousin.

The last day I took her to the airport and she promised to recommend my services to friends who were visiting her in Thailand in the very near future. All went home feeling very satisfied.

SO, HOW MAY I BE OF SERVICE TO YOU?

P.S. Ms. Barbara reports that her friends were more than pleased with my services. They contacted me prior to arrival to make arrangements, and they too left Cambodia with only the best memories.