We leave in the morning on board an old military jeep and your English-speaking guide and head through the endless rice fields for around 50 kilometres before we reach the entrance to the top of Mount Kulen. Semi-covered and coming with all bells and whistles just like these camouflage-coloured vehicles were once seen in a more abundant number, it is part of the journey up the mountain that just is as thrilling as reaching your destination on this day. Translated as the “The Mountain of Lychees”, it is the famous city of King Jayavarman 2 who moved his capital from Roluos group in 802, Mahindrapura The city of the gods or holy city. The sculptures and carvings on the rock in the depth of the waterfall are very well known as attractions to this site.

Also known as Kbal Spean, the River of a Thousand Lingas has been given its name due to its lingas (phallic symbols) carved into the riverbed. This Angkor-era archaeological site northeast of Angkor and deep in Kulen National Park is reached with an uphill hike through the jungle passing spectacular carvings of Hindu deities including the god of Shiva and god of Vishnu. The path leads to the carved animal images at the top of the waterfall, which has a wooden staircase to allow the easy descent to the boulders at the bottom. Lunch will be served picnic-style near the mountain. Outside the ruins and the view from the top of this impressive sandstone plateau, thousands of Lingams were erected up with the statue of Vishnu reclining on the Naga Ananda and the lotus from his navel supporting a sitting Brahma statue. When time permits, the waterfall may give you a refreshing bath before we head down via the only way down.