Srah Damrei: Finding the Lost City of Kulen

Is This Adventure For You?

• YES if you want to see the "Real" jungle.
• YES if you love 4x4 or motorbike adventures.
• NO if you prefer air-conditioned tours.
• NO if you have back pain (the trail is very bumpy).

Deep within the sacred plateau of Phnom Kulen, far beyond the waterfalls, lie the forgotten stone guardians of Srah Damrei (Elephant Pond). Carved in the 9th century, these massive sculptures were part of the first great Angkorian capital, Mahendraparvata, which remained hidden by the jungle for over a thousand years.

The 9th-Century Guardians

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The Great Elephant

A life-sized elephant carved directly from a single massive sandstone boulder. It stands nearly 4 meters high and is remarkably well-preserved given its age.

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The Jungle Lions

Two imposing stone lions guard the perimeter. Their style is distinctively pre-Angkorian, showing the evolution of Khmer art before the building of Angkor Wat.

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The Stone Frog

Nearby, look for the smaller carvings of a cow and a giant frog. In ancient times, this area was a reservoir used for royal rituals.

How to Get There: The Mission

01

Park Ticket

You must buy a Phnom Kulen National Park pass at the base of the mountain.

Cost: $20 USD

02

Hire a Guide

Drive your car/tuk-tuk to the main waterfall. From there, you must hire a local moto-driver. The trail consists of deep sand and mud that only specialized bikes can handle.

Cost: ~$15 - $20 USD (Negotiable)

03

The Ride

Prepare for a 45-minute bumpy ride through the dense forest. You will pass remote villages and schools that most tourists never see.

💡 Expert Insider Tip

Ask your moto-driver to also stop at Bat Cave (L'ang Prich) on the way back. It is a sacred cave hidden in a cliffside where local hermits still live and meditate. It adds a whole new level of "Indiana Jones" vibes to your day!

Go Beyond the Temples

Srah Damrei is the ultimate day trip for explorers. Because the trails are complex, we recommend booking a specialized adventure tour.

Book a Kulen Jungle Adventure