Preah Ang Thom: The Giant Reclining Buddha

The pagoda is built directly on top of a massive sandstone boulder.

Perched at the summit of Phnom Kulen, Preah Ang Thom is the spiritual heart of the mountain. Accessible via a steep staircase lined with beggars and vendors, the peak reveals a stunning 16th-century secret: a massive Buddha carved directly into the living rock.

Highlights of the Sacred Summit

The Golden Statue

This is not a statue placed on a rock; the 8-meter Buddha was carved out of the top of the boulder. It represents the Buddha reaching Nirvana.

The Cham Pa Trees

The courtyard is shaded by two massive White Plumeria (Cham Pa) trees. They are centuries old and considered sacred. The smell of their flowers fills the entire temple.

The Footprint

On the path leading up, look for a large stone footprint. Pilgrims drop coins into it for good luck, believing it to be the mark of the Buddha himself.

💡 Local Custom: Shake the Sticks!

Inside the shrine, you will see a cup of numbered bamboo sticks (Siem Si). Kneel down, shake the cup until one stick falls out, and take the corresponding paper slip. It will tell your fortune! (Ask a guide to translate the Khmer text for you).

Visitor's Guide

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Location

Located near the top of the mountain, about 10 minutes drive past the waterfall.

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The Shoe Rule

You must remove your shoes before climbing the final wooden staircase to the Buddha. There is a small "shoe keeper" station at the bottom (tipping 500-1000 riel is polite).

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Dress Code

Strictly Enforced. Shoulders and knees must be covered. If you forget, you can rent a sarong at the entrance.

⚠️ The 12:00 PM Road Rule

Remember: The road to Kulen is one-way. You can only drive UP until 12:00 PM. After that, you can only drive DOWN. Do not be late!