Svay Leu District

One of the largest districts in Siem Reap Province, Svay Leu is also the most sparsely populated as much of its land mass is taken up by the remote jungle plateau of Phnom Kulen. This also happens to be the biggest draw in the district, home to the ‘lost city’ of Mahendraparvata which hit the headlines around the world when it was revealed using LIDAR technology to peel back the layers of jungle and see beneath. The main attractions on Phnom Kulen include the River of a Thousand Lingas where hundreds of phallic symbols decorate the riverbed; a beautiful waterfall that featured in the film Tomb Raider; and the giant recling Buddha of Preah Ang Thom. Beyond these popular places lie the vestiges of Mahendraparvata and it is possible to take an adventurous motorbike ride to explore the pyramid temple of Prasat Rong Chen, the hermit retreat of Poeung Tbal, the stone guardian animals of Sra Damrei and the famous Bat Cave with its panoramic viewpoint. For those wanting to explore more extensively, it is also possible to experience an overnight homestay in Anlong Thom village and to organize trekking on the mountain, including a trek linking to the jungle temple of Beng Mealea on the plains below. Phnom Kulen is also famous for its organic fruit production and the harvesting traditional medicine ingredients from the forest.

The other major attraction in Svay Leu is Beng Mealea, a vast 12th century swallowed by the jungle. Nature has run riot here with vines and creepers slowly strangling the stones. Visitors can explore the huge complex via a wooden walkway. As well as the main temple, there are also several smaller temples nearby that see few visitors. To experience village life in Svay Leu, it is possible to stay overnight in a homestay in Beng Mealea. There is a nearby community forest which may offer some organized treks in the near future.