A day towards the summits of Phnom Chisor!

Phnom Chisor Hill, located in the Takéo province south of Phnom Penh, offers an ideal vantage point to admire the millennial architecture of Phnom Da and Angkor Borei, a supposed capital of the Funan Kingdom (1st - 6th century), as well as the agricultural plains of the province. Its proximity to the capital, just an hour's drive away, makes it a perfect destination for a day trip that can be easily organized. The religious and traditional structures hide a mysterious cave below… It is definitely worth the stop.

Halfway between the Cambodian capital Phnom Penh and the provincial capital of Takéo, Doun Kaev, you will catch a glimpse of Phnom Chisor Hill rising above the rice fields, coconut trees, and other palm trees typical of the Khmer hinterland. The stairs intertwine and lead you through each section of the temple, with the main structure located at the top of the hill. Upon arrival, you are greeted at the foot of the stairs by smiles, characteristic of this region of Southeast Asia and particularly Cambodia. Here, street vendors sell chicken—cooked, fried, or on skewers, it’s sold at a very affordable price. Children also approach, their faces beaming with joy, offering to guide you. They know Phnom Chisor like the back of their hand and are happy to earn some pocket money. Take your time to enjoy the surroundings of the stairs—this is a day trip, there’s no rush. Once you're ready, you can climb the 413 steps to reach, at the top of the hill, the Phnom Chisor temple.

Still standing

Inspired by Hinduism, the Phnom Chisor temple was built in the 11th century by King Suryavarman I, during one of the most prosperous periods of the Khmer Empire. A thousand years later, the structure is in poor condition but still displays unique pediments and lintels that testify to the beliefs and cultures of that era. The structure appears somewhat disordered, with stones sometimes scattered across the ground.

Nonetheless, the height of the temple adds a certain charm to the place. A breezy atmosphere and an expansive horizon reveal kilometers of countryside landscapes, sometimes topped by other religious structures such as Phnom Da or Angkor Borei. The tranquility at the summit invites contemplation of the ornaments, which have remained intact and original. After visiting the main worship hall, which emanates from the two galleries within the temple, head towards the outskirts to catch sight of a pagoda, built here several years after Buddhism became the dominant religion in the region.

This building was first reconstructed in 1917, before being destroyed in the 1970s, and was rebuilt in 1979. Still standing today, the pagoda awaits your visit.

The bombed cave

You can conclude your visit at the southern end of the temple. About 150 meters away is a cave called Vimean Chan, known to have once been a meditation site. You might be surprised to see numerous rocks partially blocking the cave’s entrance. These minerals are believed to have been there since the American bombings during the Vietnam War.