Angkor Temple Guide: Phnom Chisor

Located in Takeo province, south of Phnom Penh. See the Nearby Phnom Penh Map.

At the top of Phnom Chisor (Chisor Mountain) sits some very nicely preserved 10th/11th century AD, Angkorian era temple ruins. At the time the temple was constructed, the mountain was known as Suryaparvata, 'Mountain of the Sun God'. The temple was built under King Suryavarman I during a period when Angkorian Empire was powerful and on the rise. As most Angkorian temples of the period, this temple is Hindu, dedicated to Shiva and Vishnu. Scenes including Brahma, Shiva and Vishnu are still visible, carved on some of the sandstone lintels and pediments. The 412 steps to the temple on top of the hill make for a somewhat wearing climb, but the quality of the ruins and the amazing view of the countryside from the mountaintop make the effort well worth it.

Bus: Buses depart for Takeo City every hour from the Phnom Penh Sorya Transport bus station. Get off at at the turnoff marked by a big ‘Phnom Chisor’ sign (52km road marker) and take a motodup to the base of the hill.