Phnom Chisor Temple, originally known in Sanskrit as Śrī Sūryaparvata (The Mountain of the Sun), was built around the early 11th century by King Suryavarman I of the Khmer Empire. The temple is located on an isolated hill approximately 133 meters high in the Bati District of Takeo Province, about 62 kilometers south of Phnom Penh. The main temple is constructed from a combination of laterite and brick, adorned with exquisitely carved sandstone lintels and columns, and is surrounded by partially surviving laterite galleries. It was originally dedicated to Hindu deities, primarily Shiva and Vishnu.

What makes Phnom Chisor unique is its designation as a hilltop temple, a form rarely seen in Khmer art of the Angkorian period. Accessing the temple requires climbing a magnificent, ancient stone staircase of 412 steps (from the southern side), which served as a pilgrimage route in the past. Within the main temple complex, there are several other subsidiary structures and smaller brick shrines. Today, the temple complex incorporates a modern Buddhist pagoda (Vihara), establishing it as a sacred site used for worship by people both past and present. Ancient inscriptions found here confirm its significant historical and religious importance spanning over 900 years.

With its mountaintop location and ancient stone architecture that has weathered over time, Phnom Chisor Temple provides a spectacular backdrop for landscape and architectural photographers. The ruins and lintels, which still bear traces of carved Hindu deities, are particularly appealing. Furthermore, the site offers a profound sense of past grandeur and spiritual tranquility, making it suitable for travelers seeking artistic inspiration and those interested in the history of the Khmer Empire.

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How to Get There

• Private Car/Shared Taxi: Travel from Phnom Penh along National Road 2 heading south for approximately 62 kilometers until you reach the junction signposted for Phnom Chisor.

• Bus: Take a bus heading to Takeo town from the bus station in Phnom Penh, get off at the temple junction, and then hire a Motodup (Motorbike Taxi) or Tuk-Tuk to the base of the hill.

• Day Tours: You can book a full-day tour from Phnom Penh, which often combines a visit to Phnom Chisor with nearby sites like Ta Prohm Temple at Tonle Bati Lake.

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Travel Tips

• Best Time to Climb: You should climb during the early morning (06:00-08:00 AM) or late afternoon (03:30-05:00 PM) to avoid the midday heat and to catch the sunrise or sunset.

• Climbing: The staircase is long and steep. Be sure to carry plenty of drinking water and wear appropriate footwear for climbing.

• Dress Code: As it is a sacred site, you should dress respectfully by covering your shoulders and knees.

• Explore the Surroundings: Besides the main temple, don't miss exploring the nearby Vimean Chan Cave (approximately 150 meters south), which was historically used for meditation.

• Planning: The visit to Phnom Chisor can be combined with a trip to Tonle Bati Lake and Neang Khmao Temple in a single day trip.

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Admission Fee:

• no direct admission fee is charged for entry to Phnom Chisor Temple.

Opening Hours:

• Usually open daily for visits from 07:00 AM to 05:30 PM.