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.
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