Phnom Chisor

Phnom Chisor
By: Matias



Where it is and how far away it is:

Phnom Chisor is a historical site located in Sia village, Rovieng commune, Samrong district, about 55 kilometers south of Phnom Penh or 27 kilometers north of Takeo provincial town. To reach the site, take National Road 2 to Bati district and Neang Khmao temple. Turn right at the sign for the site and head down the dirt trial for 5 more kilometers. Phnom Chisor is 130-meter-high mountain.

What it is:

A temple from the Angkorian era, Phnom Chisor is set upon a solitary hill in Takeo Province, offering superb views of the countryside. During rituals held here 900 years ago, the king, his Brahmans and their entourage would climb a monumental 412 steps to Suryagiri from this direction.

Extra Facts: 


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 cli

mb, but the quality of the ruins and the amazing view of the countryside from the mountaintop make the effort well worth it.