An outpost of Kampong Thom Province]], Phnom Sontuk is a hilltop pilgrimage site littered with Buddha images and crowned with a pagoda. Visitors climb flights of hundreds of stairs through the forest to reach this holy site.
This temple complex has plenty of daytime visitors, but after-dark options are nonexistent. The temple itself receives more worshippers than tourists, though the staff welcome foreign guests and are delighted with the international interest.
Prasat Touch, the pagoda at the top of the hill, is the centerpiece of the complex. From this three-storey structure the views over the rice paddies and countryside are outstanding, and some visitors even time their visit to enjoy the sunset. Just bring a flashlight with you as the descent to the parking lot can be tricky after sunset.
The entire hillside is dotted with sandstone features, many of which have been carved into Buddha images in the last five centuries. The statues at Preah Bat Chann Tuk were carved from rock walls sometime in the 15th century when Preah Ponhea Dharma Reacha was king.
There are also three enormous reclining Buddhas stretching 35 feet and depicting the Buddha’s enlightenment. The downside is the trash that also dots the area.
Getting There & Away
The Siem Reap-Phnom Penh highway passes through Phnom Sontuk so most visitors are en route from one of these major cities to the other. Travel time varies considerably depending on weather conditions, but usually takes between 4 and 6 hours. Both Phnom Penh and Siem Reap have international airports operating service to major cities across the region and beyond.