Phnom Sontuk, Kampong Thom

A working monastery and a point of pilgrimage for Buddhists, Phnom Sontuk is the most sacred mountain in the Kampong Thom province, and is unlike any Buddhist temple found in Cambodia. It has been a center of worship since the reign of King Ponhea Dharma Reacha who ended his reign in 1494.

Rockface Buddha Carvings

The hilltop is covered with a large Buddhist pagoda surrounded by small shrines. Hundreds of Buddha’s are carved and painted onto the sides of the hill. Rockface carvings of Buddhas of all sizes in meditative repose or standing in prayer are found on several sandstone boulders at the summit

Look out for two very large reclining Buddhas hewn out of bedrock below the southern end of the summit., one of them is a particularly large Buddha attaining Nirvana measuring more than ten meters in length. There is also a very large reclining Buddha at the summit with smaller reclining figures around it, surrounded by colorful wall paintings.

980 steps to the top

A climb of 980 steps will get you to the top. These stairs wind through the forest and are lined on both sides with hundreds of identical stone figures bearing the tail of the mythical naga. All these figures are pointed towards the summit. There are interesting features along the climb, offering a good excuse to catch a breather.. On the 455th step, there is a resting hall graced with a statue of Buddha on the left. Not quite nearing the top is a sacred spot,marked by painted arrows, where small coins can be dropped down a crevice between the large boulders, for a lucky future.

Wat Kiri Chom Chong Phnom Sontuk

The temple is called Wat Kiri Chom Chong Phnom Sontuk and attracts loads of Cambodian worshippers particularly at weekends. There are great views from the top, and beautiful viewings of the sunset – that is if walking down in the dark is not forbidding.

Phnom Sontuk is a US$4-$5 trip by moto from Kampong Thom and is ideally combined with a visit to Ondong Rossey, which is a quiet village famous for the unpainted red pottery found in this region.