Phnom Sampeau

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Tags : Cave

Timings : 8 AM to 7:30 PM

Time Required : 4 to 5 hours

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Phnom Sampeau, Battambang Overview

Phnom Sampeau is an archaeological site located in Sampeau Commune, about 12 km of Battambang city. This attraction is steeped in history and legend. It is home to the infamous Killing Caves and a Bat Cave. Also, atop a 100-meter-high mountain stands a pagoda. It is also home to three natural caves - Pkasla, Lakhaon and Aksopheak.

Apart from the cave, there is a beautiful viewpoint from where you can see the green fields in the Battambang region. At dusk, hundreds of thousands of bats fly out of the cave, forming a spectacle which is viewed by hundreds of tourists who gather. Phnom Sampeau makes for an exciting day trip from Battambang for the natural Bat phenomenon, lovely countryside views and a dark history of Cambodia that occurred during the Khmer Rouge.

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Phnom Sampeau History & Significance

Phnom Sampeau in local language translates to 'Ship mountain,' named due to its shape resembling a ship. During the Khmer Rouge rule between 1975 and 1979, approximately 3 millions of innocent were massacred by torture and thrown to death through the skylight above. Remnants of war, including a part of an aircraft wing present below, is oriented towards Phnom Krapau or The Crocodile Mountain, which was the strategic location of the Khmer Rouge during the war. Later, the pagoda at the top also served as a prison and torture centre during the Pol Pot-led era. Today, you can find many temple complexes and several viewpoints at the summit, famous for the sunset.

The Killing Caves of Phnom Sampeau, located halfway up the hill is now a place of pilgrimage. This cave consists of a giant statue of reclining golden Buddha at the centre. There is a memorial of human remains - hundreds of bones and skulls encased in a glass box, a haunting reminder of the dark past. Nearby, there is another memorial - a rusty cage made of chicken wire and cyclone fencing. The descent from this cave offers beautiful views of the greenery, including dramatic cliff edges, vines and views of the nearby hills in the horizon.

At the base of the hill,  there is a 15-meter high statue of Buddha carved out of a cliff, which remains incomplete due to the lack of funds. On the way up to the top, you'll come across big groups of macaques that feed on the nearby plantations. Avoid offering food or seeking their attention as they can get aggressive.

Beside Phnom Sampeau, there are several other groups of mountains including Phnom Krapeu, Phnom Trung Moan and Phnom Neang Romsay Sok, the mountain is famous for its legend on Romsay Sok.

Ticket details

The entry ticket costs 2 USD which gives access to three sites of Wat Ek Phnom, Phnom Sampeau and Phnom Banan. Tickets are sold in all these sites.

How To Reach Phnom Sampeau

Phnom Sampeau is located 12 km southwest of Battambang city. There are tuk-tuks available to the base of the hill. They are not allowed further. You can take the 700 steep steps to reach to the top or opt for a motorbike that can be rented in the downtown of Battambang.

Alternatively, you can take a moto ride available at the base, for a roundtrip at the cost of about  USD.

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