13. Phnom Chiso

Located at Sla Village, in the Ro Vieng Commune, and in the Sam Roung District, Phnom Chiso is 62-kilometers away from Phnom Penh. The mountain is accessible by the National Road No.2 via the Ba Ti district and Neang Khmao temple by a one-hour drive from Phnom Penh, then turning within 5-kilometers from National road No. 2 via a trail. If driving from the provincial town of Takeo, it will take 15 minutes within a 17-kilometers distance. Chiso Mountain has an ancient temple ruin; and while the temple is damaged, it is still of better quality than those surrounding it. There is a great view of Takeo Province’s green rice fields from atop the mountain. The King, Sorayak Varman I, built the temple of Phnom Chiso on top of a 380-meters mountain, dedicating it to Brahmanism in the early 11th century (1002-1050).

The peak of the mountain can be reached via a popular western stairway having 180 steps and descended via a southern stairway having 408 steps. Next to the top of the southern stairway, there is another ancient stairway located in front of the temple. This ancient stairway was built at the same time as the temple and links it to the temple of Sen Chhmos, Sen Ro Vang, and the Tonle Oum Lake, a sacred lack used in ancient times for washing human sin under Brahmanism. At a rock yard 100-meters in length and 80-meters wide, are many temples built in various eras. These temples face the East and Northwest; most of which are damaged. South of the temples is a Buddhist temple, the new building; behind it, is a hall of Thormak Sa Phea Kot for monks, a small worshiping place and an ancient water tank made of concrete. The temple of Phnom Chiso is surrounded by two buildings. The first is a long building; with sides 60-meters long. The second, smaller than the first, is located at the middle where there is a main worshipping place containing a wooden statue. Phnom Chiso is one of the treasures of Cambodia with its beautiful natural scenery and other features including the pagoda of Phnom Chiso. Phnom Chiso has considerable tourist activity, especially during National, traditional, and international festivals.