🛕 Phnom Chisor
ភ្នំជីសរ
Also known as: Suryagiri
Province
Takeo
Era
Classical Angkorian
Difficulty
🟠 Challenging
Crowds
😌 Low Crowds
Key Facts
Built: 11th century
Built by: King Suryavarman I
Religion: Hindu
Entry Fee: Free
Time Needed: 1.5–2 hours
A hilltop temple with panoramic views of the Cambodian countryside — an easy day trip from Phnom Penh.
Phnom Chisor is a striking hilltop temple perched on a 133-meter-high hill in Takeo Province, about 60 km south of Phnom Penh. Originally known as Suryagiri ("Sun Mountain"), the temple was built by King Suryavarman I and dedicated to both Shiva and Vishnu. A steep stairway of 461 laterite steps leads to the summit, where the main sanctuary offers spectacular 360-degree views of the surrounding rice paddies, sugar palm trees, and distant hills. The temple galleries feature carved lintels and fine decorative details, though much has been damaged over the centuries. Below the hill, a processional causeway leads to two smaller temples and sacred pools. On weekends, Phnom Chisor is a popular pilgrimage and picnic site for Cambodian families.
Highlights
- ✦ 461-step climb to the summit
- ✦ Panoramic countryside views
- ✦ Easy day trip from Phnom Penh
- ✦ Fine carved lintels
- ✦ Sacred pools below the hill
- ✦ Weekend Cambodian family atmosphere
Best Time to Visit
Early morning to avoid the heat on the stairway climb
Visitor Tips
- 💡 461 steep steps — bring water and go early for cooler temperatures
- 💡 60 km south of Phnom Penh — about 1.5 hours by car
- 💡 Can combine with Tonle Bati temples on the same day trip
- 💡 The view from the top is worth the climb
Nearby Temples
11.3647°N, 104.9328°E
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