There are many interesting places within easy reach of Phnom Penh. Make a day-trip to see fine examples of classical Khmer temple architecture at Udong or gain an introduction to the Cambodian countryside.

Places to visit around Phnom Penh

Udong

The city of Udong is located on low hills about 35km (22 miles) north of Phnom Penh. This was the Cambodia capital on various occasions between 1618 and 1866. Today little remains of the glory days, but the site still certainly worth a visit. Two low ridges rise from the surrounding plains; unfortunately both bear the marks of extensive bombing during the years of the Second and Third Indochina Wars, and several of the stupas have been destroyed or are in ruins.

The larger of the two hills is called Phnom Reach Throap, or “Hill of the Royal Treasury”. Here one can see the remains of an enormous Buddha figure – blown up by the Khmer Rouge. The site is also known as Vihear Preah Ath Roes. At the northwestern corner of the hill sit four stupas. The first is the tomb of King Monivong (r. 1927–41). The second is said to be the tomb of King Ang Duog (r. 1845–59), though an alternative to this disputed site is next to the Silver Pagoda in Phnom Penh. The third is the tomb of King Soriyopor (r. prior to 1618). The fourth stupa is said to contain a relic of the Buddha.

The smaller ridge has a few stupas and larger structures, including Ta San Mosque. To the south sits Phnom Vihear Leu, which is crowned with a shrine, pagoda and a former Khmer Rouge prison.

Ta Prohm

Set out from Phnom Penh early in the morning and head directly to Tonlé Bati, about 32km (20 miles) distant. The chief attraction is the laterite temple of Ta Prohm, built by King Jayavarman VII on top of an earlier 6th-­century Khmer shrine. The result is a well-preserved gem, not unduly large, but with some splendid decorative features. The main sanctuary has five chambers, in each of which is a statue or a Shiva lingam. Generally the shrine is favoured by fortune-tellers who will predict your future and read your palm for a few thousand riel. At almost any time a traditional orchestra will be playing outside the inner sanctum of the shrine, attracting offerings from pious visitors from Phnom Penh. Clouds of incense waft through the air, and the atmosphere is very much that of a living shrine.

Around 300 metres northwest of Ta Prohm is a lakeside picnic area, generally tranquil and free of crowds.

Phnom Chisor

From Tonlé Bati can continue south on Route 2 for around 23km (14 miles). The intersection for Phnom Chisor (Chisor Mountain) is located close by the two brick towers of Prasat Neang Khmau – the “Temple of the Black Virgin”, once probably dedicated to the Hindu goddess Kali. A side road heads eastwards at this point, leading to the foot of Phnom Chisor which is about 4km (2½ miles) distant. The climb to the top of the hill is 100-metres (330ft) up and involves tackling as many as 750 unevenly spaced concrete steps, but the effort is worth it because of the spectacular views from the top over the surrounding countryside. Snacks and cold drinks are available on the way up and at the top, but it is still a hot and exhausting climb in the heat of the day. Anyone less than superlatively fit should make at least two rest stops on the way up, as there is plenty of time to take in the sights.

The main temple at Phnom Chisor stands on the eastern side of the hill. Constructed of brick and laterite, with lintels and doorways of sandstone, the complex dates from the 11th century, when it was known as Suryagiri. The isolation of the site, and the way the temple suddenly appears as you struggle over the crest of the hill, have led some writers to liken the temple’s atmosphere to that of a Southeast Asian Stonehenge or Macchu Picchu. Views from the far side of the temple, looking east, are spectacular.

The long, straight old road built by the original temple architects is clearly visible. Two lesser temples punctuate the progress of this road, and a large natural lake glistens in the distance.

Source: insightguides