Cambodia

The natural and historical site of Phnom Sambok, located about ten kilometers north of Kratié, is a fun and refreshing stop—ideal, for instance, on the way back from observing Irrawaddy dolphins on the Mekong River. Phnom Sambok, which features a central hill, was developed during the Sangkum era (1953–1970) to promote local tourism.

Ecological diversity

The road leading to Phnom Sambok from Kratié is particularly pleasant. Built along the Mekong River, it crosses countryside rich in vegetation and dotted with traditional stilted huts. The wild character of the area is undeniable. As soon as you turn off toward the base of the hill, the road becomes earthen and the vegetation grows denser. Flowers and various plant species flourish along the slopes of the hill, which also hides two ponds—one to the north, the other to the south.

A noteworthy summit

At the base of Phnom Sambok, where the dirt path ends, stands a charming concrete staircase—straight and fairly long—decorated along both sides with two light green nagas. To your right, a striking row of about fifty statues of Buddhist monks stands in succession along the slope, descending past even the base of the staircase. At the top, and quickly visible as you ascend, a large Buddha statue sits in perfect alignment with the staircase, maintaining the symmetry of the nagas. This statue marks the entrance to the Phnom Sambok pagoda, the first point of interest at the summit.

After visiting the temple, take time to wander around the summit and enjoy views of the surrounding Kratié countryside. You’ll also get a panoramic view of the Mekong River. This peaceful spot is ideal for a picnic or to watch the sun set in the west.

The Golden Legend

A Cambodian tale tells of a mine once located not far from the base of Phnom Sambok hill. Local villagers were summoned to explore the pit and reportedly discovered a large quantity of gold. The area was then called kanleng sambo meas, meaning "place rich in gold." Over time, the name evolved to phnom sambo meas ("gold-rich mountain"), then to Phnom Sambo ("rich mountain"), and eventually transformed into Phnom Sambok, which today means "mountain of bird nests." Indeed, this wooded hill is frequently visited by many bird species, and you’ll likely hear a chorus of birdsong as you ascend the staircase.