Phnom Sampeau

Phnom Sampeau is a 100-meter-high mountain rising from the rice paddy fields of Southwestern Cambodia. It houses a temple named Wat Sampeou and three natural caves: Pkasla, Lakhaon and Aksopheak. Phnom Sampeau is a location used by the Khmer Rouge in their oppressive regime when some sites were used as killing caves remaining skeletons of their victims.

These killing caves were used as mass graves and now bear memorials to those who met their end there. The mountain is also the resting place of a World War II relic.

Temple of Phnom Sampeau

Temple of Phnom Sampeau

A visit to Phnom Sampeau is incomplete unless you conquer 700 stairs to reach the top hillside. It takes you about 1 hour to climb to the top. There’s also a cemented road which you can take a motoride to the summit. From the top view, you can enjoy the spectacular panorama of Battambang and the surrounding countryside. The best time to visit Phnom Sampeou is in early morning or late afternoon when the light makes everything magical.

Steps take visitors to the tophill of Phnom Sampeau

About 12km of Battambang city, the site is located along National Road 57 in Sampeou Commune. The entrance fee costs $3, also covering Wat Banan. On half-way road to the summit, you can take a turn-off leading 250m up the hill to the Killing Caves of Phnom Sampeau.