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On the way from Phnom Penh to
Kampong Thom, some 15 kilometres before
arriving at this provincial capital is the entrance to a temple
mountain that is one of the favourite tourist attractions in
for Cambodians who attribute magic powers to this site boasting
plenty of ancient heritages.
A stair with 809 steps flanked by
Nagas leads from the foot of the mountain to the monuments but a
narrow road allows cars to drive up to the monuments.
The Prasat Touch temple, made
of sandstone, has a pyramid shape. It is three stories high and has
a height of three metres. It is located next to an ancient wooden
temple, which is presently rebuilt from cement.
Many Buddha statues were
carved from the great mountain rock, including three big Buddha
statues reaching Nirvana, each more than ten metres in length. A
statue of Preah Bat Chann Tuk was carved on a stone in the
shape of the foot of of the Buddha. Many other sculptures can be
admired on this mountain. |
The construction and statues date back to the reign of
King Ponhea Dharma Reacha (1474-1494) and the site has changed names
many times through history.
From this mountain, you can enjoy a splendid view over
the flood plains of the Tonle Sab and distinguish the hills of
Kampong
Chhnang, at a distance of some thirty odd kilometres.
Descending on the east of Phnom Santuk, after 2 km
travelling through a thick forest, you will reach a waterfall where you
can have a nice swim in surprisingly cold water.
Legend of Phnom Santuk |
