Phnom Santuk Mountain
As a popular pilgrimage site, Phnom Santuk is a must-see destination for tourists who wish to admire the sweeping views of the Ko Kos village plains, the Tonlé Sap River, rice paddies, and the beautiful forests of the region. During your trip to Cambodia, visiting Phnom Santuk is an experience not to be missed.
Visiting Phnom Santuk
Site description
To reach the summit of Phnom Santuk, visitors must climb 800 steps and follow the ridgeline through the forest. The path is made of carved stones and stretches for 2.5 kilometers, symbolizing Buddha’s path of meditation. Along the trail, you will also find several Brahmanic carvings that adorn the walkways.
At the top, you’ll discover a white temple with numerous shrines and deities. The most imposing figure is a reclining Buddha statue, carved directly into the rock, measuring 10 meters in length. The site is still inhabited by several monks. Inside the temple stands a deity’s throne supported by Garuda figures and a multi-armed deity seated on an elephant. Nearby, there is also a 3-meter-high stupa believed to house a Buddha relic dating from the 15th century.
The vihara is surrounded by ancient brick walls, with its entrance guarded by lion statues. At the monastery's entrance, you’ll also find a footprint of Buddha. In the eastern section of the complex lies a large rectangular basin measuring 10 meters. A newly built structure by the monks now houses a collection of ancient pottery, as well as a "magic" stone weighing about 15 kilograms that floats in an aquarium.
Geography and Location
Phnom Santuk rises to an altitude of 207 meters and overlooks the Tonlé Sap River valley. It is both a cultural and natural site, located in the village of Ko Koh, in the Santuk district. The mountain lies about 17 kilometers south of the city of Kampong Thom.
Toponymy
Over the centuries, Phnom Santuk has been known by several names:
- Phnom Thom (in legends)
- Phnom Arth Santuk
- Phnom Chorm Chong Kiri
- Phnom Krop Tuk
- Phnom Preah Bat Chann Tuk
Culture and belief
According to Cambodian belief, the mountain’s protective deity is Neak Ta Kraham Ka. She lived during the feudal era of Kampong Thong, under the reign of Decho Borara'a Thipadei Meas. As the mountain is known as a pilgrimage site, religious rituals are held at the temples. The site is also home to religious sanctuaries and numerous Buddha statues. Phnom Santuk remains an active spiritual site, with local monks still welcoming foreign visitors.
What to see at the summit?
- Numerous Buddha statues carved into a large mountain rock, including three major reclining Buddha figures, each over 10 meters in length.
- Prasat Touch, a three-tiered sandstone sanctuary with a pyramidal shape. It stands three meters high and is located next to the old wooden temple and its rectangular pond.
- Preah Bat Chann, a statue of Tuk carved into a stone block, surrounded by many smaller sculptures.
How to get there
To reach Phnom Santuk Mountain, take National Road 6 toward Kampong Thom. You can get there by bus or by renting a motorbike. The mountain is located between Phnom Penh and Kampong Thom, 17 kilometers south of the latter. You will pass through the village of Ko Koh, and then continue on foot via a 4-kilometer hiking trail that leads through the mountain.
