Phnom Sombok Travel Guide
Phnom Sombok is a small settlement that is well known for its stunning temples in northern Cambodia's Kratie Province. It lies on the Mekong River just to the north of Kratie and is also near the home of curious Irrawaddy dolphins nearby.
- What is It?
- Phnom Sombok is a hilltop temple to the north of Kratie.
- When to Go
- The cool, dry November through February period.
- Nearest Town
- Kratie, just a few miles to the south of Phnom Sombok.
- Don't Miss
- the torture paintings within Phnom Sombok temple and the nearby Irrawaddy dolphins.
Phnom Sombok temple has a stunning hilltop setting over the Mekong to the north of Kratie and is located amid a jungle setting. The temple is quite nice as far as temples go but the main deal is the interesting paintings on the interior walls.
Just north from Phnom Sombok temple is where you can go Irrawaddy dolphin watching, while farther afield in Kratie Province is Sambor, with its pre-Angkorian temples. Also nearby are Cham basket weaving villages including Chheu Teil Ploch, south of Kratie.
You will probably be staying in the town of Kratie if you have come to see the Phnom Sombok temple. Colonial architecture is all around, while the lively Kratie market has cheap handicrafts and local fruits. Budget accommodation is widely available in Kratie.
Travel to Phnom Sombok - Getting There
Buses to Kratie from Stung Treng and Phnom Penh take around 3 or 4 hours, from where it's a short journey to Phnom Sombok. You can also get here by boat but will then need local transport up the hill, unless you walk it. Stung Treng has an airport that receives flights from Phnom Penh, where there is an international airport.
