Phnom Chhnork (8258875098).jpg

eric yeargan CC BY 2.0 Wikimedia Commons

Phnom Chhnork

Cave

A rural limestone cave temple near Kampot; people visit Phnom Chhnork for its cave shrine and to combine the stop with riverfront towns, pepper farms and nearby coastal scenery.

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In this guide

Phnom Chhnork essentials

Address: Kampong Svay, Kep Province vicinity, Cambodia (nearest city: Kep)
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About Phnom Chhnork

Phnom Chhnork is a small pre-Angkorian brick shrine set inside a limestone cave in southern Cambodia. The complex consists of a compact brick sanctuary placed within or at the mouth of a natural cave.

The site contains a Hindu-style sanctuary and simple religious fittings that visitors can view at close range; the cave setting and the brick temple are the primary attractions. Visits are typically short and are often combined with other nearby attractions.

Scholars date the temple’s construction to the early medieval period of Cambodian history when small brick sanctuaries were common, and the structure reflects early Hindu influence in the region. The site has remained a modest shrine rather than a major archaeological complex.

Phnom Chhnork sits on a limestone outcrop in Kampot Province, within driving distance of the town of Kampot and the coastal area; it is accessed by local roads and short footpaths to the cave entrance.

  • Access: the temple is set inside a limestone cave on a small hill, requiring a short, often stepped approach from the road
Things to Do
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Phnom Chhnork

Dry season (November-April) is the most comfortable for visits and outdoor exploration.

Dry season
November-April · 24-32°C (75-90°F)
Easier walking conditions and clearer skies for exploring temple sites and caves.
Wet season
May-October · 23-31°C (73-88°F)
Humid with frequent heavy showers; trails can be slippery.

Weather & Climate near Phnom Chhnork

Climate

Phnom Chhnork's climate is classified as Tropical Monsoon - Tropical Monsoon climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 22°C to 33°C. Heavy rainfall (3059 mm/year), wettest in August with a pronounced dry season.

Air Quality: AQI 64 Moderate
Best Time to Visit
JanuaryFebruaryDecember
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
38°
Warmest Month
18°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Excellent 22° - 31° 26° 21 mm partly cloudy 73% 2.4 m/s 1.9 very high 11.5h
February Excellent 23° - 32° 29° 38 mm some cloud 67% 2.4 m/s 2.1 extreme 11.7h
March Very Good 24° - 33° 31° 108 mm partly cloudy 68% 2.3 m/s 2.3 extreme 12.0h
April Good 25° - 33° 33° 142 mm partly cloudy 72% 2.2 m/s 2.3 extreme 12.3h
May Acceptable 25° - 32° 34° 283 mm overcast 80% 2.0 m/s 2.2 extreme 12.5h
June Acceptable 25° - 31° 33° 382 mm overcast 86% 2.0 m/s 2.1 extreme 12.6h
July Acceptable 25° - 31° 32° 561 mm overcast 87% 2.2 m/s 2.0 very high 12.6h
August Good 25° - 30° 32° 570 mm overcast 88% 2.3 m/s 2.0 extreme 12.3h
September Good 24° - 30° 32° 460 mm overcast 88% 2.1 m/s 2.0 very high 12.1h
October Acceptable 24° - 31° 31° 302 mm overcast 86% 2.0 m/s 1.9 very high 11.8h
November Very Good 23° - 30° 27° 141 mm partly cloudy 84% 2.6 m/s 1.9 very high 11.5h
December Excellent 23° - 30° 26° 51 mm partly cloudy 78% 2.6 m/s 1.8 very high 11.4h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Phnom Chhnork

Phnom Chhnork is reachable from coastal towns in Kep and Kampot provinces. Road access from Kampot or Kep generally involves a local road; hiring a motorcycle taxi or private car from Kep makes for the easiest day trip. Exact trailheads and local directions are best confirmed with local guides.

Tips for Visiting Phnom Chhnork

  • Bring a headlamp if planning to explore the cave area-although monitored, the caves can be dim.
  • Respect onsite religious icons and local customs; the site has historical religious associations that locals treat with care.