Phnom Chisor
Temple Hilltop Khmer temple ruin with Cambodian panoramic views
Phnom Chisor crowns a hill with an 11th-century Khmer temple; tourists climb for archaeological ruins and wide views over rice paddies and rural Cambodia.
Phnom Chisor is a hill with a small Angkorian temple complex in takeo Province of Cambodia, known for its brick sanctuary ruins atop the summit. The site preserves ruined towers and foundations visible on the hill crest.
The summit complex includes temple foundations oriented along a central axis and surviving brickwork from the Angkorian period; stone or brick causeways and mounting points for original galleries remain in places. The hill offers a clear vantage point over the lowland rice plains.
The temple was constructed during the Angkorian era and served as a local religious centre; over time the structure fell into ruin and today is visited as an archaeological and cultural site. Local authorities maintain access paths and basic visitor facilities.
Phnom Chisor sits on a solitary hill in Takeo Province, a short drive from regional towns and within reach of Phnom Penh by road; it occupies an isolated upland position within agricultural lowlands.
- Visiting tip: The temple dates to the Angkorian period and sits on a small hill that offers broad views over surrounding agricultural plains, making early morning visits advisable for cooler temperatures and clearer views.
What to See #
- Hilltop temple complex: The hilltop temple complex consists of brick towers and sanctuary foundations dating to the Angkorian period, with a central axis and ruined causeway.
- Summit viewpoint: The summit viewpoint provides panoramic views across the surrounding rice plains, reached by a stepped approach and short paved paths.
How to Get to Phnom Chisor #
Phnom Chisor is reached by road from Phnom Penh. It is roughly an hour’s drive south of the capital along National Road 2, with a short local road up the hill to the site. Local buses and private taxis are the usual transport options.
Tips for Visiting Phnom Chisor #
- Climb the long brick stairway early in the morning to dodge heat and to watch the valley fill with light.
- Bring a local guide or ask at the small visitor booth - many of the carved lintels and inscriptions are best understood with a Khmer-speaking interpreter.
- Pair the hill visit with nearby villages to see how the temple's stones have been part of local life for generations.
Best Time to Visit Phnom Chisor #
Phnom Chisor is most pleasant in the dry months when climbing the hill and walking the temple precincts is easier and less humid.
Weather & Climate near Phnom Chisor #
Phnom Chisor's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 22°C to 34°C. Abundant rainfall (1282 mm/year), wettest in October with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 22°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is hot, feeling like 28°C. The driest month with just 10 mm and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is hot, feeling like 30°C. Moderate rainfall (35 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is the hottest month, feeling like 33°C. Moderate rainfall (79 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is hot, feeling like 34°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (156 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is hot, feeling like 34°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (124 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is hot, feeling like 34°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (124 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is hot, feeling like 33°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (132 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (197 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is hot, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. The wettest month with heavy rain (245 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Significant rainfall (134 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 22°C. Moderate rainfall (34 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
