Sambor Populated Place

Set on the Mekong roughly 35 - 40 km north of Kratie, Sambor is best known today for Wat Sarsar Mouy Rouy - locally called the 100-Pillar Pagoda, though it now boasts 116 columns. The original pagoda was destroyed in the 1970s and rebuilt in 1997.

The surrounding area was once a rich trove of artifacts predating the Angkor empire, much of it ravaged during the Pol Pot regime. Overnight stays at the refurbished wat can sometimes be arranged by contacting the Kratie Wat Committee. The riverside setting also puts you within reach of the Mekong’s famous Irrawaddy dolphins.

• What it is: A historic Buddhist temple and old Chenla capital set amid pastoral Mekong countryside.
• Nearest town: Sambor sits about 35 km north of Kratie, 141 km south of Stung Treng, and roughly 345 km northeast of Phnom Penh on well-paved roads. Buses from Phnom Penh take about 5 hours.
• Getting around: Hire a motodop (about $6) or rent a bicycle in town.
• When to go: The dry season (November - May), when road conditions are best.
• Don’t miss: Sweeping views across the Mekong - and a side trip to see the river dolphins.
• Opening hours: Normal daylight hours.