Phnom Sampeau — Visitng the Battambang Killing Caves and Wat Sampeau Monastery

No trip to Battambang is complete without a visit to Phnom Sampeau which is approximately 15km outside of the main city. This sacred mountain has a dark side — the Battambang killing cave was used by the Khmer Rouge to throw dead bodies down after they had been murdered. This dark side of Cambodian history is tough but important to understand. Phnom Sampeau contains 3 natural caves in total, all lined with Buddhist shrines and statues: Pkasla, Lakhaon and Aksopheak. At the top of Phnom Sampeau you will find a beautiful monastery and phenomenal views across the Cambodian countryside. End your visit with a beer while you watch the mass exodus of bats leaving the Battambang Bat Cave for their nightly hunt!

Getting up Phnom Sampeau (sometimes called Phnom Sampov)

‘Phnom’ is hill in Khmer and ‘Sampeau’ means ship. So ‘Phnom Sampeau’ or ‘Phnom Sampov’ is ship hill or mountain — because it’s shape reminds locals of a ship. At the bottom of the mountain, tourists will be asked for a $1 fee to access it. There are two main ways to get up — walking or taking a jeep.

Please note that Phnom Sampeau is not wheelchair accessible

Along the way, there are about 5 sets of temples and interesting spots, and it takes…