Phnom Sambok Pagoda — Attraction in Kratie

Phnom Sambok is a contemporary meditation center, monastery, and ancient place located in Kratie village in Cambodia. The monastery is 70 meters height and spread across two small hills near the Mekong river. The most impressive here is the line of monks you can climb across to the top. There are some colorful Buddhist sculptures, a blue Buddha, monkeys, and the terraces on the abyss from them you can observe the Mekong river and spectacular sunsets. The history of this place starts from 15 century. Legend says that King Cha Krey Sara Varman, asked his subject to find a gold mine. Since then, the place came to be known as Phnom Sombok, meaning 'Very...

Very nice, calm place. Went there for sunset and were literally the only people.

PLEASE, the following is IMPORTANT: if you go there and have a dollar spare and a heart for animals, give some money to the old lady living there. She is taking care of all the cats living there.

From what I learned, unwanted animals in Cambodia are often 'dumped' in the pagodas, cause the buddhist monks will usually take care of the animals. That is a huge problem and you can see it in this temple with your own eyes. I talked to the monks there and they said it was a good idea to give money to the lady to help the animals. A little money...

When we visited, there was a big celebration going on. It's a nice, interesting place with cool, well maintained statues and murals. It is a good place to enjoy the forest, and some cheeky monkeys, but we did not see any cats. There are great views to enjoy as well.

We rented a motorcycle in Kratie and drove there ourselves, which was about half an hour and made for a fun little adventure while we could enjoy the countryside up close. It's easier to avoid the potholes with the scooter/motorbike, so a little...