Chi So Mountain — Local services in Takeo

Really beautiful place, worthy a visit I'd you are around! We rented a scooter in Phnom Penh and got there in about 70 minutes. You have three ways to access the site, the west way, the east and the south way. We got in from the south way, you can park in a small local village where they sell food and drink to tourists and students of the nearby schools, but you don't need to buy anything. Parking is free, if you get away from people asking for money (quite common in Cambodia). You climb about 400 steps (give or take) and you get to the top. It seems though that the original and most fascinating way is to get up from the east way, which is oriented toward the top of the mountain and you see the temple during all the climb up! Once you get on top, the site is left at the ruin state, which gives it a little magic aura and really the feeling of the ancient time ( it is around 1200 years old). On top there are the usual vendors of food and drink. We were lucky that there were no tourists at all and it was an amazing feeling of adventure and discovery. The only ticket you need to pay is the administrative 2 dollar ticket that you can see in the picture. Other people might ask you for money but they are...

Phnom Chiso is a 13O-meter-high mountain. Phnom Chiso Pagoda was built in 1917, destroyed by war during the 1970s and rebuilt in 1979. Behind it is a hall called Thammasaphea, kof and a worship place. There is an ancient water tank made of concrete. People usually climb the staircase on the west side of the mountain, which has 390 steps and descend by the south side staircase, which has 408 steps. Another set of stairs in front of the temple links the temple to Sen Chhmos temple, Sen Phouvang temple and Tonie Om, a lake considered sacred by Brahmans and used for washing away sins. A large rock yard nearby about 100 meters long and 80 meters was once the site of several other temples, but only parts of these temples...

If you want a short escapade from the noise and busy streets of the city check Chi So Mountain. Before arriving at the mountain top enjoy the long staircase climb. It offers a great view and instagram worthy sceneries. Take a breather and enjoy your trip. They have stalls on the side of the mountain top with hammocks and you might want to order some local Khmer Foods and drinks while resting. It's nearby Tamao, Zoo so it's highly recommended to go here early in the morning to witness sunrise on the mountain top and go to your next...