PHNOM SAMPEAU

The Khmer Rouge utilized Phnom Sampeau as a base of operations throughout their cruel dictatorship. A few mass graves were utilized as killing caverns, and memorials to those who died there currently stand.

Phnom Sampeau is a 100-meter-high mountain in Southwestern Cambodia that rises from the rice paddy fields. It is home to Wat Sampeou, a temple, as well as Pkasla, Lakhaon, and Aksopheak, three natural caverns. Phnom Sampeau was a site used by the Khmer Rouge during their harsh dictatorship, when some areas were used as killing caves, with the skeletons of its victims still visible.

These killing caves were once mass graves, and tributes to those who died there can now be found. A relic from World War II is also buried on the mountain.

WAT EK PHNOM

Wat Ek Phnom, located about 15 kilometers north of urban Battambang, is another set of ruins inspired by the Angkor temples. It is a well-known temple situated adjacent to a huge lake, with a 28-meter-high Buddha statue behind it. There are bridges that cross the river, small and pleasant settlements in the area, and roads that lead to temples.

Wat Ek Phnom, according to researchers, was established during the Bayon Dynasty in the 11th century (the reign of King Sorayak Varman II). Only a few Buddha statues, sculptures, and a destroyed wall remained as a result of looting and conflict. When visiting Cambodia, this is an important location to enable travelers uncover a long-forgotten temple.

For the people of the adjacent village, the temple is also the focal point for holiday celebrations. They dress up for Sunday and celebrate between the old and modern temples, climbing all over the ruins with their families. In addition, it is a renowned tourist attraction for Khmers as well as a fertility pilgrimage site for women.

WAT BANAN TEMPLE

The temple appears to have been abandoned for many years from the outside, yet it is actually utilized by native people to worship the Gods and the Buddha. Wat Banan Temple will appear in front of you when you climb to the top of a mountain, surrounded by breathtaking views.

According to certain sources, it is unclear who built the temple or when it was built. Others, on the other hand, think the period covered the mid-eleventh century to the end-twelfth century, and included two reigns of King Ut Tak Yea Tit Tya Varman II (1050 – 1066) and King Jarvarman VII (1066 – 1066). (1181 – 1219).

To get to Wat Banan, you must climb a 400-meter-high mountain with around 300 stairs, but the vista is well worth the effort. From the top, tourists can enjoy breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of the Sang Ke River, thousands of sugar palm trees, rice fields, and small communities below. Although the most worthwhile is still the beautiful old Wat Banan of the Angkore-era, where the entire temples retain their original construction but, like other Cambodian ruins, have been subjected to extensive looting. Like Angkor Wat, there are five temple structures, with the central one being the largest. The nicest spots on your tour are these majestic towers with the sculptures of the now-headless apsaras on them. Otherwise, the Prassat Banan vineyard, Cambodia’s only vineyard, is near to Wat Banan, providing guests with an experience that combines visiting the temple with outside activities such as dropping grapes and producing vine.