Phonm Sampeau

Phnom Sampeau is a complex of temples, located 12km southwest of Battambang in Cambodia. At the top of the Phnom Sampeau, you can enjoy a gorgeous view. Descend from the golden stupa at the summit and turn left under the gate, you can see a deep canyon with greenery. Continue through a natural arch to a “lost world” of stalactites, creeping vines and bats. Two government artillery pieces are still deployed, pointing westwards towards Phnom Krapeu, a one-time Khmer Rouge stronghold.

On the half way of the hill stays the Killing Caves of Phnom Sampeau, now a place of pilgrimage. A golden reclining Buddha lies peacefully next to a glass-walled memorial filled with the bones and skulls of some of the people bludgeoned to death by Khmer Rouge cadres before being thrown through the overhead skylight. Near the base is Old Memorial, a rusty cage make of chicken wire and cyclone fencing and partly filled with human bones.