In Takeo Province, Cambodia, I found an alternative to Angkor

Phnom Chisor Temple (ប្រាសាទភ្នំជីសូរ), located on Phnom Chisor (ភ្នំជីសូរ Phnom Chiso) in Takeo Province, is about 50 kilometers from Phnom Penh.

Since I didn't do any research for Takeo, I didn't have high expectations. After reaching the mountaintop and turning onto a small path, the ancient temple suddenly appeared before my eyes. This surprising feeling made me feel like an explorer.

Inscriptions record that Mount Chiso means 'Mountain of Suryavarman I' (1001-1050) and is dedicated to the god Vishnu.

The title given to me by AI 🤫, in reality, it's a small temple, not even one ten-thousandth the size of the Angkor temple complex. However, it's also very suitable for a day trip from Phnom Penh.

Post by Emily Edwards | Oct 24, 2025