Cave temples in Southeast Asia, often natural formations adapted for worship, reflect a long history of religious and cultural exchange. Blending indigenous beliefs with influences from India, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam, these sacred spaces highlight the spiritual value placed on nature.
In Cambodia, cave temples are closely tied to the country’s cultural and historical identity. Some predate even the Angkor era and served as places for worship, meditation, and pilgrimage. The region around Kampot is home to several notable cave temples, including Phnom Chhngok, Phnom Kampong Trach and Phnom Srei. For travellers looking beyond the usual routes, Kampot’s cave temples provide a powerful sense of place—and a quieter kind of discovery.
Phnom Chhngok is one of Cambodia’s oldest surviving religious sites. Nestled within a limestone cave, it houses a pre-Angkor brick temple believed to date back to the 7th century, built during the Funan era and dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. This cave temple stands out for its unique placement deep inside a natural cavern, surrounded by stalactites and rock formations.
The temple features early brickwork and carvings that reflect both spiritual devotion and skilled craftsmanship. Once a major site of worship and pilgrimage, the cave also contains later Buddhist shrines and carvings, illustrating its continued religious significance over centuries. Over time, the site became overgrown and largely forgotten until its rediscovery in the early 20th century. Since then, efforts have been made to preserve Phnom Chhngok as a key monument in Cambodia’s religious and architectural history.
Distance from Kampot: 27 minutes (14.6 km) via AH123/NR33 and 139
Set amid the rolling hills of Kampong Siem District in Kampong Cham Province, Phnom Srei offers a blend of serene countryside and cultural heritage that draws both locals and visitors. Just off National Road 7 and easily reached by scooter or bicycle, the hill and temple complex provides an accessible escape from the bustle of city life.
Phnom Srei, or “Woman’s Hill,” is part of a paired complex with Phnom Pros, “Man’s Hill,” just nearby. The two are steeped in local legend and history, adding a layer of storytelling to the peaceful surroundings. Visitors to Phnom Srei can explore old temples and scattered ruins, all set against a backdrop of lush greenery and distant rice fields. Beyond the architecture, the site is known for its resident monkeys and quiet paths—ideal for those looking to reflect, wander, or simply take in the timeless beauty of rural Cambodia.
Distance from Kampot: 4 hr 41 minutes (249.5 km) via NR41
The Kampong Trach cave network, located near Kampot and Kep in southern Cambodia, is both a geological wonder and a site of cultural significance. This network of interconnected limestone caves includes partially submerged sections, allowing visitors to explore by boat through calm, clear waters. The caves are known for their striking natural features, including stalactites, stalagmites, and unique rock formations that have formed over centuries.
Within the cave system are sacred spaces used by the local Buddhist community, featuring statues, shrines, and a notable reclining Buddha situated in an open-air chamber created by a collapsed rock ceiling. These elements reflect the site’s longstanding spiritual importance. Kampong Trach is also appreciated for its quiet, scenic environment, offering a peaceful contrast to busier tourist destinations. Easily accessible by tuk-tuk or moto-taxi from Kampot, the site’s combination of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and gentle waterways makes it a popular and memorable stop for visitors.
Distance from Kampot: 46 minutes (38.3 km) via AH123/NR33
Phnom Sorsia, a Buddhist hill complex in Kampot Province, southern Cambodia, offers a blend of natural wonders and spiritual sites. Visitors can explore limestone caves adorned with stunning stalactites and stalagmites, including the famous White Elephant Cave, known for a stalagmite shaped like an elephant’s head. Another highlight is the Bat Cave, home to a large population of bats. A staircase ascends the hillside to a serene temple, with paths leading to the caves from there. Situated along NH33, about 13.5 km southeast of Kampot and near Kep’s White Horse Roundabout, Phnom Sorsia is a peaceful destination where nature and faith come together, inviting both adventurous explorers and those seeking quiet reflection.
Distance from Kampot: 24 minutes (16.7 km) via AH123/NR33
Cave temples like Phnom Chhngok play a key role in shaping Kâmpôt’s identity as a region steeped in ancient Khmer heritage, offering valuable insight into its religious and cultural history. However, rising visitor numbers have begun to take a toll on these fragile sites. Increased foot traffic has contributed to erosion, worn paths, and damage to delicate cave formations, often caused by direct contact or lack of protective measures. Despite their historical significance, preservation efforts at many of these sites remain limited, leaving them vulnerable to further deterioration.
The best time to visit Kampot, Cambodia, is during the dry season, from November to February. This period offers pleasant, cooler temperatures, making it ideal for outdoor activities.
The closest airport to Kampot, Cambodia is Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH), which is about a 3-hour drive away. While Kampot does have its own airport, Kampot Airport (KMT), it primarily serves domestic flights and may not be accessible for international travelers. There is no railway station in Kampot; the closest railway station is in Phnom Penh.
Pack light and breathable clothing suited for the tropical heat—think cotton t-shirts, shorts, or airy trousers. Bring sturdy walking shoes, and sun protection like a hat and sunglasses. Essentials such as sunscreen, insect repellent, and a reusable water bottle are also recommended.
