Phnom Kachchot Borey

Also recorded as Mountain Kachongkot Borey and Phnom Borey. Located in Pursat just across the border from Kampong Chhnang Province, it’s a natural scenic site, a cultural site, and according to locals also an ancient site. The site features a lot of contemporary sculptures on its two plateaus including monumental statues of Yaksha guarding the entrance at the very foot of the mountain.

Up to the first plateau is a steep rocky path with amazing views as you look back taking around 20 minutes. At the plateau, they are in the midst of creating a themed area with a giant naga serpent to greet you, a garden and lots of sculptures. You can also get drinks and even freshly cooked food.

Continuing on to the next plateau whilst not so steep still takes around 50 minutes by foot.

Here there is a stupa that locals believe is ancient, but I am not sure if ancient and old are getting confused with the word boran often having dual meanings. Either way, it’s a fascinating and unique stupa featuring windows looking in upon smaller urns. Its design is also somewhat unique and worthy of greater study.

What’s even more unique and puzzling, is the giant Ashoka Pillar topped with a lion. These are seen in India and are obviously a product of the namesake, Ashoka the Great (reign. 268-232 BC) the legendary king who ruled over most of the Indian sub-continent and was well known for his conversion to and promotion of Buddhism. According to Buddhist fables and upon the passing of the Buddha, Ashoka ordered the construction of 84,000 viharas and sent monks to the far reaches of the continent to spread his remains and teachings. This pillar obviously doesn’t date from that era but no one onsite at the knew exactly why one had been placed here….

Perhaps the will of the local Abbot, I don’t know, but will surely find out someday. Regardless, it’s nice to see and another wonder of the Buddhist world that we can appreciate.

Equally spectacular is the giant statue of a naga, Preah Mae Thorani (Neang Kong Hing) and her foe the crocodile. From here there are stunning views across the mountain range and east towards the mountains near Kampong Chhnang city and Kampong Leang district.

Getting there – From the RN 5, turning south here, the site is reached by a short ride down a red-dirt road in good condition for around 9km turning left onto a good dirt road (at 3km is the turnoff to Phnom Neang Kang and at 5km is the turnoff for Phnum Kuk) for around 7km, turning right and taking a trail to the base of the mountain, from there, a partially completed rocky steep foot trail leads up to the first plateau where there is a drink stall etc and then it’s another 3km along an easy trail to the site.

Rodney Charles LHuillier

Living in Asia for over a decade and now residing in beautiful Siem Reap - Contact via rod@helloangkor.com - more..