Wat Phnom Sampov | Hello Angkor

Area: Battambang Province > Banan District > Phnum Sampov Commune > Sampov Kaeut Village
| Type: Ancient Remains & Temples

Phnom Sampov, or Phnom Sampeau, is one of the popular attractions in Battambang renowned for nightly nature show as hoards of bats exit the mountains cave at dusk every night. You can enjoy the bat show, and also go up and explore the mountain itself.

At the base of the mountain is a contemporary pagoda, and on the mountainside near the entry off National Road 57, there is the famed bat cave that put on a nightly show as mentioned, and the grand Buddha carved into the mountainside. A little further around and there is a sealed path leading up and around the mountain, you can pay a small fee and drive or ride up. There are also stairs up to the top, and it’s free to go up that way. At the top, there is the stunning stupa and its surrounding shrines along with stunning views, which are especially so as the sun sets.

Once up top, there are numerous trails to follow and explore the caves which are all over the mountain. Some act as shrines, some connected with folklore and some are “killing caves” from the Khmer Rouge era. Regardless, some of the natural scenery and dramatic shape and form of the caves are quite wonderful.

Also See

Map

*Important: mapped location may only be approximated to the district level/village only. To visit sites outside the tourist zones you should seek a local guide from the area read more.

Site Info

Reference ID: HA11420 | Last Update: January 1st, 2026
Site Name: Phnom Sampov (V.) | Khmer: វត្តភ្នំសំពៅ
Other Names: Phnom Sampeou (V.), Phnom Sampou., Phnom Sampon
Location: Battambang Province > Banan District > Phnum Sampov Commune > Sampov Kaeut Village
Inventaire Khmer IK: 863
MoCFA/EFEO Inventory - CISARK: 91
Monuments Historiques - MH: 92
Inscription Number/s: K. 446
Tags/Group: 1926MH, Inscription, Lajonquiere, MH, Stele, T4, Temples, Wat

Historical Inventories of Phnom Sampov (V.)

1911, E. Lunet de Lajonquière, Inventaire descriptif des monuments du Cambodge, Tome III, pg. 438 (IK #: 863 Site Name: Phnom Sampon Region: Srok Battambang, Khet Battambang)
1926, Liste des Monuments Historiques, #: 92 Site: Phnom Sampou. - Cave and inscribed stele. Region: Battambang

Phnom Sampov (V.) Inscription References

K. 446 - Section: A Lines: 25 Script: Sanskrit Date (Saka): ? Ref: -
K. 446 - Section: B Lines: ? Script: Sanskrit Date (Saka): ? Ref: -
K. 446 - Section: C Lines: 3 Script: Sanskrit Date (Saka): ? Ref: -

Rodney Charles LHuillier

Living in Asia for over a decade and now residing in beautiful Siem Reap. Rodney Charles L'Huillier has spent over seven years in Cambodia and is the author of Ancient Cambodia (2024) and Essential Siem Reap (2017, 2019). Contact via [email protected] - more..