Phnom Soporkaley

Rising above the plains and looking along the Mekong River at the village of Chroy Ampil, Phnom Sopoar Kali is small mountain wrapped in local legend. There appear to be differing versions of the tale but it centres on a crocodile and a princess, also noting the shape of the mountain which, in the eyes of locals, resembles the shape of a crocodile. It’s a lovely spot featuring several shrines, a small cave (which also has tales to tell), a grand pagoda, and incredible views down to the village below and out over the amazing Mekong river.

There’s also a basin near the pagoda that has, or once held a crocodile. Contemporary funerary chedi surround the mountain, as well as the large and elaborate chedi area of an Oknha of which era I am unsure.

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..