Srah Khchau Temple

An intriguing ancient site that was built atop Phnom Srah Khchau, a then atop a man-made stepped rise with remnants likely dating back to around the 7-8th century. The stepped rise which created a level base for the temple is quite large and steps upwards three times, reducing in size as it goes, with a brick retaining wall created as the final platform we see today. This final platform appears to be a later modification, perhaps formed from the bricks of the original temple and creating the base for the shelter/vihara on the site today that contains several relics and contemporary Buddha statues.

Preceding this final rise on the east side is a small brick raised platform with a contemporary shelter beside which is a lintel of the Sambor Prei Kuk style but sadly, all its detail is lost to time. There are also a couple of contemporary stupas and numerous other remnants from the ancient site that can be seen including an ornate pedestal, various sandstone plinths, a sandstone water spout, and moonstones (doorstep).

There is an inscribed stele at the site, a large fragmented sandstone piece leaning against the wall and pictured below. It is somewhat oddly inscribed on its side rather than its large front and rear faces which have been left blank it seems. I have not come across a translation for the inscription at this time.

On the next level down and at the entry to the side are some contemporary buildings including a pagoda, perhaps a monk lives on site but was not there at the time of my visit. Following a trail leading down the western side of the site a small rock-lined basin is seen, further along, is a natural rock monolith valley. The trails are well-used and if you had some time, quite a beautiful place to explore some natural wonder.

Getting there – a bit south of Phnom Santuk there is a good dirt road coming off the RN 6 (here) that leads to the eastern foothill of the mountain. There is an arch made of steel poles with a banner (here), follow that past a small series of contemporary shrines, you can take a trail heading west to Srah Khchau scenic spot or keep going to the temple site following a concreted path that soon becomes a rocky dirt trail and a concrete path again leading around to the west and up to the temple site. It’s a little steep in places but nothing extreme.

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..