Phnom Sampov and batcaves is located southwest of Battambang town on the road to Pailin is . One of the main locations of Battambang’s killing fields, with a large cave where victims were thrown either after being bludgeoned or having their throats cut, or simply to their death.
Children, some of whom speak very good English, hang around the base of the temple and will walk up with you and act as your guides.
Phnom Sampeau is best visited in early morning or late afternoon when the light and the spectacular views are at their best.
The road out is partially sealed. Ask your motodop to take the main road out, but come back via one of the many back dirt routes that meander through the paddy. In the late afternoon light, it is beautiful.
Between the summit and the mobile-phone antenna, a deep canyon – its vertical sides cloaked in greenery – descends steeply through a natural arch to a ‘lost world’ of stalactites, creeping vines, air roots, bats and statues of two Angkorian warriors.
