Phnom Chhngok Cave Temple
Phnom Chhngok Cave Temple
4
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Top ways to experience Phnom Chhngok Cave Temple
The area
Address
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Attractions
4 within 10 kms
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
4.0
329 reviews
Excellent
83
Very good
139
Average
81
Poor
19
Terrible
8
GeeGee
68 contributions
Jan 2023 • Couples
Steps to temple and first cave are OK but
for larger cave, lighting inside and safety measures are seriously required.
DO NOT ATTEMPT if you are not 100% physically fit.
It is VERY slippy, there are drops of more than 2 meters inside and the only light is by your phone. It is impossible to hold on with 2 hands whilst also trying to see where your feet are going if using your phone.
We got maybe 10metres inside the large cave and had to turn back.
We were not willing to risk slipping, breaking something and being stranded with no medical aid.
I would not recommend entering 2nd cave
for larger cave, lighting inside and safety measures are seriously required.
DO NOT ATTEMPT if you are not 100% physically fit.
It is VERY slippy, there are drops of more than 2 meters inside and the only light is by your phone. It is impossible to hold on with 2 hands whilst also trying to see where your feet are going if using your phone.
We got maybe 10metres inside the large cave and had to turn back.
We were not willing to risk slipping, breaking something and being stranded with no medical aid.
I would not recommend entering 2nd cave
Written 14 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
G2Kpauly
Melbourne, Australia3,529 contributions
Feb 2020 • Friends
I enjoyed seeing this cave and of course we were followed by 4 local girls to be guides. The other girls in my tour group gave them nothing which is abit stingy I gave them just afew thousand riel.. but they are useful for climbing down the cave so I think I should of given more at least a dollar. The cave itself is pretty cool to see. Good photos and easy walk up the stairs and going through the cave down to bottom really isn't that hard.
Written 9 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cambodia Nomad Tips
Phnom Penh, Cambodia511 contributions
Jan 2021
Is it really worth spending a couple of hours visiting this small cave? I was expecting much more, but got nothing in return. Pity really, because I thought it was going to be amazing. I'd give it a miss.
Written 5 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tom-Kit
Singapore, Singapore46 contributions
Mar 2022 • Family
Little cave. Not fantastic but worth a stop if this is on your way. you can make a loop inside the cave climbing down and crossing cave river.
We had a teen guiding us, not safe to do alone. They are accepting any donation for guiding in the climbing and have torch light (needed if you want to do the loop). Our Kids loved the 10-15 min adventure.
We had a teen guiding us, not safe to do alone. They are accepting any donation for guiding in the climbing and have torch light (needed if you want to do the loop). Our Kids loved the 10-15 min adventure.
Written 1 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
richard747
George Town, Malaysia30 contributions
Dec 2012 • Friends
It was only when reading reviews about the Phnom Chhgnok caves after we had visited them (or thought we had) that I realised we'd been taken for a ride. And then I understood the disappointment we had felt there... It had seemed real enough, though.
We went to the caves on rented motorcycles, took the Phom Chhgnok Resort turnoff, passed an archway and hesitated. Children waved to us, signalling for us to come: we had arrived, they assured us. We payed the 'parking fee' for our motorcycles. We payed the 'ticket price' for entrance to the caves. And we followed them inside the caves, were shown animal figures of limestone, crawled through tight openings, admired the natural beauty of the caves. One of the boys spoke no English so the other did the talking. We managed to understand a few words now and then, tried to, did not want to discourage him.
When exiting, he made it very clear that he expected payment for his efforts - five dollars to be exact. Annoyed, but anxious for this to be over, I looked for dollar bills. The person I had toured the caves with handed him a ten dollar note, expecting change. 'Five dollars each is OK', the boy said. We then finally voiced our disagreement, but who would take this to the point of snatching the money away from a young boy? Not us. We left it there and rode off. It left a bit of a bitter aftertaste, though.
But of course, it became clear afterwards that we had been to the wrong caves. Therefore my advice: either go by tuk tuk (the driver can be expected to know the way) or be very suspicious when young boys tell you you have arrived. Assuming you read this before you go...
We went to the caves on rented motorcycles, took the Phom Chhgnok Resort turnoff, passed an archway and hesitated. Children waved to us, signalling for us to come: we had arrived, they assured us. We payed the 'parking fee' for our motorcycles. We payed the 'ticket price' for entrance to the caves. And we followed them inside the caves, were shown animal figures of limestone, crawled through tight openings, admired the natural beauty of the caves. One of the boys spoke no English so the other did the talking. We managed to understand a few words now and then, tried to, did not want to discourage him.
When exiting, he made it very clear that he expected payment for his efforts - five dollars to be exact. Annoyed, but anxious for this to be over, I looked for dollar bills. The person I had toured the caves with handed him a ten dollar note, expecting change. 'Five dollars each is OK', the boy said. We then finally voiced our disagreement, but who would take this to the point of snatching the money away from a young boy? Not us. We left it there and rode off. It left a bit of a bitter aftertaste, though.
But of course, it became clear afterwards that we had been to the wrong caves. Therefore my advice: either go by tuk tuk (the driver can be expected to know the way) or be very suspicious when young boys tell you you have arrived. Assuming you read this before you go...
Written 29 December 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TiggerInIndia
Forest Row, UK143 contributions
Oct 2012 • Couples
I would like to write a review in two parts: 1) the place, 2) our guides.
1) The Place: After the classical grandeur of Angkor this ancient cave temple gave an interesting glimpse of the older, animistic strains that make up Khmer religious sensibility. There are three obvious layers to the site: a) the natural 'wonder' of the extraordinary stalactite formations (elephant's head etc), which probably made this cave a shrine from times immemorial; b) the 7th century Shiva temple within the cave (housing an ancient stalactite 'lingam'), dating from the high point of Indian/Hindu influence; c) the more recent Buddhist transformation and ritual. From this point of view the site is a valuable reminder that religious sites are in an ever-ongoing process of renewal and reinterpretation.
2) Our Guides: To reach the cave you must walk through lush paddyfields, in a typical Cambodian landscape of irrigation channels and causeways. Luckily, we had picked up two young 'guides' who gave us a memorable tour of the route. They gathered 12 different kinds of herbs that grow amongst the rice, and several varieties of fruit (custard apple, guava...). They caught frogs and crabs from the paddyfields to show us, and they taught us the name of the various trees and flowering shrubs. Not bad for a couple of 12/13 year old boys.
They proved to be equally knowledgeable and useful when we reached the cave (they had torches to illuminate the gloomy confines of the cave, and they pointed out all sorts of details that I would probably have missed).
I have mixed feelings about my role as a tourist in a poor land like Cambodia. I certainly don't like to shower the local kids with dollars, and I am sure that tourist dollars can be a damaging influence, But our two boy guides performed a genuine service, and it was clearly also an ongoing learning experience for them. Their English was surprisingly good (they told us they had an Australian volunteer teacher in their local school), and they were intelligent, informed, witty, and articulate. They taught us the Cambodian name of everything they showed us, and they obviously had a sense of pride in their country and culture. When our impromptu tour was over they did not ask for a tip. But it was obvious they were hoping for something, and I feel they thoroughly deserved it.
The extraordinary cave temple of Phnom Chhnork is a wonderful site, but the hour we spent with our two young guides was equally wonderful in a different way.
1) The Place: After the classical grandeur of Angkor this ancient cave temple gave an interesting glimpse of the older, animistic strains that make up Khmer religious sensibility. There are three obvious layers to the site: a) the natural 'wonder' of the extraordinary stalactite formations (elephant's head etc), which probably made this cave a shrine from times immemorial; b) the 7th century Shiva temple within the cave (housing an ancient stalactite 'lingam'), dating from the high point of Indian/Hindu influence; c) the more recent Buddhist transformation and ritual. From this point of view the site is a valuable reminder that religious sites are in an ever-ongoing process of renewal and reinterpretation.
2) Our Guides: To reach the cave you must walk through lush paddyfields, in a typical Cambodian landscape of irrigation channels and causeways. Luckily, we had picked up two young 'guides' who gave us a memorable tour of the route. They gathered 12 different kinds of herbs that grow amongst the rice, and several varieties of fruit (custard apple, guava...). They caught frogs and crabs from the paddyfields to show us, and they taught us the name of the various trees and flowering shrubs. Not bad for a couple of 12/13 year old boys.
They proved to be equally knowledgeable and useful when we reached the cave (they had torches to illuminate the gloomy confines of the cave, and they pointed out all sorts of details that I would probably have missed).
I have mixed feelings about my role as a tourist in a poor land like Cambodia. I certainly don't like to shower the local kids with dollars, and I am sure that tourist dollars can be a damaging influence, But our two boy guides performed a genuine service, and it was clearly also an ongoing learning experience for them. Their English was surprisingly good (they told us they had an Australian volunteer teacher in their local school), and they were intelligent, informed, witty, and articulate. They taught us the Cambodian name of everything they showed us, and they obviously had a sense of pride in their country and culture. When our impromptu tour was over they did not ask for a tip. But it was obvious they were hoping for something, and I feel they thoroughly deserved it.
The extraordinary cave temple of Phnom Chhnork is a wonderful site, but the hour we spent with our two young guides was equally wonderful in a different way.
Written 29 October 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cambodia taxi driver
Siem Reap, Cambodia981 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
How amazing after i reach This Mountain with Beautiful View Out side and Inside in the Cave , My emotion very Happy what natural and appeal in Kampot or kep province .
Written 10 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
johisweet
Boynton Beach, FL16 contributions
Mar 2017 • Couples
The cave was really fun! Our tour guide "Justin" was knowledgeable and quite the character. Very short "tour" (maybe 10-15 mins inside the cave)but well worth it with a very old temple inside and the magica zoo! Take the HARD way which is climbing and going through crazy holes. Now for a dose of reality, There are tons of little children (5-8 yrs old) asking to be your tour guide. Right when I was about to give them money, the older brother/cousin/kid SCHOOLED ME on how tourists are keeping this children OUT OF SCHOOL every time we tip them. It makes them fight over money and see no reason to stay in school. He said to me "money breaks them". This 16 year old local kid telling me things I already knew but for a moment I chose to ignore. So please, stop encouraging this little kids and don't give them money!!!
Written 21 March 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Loleqq
Prague, Czech Republic7 contributions
Sept 2016 • Friends
When i see reviews on this cave it seems like noone enjoyed. Seen the cave, not brilliant, got a bit cheated by local boys. All is NOT how we´ve experienced! Came there, local boy joined us, we didnt plan to give him any money. Entrance fee 1dollar + one of us borrowed head-torch. He brought us to the cave, a bit high steps, not so far, it was alright. Inside the cave small temple. Then the boy asked us if we want to go through the cave - pointing his finger to a dark hole on the side. We´ve asked if he´s serious and if its ok - he said its ok - we had flip flops on our feet, our friend had a long dress. The boy entered first, he had his own torch. The entrance was so steep, we had to sit on our butt and the boy was telling us where to put our feet and hands, it was completely dark there. Once we got down (about 5 metres), we tried not to fall anywhere, cause there was so dark (only 2 torches). The boy was showing us the road as a first, we followed him. It was extremely hard, watching our steps, our head, steep slopes. There were several places, where he had to explain us how we get through, once we move up somewhere, disappearing the person in front of me in some dark hole, once we had to sit on our butt, moving with our legs first because of narrow manhole. There were bats above our heads, we could feel them. Finally we ve seen exit, tried to get through the narrowest exit ever.
We all have been dirty, but the experience was like never before. So much of adrenalin!
We gave the boy about 6 dollars, he deserved it totally. Without him we would not make it (also would not enter some dark hole in cave).
Not for senior people or children, but this cave has got all the recommendations from us!!
We all have been dirty, but the experience was like never before. So much of adrenalin!
We gave the boy about 6 dollars, he deserved it totally. Without him we would not make it (also would not enter some dark hole in cave).
Not for senior people or children, but this cave has got all the recommendations from us!!
Written 11 October 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
roshi
Brisbane, Australia12 contributions
Dec 2012 • Friends
I arrived in Kep from Phnom Penh yesterday (FYI - Giant IBIS is fantastic and only takes 2 hours). After checking in arranged for a tuk tuk driver to take us to the caves. The hotel and the Tuk Tuk suggested that you can see the pepper fields and salt fields on the way. You can also go to Kep (I chose not to because I am heading there in 2 days time).
I haven't been to a salt field before and the Tuk Tuk driver was able to explain the process of salt collection.
It was a fantastically scenic ride to the pepper fields. We were shown a quick overview of the pepper growing process. We were also shown different fruit and nut trees in the orchard.
Next it was a very long and bumpy ride to the caves. You walk about 2-300m to the caves with some young boys (guides) talking, laughing and learning all the way. They were very witty and a lot of fun to go with.
I don't support children working or hawking, however these guys were having a lot of fun and were living their childhood as well as showing off their country to visitors with pride. They all go to school (school is only half day here - however we visited on a sunday) and although they looked young they told us they were 16-18. I really added to the experience to hear them banter in english and khmer :-)
The cave was a tad disappointing though. It was still interesting and great to see but i had thought it would be larger with more opportunity to explore. There is really only one cavern, the temple is impressive given it's condition (built in 7th Century). The Bat Cave is a crevice in the cavern that you can climb down and exit via - however it had too much water inside (and looked a little dangerous) to go that way - maybe we missed some of the main attractions by not going that way? however from the guidebooks I was expecting a much bigger cave. I guess I have been to limestone caves in Oz and had expectations. It is still worth going to....just dont be expecting a huge cave - you might spend 45mins there (including climbing a heap of stairs).
The trip through the country side and constant waving and hellos from children and adults along the way. Watching the locals go about their daily business including cutting rice, collecting snails, crabs, snake, swimming in the ponds, showering, etc. was absolutely unforgettable. It's what made the long ride worth it. The way back...was surprisingly less bumpy and much quicker...but not as scenic.
Definitely go...even if it's just a quick stop over on your way to kep or PP. Oh and you have to buy a 'ticket' for $1 - you don't actually get a ticket so it's probably a 'donation' to the tourist police...or rather the adult loiters outside ;-)
I haven't been to a salt field before and the Tuk Tuk driver was able to explain the process of salt collection.
It was a fantastically scenic ride to the pepper fields. We were shown a quick overview of the pepper growing process. We were also shown different fruit and nut trees in the orchard.
Next it was a very long and bumpy ride to the caves. You walk about 2-300m to the caves with some young boys (guides) talking, laughing and learning all the way. They were very witty and a lot of fun to go with.
I don't support children working or hawking, however these guys were having a lot of fun and were living their childhood as well as showing off their country to visitors with pride. They all go to school (school is only half day here - however we visited on a sunday) and although they looked young they told us they were 16-18. I really added to the experience to hear them banter in english and khmer :-)
The cave was a tad disappointing though. It was still interesting and great to see but i had thought it would be larger with more opportunity to explore. There is really only one cavern, the temple is impressive given it's condition (built in 7th Century). The Bat Cave is a crevice in the cavern that you can climb down and exit via - however it had too much water inside (and looked a little dangerous) to go that way - maybe we missed some of the main attractions by not going that way? however from the guidebooks I was expecting a much bigger cave. I guess I have been to limestone caves in Oz and had expectations. It is still worth going to....just dont be expecting a huge cave - you might spend 45mins there (including climbing a heap of stairs).
The trip through the country side and constant waving and hellos from children and adults along the way. Watching the locals go about their daily business including cutting rice, collecting snails, crabs, snake, swimming in the ponds, showering, etc. was absolutely unforgettable. It's what made the long ride worth it. The way back...was surprisingly less bumpy and much quicker...but not as scenic.
Definitely go...even if it's just a quick stop over on your way to kep or PP. Oh and you have to buy a 'ticket' for $1 - you don't actually get a ticket so it's probably a 'donation' to the tourist police...or rather the adult loiters outside ;-)
Written 16 December 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
No questions have been asked about this experience
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing