International

A Guide To The Secret Caves Of Kampot, Cambodia: Things To Do, What To See

Scattered through the limestone hills around Kampot, a quiet region in southern Cambodia, are cave temples that offer a unique window into the country’s early spiritual traditions

The White Elephant Cave in Phnom Sorsia Photo: psamathe.net/Wiki Commons
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Cave temples in Southeast Asia, often natural formations adapted for worship, reflect a long history of religious and cultural exchange. Blending indigenous beliefs with influences from India, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam, these sacred spaces highlight the spiritual value placed on nature.

In Cambodia, cave temples are closely tied to the country’s cultural and historical identity. Some predate even the Angkor era and served as places for worship, meditation, and pilgrimage. The region around Kampot is home to several notable cave temples, including Phnom Chhngok, Phnom Kampong Trach and Phnom Srei. For travellers looking beyond the usual routes, Kampot’s cave temples provide a powerful sense of place—and a quieter kind of discovery.

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