Religious, Spiritual sights in South Coast
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Chenla Temple
The steep walk up to the temple takes about 2½ hours return. The trail is not clearly marked, so it's a good idea to hire a local lad (or five) with a machete. Along the way you're likely to see locals out collecting leaves and roots for the preparation of traditional medicines. Bring plenty of water and thick eyebrows (or at least a handkerchief to wipe the sweat from your forehead). The descent over smooth rocky inclines will help prepare your leg muscles for the next ski season.
The linga originally in the inner chamber is now in Paris' Musée Guimet but a number of flora- and fauna-themed bas-relief panels can still be seen, eg on the lintels of the three false…
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temple
On top, 142 steps up, is a temple whose foundations date from the 6th century. Rebuilt in the 11th century, it's 12m square and 18m high. The entrance faces due north, with blind doors - decorated with bas-relief naga - on the other three sides. The lower section is laterite, while the upper reaches are made of red bricks. The finest carvings have been taken to museums in Angkor Borei, Phnom Penh and Paris.
About 50m northeast of the temple, a huge 'floating boulder' sits balanced on just three points. Vietnam can be seen 8km to the southeast.
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Catholic church
The old Catholic church at Bokor Hill Station looks like the priest locked it up only yesterday. Inside, bits of glass still cling to the corners of the windows and the altar remains intact; drawings of what appear to be Khmer Rouge fighters adorn the walls. Near the kitchen, one window holds the rusty outline of a cross. A bit up the hill, past the rusted green base of some Khmer Rouge military hardware, a sheer drop overlooks virgin rainforest.
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Phnom Tchea Tapech
Further west along the Phnom Bayong access road is Phnom Tchea Tapech, whose summit is marked by a jumbo standing Buddha reached by a monumental staircase. This new temple complex was inaugurated in late 2006.
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