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2017.10.28

Approximately 2 hours by car North West of Phnom Penh, springing up from amongst the sugar palms, this mountain holding up a giant rock is a formidable sight.

Named ‘Phnom Preah Teat’ and located in Kampong Chhnang province, this mountain is distinctive not only as a famous tourist hot spot for Cambodian people, but also as a place to pay homage at with a shrine located at the giant boulderon the summit.

The rock serves as a lookout with an uninterrupted majestic view – as far away as to the central business district of Phnom Penh.

Although until present day it is still unknown just how this rock became lodged at the top of the mountain, there is an old legend surrounding the site.

Since before the prospering of the Angkor Empire (11th to 13th century), the entire vicinity was ruled by a feudal lord.

When his 2 sons became embroiled in a battle for succession, it is said this mountain was the site of a battle.

Since those ancient times, through the ages to the dizzying hustle-and-bustle pace of modern life in Cambodia, this mountain has stood the test of time and has seen many eras of Cambodian society come and go. Into the future one can only imagine it will continue on watching over the people of Cambodia.

Photo & Text : Kano Hiroaki