Preah Puth Padima Buddha Statue, Bokor Mountain

What the statue is

Preah Puth Padima is a monumental Buddha figure rising 108 metres above Bokor Mountain. Only a handful of Buddha statues anywhere are taller, which is why it draws attention well beyond Cambodia.

In Buddhist tradition the figure stands for peace, compassion and enlightenment. It is a pilgrimage destination for Buddhists, and it also attracts ordinary sightseers from many countries.

The old page showed the statue still under construction. Before you plan a trip around it, check the official website or Facebook page listed on this page to see what the current state of the site is and whether access has changed.

Where it is

Bokor Mountain belongs to the Elephant Mountains range in the southwest of the country. It is a plateau west of Kampot town, and the statue is part of the wider Bokor area rather than a stand-alone destination. A map link is given on this page for the exact location.

What else you can do on Bokor

Most visitors treat the statue as one stop in a longer day on the mountain. The plateau has:

• Forest, waterfalls and wide views over the surrounding countryside.
• Ruined French colonial buildings and an early twentieth-century casino.
• Hiking and wildlife spotting for those who want to get off the road.

The climate up here is noticeably cooler than at the coast, and the mood is quiet, which suits people who want a slower day or a moment of reflection.

Planning tips

Check the local weather and any travel advisories before you go. Mountain conditions can differ from what you see in town, so it is worth looking before you set off.

If you are visiting as a pilgrim or simply out of respect, dress modestly, as you would at any Cambodian Buddhist site.