Sampov Pram Pagoda (Five Boats Pagoda), Bokor Mountain

Why it is called the Five Boats Pagoda

The name Sampov Pram translates as "five boats". It comes from the rock formations next to the pagoda: broad, flat slabs about 10 metres long and 5 metres high that, with a bit of imagination, take the shape of vessels.

Many visitors come for the rocks as much as for the temple, so allow time to walk around them and look at them from a few angles.

What you will see

The pagoda stands at the top of the mountain, which gives it wide views over the landscape below. That makes it a popular stop for photographers and anyone who enjoys a lookout.

Inside, the walls and ceilings carry detailed carvings and colourful decoration. There are several halls and shrines, and each has its own character and story, so it is worth wandering through rather than stopping at the first one.

• Carved and painted halls and shrines
• The boat-shaped rock formations beside the pagoda
• Long views from the summit

The ghost room

The best-known feature is the so-called ghost room. Local belief holds that it is haunted by the spirits of people who died under the Khmer Rouge. Visitors can go in and pay their respects to the dead.

Treat it as a place of remembrance rather than an attraction for thrills. Keep your voice down, dress modestly as you would at any pagoda, and ask before photographing anyone.

Walking and wildlife around the pagoda

The surrounding area is used for hiking and nature walks. The source material mentions a range of plants and animals in the area, including rare orchids and colourful birds, so bring a camera and go at an unhurried pace.

Sampov Pram is one of the standard stops on a Bokor Mountain visit, and it combines easily with other sights on the plateau.