Chau Srei Vibol
Chau Srei Vibol
4.5
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4.5
18 reviews
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Keith Michael V
Manila, Manila, Philippines308 contributions
Nov 2012 • Solo
Chau Srei Vibol is temple not frequented by tourists. It is located in an area between Phnom Bok to the north and the Roluos Group to the south.
Disclaimer: I went there by tuktuk and my tuktuk driver knew the way to the temple. He also knows his way around the site, especially going to the center of Chau Srei Vibol. If you want, you may contact him as he can be hired for the day to be your tuktuk driver to take you anywhere around the Angkor Archaeological Park. His name is Sovan. His number is +855-92-501-691. He can also be contacted via email at sovantuktuk@gmail.com. You are assured of a reply in less than 12 hours, if not, in less than a day. He may be the best hired tuktuk driver around so give him a try!
Getting there could be very problematic. So, here's a way to get there: from Siem Reap, take the National Road 6 toward Phnom Penh. You will need to pass the Roluos Group completely. Around the Roluos Group area, National Road 6 is a straight road. You will know if you pass the Roluos Group once you see National Road 6 bending to your right. Look to your left and once you see a petrol station turn left to the road beside it. The road is called Road 99 but no road marker is there to tell you so, so don't miss that turn.
Once you're at Road 99, you just need to continue on. After some 5-10 minutes, you will see a mountain in the distance in front of you, that is Phnom Bok. Phnom Bok should always be in front of you. If it goes to your side or to your back as you seem to travel to Chau Srei Vibol, you have passed the turn to take you to Chau Srei Vibol. Road 99, from National Road 6, continues on straight. When it turns to the left, you are nearing the turn to take you to Chau Srei Vibol. You must complete this turn and go on. You will see Road 99 going straight again and Phnom Bok still at a distance in front of you. Continue on for about 5 minutes.
Look to your right as the turn will be at your right side. You will know when to turn when you see some signs under some huts and there's some colored flags. There is no sign saying "this way to Chau Srei Vibol" in English. This path to the right is a dirt path so hang on to your seat as the ride gets bumpy. Continue on until you see a parking lot. Once you're there, get off and the entrance to Chau Srei Vibol is at the right of a huge damaged wall presumably an enclosure of the complex.
Chau Srei Vibol is a very quiet place without any tourists most of the time which means less of the locals who go to you to sell stuff and are hard to shake off. However, there is a mute man there who may want to show you around, but he may seem a shady character so bring your tuktuk driver as you visit the complex. He will still try and follow you and your tuktuk driver to show you around even when your tuktuk driver is there already to provide you of that service. Note that the mute man is not a threat to your safety and may just be there to guide you. Still, just to be safe, have your tuktuk driver around as you make your tour.
To get to the complex's center, continue on the path after the entrance. To your left side are ruins of the complex's enclosure. If you see part of the enclosure which is low enough for you to climb and get to the other side, do so. Continue on the other side of the enclosure and once you see a path to your left, turn left and follow the path. The center is elevated on a natural hill so you must see some "stairs" going up the hill. Continue on until you see a modern-day temple built in front of the Chau Srei Vibol ruins.
Chau Srei Vibol is in a very bad state. The central complex is small and almost everything have collapsed except a few structures propped up by wooden supports. This ruined state of Chau Srei Vibol is perfect if you want to go all adventurous and climb to the top of toppled towers and hallways. There are all over the place and they are huge. Some stones form a huge pile of stones which may have formed a tall structure before collapse. You can try to climb these stones as they are stable enough to carry a person's weight. There is a part of this central complex where a tree has taken over a part of the structure. It merits taking a wonderful shot of.
You might wonder why Chau Srei Vibol hasn't been given any effort of rebuilding. The answer to this was given by my tuktuk driver. He said that there aren't many tourists going to Chau Srei Vibol so the government will not give too much effort to this temple complex as it does to other more well-known temple complexes around Angkor. That's just a sad fact about Chau Srei Vibol.
Chau Srei Vibol's uniqueness is a more ruined state than Ta Prohm but with lesser trees hanging on the structures. The complex is also not famous so it's not frequented by large tour groups of noisy tourists so you can have Chau Srei Vibol all for yourself during your visit.
Disclaimer: I went there by tuktuk and my tuktuk driver knew the way to the temple. He also knows his way around the site, especially going to the center of Chau Srei Vibol. If you want, you may contact him as he can be hired for the day to be your tuktuk driver to take you anywhere around the Angkor Archaeological Park. His name is Sovan. His number is +855-92-501-691. He can also be contacted via email at sovantuktuk@gmail.com. You are assured of a reply in less than 12 hours, if not, in less than a day. He may be the best hired tuktuk driver around so give him a try!
Getting there could be very problematic. So, here's a way to get there: from Siem Reap, take the National Road 6 toward Phnom Penh. You will need to pass the Roluos Group completely. Around the Roluos Group area, National Road 6 is a straight road. You will know if you pass the Roluos Group once you see National Road 6 bending to your right. Look to your left and once you see a petrol station turn left to the road beside it. The road is called Road 99 but no road marker is there to tell you so, so don't miss that turn.
Once you're at Road 99, you just need to continue on. After some 5-10 minutes, you will see a mountain in the distance in front of you, that is Phnom Bok. Phnom Bok should always be in front of you. If it goes to your side or to your back as you seem to travel to Chau Srei Vibol, you have passed the turn to take you to Chau Srei Vibol. Road 99, from National Road 6, continues on straight. When it turns to the left, you are nearing the turn to take you to Chau Srei Vibol. You must complete this turn and go on. You will see Road 99 going straight again and Phnom Bok still at a distance in front of you. Continue on for about 5 minutes.
Look to your right as the turn will be at your right side. You will know when to turn when you see some signs under some huts and there's some colored flags. There is no sign saying "this way to Chau Srei Vibol" in English. This path to the right is a dirt path so hang on to your seat as the ride gets bumpy. Continue on until you see a parking lot. Once you're there, get off and the entrance to Chau Srei Vibol is at the right of a huge damaged wall presumably an enclosure of the complex.
Chau Srei Vibol is a very quiet place without any tourists most of the time which means less of the locals who go to you to sell stuff and are hard to shake off. However, there is a mute man there who may want to show you around, but he may seem a shady character so bring your tuktuk driver as you visit the complex. He will still try and follow you and your tuktuk driver to show you around even when your tuktuk driver is there already to provide you of that service. Note that the mute man is not a threat to your safety and may just be there to guide you. Still, just to be safe, have your tuktuk driver around as you make your tour.
To get to the complex's center, continue on the path after the entrance. To your left side are ruins of the complex's enclosure. If you see part of the enclosure which is low enough for you to climb and get to the other side, do so. Continue on the other side of the enclosure and once you see a path to your left, turn left and follow the path. The center is elevated on a natural hill so you must see some "stairs" going up the hill. Continue on until you see a modern-day temple built in front of the Chau Srei Vibol ruins.
Chau Srei Vibol is in a very bad state. The central complex is small and almost everything have collapsed except a few structures propped up by wooden supports. This ruined state of Chau Srei Vibol is perfect if you want to go all adventurous and climb to the top of toppled towers and hallways. There are all over the place and they are huge. Some stones form a huge pile of stones which may have formed a tall structure before collapse. You can try to climb these stones as they are stable enough to carry a person's weight. There is a part of this central complex where a tree has taken over a part of the structure. It merits taking a wonderful shot of.
You might wonder why Chau Srei Vibol hasn't been given any effort of rebuilding. The answer to this was given by my tuktuk driver. He said that there aren't many tourists going to Chau Srei Vibol so the government will not give too much effort to this temple complex as it does to other more well-known temple complexes around Angkor. That's just a sad fact about Chau Srei Vibol.
Chau Srei Vibol's uniqueness is a more ruined state than Ta Prohm but with lesser trees hanging on the structures. The complex is also not famous so it's not frequented by large tour groups of noisy tourists so you can have Chau Srei Vibol all for yourself during your visit.
Written 22 December 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
scubacol11
Rotherham, UK2,242 contributions
Apr 2018 • Solo
On my third day with my tul tuk driver I had done all the temples in the main group and as I prefer the quiet unrestored ones my driver told me he had heard of this one,he said he had not been but would try to find it.I did Bantaey Samre first thing in the morning the we set out to find this temple,it is roughly due east from there and took us about 20 minutes on some good and some very poor roads.When you arrive at the site there is a small parking area at the bottom of a hill you need to go up the hill,it is rough ground with many tree roots so it is a hard climb and care is needed.When we got to the top I was slightly disappointed to see a modern building on a concrete platform but if you carry on round the outside you are rewarded with your first view of the central collapsed temple building.Most of the temple has fallen down but the stones are big enough and safe enough to walk and climb on.Some of the central tower is still standing and bits of walls with the false windows an pillars are spread about the site,there is some beautiful carving on some of the pillars door frames and lintels.There are some trees growing on the ruins and they seem to be holding the walls together.Some of the stone work that is still standing shows examples of how accurate and precise the blocks were carved matching some I have seen in Peru.Once you have seen enough of this area don"t think that that is it if you continue down the opposite side from where you came up there is another complex of buildings in a similar state of repair,there are some parts of what look like corridors still standing and some bits have been shored up with timbers or tied in with steel bars,down here you can also see what remain of the perimeter walls that go for quite a way but are very low. When we were there we only saw one other couple of people so basically had the place to ourselves.My driver was so impressed he was taking photos himself to put on his facebook page and so he could show other customers.One of the things I don"t understand (apart from Chinese writing) is why people can carry water bottles to a site like this but feel the need to abandon them there spoiling the untouched impression of the site for everyone.After we had explored the whole site and had ten minutes sitting in the peace and quiet soaking it all in we looked into the modern temple on the top of the hill it is really highly decorated inside with bright coloured paintings and murals and nice to see.If you like the quiet unrestored typeof temples away from the crowds like Ta Nei you should make the effort to come here it will make your trip worth while.
Written 19 September 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PutneySW
London, UK1,730 contributions
Dec 2014 • Solo
I went this afternoon via tuk tuk, even my driver hadn't been there before but the journey is made easier by improved roads and the locals were amused at being asked directions!
The first thing you see is a badly ruined and leaning border wall and one thinks, 'is that it?' Fortunately its not so continue along the narrow pathway into the woods.
I then encountered a local fellow who was dumb and most concerned that I was taking the short cut up to the summit and not the more interesting and orthodox longer route! He was a good chap and duly insisted on leading me up to the top whence I scrambled about the fallen stone blocks and admired the tranquility, imagining what must have been here with commanding views over the countryside.
There is a fascinating modern building with some glorious murals which is worth inspecting before you make the easy walk down.
I gave the old man a dollar, he was so happy, clapped his hands and gave me a hug!
Taking in Bantray Samre as well, the entire trip from Siem Reap there and back took less than three hours and cost me $20 which I was more than happy to part with.
Make sure you have a temple pass.
The first thing you see is a badly ruined and leaning border wall and one thinks, 'is that it?' Fortunately its not so continue along the narrow pathway into the woods.
I then encountered a local fellow who was dumb and most concerned that I was taking the short cut up to the summit and not the more interesting and orthodox longer route! He was a good chap and duly insisted on leading me up to the top whence I scrambled about the fallen stone blocks and admired the tranquility, imagining what must have been here with commanding views over the countryside.
There is a fascinating modern building with some glorious murals which is worth inspecting before you make the easy walk down.
I gave the old man a dollar, he was so happy, clapped his hands and gave me a hug!
Taking in Bantray Samre as well, the entire trip from Siem Reap there and back took less than three hours and cost me $20 which I was more than happy to part with.
Make sure you have a temple pass.
Written 12 December 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cloud_Breaker
Reno, NV299 contributions
Nov 2019
This one is off the beaten track...way off. There's not a whole lot to look at but I liked it. If you've seen most of the popular ones and want to go where there may be no other tourists at all, this is the place.
Written 9 December 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DanielaK50
Reykjavik, Iceland7 contributions
Apr 2013 • Friends
We went to Chau Srei Vibol with the Sabai cycle tours and it is an absolutely stunning temple and the best was we had it for ourselves. At the temple is also a nice little Pagoda with the monks and playing kids!
Written 11 April 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hk7007
Hong Kong, China3 contributions
Jan 2017 • Family
Far removed from the crowds of Angkor Wat, this temple is hidden in a side street of route 66. Once you are there, you can scramble across the stones at your leisure or just walk around the perimeter wall. There is also a Pagoda on the site.
As others have commented, don't be afraid of the mute old man, who is happy to show visitors around the temple. He will point out the hidden treasures and is friendly.
As others have commented, don't be afraid of the mute old man, who is happy to show visitors around the temple. He will point out the hidden treasures and is friendly.
Written 26 January 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
thomas-mueller-zrh
Zurich, Switzerland148 contributions
If you like to escape form the mass tours, take a transport to Chaw Srei Vibol Temple. This temple is nearly broken apart and stands there in his last beauty. Nature is taking back this place and brings a special beauty and soul to this hidden place.
Even during high season, you won't find many tourists there.
Even during high season, you won't find many tourists there.
Written 26 December 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
thomschn1980
Siem Reap, Cambodia4 contributions
Dec 2012 • Solo
Went to this temple with a guided tour. Sabai Moto Adventures, otherwise its very hard to get there. heard of some tourists that not even the tuk tuk drivers knew there it is.
If you get a chance to go there, definitely do it! there are hardly any tourists and this temple is really like a hidden treasure!
If you get a chance to go there, definitely do it! there are hardly any tourists and this temple is really like a hidden treasure!
Written 20 December 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
scubacol11
Rotherham, UK2,242 contributions
Apr 2023 • Solo
This temple is very far off the beaten track,came here 5 years ago and loved it,this time I was the only person there for 2 hours,it is a total ruin so if you like restored temples this is not for you,quite a hike up the hill to get to it but so worth it,also modern temple next to the old ruin nice to look in.It was just nice to sit in the peace and quiet and take in the sounds of the surrounding jungle,highly reccommend if you have time and like ruins.
Written 18 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MidcoVincent
Hong Kong, China2,763 contributions
Feb 2016 • Couples
We went to Chau Srei Vibol by tuktuk and it took around an hour to arrive.
Chau Srei Vibol is a large site. It is in a ruined state but it is impressive. It is worth making the effort to visit it.
You will most probably see a local man at the entrance who would want to show you the temple. He might look a bit strange but he was a nice man. We followed him when he guided us through the vast temple ground. He showed us every interesting spot to see. We gave him a few dollars at the end of the tour.
The temple was not touristy. We only saw around a dozen tourists at the temple on top of the small hill. If you want to be away from the crowd, this is the temple to go to.
Chau Srei Vibol is a large site. It is in a ruined state but it is impressive. It is worth making the effort to visit it.
You will most probably see a local man at the entrance who would want to show you the temple. He might look a bit strange but he was a nice man. We followed him when he guided us through the vast temple ground. He showed us every interesting spot to see. We gave him a few dollars at the end of the tour.
The temple was not touristy. We only saw around a dozen tourists at the temple on top of the small hill. If you want to be away from the crowd, this is the temple to go to.
Written 21 May 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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