Phnom Sorsia Pagoda and Caves
Explore ancient caves and witness thousands of bats at Phnom Sorsia, a unique natural wonder near Kampot.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer solicitations reported
Phnom Sorsia Pagoda and Caves
Best Time
Fewer solicitations reported
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore ancient caves and witness thousands of bats at Phnom Sorsia, a unique natural wonder near Kampot.
"The caves are awesome, but be prepared for potential guide requests."
Bring Your Own Light Source 🔦
Don't rely on guides for lights; bring your own for better cave exploration.
Consider the 'Difficult Path' 🦇
For a rewarding experience, take the challenging path in White Elephant Cave for a bat-filled cavern.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
White Elephant Cave
Phnom Sorsia Hill
Explore this significant cave, rumored to hold ancient Buddhist relics and impressive formations.
Bat Cave
Phnom Sorsia Hill
Witness thousands of bats in their natural habitat within this cavernous space.
Buddhist Shrine
Phnom Sorsia Hill summit
Discover a serene Buddhist shrine offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Caves: Guide or No Guide?
Timing Your Visit for a Smoother Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring Your Own Light Source 🔦
Don't rely on guides for lights; bring your own for better cave exploration.
Consider the 'Difficult Path' 🦇
For a rewarding experience, take the challenging path in White Elephant Cave for a bat-filled cavern.
Guide Fees Can Vary 💰
Be prepared for potential guide requests; fees can be negotiated or a tip may suffice.
Monkey Awareness 🐒
Be mindful of monkeys around the caves; some guides may mention them as a precaution.
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring Your Own Light Source 🔦
Don't rely on guides for lights; bring your own for better cave exploration.
Consider the 'Difficult Path' 🦇
For a rewarding experience, take the challenging path in White Elephant Cave for a bat-filled cavern.
Guide Fees Can Vary 💰
Be prepared for potential guide requests; fees can be negotiated or a tip may suffice.
Monkey Awareness 🐒
Be mindful of monkeys around the caves; some guides may mention them as a precaution.
Explore the Whole Cave System 🗺️
Some paths are small and appear dangerous; a guide might be helpful for full exploration.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Phnom Sorsia offers a unique cave exploration experience with impressive natural formations and wildlife, particularly the bat colony. While the caves are a major draw, some visitors have encountered pushy guides and potential tourist scams. Visiting during local holidays or off-peak times may lead to a smoother experience.
"Tourist scam! As we arrived, there were two young local men in front of the holy hill of Phnom Sorsia. One of them spoke English and didn't want to let us visit the caves without a guide. He said that, he is the guide of the place and we have to pay 2 USD or 8.000 KHR per person for the short tour. He warned two of us about the agressive monkeys around the caves. He was very pushy, so we paid 16.000 KHR. After that he showed us two caves (White Elephant Cave, Bat Cave) and a buddhist shrine on the hill. Along the tour two boy was following us, we felt unsafe. After that our guide begged for more money to a young boy dressed as a monk, who lost his parents."
Csaba
"The caves are awesome. But I went on the new year holiday. There were many festivities going on so I didn't get harassed by anyone.
My tip: when you go to the white elephant cave and go down the steps, take the "difficult path". It isn't actually that difficult and you will come to a really nice cavern absolutely full of bats.
A guide might be a good idea if you want to explore the whole cave. Some of the paths look really small and dangerous."
Philip Smith
"What an adventure. Cave trekking bats and a bit of a bush bash at the end."
John Skudder
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Phnom Sorsia is located near Kampot, Cambodia. It's often visited as part of a day trip from Kampot. You can hire a tuk-tuk or motorbike to reach the site. The journey typically takes around 30-45 minutes from Kampot town.
Public transport directly to Phnom Sorsia is limited. Hiring private transport like a tuk-tuk or motorbike is the most common and convenient way to get there.
Many travelers opt to rent a motorbike for flexibility or hire a tuk-tuk driver for the day. This allows you to combine a visit to Phnom Sorsia with other nearby attractions.
While some visitors report no entrance fee, others mention being asked for a fee or a tip for a guide. It's advisable to be prepared for a small charge or to offer a tip.
Dress respectfully as it's a religious site. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for exploring the caves and the hill.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There isn't a formal ticket system. However, you might encounter locals offering guided tours for a fee, or they may ask for a donation.
The site is generally accessible during daylight hours. There are no strict opening or closing times posted, allowing for flexible visits.
It's not mandatory, but some visitors have reported pressure to hire a guide. You can choose to explore independently, especially if you have your own light source.
Reported costs for guides vary, with some mentioning around $2 USD per person. It's often negotiable, and a tip might be sufficient for some.
Yes, you can explore the caves independently. However, some paths can be narrow and appear challenging, so a guide might offer insights and safety.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The main attractions are the various caves, including the White Elephant Cave and Bat Cave, and the Buddhist shrine at the summit offering scenic views.
The caves can be adventurous. Some paths are narrow and dimly lit. Bringing your own flashlight and being cautious is recommended.
The Bat Cave is home to thousands of bats. You might also encounter monkeys around the site, so be aware of your surroundings.
You can spend anywhere from 45 minutes to a few hours, depending on how thoroughly you wish to explore the caves and the hill.
It can be an adventure for older children who are comfortable with exploring caves. Younger children might find some paths challenging or intimidating.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the dramatic cave interiors, the colony of bats (if you can photograph them without disturbing them), and the panoramic views from the hilltop shrine.
Photography is generally allowed, but be mindful of the lighting conditions and avoid using flash if it might disturb the wildlife, especially bats.
A camera with good low-light performance and a wide-angle lens would be beneficial for cave interiors. A headlamp or flashlight is essential for both navigation and photography.
There are no specific mentions of drone restrictions, but it's always best to be discreet and respectful of the religious nature of the site.
Late afternoon might offer softer light for the exterior views. For cave interiors, your own lighting will be the primary factor.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🎒 Budget Travelers
🚶♀️ Solo Adventurers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Caves: Adventure Awaits
Some travelers have noted that certain paths within the caves can appear small and potentially dangerous. While many explore independently, a local guide might offer insights into the cave systems and ensure a safer exploration, especially if you're venturing into less-trodden areas. Be prepared for uneven terrain and potentially damp conditions within the caves.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit