Cambodia - Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Northern Thailand - page 418

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Phnom Tamao Wildlife Sanctuary
This sanctuary (adult/child US$5/2; 8am-5pm) for rescued animals is home to gibbons, sun
bears, elephants, tigers, deer and a bird enclosure. All were taken from poachers or abus-
ive owners and receive care and shelter here as part of a sustainable breeding program.
Free the Bears MAP GOOGLE MAP ( www.freethebears.org ) operates a Bear Keeper for a Day
program for those who want to learn more about the Asian black bear and Malayan sun
bear. Wildlife Alliance (WildAid; www.wildlifealliance.org ) offers a full-day interactive tour to
raise funds for Phnom Tamao; donors interact with rescued animals and get to feed vari-
ous baby animals. All proceeds go towards the rescue and care of wildlife at Phnom
Tamao.
The access road to Phnom Tamao is clearly signposted on the right 6.5km south of the
turn-off to Tonlé Bati on NH2. If coming by bus, have the driver let you off at the turn-off,
where motos await to shuttle you the final 5km to the sanctuary.
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Phnom Chisor
Some spectacular views of the countryside are on offer from the summit of Phnom Chisor
(admission levied at the summit US$2) , although the landscape screams Gobi Desert during the
dry season. This laterite-and-brick temple, dating from the 11th century, with carved sand-
stone lintels, guards the hilltop's eastern face. From atop the temple's southern stairs, the
sacred pool of Tonlé Om is visible below.
The access road to Phnom Chisor is signposted (in Khmer) on the left, 12km south of
the Phnom Tamao turn-off on NH2. The temple is 4.5km from the highway - motos wait
at the turn-off.
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Udong
Another popular offering among Phnom Penh touts, Udong (the Victorious) served as the
capital of Cambodia under several sovereigns between 1618 and 1866. The hill temple of