Phnom Sambok is a natural and historical site located in Thma Kre commune, Kratie district, about 11 kilometers north of Kratie provincial town. It was one of the main cultural and tourist attractions in Kratie province, and developed during the Sangkum Reastr Niyum regime of then-Prince Norodom Sihanouk. The mountain has a lush forest filled with birds, and the features beautiful landscape site, is including a huge pond that full of clear water and natural plants west of the mountain foot. At the mountaintop, visitors are rewarded with a beautiful panoramic view of the countryside, especially the Mekong River. A concrete staircase makes the mountaintop accessible. However, there are a number of places to relax.
The mountain is according to local history. One’s king named Chakrei Earsaravarman, who was a son of the king Hathak Athireachvarman. After Chakrei Earsaravarman ascended to the throne, he asked his official to find a gold mine. The mine, which was very close to the foot of the mountain, turned out to be full of gold, so the people living nearby called this place Kanliang Sambo Meas mean this place is rich in gold. Later the named was changed to Phnom Sambok Meas, and then changed again to Phnom Sambok as it is known nowadays.
Wat Phnom Sambok is also known by local history. In the early 15th century, there was a monk named Neak Voan, who was a classmate of Neak Sen, another monk and the teacher of Thon crocodile. Monk Neak Voan went to Sambok mountaintop to meditate. Because the monk knew much about ritual and magic, many people climbed the mountain to learn from him. So Wat Phnom Sambok has stood there ever since.