In the countryside of Battambang, about 12 km south, there is a wonderful and magic place called Phnom Sampeau. Two temples of the Angkor period are standing on a hill surrounded by nature. Trees and cliffs have protected the village during the 'old days and preserved the place intact.
To go up, you can chose a paved road - less wearisome but less suggestive as well - or a steep flight of steps. Whichever is your decision, before going take a look to the huge statue of Buddha that is nestled into the rocky base of the hill (due to a lack of founds, only the upper part has been liberated from the stone).Probably the best time to be there is for the sunset, when sunbeams reflect on the golden temples and the sound of bats increases like a crescendo. Watching the sun setting on the top of the hill is an amazing show, that you definitely have to see. From there, you will have an open view on the valley and on the main hill of the area, the Phnom Krapeu (Crocodile Mountain), an old khmer stronghold.
Beware of the macaques, who will approach you only for food and they can get pretty aggressive if they don't get any from you. But there's nothing to be scared about, just pay attention.
This place is also known (unluckily) for the so-called killing caves, where during the khmer regime people were bludgeoned to death and then tossed into holes.
