Sampov Mountain: An Illustrated Journey through Khmer Folklore (PDF, EPUB)

A visual reimagining of one of Cambodia’s most iconic legends. Phnom Sampov: The Legend of the Ship Mountain is an illustration-heavy digital book adapted from the 5th volume of the Prachum Rueng Preng Khmer (Khmer Folklore).

Located in the heart of Battambang, Phnom Sampov is more than just a landmark, it is a site rooted in a tragic and epic tale of love, betrayal, and transformation. This book brings that ancient oral tradition into a modern visual format, designed specifically for those who appreciate folklore, history, and graphic storytelling.

This is a Cambodian folktale set in Battambang province, where the mountains and lakes tell a story of love, betrayal, and magic. Sovann Masa is a poor girl who raises a crocodile named Ah Thun as her pet. She becomes the lover of King Reach Kol, but he abandons her for a princess with magical hair. Sovann Masa sends Ah Thun to sink the king’s ship, but the princess uses her hair to save him. A battle ensues that changes the landscape of Cambodia forever.

What’s Inside:

• The Full Legend
  • A summarized and easy-to-read English adaptation of the original Khmer text.
• Art-First Experience
  • Designed as facing spreads, featuring immersive, full-page illustrations that capture the atmosphere of Battambang’s landscape.

Pay What You Want

My goal is to share the richness of Cambodian culture with the world. I want this story to be accessible to everyone, whether you are a fellow designer, a traveler who has visited Battambang, or someone discovering Khmer folklore for the first time.

If you find value in the work and wish to support my future illustration projects, any contribution is deeply appreciated.

Format: High-Quality PDF & Fixed-Layout EPUB (Optimized for Spreads)