Cambodia Now: Thu 28-Mar-2024 11:32 PM
  • Countryside/Cambodia Beach
  • Preah Vihear/Borkor Mount
  • Busra Water Fall/Kirirom
  • Phnom Penh City
  • Floating Village on Tonle Sap
  • Bird Sanctuary, Prek Tol
  • Thansur Bokor Highland Resort
  • SihanoukVille View
  • Water Front of Royal Palace
  • Koh Kong, 4 Rivers Floating Lodge
  • Angkor Wat - Cambodia
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit. Quibusdam fugit et recusandae nihil eum, ullam, doloribus dolorum expedita temporibus quisquam consequatur quod quidem officia nulla laudantium ipsum quasi vero debitis!
Khmer Temples

The main evidence for the Khmer architecture and ultimately for the Khmer civilization however remains the religious buildings considerable in number and extremely vowed in size. They were destined for the immortal Gods, and as they were built of the durable materials of brick, laterite and sandstone many have survived to the present day. They were usually surrounded by enclosure to protect them from evil powers, but confusion has often arisen as to which is a temple enclosure and which is that of the town of which the temple was a part.

Bakheng
It located about 400 meters south of Angkor Thom and 1300 meters North West of Angkor Wat. The main attraction of the Phnom Bakheng is the sunset view of Angkor wat. Phnom Bakheng is also home to the first of the temple mountain built in the vicinity of Angkor king Jayavarman 1, 889-910 built the Phnom Bakheng his state temple which located in the centre of his capital Yasodharapura. It is a pyramid temple which stand on the 5 tiers base at the base are 44 brick towers. Each of the 5 tiers had 12 towers. The summit of the temple has 4 towers at the cardinal point of the compass as well as centre sanctuary. A total number of towers excluding the centre tower are 108, a particularly as specious number and one that correlates to the lunar calendar. The India calendar with its 4 phases, each of 27 moonrises gives number 108.

Phnom Krom
Phnom Krom is a 137 meters high hill which located about 12 kilometers southwest of Siem Reap at the northern of the Tonle Sap Lake, it situated dramatically on the hill top, it was built in the late 9th century and early 10th century by the king Yasovarman 1, (889-910). It consisted is a group of these sandstone towers dedicated to the Hindu trinity Gods (Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva). It is in relatively poor condition, and sites next to an active pagoda on top of the hill. Wonderful view of the Lake and the surrounding country side are visible from the top of the hill an outing to the Phnom Krom is some times combined with a boat trip on the Lake.

Preah Vihear
The Preah Vihear Temple or Preah Vihear (Khmer: Prasat Preah Vihear) is a Khmer temple situated atop a 525-metre (1,722 ft) cliff in the Dângrêk Mountains, in the Preah Vihear province of northern Cambodia and near the border of the Kantharalak district (amphoe) in the Sisaket province of eastern Thailand. In 1962, following a significant dispute between Thailand and Cambodia over ownership of the temple, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague awarded the ownership to Cambodia. Affording a view for many kilometers across a plain, Preah Vihear has the most spectacular setting of all the temples dating from 9th century but most of what still stands to-day was built in the 11th and 12th centuries by the Khmer Kings Suryavarman I and Suryavarman II. It actually predates Angkor Wat (Cambodia’s other world famous temple complex) by around 100 years. The site was dedicated to the Hindu deity Shiva through the mountain gods of Sikharesvara and Bhadresvara and the complex is a representation of Mount Meru, the home of the gods. Detailed inscriptions at the temple show accounts of King Suryavarman II including activities such as religious rituals and festivals. As a key edifice of the empire's spiritual life, it was supported and modified by successive kings and so bears elements of several architectural styles. Preah Vihear is unusual among Khmer temples in being constructed along a long north-south axis, rather than having the conventional rectangular plan with orientation toward the east. The temple gives its name to Cambodia's Preah Vihear province, in which it is now located, as well as the Khao Phra Wihan National Park which borders it in Thailand's Sisaket province, through which the temple is most easily accessible. On July 7, 2008, Preah Vihear was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Sambo Prey Kuk
The ancient city where monuments of Sambo Prei Kuk are found today was identified as ISANAPURA, the capital of Chenla in 7th century. Chenla was a former vassal of the Funan kingdom that was one of the first states in Southeast Asia, but it gradually gained its power and eventually King Citrasena Mahendravarman of Funan in the early 7thcentury. Main archaeological features in these groups of monuments are said to have been founded by king ISANAVARMAN I, the son of king Citrasena. Many decorative details in Khmer architecture and sculpture are classified as Sambor style: the name was derived from these monuments dated in the first half of the 7th century. Henceforth this kingdom was the leading state and comprised the whole of Cambodia proper. Furthermore, several successions of kings’ reign might have maintained these monuments as their capital city. The century following the death of JAYAVARMAN I who is the last known king of this kingdom in the second half of the 7th century is a dark period in the history of Chenla. According to a Chinese accounts, in the 8th century, the country of Chenla was divided into land and water Chenlas. The obscurity prevails and this monument might be neglected thereafter. The history, however, is traced again with the accession of JAYAVARMAN II, who founded a new polity that is now referred as Angkor in the beginning of 9th century. Decorative details of Prasat Tor (Central Group) are similar to the style of the remains belong to the period of the king JAYAVARMAN II, Particularly, characteristic lion statues resembles the statues found in Phnom Penh. From these reasons this architectural complex is said to be constructed in this period. Furthermore some inscriptions in Prasat Sambor (Northern Group) are dated in the 10th century under the reign of the king RAJENDRAVARMAN II. And Robang Romeas group that is located about 2km northward from main temple area, contains other inscriptions of the king SURYAVARMAN I period. Some other decorative details and statues belong to the late Angkor period styles were confirmed from these temples. These historical evidences suggest that these monuments must have belonged to the important provincial principle city after Pre Angkor period. From above historical perspective, this group of monuments is extremely significant not only for Cambodia but also for the entire area of Southeast Asia, for they are the only remaining sound architectural constructions that exemplify the architecture and sculpture of the early period in sizable quantity.

Krol Ko (the shed of oxen)
Krol KO temple is located north of Neak Pean about 900 meters of the right side of the road. It was built in the late 12th century by king Jayavarman7; the main points of interest of the temple are the pediments and lintels with carving lying on the ground. It is a small single temple which has a centre tower stood on a cross-shaped terrace and surrounded by the laterite walls.

 

Wat Athvear
It located southwest of Siem Reap town about some kilometers 200 meters off the main road from town to the Tonle Sap Lake. This temple was probably constructed from late 11th century under the reign of king Suryavarman 2, dedicating to Hinduism. It bears no inscription to allow precise dating built it seems to have been constructed employing Angkor Wat architectural style. It is a kind of short temple, which stand a low common base and a sandstone tower on it. It originally oriented to the west. This temple seems to have been left unfinished as evidenced in part by dancers were abandoned half finished. It small, quiet temple which can afford a delightful undisturbed visit.

Angkor Wat
It was built in the first half of the 12th century AD, for Vishnu God, it is most famous of all the temples on the plain of Angkor area. It over an area of about 82 hectare and it is comparable in size to the imperial palace in Beijing. It is largest religious building in the world. It stands on a high rectangular sandstone base with three levels, which use as the base of the five towers. It is the price ample of classical Khmer art and architecture; it is 5 towers symbolize the mythical mount meru’s five peaks. The surrounding rectangular laterite walls represent the range of mountains at the edge of the cosmic world and the man-made lake the Ocean beyond.

Ta Prohm
It one of the area most beautiful temples, it has been left relatively untouched since it was discovered and retains much of its mystery. Its peal lies in the fact that unlike the other monuments of the Angkor group, it was abandoned and swallowed by the jungle, looking very much the ways most of explorers first stumbled up on them. 

 

Chapel of Hospital
It was constructed in late 12th under the reign of King Jayavarman VII. It was consecrated to Buddhism and similar style to Bayon. It is one of 102 hospices were built throughout the Khmer empire under the reign of King Jayavarman VII. This hospital itself was probably constructed of perishable materials such as wood, bamboo, which have long since disappeared, leaving only the traces of sandstone hospital or “chapel” for the ages. This temple and the one at Ta Prohm Kel opposite Angkor Wat temple offer two examples within the Angkor Area. They were constructed of sandstone, this chapel of the hospital is in rough condition but some carvings are still visible. A quiet, meditative spot, easily accessible but visited by few visitors.

Chau Say Tevoda
It is another minor temple of the Angkor Wat period, though in a more ruined state. It appears to have been built towards the end of king Suryavarman II’s reign, and so is later than Thommanon.

 


Bayon
It is the favorite temple of the most visitors, because it is famous for its four smiling stone faces. It is a 12th to 13th century Buddhist temple which stood on a high sandstone base with 3 levels. It located in the heart centre of Angkor Thom city. It stands as a symbol of the whole Khmer empire and it is 54 towers including 5 gates of Angkor Thom symbolize the provinces of the kingdom or the portrait of sovereign the exterior walls has extensive bas-reliefs wrap around it aerating intricate and fascinating story lives.

Preah Khan (The Sacred Sword)
An extensive monastic complex covering over the 56 hectares built by the great Angkor Thom construction king Jayavarman 7, as a monastery and teaching complex. It is the site of the world monuments fund (prime Asian project a painstaking renovations while the maintaining it’s a mysterious all are 5 and superb original structure.

 

Banteay Srei: The brilliant beauty and enchantment of Banteay Srei is nearly every one’s favorite temple. The special charm of this small temple lies in its remarkable state of preservation and excluding is of decoration. It is a Hindu temple which dating from the mid 10th century. It was built of sedated hard pink-sandstone comprising three towers which stood on side-by-side on a common low base.

 

Angkor Thom City
It was the last capital of the Khmer empire and use as a fortified city surrounded by a strong square laterite-walls 3 kilometers wide for each side was built by the in its present from by Angkor greatest builder king Jayavarman 7. The city has a 5 monumental gates, each one of which is 3 meters wide by 23 meters high and crowned by four gargantuan sculpture faces 3 meters high of Bodhisattwa Avalokitesvara represented to the four Buddhist Nobel truth like (Charity, compassion, sympathy, and Equanimity) or four cardinal directions. Baphuon, Terrace of Elephant, Terrace of leper King, Sour Proat, khleang, Preah Pithu group, Tep Pranom.

Banteay Chhmar
It is one of Cambodia’s most important and least understood temples from the Angkorian period. The temple complex, its moat, Baray (reservoir) and surrounding unspoiled environment comprises a unique archaeological site and a vital link in Cambodia’s cultural heritage. For these reasons, it is now one of Cambodia’s top priorities for inscription as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its remoteness from Angkor Wat, in part, explains the lack of in-depth documentation and study of the temple. The Ministry of Culture & Fine Arts (MCFA) is responsible for overseeing the temple complex. Banteay Chhmar is the 4th largest temple dating from the Angkorian period after Preah Khan Kampong Svay, Angkor Thom and Angkor Wat being the largest temple. There are nine satellite temples as part of the temple complex. Though there is no recorded or written name for the temple, scholars generally believe that the name Banteay Chhmar probably meant “The Small Citadel” or “Narrow Fortress” (Khmer word possibly, chhmarl or chmarl meaning small, tiny or narrow). At some point, probably through oral transformation, the name became chhmar (cat). Therefore, nowadays, the temple is commonly called the “Citadel of the Cat.” These references and the oral transformation are not very clearly understood and need more documentation and research. What is known is that it was commissioned in the late 12th to early 13th centuries by King Jayavarman VII. A shrine in the temple once held an image of a Crown Prince, believed to be Indravarman II, and probably a son of Jayavarman VII. A Khmer inscription found at the site (now on display at the National Museum, Phnom Penh) tells how this prince was protected on two different occasions by four royal servants, all of whom lost their lives in his defense. The inscription lists the names of these officials and tells us that their respective images were once placed in the four corners of this shrine.

Neak Pean
Date late 12th century, religion Buddhism built by the king Jayavarman 7, art style Bayon. It is a small man-made island temple which located in the middle of the last Baray called Jayatataka to be constructed by a famous Angkor constructor, king Jayavarman 7, It has only one sandstone towers which sib on a circular base in the centre of the main pool that symbolizes the Aravataphata lake in the Kimayayas, situated at the top of the Universe, which give birth to the 4 great rivers of the earth. It originally known as Rajasrei, which as represented at Neak pean takes its modern appellation, which means cooled serpent from the on coiled nagas that encircled the temple. It dedicated to Buddha, Neak pean contains several Buddha images. It may serve as an ablution and the water was originally to have healing sickness.

Ta Som
The late 12th early 13th century AD by the famous, it was built in the reign of king Jayavarman 7, It is classic Bayon-style monastic complex consisting of a tower, which stood on a ground level. It is a small quiet temple and affords a delightful undisturbed visit a significant feature of Tasom is the growth of a huge fissured on the east Gopura, which provides a dramatic example of inature and art entwined together.

Terrace of Elephants
It is located in the area Angkor Thom complex dating from the reign of king Jayavarman 7, and of the 12th to beginning of the 13th century AD It is about 10 meters wide by 350 meters long and 3 meters high with stone floor and stairs, it is the places for the ancient monarch so as to review the military parades, military rehearsal, and celebrations as well as the Royal reception halls….etc.

 

Preah Khan Kompong Svay: The Bakan temples are located in Ta Siang village, Ronakse commune, Sangkum Thmei district, about 105 kilometers southwest of the provincial town. On a plain that was a former worship place of the king. The temple is surrounded by two ramparts inside and outside rampart. Inside each rampart, there are many other temples such as Neang Peou and Dangkao Baodos temples. The temple was likely a royal palace and worship place. According to historians, the site used to be a hiding place of King Jayavarman VII before he ascended to the throne in AD 1181 because the style of some construction is similar to the style of Bayon and Ta Prohm temples. Outside the rampart, there are many other temples such as Preah Damrei, Preah Thkaol, Ta Prohm, Muk Buon and Preah Stung temples. Looking through into the large area beyond the wall of Prasat Bakan (Bakan Temple) in Preah Vihear province, laterite stone refracts the bright sunshine, enveloping the temple in a heavenly light. The towers of the temple have long since collapsed and the hundreds of pieces of stone which once made up Bakan are now a less-than-glorious pile of rubble. Even in this sad state destroyed in part by war, and in part by greed the fallen Bakan can still provide us with evidence of the once important place this temple held in the history of the Angkor period, but looters have other plans. In 2003 after a botched robbery, the central area collapsed and Apsara and Buddha statues were stolen. Prasat Bakan is off National Route 6, 75km north of the Kompong Thom town, Stoung. According to the director of the Department of Culture and Fine Arts Ros Samphal, in ancient times, Prasat Bakan, or Preah Khan Kompong Svay temple as it sometimes called, was originally named after a victorious and well-loved general: Jey Srey. This general, was a man renowned for defeating the Cham and forcing them out of the Angkor capital. "Jey Srey is better known as Jayavarman VII," Ros says. "Angkor’s mighty architect and warrior king."He says that while the Angkor capital was occupied by Cham soldiers, one of the then Angkorian king’s sons, Jey Srey, fled the country to live in the Champa Kingdom (now central Vietnam). While living there, he studied this neighboring Kingdom, and in particular Cham military tactics. After 14 years, he returned to his beloved Angkor and created his own army, training them in secrecy in the jungle. "While living in the jungle," Ros says, "he completed Prasat Bakan. He also built an iron foundry where swords, knives, axes and other weapons were made by the thousands.""Each day, more and more soldiers were enlisted for military training." "Once trained," Ros continues, "Jey Srey led his army through Kompong Svay province [now part of Kompong Thom and Preah Vihear provinces] direct to the Angkor capital, where he fought and defeated the Cham soldiers for the liberty of his father's kingdom.""Jey Srey's name held great meaning. Jey means victory and successor; Srey means happiness, harmony and good luck."Deputy Director of the Preah Vihear Provincial Tourism Department Kit Chanthy says Prasat Bakan was the second capital of the Angkor kingdom during the reign of King Jayavarman VII. "King Suryavarman I began the construction of the Hindu temple Bakan between 1002 and 1050. The temple was completed by King Jayavarman VII," Kit explains. Prasat Bakan is situated in Ta Seng village, Sangkum Thmey district, Preah Vihear province." Under Secretary of State of the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts H.E. Khim Sarith says since the beginning of 2006 the Ministry has been cooperating with provincial authorities to set up a team to protect the temple. "However what makes this difficult are the current road conditions leading to the temple. During the rainy season we can’t. Even get into the area," Khim says. The main group of temples was built in the 12th century when Preah Khan was home to both King Suryavarman II and later, the future King Jayavarman VII, before the latter defeated the invading Chams, claimed the throne and moved his capital back to Angkor in 1181. The story of his victories is celebrated in bas-relief carvings on the walls of the Bayon and Banteay Chhmar. Located 100 kilometers east of Angkor, the site was studied in the 1870s by Louis Delaporte, who shamefully looted and carried off a number of substantial carvings that are now housed in the Guimet Museum in Paris. However, one masterpiece remains in the National Museum in Phnom Penh and that's a finely sculpted head, believed to be of Jayavarman VII. A millennium celebration at Preah Khan attracted hundreds of locals and vegetation was cleared from the site for the occasion, but it remains a complex very much in its natural state, inundated with trees, scrubs and dense foliage throughout. With the re-emergence of Cambodia's remotest areas from years of inaccessibility.

Terrace of leper king: It was built in the late 12th to the beginning of the 13th century AD for Buddhism by the reign of king Jayavarman 7, it is in the shape of a square base is of 20 meters for each side and 7 meters high. It was engulfed by 2 walls of sandstone bas-reliefs mainly king in ceremonial parade sword in hovel and surrounded by their courts and favorites. It may have served as the royal crematorium or royal court house of the king Jayavarman 7.

Ta Keo
It was built in the late 10th to early 11th by king Jayavarman 5, and Suryavarman 1, it was unseated to Shiva-God. It was a pyramid temple mountain which stood on a high base with 5 levels supported the 5 square sandstone towers. It the golden mountain which used as the head quarter symbolized of the justice of the mountains.

 

Ta Nei
It was built in the early 12th under the reign of king Jayavarman 7; it located in the Angkor forest, about one kilometer east of Takeo reached by small car or footpath. It is such as a small quiet Buddhist temple, which afford a delightful visit of its original state.

 

Prasat Top (East)
Constructed: late 13th AD. King: Jayavarman VII. Religion: Brahmanism. Style: Bayon Temple. It is located in Angkor Thom. Architecturally unimpressive but historically important small tower. Also known as “Mangalartha” in honor of a powerful monk, Jayamangalartha, who was the son of one of Jayavarman VII’s Brahman monks. Originally commissioned by Jayavarman VII, it was consecrated until 1295 AD, decades after his death. This temple was the final Brahmanic temple built in the Angkor area, marking the end of an era. It was constructed in the historically hazy period of Hindu resurgence after the death of Jayavarman VII.

Prasat Top (West)
It was constructed in 9th-17th century. Religion: Theravada. Style: Post Bayon. It is a small ruinous, quiet temple in Angkor Thom Area. Inscriptions indicate that this site was used as early as 9th century, but the present structure is post Angkorian. The materials from the 10th and 11th centuries were reused for the current structure which was probably assembled in the late 13th century. The few carvings that still exist are Buddhist scenes some dating as late as 17th century.

Thommanon
This minor but elegant temple, situated just off the victory gate a short distance East of Angkor Thom is immediately recognizable as being of the period of Angkor wat from the late 11th to early 12th century AD. It is a Hindu temple which dedicating to Vishnu-God.

 

Baphuon
It would have been one of the most spectacular of Angkor’s temples in its heyday located 200 meters northwest of Bayon. It is a pyramid representation of mythical mountain Meru construction probably began under Suryavarman 1, and later completed by Udayadityavarman 2, (1050-1066). It makes the centre of the city that existed before the construction of Angkor Thom. Yosodharapura 2, (north of the golden towers Bayon) at distance of about 200 meters rises the tower of bronze, higher even than the Golden tower a truly astonishing spectacle with more than ten Chambers at its base (said the Chinese diplomat Zhou Daguan).

Prasat Suor Proat
An a group of twelve small laterite towers dating from the reign of king Jayavarman 7, the end of the 12th to beginning 13th century AD, stand facing the terrace of the elephants at the edge of the jungle on the east side of the victory gate to the local people the towers they were to known as Prasat Sourprat, (the towers of the tight rope walkers) because the performers stretched their high wires between them. However a Chinese Diplomat Zhou Daguan stated that the towers were places where justice was dispensed.

Phimeanakas (Aerial palace)
Phimeanakas, located inside the Royal palace compound, was the temple when the king worshipped. It must originally was built from 10th to the beginning 11th century AD by several kings. It has been crowned with a golden pinnacle, as Zhou Daguan described it as the tower of gold. It was a pyramid temple mountain with stood on a high rectangular laterite base with three levels and single tower on the top. It resembles those of the Maya temple at Tikal, Guatenmala.

Preah Palilay
It is one of most atmospheric temples in Angkor Thom, located about 200 meters north of Royal enclosure and west of Teppronam. It was erected during the rule of Jayavarman 7, and originally housed a Buddha, which has long since vanished. It is a pyramid temple which stands on a high rectangular sandstone base with three levels intercepted by stair on each side. There are several normally trees looming large over the central tower, which make for a fine photo.

Tep Pranam
Tep Pranam an 34 meters wide by 82 meters long cruciform Buddhist terrace 150 meters East Preah Palilay, was once the base of the Pagoda of lightweight construction association with king Yasovarman 1, in the late 9th century. Some construction dating from 12th to beginning 13th centuries in the reign of king Jayavarman 7, it once housed a large scatted statue of Buddha on a lotus sandstone pedestal which can still be seen today.

Preah Pithu
The five small sandstone shrines are scattered in a random fashion over rough terrain and are badly damages. All the shrines are square with false-doors, stand on a ranged platform and are oriented the East. Some temples were dates from the 12th under the reign of king Suryavarman 2, and after temples were erected to the reign of king Jayavarman 7.

 

Khleang North & South (The warehouse or Royal treasure)
A long the East side of the central square are two groups of building the North & South Khleang, these two sandstone temples was built in the late 10th-11th century AD by king Jayavarman 5, and Suryavarman 1, the temples are similar in times, layout style and decoration, although inscriptions say that the south Khleang was built slightly later than the north one. Some historians believe that the building have been reception halls or receiving forcing dignitaries.

Banteay Kdei
Banteay Kdei, a massive Buddhist monastery from the later part of the 12th -13th century AD, surrounded by four concentric walls. The temple is similar in art and architecture to Taprohm, but it is smaller and less complex. It is considerably less busy than near by Taprhom and this alone can justify a visit.

 

Srah Srong
It is locally known as the king’s (Bath or Monk’s Bath). It is a large man-made body of water which is 300 meters wide by 700 meters long. It also especially in the soft light of the sunset and other a beautiful, tranquil resting place, it was dug during the reign of king Rajendravarman 2, in 10th and Jayavarman 7, late 12th-13th century AD. A tiny sandstone chapel in the centre once bore a wooden roof, of which only the stone base remains.

Kutisvara
Now in ruins, this temple brick temple of three towers is of more historical interest than architecture. It is buried in vegetal and difficult to find. It was constructed in the reign of king Jayavarman 2, in 9th century. An inscription found on a stone recurred for the building of Banteaykdei next door mentions a dedication to Shiva-God and the erection of the statues of Vishnu and Brahma by Shiva carya, one of Rajendravarman 2’s priests in the 10th century AD.

Batchum
Batchum temple is located about 300 meters south of Srah Srong. It is accessible along the straight road which located north of Kravan village. It consiste a group of three brick towers stand on side by side on low base opening to the East. The temple was built by a Buddhist minister named Drarimathana, who built Rajendravarman 2, Royal palace. According to the inscription written in 953, the temple was originally called Saok Takrum.

Kravan
It located between the 7th and 8th kilometers stone and laterite circuit. Kravan, a shrine to Vishnu is one of the last large brick building in Angkor and still belong to the artistic trend that began in the reign of king Harshavarman 1, 10th century (921). It consist a group of five large brick towers stand on side by side on a low brick platform. The interior of two of the towers have sculptures depicting Vishnu and his consort, Lakshmi.

Beng Mealea (lotus pond)
It is an untouched ruinous temple which is about some 80 kilometers from Siem Reap. It is one of the major monuments of the classical period in the style of Angkor Wat mid of the 12th century AD. It was left an exploring to this titanic temple is Angkor’s ultimate ones experience in the tropical rain forest for almost eight hundred of years, with the spread of vegetation including the silk-cotton trees and strangler, it was rediscovered by Japanese man. It is a short temple which had one tower on a low base, and surrounded by a moat 900 meters wide by 1200 meters long and 45 meters wide. There are three concentric walls, each one of which set back slightly to the nest, with the central shrine at the inter section of the axes. It is one of the most mysterious temples at Angkor as nature has well and truly run riot here.

Lolei
Lolei temple is located north of the main road in the centre of Baray, named Indratataka close to a modern Buddhist temple. The temple was built in the late in memory of the king’s father. Lolei is worth a visit just for its exquisite carving and inscription which some of consider to be the finest of the Rolous group. It consisted a group of four brick towers, an almost exact replica of the towers of Preahko were built on a man-made island in the centre of a large reserve now dries up. According to one of inscription, the four towers were dedicated by king Yasovarman 1, to his parents and maternal grand parents. It was the last major temple built at Rolous before Yasovarman and I moved the capital to Angkor area.

Preah Ko (Sacred bull)
It located at Rolous group and half way between Lolei and Bakong. The temple was built in 9th century (879) by king Indravarman 1 (877-889). It consist a group of 6 brick towers stood on a low base and arranged in two rows, the front row and the back row. They were dedicating to the memory of some royal ancestors the front towers for the maternal ancestor or God and the three behind for female or Goddess. Each of the six towers was originally covered with elaborate coating of stucco it was one of the first major temple of empire at the early Khmer capital of Hari-Haralaya.

Bakong
Bakong is the state temple of Indravarman 1, (877-889) at Hari-Haralaya, the capital Utilized by Jayavarman 2, just before he removed his capital, Mahendrapavata down from Kulen Mountain in 800. Bakong was the most impressive and significant temple Mountain at Rolous group, sitting at the centre of the first Angkorian capital Hari-Haralaya. It has one tower stand on a high sandstone pyramid base with the 5 levels, which symbolizes Mount-Meru, and the temple was dedicated to Shiva-God. The 5 levels leading to the central sanctuary extend the symbolism, and correspond to the world of mythical beings (Naga, Garudas, Rakshasas, Yakshas, and Maharajas).The temple is enclosed within three separate concentric walls and a moat. There are well preserved statue of stone elephant on each corner of the first three levels of the central temple there are 12 stupas on the fourth levels. The sanctuary on the fifth levels was a later addition during the reign of king Suryavarman 2, in the style of Angkor wat’s tower.

Rolous Group
It located about some 25 kilometer Southeast of Siem Reap town (20 minutes). The Rolous group is a collection of monuments representing the remains of Hari-Haralaya. The first major capital of the Ankorian Khmer Empire, it has become known as the Rolous group due to its proximity to the modern town of Rolous. The ancient capital was named for Hari-Hara, a synthesis of the Hindu Gods-Shiva and Vishnu. Though there was an exciting settlement in the area before the rise of Angkor, Hari-Haralaya was established as a capital city by king Jayavarman 2, and severed as the Khmer capital for over to year under four successive kings. The structures of the Rolous group are distinguished by tall square-shape, brick tower on low pedestals, except Bakong temple which is the temple-mountain. They all open to the East, with false-doors on the other three sides. The first great Khmer temple are Preahko, Bakong, and Lolei belonging to the important Rolous Group have similar Characteristic of architecture, decoration, materials and construction methods, which combine to reveal the beginning of the classic period of the Khmer art. The last king at Hari-Haralaya, Yasovarman 1, built the first major temple at Angkor, Phnom Bakheng, and moved the capital to Bakhong area in 905 AD.

Pre Rup
Pre Rup temple is about one kilometer north of Srah Srang and about 500 meters south of the East Baray. It was erected in 961 AD during the reign of king Rajendravarman 2, dedicating to the Shiva-God and his ancestors. It is a pyramid temple-mountain which stand on a high base with three narrow tiers serves as a pedestal for 5 brick towers, which are set in quincunx arrangement. The brick towers were originally once of decorated with a plaster coating, fragments of which still remain on the towers. Prerup was used as the state temple of Rajendravarman 2; the temple is close in style to the East Mebon, although it was built several years later. It was built after the Khmer capital was returned to Angkor after a period of political upheaval when the capital had been moved to KOh Ker. Prerup means (Turning the body) and refer to a traditional method of cremation in which a corpse’s outline is tracing ding the cinders, first in one direction and then in the other this suggests that the temple may have served as an early crematorium. This is one of the most popular sunset spots around Angkor as the view over the surrounding rice fields of the Eastern Baray is beautiful.

East Mebon
The huge East Baray, Yosodratataka (1.8 kilometers wide by 7 kilometers long) that engulfs East Mebon temple was built about half a century earlier than the temple, by Yasovarman 1, the temple stand on high it was once an Island in the Eastern Baray, and was built by Rajendravarman 2, in the mid of 10th century as a shrine to his ancestors and temple’s divinity Rajendravarman was dedicated on Friday 28 January 953 at about 11 AM. It was once a large temple-mountain like ruins, rising three levels and crowned by 5 brick towers, which are arranged in quincunx arrangement.

Baksei Chamkrong
It is located about 150 meters north of Phnom Bakheng a towering 12 meters tall brick and laterite pyramid base with four narrow tiers. It was constructed in the reign of king Harshavarman 1, (910-944) in the mid 10th century AD and completed by Rajendravarman 2, (944-968) shortly after the capital was returned to Angkor from Koh Kher. According to the inscriptions on the doorway Rajendravarman 2, Shiva image in 947 AD, it may have served as the funerary temple on the altar there is a reclining statue of Buddha from a latter period.

Prasat Bei
It is located north-west of Baksei Chamkrong and west Thma Bay Kack about 175 meters. Prasat Bei means (three towers) made of brick stand on a north-south row, facing east and on 10 meters wide by 24 meters long laterite base. It was to probably constructed in the 10th century AD under the reign of king Yasovarman 1, the central towers contained a Shiva-Linga; the flanking towers reach no higher than the doorways. Only the lintels of the centre tower and south tower were carved, both showing Indra on the elephant Airavana

Thma Bay Kack
It stands in Angkor complex near the south gate of Angkor Thom and north of Baseichamkrong about 125 meters. This temple was made of brick in the 10th century in the reign of king Yasovarman 1, worship Shiva. The sacred treasure consisting of five gold leaves arranged in a quincunx, the centre leaf carving the image of Nandine, Shiva’s bull was found here

 

Ta Prohm Kel
Ta prohm Kel is located on the way from Angkor wat to Angkor Thom, about 200 meters from the west entry gate of Angkor wat. It is a single small sandstone tower which on a low base opening the east. This temple was built in the late 12th century, during the reign of king Jayavarman 7, according to the inscription found in 1928 one of the 102 Hospitals built by king Jayavarman 7, it has similar design and state of ruins to the shape of the Hospital near Takeo through out the Kingdom. The Buddhist the meditation carving on the northern pediment is in fair condition and display marks of Vandalism characteristic of the 13th century Hindu resurgence. The coarsely rendered carvings on its interior are probably from a much latter period.

Spean Thma Bridge (stone bridge)
It is about 100 meters west of Takeo temple. It is a bridge constructed of reused blocks of sandstone of varying shapes and sizes which suggests it was built to replace an earlier bridge. It is the supported on massive pillars the opening between them spanned by narrow corbelled arches. Reportedly, there’re traces of 14 arches. It’s a remnant of an ancient bridge over Siem Reap River.

Banteay Prei
Construction: Late 12th –Early 13th Century. King: Jayavarman VII. Religion: Buddhism. Style: Bayon. It is a small temple, untouched, ruinous temple where is near Neak Poan. It is similar to Ta Som in architecture/artistic style and scale. Some of the Apsaras and Buddhist- themed, lintels carvings are in pretty good condition. It has oddly small doors and windows. It is quiet and meditative spot.

Ak Yum
Ak Yum temple is located southern end of the Dyke of west Baray. The temple was built 7th and 9th century AD. The inscriptions found on the pillars give the date of AD 609-704 and 1001, the evidence of a Shiva-Lingam and some sacred depository bronzed statue of Hindu Gods and Lokesvara, Maitreya have also been found here. During the construction of the west Baray around 11th century this site was partially buried by the south levee, Akyum was of great historical interest, being the earliest known temple-mountain stood on a three narrow pyramid base and enclosed by a brick wall. It was built of brick with sandstone, four shrines occupied the corners of the second tiers and two others stood on each side, making a total of 12 shrines, the central tower was on the upper most tiers and opened to the east with false-doors on the other 3 sides.

West Baray
The west Baray, measuring an incredible 2.2 kilometers wide by 8 kilometers long was excavated by hand to provided water for the intensive cultivation of land around the Angkor. There are four major Baray tataka by Indravarman 1 measuring 800 meters wide by 3800 meters long at Rolous began almost immediately after the first Baray 1800 meters wide by 7000 meters long it was almost five times larger than Indratataka. The third Baray, Udayadityatataka which known today as western Baray, the last Baray Jayatataka (900 meters wide by 3500 meters long) was constructed by Jayavarman 7, in the late 12th century AD. It is considered to be the Baray of Preah Khan though it is Neakpean that actually sits at the centre.The second Baray Yasodratataka a which. The western Mebon is accessible by boat from the dam on the southern shore today, this is vast rectangular man-made Lake becomes the main local swimming pool for local people and visitors. It was constructed in the reign of king Suryavarman 1, and completed in the reign of king Udayadityavarman 1, in the early 11th century.

West Mebon
Mebon temple is located in the middle of west Baray on an island about 12 kilometers northwest of Siem Reap. West Mebon temple is in poor condition, consisting primarily of the single wall 100 meters for each side with the 3 early gates displaying some carvings in fair condition. The carving exhibits some of the first example: of carving of animals in natural, non mythical scenes reminiscent of carving on Baphuon. West Mebon may have originally housed a renowned bronze Vishnu statue which is now held at the National Museum in Phnom Pennh.

Kbal Spean
It was constructed in the 11th century in the reign of king Suryavarman 1, and Udayadityavarman 2, Kbal Spean is a spectacularly carved riverbed set deep in the jungle to the northwest of Angkor. Kbal Spean is about 50 kilometer from Siem Reap or about 15 kilometers beyond the temple of Banteay Srei. A visit to Kbal Spean can be combined with a visit Banteay Srei. It is a 45 minutes walk to the carving through the steely forest and some curious rocks formations. It is the best to try to visit it between September and December at other times of the year the river rapidly dries up. The access to the trail is not permitted after 3: 30 pm; food and drink are available at the base of the trail. More commonly referred to English as the River of a thousand Lingas the name actually means (bridge head) a reference to the national rock bridge at the site. Shiva-Lingas have been elaborately carved into the riverbed, and images of the Hindu deities are dotted about the area. It was left in the jungle for centuries ago and rediscovered in 1269, when EFEO ethno legist Jean Boulbet was shown the area by a hermit; the area was soon off-limits due to the civil war, only becoming safe again in 1298. Now it is rope off protect the carving from four the damage

Kulen Mountain (496m)
It is located in Svay Leu and Varin district, about 58 kilometers from Siem Reap and about 25 kilometer from Banteay Srei. Phnom Kulen original called Mount-Mahendraraparvata is the holy mountain where, when king Jayavarman 2, (802-850) proclaimed independence from the Java ruler in 802 giving birth to modern-day Cambodia soon after the religious God ceremony Jayavarman 2, moved his capital from Kulen to Hari-Haralaya known today as Rolous where it was to remain for almost than 20 mirror temples are found around the plateau, including hundred of Shiva-Linga stand in the Siem Reap Riverbed rock carving include in numerable scores of Yonis and Lingas that sit on the bottom of a stream from which water flows all year round. Water fall: is an attractive spot, to cool off after exploration. It has two levels; the first levels are 4 to 6 meters high and 10 to 15 meters wide, depending on whether it is the dry or rainy season. The second levels is 15 to 20 meters high and 6 to 8 meters wide the depending on the season near the top of the water fall is a jungle Cvad temple known as Prasat Kraol , Romeas temple dating from the 9th AD. Srah Damrey or elephant pond is a collection of giant stone animals or the quadrant of the mountain, Terrace of leper king or Preah Learn Sdech Kumlung is a smooth, volcanic terrace based on the rock they were found, scientists believe the site might have been a vole Cano millions of years ago. Preah Ang Thom: is located on the mountain top and attracts the Khmer pilgrims during the religious festival. It was a small wat, which house a huge 16th century recling Buddha carved into the sandstone. The statue is 7.5 meters tall and 8 meters long. The site also offers spectacular views across the lush jungle. The local people worship this site because they believe the site holds great power. It is close to Chhat Ruot, a multi layered umbrella, a Preah Bath Choan Tuk, footprint of Buddha and Peung Chhat, Peung Eyso and Peung Eysey over the hanging rocks well the most important of which is Prasat Rong Chen, the first pyramid temple-mountain to be constructed in the Angkor area. The temples difficult to get to because they lie scattered across the mountain top, with route passing through mined sections of mountain the trail impossible in the wet sea before the construction of the private road up Phnom Kulen visitor had to scale the mountain and then walk across the top of the plateau to the redlining Buddha.

Banteay Samre (the Citadel of Samre)
It is about 20 kilometers from Siem Reap province, 500 meters southeast of East Baray, about 2 kilometers from Preah Dak village. Banteay Samre temple dated from the same period as Angkor wat and was built by Suryavarman 2, (1113-1150), dedicating to Vishnu-God. Banteay Samre is one of most completed complex at Angkor due to restoration (1936-1944) using the method of a nasty loses work, although its isolation has resulted in some tooting during the past two decades the name Samre refer to the an ethnic group of mountain people, who inhabited the region at the base of Phnom Kulen and were probably related to Khmers. It is believe that some people living in the preah Dak village are descendent of the Samre. The plan is roughly square and surrounded by two concentric laterite walls, each one of which of has 4 gates. The central courtyard contains sanctuary which has four wings and is approached by a long halls opening to the east with two libraries on each side open to the west side. The style of the towers and Naga balustrades bear strong resemblance to the towers Angkor wat and even more so to Khmer temple of Phimai in Thailand many of the carvings are in excellent condition.

Prasat Preah Inkosei
It is situated in Siem Reap, East of Siem Reap conservation D’angkor. It actually located in the Preah Inkosei Buddhist Monastery. It is a Hindu temple which consist a group of three brick towers stand on side by side on a low laterite base opening to the East sunrise today. Only two brick towers are still remaining intact, but another tower was completed at the same period as Kravan, Batchum, dating from mid 10th century by a Braman priest named Tivea Kavabhota. The carving of the lintel basically depict the legend of Hindu-God-Vishnu, especially (the churning the Ocean of milk).

Koh Kher Group (Preah Vihear)
It geographically located in Srayong Cheng village, Srayong commune, Kulen district, the temple complex at Koh Kher, northeast of Siem Reap about represented the remands of the ancient capital of the Khmer empire from 928 AD, and it was the unique period in the age of Angkor. Just a few decades after the establishment at Angkor there was a disruption in the Royal succession for reasons that remain a matter of academic debate, what is known is that in 928 AD king Yasovarman 4, possibly a usurper to the throne, created a new rival capital about some 100 kilometers away at Koh Kher, obviously a king of much wealth and power he raised an impressive royal city at Koh Kher of Brahmanic monuments, so far more than a hundred temple are Prasats, surrounding a huge Baray, Rahal, he died in 941 AD his son Hashavarman 2, (941-944) would remain at Koh Kher for another 3 years before returning the capital back to the Angkor area. The monument of Koh Kher is now on a road loop around the Baray past the most important temples. The premier ruin of complex, there are some several nicely preserved ruins sit just off the road, impressive prasats and small temples complex such as Prasat Pram, Prasat Neangkhmao, Linga-pura, Prasat Chreng, Prasat Damrei,….etc there are also dozens of other, more remote ruins in the area today, many of them are no longer standing, and some are buried.

Kork Beng Temple (Preah Vihear): It is located in Wat Prasat Chey Preuk on Kork Beng Village, Kampong Pranak commune, Tbiang Meanchey district. The leterite amd sandstone temple was built between AD 936 and 951 by a commander name Kork on ordered from King Jayavarman IV. There is a hug Beng Tree near the temple. Therefore, the king named the temple Kork Beng. Today only a few stones of the ancient temple remain. The temple, however, was reconstructed with concrete in 1988. The new temple is 8 meters high and 12 meters square. There is a statue of Bodhisattva in temple center, where the worship place is.

 

Krapum Chhouk Temple (Preah Vihear): It is located in Romdos commune, Rovieng district, about 45 kilometers south of the provincial town. The laterite and sanstone temple was built in the late 10th century to worship Brahmanism. Preah Vihear is quite a big northern province of Cambodia. Its capital is called Phnom Tbeng Meanchey. The province itself is named after the temple of Prasat Preah Vihear, what is definitely the hotspot of this province. Much of the province is extremely remote and strongly forested. Unfortunately do large logging companies reduce the natural landscape by carving huge tracts of pristine tropical hardwoods out of the locations. It is also one of the least populated provinces in the Kingdom of Cambodia. This tranquil site is popular for the Preah Vihear temple, standing in the vicinity of the borderline between Thailand and Cambodia.

Neak Buos Temple (Preah Vihear): It is located in Choam Ksan district, about 75 kilometers north of Tbiang Meancheay provincial town. The laterite, sanstone and brick temple is 50 meters square and built on a plain to worship Brahmanism. It is very difficult to reach the temple because of bad road condition. Preah Vihear is quite a big northern province of Cambodia. Its capital is called Phnom Tbeng Meanchey. The province itself is named after the temple of Prasat Preah Vihear, what is definitely the hotspot of this province. Much of the province is extremely remote and strongly forested. Unfortunately do large logging companies reduce the natural landscape by carving huge tracts of pristine tropical hardwoods out of the locations. It is also one of the least populated provinces in the Kingdom of Cambodia. This tranquil site is popular for the Preah Vihear temple, standing in the vicinity of the borderline between Thailand and Cambodia.

Noreay Temple (Preah Vihear): They are located in Krala Peal Village, Pring Thom commune, Choam Ksan district, about 32 kilometers northeast of Preah Vihear provincial town. There are 3 temples stand separate from each other about 200 meters. The first site is surrounded by double rampart which is 100 meters long and 50 meters wide made of laterite. It includes five temples made of sandstone, laterite and brick. The second site was completely damaged only temple base remain. The third site house Preah Noreay, but the temple was seriously damaged only Preah Noreay statue remain.According to the study, Noreay temple were built at the same time with Sambo Preykuk temple in 7th century. The temples are recently completely covered by forest.

Phnom Pralean Temple (Preah Vihear): It is on a 180 meters small hill located in Krang Dong village, Preah Kliang commune, Tbiang Meanchey district, about 25 kilometers from the provincial town. The laterite and sandstone temple, built to worship Brahmanism, is 160 meters long and 60 meters wide. Surrounding the temple is a beautiful nature and abundant fresh airs where a good place to visit is. 

Prasat Banteay Neang (Banteay Mean Chey) 

It is about 11 kilometers from provincial town. It takes time for about 20 minutes by Air-Conditioning car to reach this historical site. There are several historical sites and colonial buildings near the complex. It is geographically located on the National Road Number. 69A of Banteay Chhmar Village, Banteay Chhmar Commune, Thmar Puok District. This alone temple has been left untouched in the tropical rain forest for many centuries and it was just rediscovered recently. Well! unluckily, it has never been restored yet. We do hope that in the near future; we all have a strong conviction that, it will be renovated by UNESCO or other international countiries who are interested in this heritage site.

Prasat Banteay Torp (Banteay Mean chey) 

It is called in Khmer (Banteay Torp) it means that the army or military base. It is about 55 kilometers from the provincial town. It was used as the bigest army base during the reign of King Jayavarman VII (1181-1219). It is geographically located on Road No. 69A of Banteay Chhmar Village, Banteay Chhmar Commune, Thmor Puok District. Today, it becomes a historical war place for the local and international tourists who come to visit it. This alone temple has been left largely untouched in the tropical rain forest for many centuries and it was just rediscovered recently. Well! unluckily, it has never been restored yet, but only some clearance work on the site. We do hope that in the near future; we all have a strong conviction that, it will be renovated by UNESCO or other international countiries who are interested in this heritage site.

Cheung Krouh (Banteay MeanChey)

It is about 63 kilometers from the provincial town. It take time for about 2 hours to reach there. There are many natural wildlife are preserved by the WWF organization. It is located in road 69A of Banteay Chhmar Village, Banteay Chhmar Commune, Thmor Puok District. This alone temple has been left largely untouched in the tropical rain forest for many centuries and it was just rediscovered recently. Well! unluckily, it has never been restored yet, but only some clearance work on the site. We do hope that in the near future; we all have a strong conviction that, it will be renovated by UNESCO or the other international countiries who are interested in this heritage site.

Phnom Bak and Phnom Chenh Chiang mountains are the natural and cultural and historical resort where is geographically located in Serey Saphon District, and it is situated along the National Road No 5. It is about 5 kilometers west of Banteay Meanchey provincial town. The two natural mountains are near one another. The vertical faces of the mountains a-like-a wall. At the flank or slope, there is a place where visitors come to relax during their visit. At the foot of the mountain, there is a large well,10 squar meters and 12 meters deep. Some natural stone statues are sculptured.There're also a number of vendors selling stone sculptures around here for their daily life basic needs.

Prasat Banteay Sat Temple (Battambang)

It is Cambodia's second-largest city and the capital of Battambang Province, which was founded in the 11th century. It is the former capital of Monton Khmer and lies in the heart of the Northwest of Cambodia. Until the war years, in which almost every infrastructure was destroyed it was the leading rice-producing province of the country. The name Battambang or Batdambang, literally means "loss of stick" referring to a legend of the Preah Bat Dambang Kranhoung (Kranhoung Stick King). The population is nowadays around 250,000 people. It's a riverside town, home to some of the best-preserved, French colonial architecture in the country. Until recently Battambang was off the map for road travellers, but facilities have recently been improved and it makes a great base for visiting the nearby temples, such as Phnom Banon and Wat Ek Phnom, as well as the closedby villages. Banteay Sat Temple is one of the ancient temples in the area and it is 105 kilometers, and takes time for about 2h, from Provincial Town. It is one of the historical sites and buildings. It is located in Koh Village, Kaoh Chiveang Commune, Aek Phnom District.

Barsaet Temple (Battambang)

It is geographically located in Barsaet Villlage, Tapoan commune, Sangke District Battambang Province, and it is about 15 kilometers east of Battambang provincial town. The temple was built in the 11th century between AD 1036 and 1042, during the region of King Suryavarman I who became king around (AD 1002-1050). This temple was seriously damaged, and only the door frame remains. Next to this temple, there is an ancient pond that is 20 meters long by 12 meters wide and 10 meters deep. It holds water all year round. There are more ancient temples and some are untouched ruinous temples in the area.

Phnom Banon (Battambang)

Adapts the architecture of mid 11th century and the end of 12th century the temple was first built by king, Udayadityavarman II (1050-1066) and then was finally built by the king, Jarvarman VII (1181-1219). The temple is located on the top of approximate 400-meter heighten mountain at Kon Tey 2 commune, Banan District in 25-kilometer distance from the provincial town by the provincial Road No 155 parallel to Sangker River. At the mountain's valley, there are Ku Teuk and two main natural wells, namely: Bit Meas and Chhung or Chhung Achey. This Angkor-era mountaintop temple is definitely worth a look. At the top are beautiful views of the winding Sangker River set amidst sugar palm trees, rice fields and small villages. To the south you will see a mountain range that features a crocodile shaped mountain. The temple itself is beautiful looking from the ground as well as the top. The structures are pretty much intact, but unfortunately like so many Khmer ruins, they have fallen victim to massive looting. Still, there are some interesting works to see. There are five temple structures, like Angkor, with the middle being the largest. (Use caution around the entrance to the center structure-there is a large hanging block-a headache-in-waiting for some poor soul). As with Preah Vihear Temple (close to the Thai border in the province of the same name), there are a couple of big guns on the mountaintop next to the ruins. The guns are still pointing down at the surrounding area as they were during the more recent years of the government-Khmer Rouge skirmishes.It's part of the sad irony of Cambodia that a place built for worship, harmony and tranquility was utilized as a place for making war. Looking down the hillside to the southwest you can see more of the ruins. As always, if you go looking around, STAY ON THE WORN PATHWAYS AND TRAILS- there may still be undiscovered landmines.

Prasat Sneung (Battambang)

They are devided into two parts - East Sneung and West Sneung. The East Sneung temple is geographically located in Sneung Pagoda, Sneung Commune and Banan District, and it is about 22 kilometers soutwest of the Battambang provincial town. The temple, constructed of bricks on a hill, is 30 meters long and 20 meters wide. It features three separate shrines and is similar in style to other temples built during the 12th century by king Jayavarman VII (1181-1219 AD). Behind the temple is a newer temple. The West Sneung temple is constructed of sandstone and is located near National Road No 57 (The former National Road 10). To-day these two temples are still in poor condition and they have less been restored.

Prasat Wat Ek Phnom (Battambang)

Situated about 10 km north of the Cobra Bridge are the ruins of Ek Phnom. It was built during the Bayon period and unfortunately is much worse for the wear than Phnom Banan.It?s an interesting place, however, because there is a freshly constructed working temple right in front of the ruins. This temple, along with the temple ruins, is the center of holiday festivities for the people of the nearby village. They dress up in their Sunday best and have a celebration between the old and the new temples and climb all around the ruins with their families. The ruins are on a very small hill so there is no workout involved in viewing them much of the temple is in shambles and was heavily looted. There are still some sitting Buddha images intact higher up on the walls. On the inside is a carving of a tug-of-war with participants tugging away on a serpent. The participants on the left have lost their heads to looters (they lost face), with the guys on the right still having their heads intact.

Ek Phnom is also easy to get to-just head north on the River Road (Road 1) a bit over 10 km (the road north of the Cobra Bridge snakes around a bit, but goes back to the river). As you are getting close to the temple, you will pass over a small concrete bridge. The road beyond will veer off to the right, but the modern temple is there to the left. Enter the new temple grounds and the ruins are located to the rear. Again, a round-trip moto-taxi is about 120 baht from Battambang. Wat Ek Phnom is 11km from Battambang?s ferry landing by the shortest route and 21km if you go via the Pepsi plant and Pheam Ek. Combining both makes for a nice 32km circuit.

It is an atmospheric, partly collapsed, 11th-century temple situated 11km north of Battambang, measures 52m by 49m and is surrounded by the remains of a laterite wall and an ancient baray (reservoir). A lintel showing the Churning of the Ocean of Milk can be seen above the east entrance to the central temple, whose upper flanks hold some fine bas-reliefs. Construction of the giant Buddha statue next door has been stopped by the government because, they say, it mars the site's timeless beauty. This is a very popular picnic and pilgrimage destination for Khmers at festival times. 13km north of Battambang is Wat Ek Phnom, an impressive but extremely dilapidated temple situated next to a large pond and is behind a contemporary 28m high Buddha statue. Built during the 11th century, supposedly in 1029 under the reign of King Sorayak Varman II (1002-1050), today it has been mostly reduced to ruins and visitors have to climb over fallen masonry and huge blocks of stone in order to traverse the grounds. Because of this, and its tranquil setting, It is a must for anyone visiting the Battambang area as it actually gives you the impression that you're discovering a forgotten temple

Nokor Bachey Temple (Kompong Chham)

It is a cultural and historical site. It is located 2.2 kilometers from Kampong Cham provincial town along National Road 7, about 122 kilometers northeast of Phnom Penh. Visitors traveling from Phnom Penh will see the gate to the pagoda on the right. The temple was built in the middle of the 11th century, during the reign of Suryavarman II and King Ouphey dedecating to Brahmanism. The temple is about 200 meters inside the gate. The site is accessibleto almost all types of vehicles.The famous place of Nokor Bachey Temple, Kampong Cham is a wonderful place to visit in the country of Cambodia. The province of Kampong Cham is brimming with wonderful scenic spots along with several historical monuments. Nokor Bachey Temple, Kampong Cham is one such treasure of the province. The historical spots of this province are ancient and have their own history to narrate. The Nokor Bachey Temple, Kampong Cham can be easily accessed from the provincial town of Kampong Cham. You will have to take the national Road No 7 that links Phnom Penh and Kampong Cham. Any type of vechiles can access the Nokor Bachey Temple in Kampong Cham as it is situated along the national highway. The Nokor Bachey Temple, Kampong Cham can be divided into four distinct buildings that have been named as long buildings.

The first long building of Nokor Bachey Temple of Kampong Cham is 421 meters and 371 meters in dimension made of laterite stones. The height is of 9 meters and length is of 2.4 meters. Most part of this building is destroyed over time. Inside this building you will find structures like Six Lions, Eight dragons and two devils. The Second long building is also a beautiful architectural structure that includes two statues of Te Cho Dam Din, two devils each of1.6-metre in height and two ponds, each having the size of 20 meter. The most significant one is the third long building, where you will find eight-hand statue of Preah Norey located near the entrance. A four-hand statue of Preah Norey is located on the left hand side of the Nokor Bachey Temple, Kampong Cham. Finally comes the fourth long building, which is also made of laterite stone and can be accessed from 12 directions. In the middle of the building you will find a high peak made of sandstone with Buddhist statue. Nokor Bachey Temple is one of the major Tourist Attractions in Kampong Cham. Han Chey Mountain has official name Chey Kiri Mountain located at the East of Kampong Cham province, at the northern part of Mekong River. This resort located at Han Chey village, Han Chey commune, Kampong Siem District in the distance of 18 kilometres by water and 20 kilometres by land. The mountain can be climbed up by 295 beautiful stair steps, and has pagoda and the temple of Kuk made of ancient solid bricks each has seven-square meter size. In addition, there is another temple having square shape made of sandstone located at the North of pagoda; at the valley of the mountain, there is another temple called Pra Sat Neang Khmao made of stones each has seven-square metre size. The mountain of Han Chey has beautiful scenary and also has many visitors; the international visitors who go there as group by boat. Recently, there are many tourist sites which have been found in the province Kampong Cham; but not yet operated for tourists to visit. Along the Mekong River, there are a beautiful bank and island of Pen, which have been needed by the provincial visitors ho visit there during the Khmer New Year festival.

Phnom Han Chey (Kompong Chham)

It lies 20kms north of Kompong Cham city, on the banks of the Mekong River and boasts an interesting collection of ancient prasats and modern-day pagoda buildings. On my recent visit the whole area was heaving with people celebrating the P'chum Ben festival, having travelled from far and wide to join in the ceremonies. My presence was warmly welcomed as the only barang in their midst. The site is also known as Chey Kiri mountain and for the energetic there's a 295 step climb to the top, or for the older visitors like me, there's a couple of drivable roads to the top. Next to the main vihara at the pagoda of Wat Han Chey, sat on the summit of the mountain and surrounded by gorgeous views of the Mekong, is an unusual square sandstone cella with a series of well-defined carvings. Above the only door to the cella is a narrow lintel which shows two images of the reclining Vishnu, though surprisingly there's no Ananta, the snake on which Vishnu usually lies. the two images are arranged as decorative elements along with three medallions on what is believed to be a pre-Angkorean structure, most likely from the 7th century. At the foot of the cella are miniature stylized representations of a larger temple, almost in the style of the 'flying palaces' of Sambor Prei Kuk, where a similar cella resides. Other imaginary animals appear in a decorative frieze around the base too. A larger stupa-styled concrete pinnacle has been added to the top of the cella. Altogether an unusual and interesting 'find' at Wat Han Chey. There are other historical elements to Han Chey, as there are more modern and garish monuments.

Prey Norkor Knong-Krau Temple (Kompomg Chham) 

Is an ancient site located at the Southeast of Kampong Cham province, at Prey Nor Kor village, Daun Tey Commune, Ponhea Krek district in the distance of 42 Kilometers from the provincial town of Kampong Cham. Prey Nor Kor Knong-Krau temple can be accessible by the National Road No 7 and turn right by a trail at Dam Nak Cha village. This resort has five trails at the public gathering place of Daun Tey Commune such as: - The trail at the public gathering place of Knar has six-kilometre distance. - The distance from the main road to Preah Theat is five kilometers. - he distance from the main road to Preah Theat is five kilometers. The distance from the trail to Dam Nak Cha is 10 Kilometres. - The distance from Poan Chrey to Prey Nor Kor Knong is 5.3 Kilometres. The resort of Prey Nor Kor Knong-Krau temple is the gathering place where the local people and tourists meet each other for enjoying popular games and religious purpose during the traditional festival. The Temple of Prey Nor Kor has the same form to the temple of Sam Bour Prey Kuk, and it was built in the 9th century. Until the assassinated plan set up by the princess of Kun Bot he had mobilized troop to fight successfully against the princess. Prey Nor Kor Knong-Krau temple has 2500-square meter landarea consisting of: - Thum Temple: Located on high hill of the Khoeun of present temple. It included three temples made of solid brick: one at the left was completely damaged and other two temples remain good forms. Inside these two temples, there are some statues and broken ancient objects remain. The local people believe that the temples have been protected and maintained by sacred spirit if tourists would like to photograph the two temples, they should light incense to pray for allowance first otherwise the picture of the two temples do not appear in their cameras.- Preah Theat Temple: Located at the East of Thum temple. It included six temples, which were damaged by war. At the present, there is one temple remains but it is almost collapsed because of digging in search of treasure. - Preay Theat Pond: Located at the Northeast of the Thum temple. At that time, there was a Pond called Ku Teuk. - Koh An Det or Kor Prak (30 meter length by 20 meter width): or another name called Sras Toem located at the North of the village. - Tum Nup or Kam Pheng Poat Chum Vinh: Located around the city of Prey Nor Kor Knong-Krau and was planted the complex and inaccessible wild bamboo. - This dam has approximate 10-metre height, 15-metre vertical angle, and square angle; each angle has 2,500 Metres. Some parts of the dam have been damaged.

Phnom Da (Kompong Chhnang)

Visit Kampong Chhnang with your friends and relatives for a peaceful holiday. On your visit to Kampong Chhnang you can spend some time in the lap of Mother Nature. This town which is also the capital of Kampong Chhnang Province is toured by tourists from various parts of the world. There are plenty of tourist attractions in Kampong Chhnang. One of the leading tourist attractions of the town is the Phnom Da, Kampong Chhnang. Visiting Phnom Da, Kampong Chhnang will be a lifetime experience for you. Phnom Da located in Kampong Chhnang is the popular nature wildlife preserves. Phnom Da in Kampong Chhnang is nestled in the Kompong Leng District.During your visit to the Phnom Da, Kampong Chhnang you can refresh your minds in tranquil surroundings. There are big shady trees in the Phnom Da, Kampong Chhnang. You can also find birds in this area.Getting to Phnom Da, Kampong Chhnang is very easy. The provincial town is sited at a distance of about 28 kilometers from Phnom Da Location: Description: Nature Wildlife Preserves, Location: Da Village, Da Commune, Kompong Leng District.

Phnom San Touch: It is a natural site located at Santouch village, Sre Thmei commune, Rolea Paear district, about 3 kilometers north of the provincial town. Points of the interest at this site include a large stone related to Khmer legend, beautiful scenery that is popular with photographers and filmmakers and a panoramic view of the Great Lake Tonle Sap. On the hilltop, there is an old Chinese temple, where visitors like to relaxe.If you are in the beautiful country of Cambodia to send a memorable vacation with your family and friends, then you must not miss to the Tourist Attractions in Kampong Chhnang. Phnom San Touch, Kampong Chhnang happens to be one of the most popular tourist sites in thecountry. The Phnom San Touch, Kampong Chhnang is noted for its uniqueness and scenic beauty. You will have to cover a distance of about 3 kilometers from the provincial town or about 94 kilometers from Phnom Penh to reach the Phnom San Touch resort. Phnom San Touch, Kampong Chhnang is a beautiful cultural and natural resort that provides tourists and local people much comfort and relaxation from the daily hectic schedules of ones life.The local people usually visit Phnom San Touch for its tranquility, peacefulness and strategic location. There are many big rocks related to Cambodian folk legend here. The place is so scenic that you many films have set their stories and performance of songs in the Phnom San Touch, Kampong Chhnang. You will get to see a stunning view of the Kampong Chhnang Province from the Phnom San Touch resort.

Phnom Ta Reach: It is the natural and historical site related to the Pol Pot time (1977-197). The site is located at Phnom Touch village, Pong Ro Commune, Ro Lea Pha Ear District in 10 Kilometer distance from the provincial town or 101-Kilometer distance from Phnom Penh by the National Road No 5, then turning left by the Road via the new airport. Phnom Ta Reach, the place where Pol Pot forced prisoners to carve the mountain rock having 200-meter length, 2.8-meter width and six-meter height. In a large space, there are many small concrete apartments.There is also a big and small hill covered with palm trees. Fresh air is abundant. This area can attract tourists to visit during the festival days.

Prasat Kampong Preah: It is in Kompong Chhnang province, and we can go there by bike and car. It is geographically locatedat at Wat kampong Preah, Chhnuk Tru Commune, Boribo District, in eight-Kilometers in distance from Kompong Chhnang provincial town. It is an ancient temple dating back to 8th century AD. It is a Pre-Angkorian artistic style. It is a Hindu temple and dedicated to Hindu-God. It was made of brick, laterite and sandstone.

Prasat Slut Tey (Kompong Chhnang): It is geographically located in Prasat Village, Da Commune, kompong Leng District, it is about 27 kilometers, and it takes time for approximately an hour and 30 minutes, from Kompong Chhnang Provincial Town. It is a real historical site and building. It is made out of natural sandstone and the foundation and wall are made out of laterite stone. The doors, doorjams, windows and pillasters are made out of sandstone. This temple has largely been untouched and lost in the tropical rained forest for centuries and it has never ever been restored yet. To-day, it is in the poor conditioned state as it was firstly found. It really need to be restored so that to give visitors a better understanding or its origianal state. It is an ancient temple among the temples in this province.

Phnom Santok (Kompong Thom): It is a cultural and natural site located in Ko Koh village, Ko Koh commune, Santuk district, about 17 kilometers south of Kampong Thom provincial town. The site include four mountains: Phnom Srah Kmao or Phnom Tbeng, Phnom Penhum or Phnom Kraper, Phnom Champa and Phnom Santuk. Since the ancient time to the present, Phnom Santuk Mountain has been called in many names as below:

  • Phnom Thom (in history)
  • Phnom Arth Santuk (In history)
  • Phnom Chorm Chong Kiri
  • Phnom Krop Tuk
  • Phnom Preah Bat Chann Tuk

The ancient heritages on the top of the mountain:

  • Many Buddha statues were carved from great mountain rock including three big Buddha statues reaching Nirvana, each has more than 10-meter length.
  • Prasat Touch of pyramid shape, made of sandstone, has three stories and three-meter height, and is located next to the ancient wooden temple (presently, it is made of cement) with a rectangular pond (10m x 4m).
  • Preah Bat Chann Tuk statue was carved on the stone shaped as food of a sacred human, and there are many other small sculptures. By the stories, the construction and the statues were erected during the reign of Preah Ponhea Dharma Reacha (1474-1494) and have been maintained until now.

Phnom Santuk has changed names to Chorn Chong Kiri and Phnom Krop Tuk. Chan Dare or Chan Chare are called two pieces of stone by local people that join all together in marked symbol and made in small hole, the passenger arrived there, they always dropped cash coins (ancient coins) into this small hole. When cash coins was dropped in, it make soft weak voice like a voice of the birds sing or music with happiness. So they did that since ancient period.

Prasat Andet: is located about 27 kilometers northwest of Provincial Town of Kampong Thom, in Prasat Village, Sankor Commune, Kampong Svay District, Kampong Thom Province. The temple was built in second half of 7th century (627-707) during the reign of king Jayavarman I to dedicate to God Hirihara, in Kampong Preah style and made of brick with masonry, laterite and sandstone. Prasat Andet had isolated plan, built on a 5.30-meter height artificial hill, and was form in rectangular shape with 7.50-meter length, 5.50-meter width and 1-meter thick (interior to exterior). It was facing to the East. The lintel of Prasat Andet was carved in the garlands and carefully done in the traditional khmer style. The coronet (2.22 lengths) was ornamented around by the rings decorated, and at between of the rings we decorated with garland and bulb flowers surrounded, which are joining each other by the end of the decorations. In original former time, this temple contained Harihara Statue standing on a decorative royal throne, and the statue was brought to be kept at Phnom Penh National Museum. The Harihara statue is a body side?s Siva and another body side?s Vinu. The framed door had 1 m width, 2m height and 0.20m thick. On the northern framed door, we saw the marks of a cloven hoof of tiger cat that used to go to the upper box of the door, which remained the marks until now.

Prasat Kok Rokar: is located in Rokar Phum, Srayov Commune, Stung Sen District, Kampong Thom province in a 14-km distance from Provincial Town of Kampong Thom. The temple was built of sandstone and laterite in Khleng style at the end of 11th century during the reign of king Suryavarman I to dedicate to Siva.This isolated sanctuary (dimension: 6m x 5m; 8m height) was built on the hill and faced to the east. The body of the central temple has conical form with porches opening to the east, and a door reached from the eastern entrance (three other doors were the false doors). The diamond column has octagonal forms, and the three lintels have various forms. Based on the study to the site, the sanctuary was formed in rectangular shape. The outside rampart has 25m x 25m size and Gopura from the four directions which jointed to the surrounding laterite rampart. Outside the rampart, there were likely moats surrounded as we saw some marks remain until now. In observation to the temple?s court, there were lintels and inscriptions available at the surrounding. The lintels has various style some in Sambor Prei Kuk, some in Prei Khmeng and some in Kulen style etc. This didn?t mean that the artists built the mixed styles. According to the elderly resident there said that during the French colony in Cambodia, these ancient objects were brought from other temples to gather here in preparing to break into small parts that would then be used to pave the roads, but they didn?t construct the roads yet due to the war happened in the Country that why these ancient objects remained there. On the hill 1km from the temple, where they held midnight ceremony every full moon day with making virgin girls dancing around the fired place to pray for the rain. This ceremony could be participated by virgin girls only.

Prasat Kuhak Nokor: is located in Trodork Poung Village, Pong Ror Commune, Baray District, Kampong Thom Province and is in the complex of Wat Kuhak Nokor (Buddhist Pagoda). To reach there, passenger can take all kinds of vehicle on National Road 6, then turn west through the gate of Kuhak Nokor pagoda in a distance of 2km. It is 79km from Provincial Town of Kampong Thom. These sanctuaries were built on the flat ground, on a square terrace made of laterite and sandstone facing to the East with the rampart surrounding. This rampart has a 35m-length (East to West) and a 25m-width (North to South). There is surrounding rampart of one meter height and 0.8 meter thick with two gateways: Eastern gateway is 9m height divided into 3 rooms, and western gateway is small and has square shape. The structures of the buildings are mixed, made of laterite and the decoration of sandstone. East of the temple, there are 2 ponds-the small one has about one-meter depth,45-meter length and 20-meter width, and the big one has 160-meter length, 88-meter width and more than one-meter depth.

Prasat Kuhak Nokor comprises:

  • The throne is square shape, made of sandstone and decorated by lotus flowers and pointed-diamond style, and has square hole at the middle.
  • A male standing statue remains from thigh to shoulder.
  • A male standing statue remains from thigh to the navel. A male coiling statue is difficult to be identified as the statue broke the end of the arm and the sole of the foot (local people called the statue ?Neak Ta Bark Kor?.

Prasat Kuhak Nokor was built in 10th -11th century by the king Suryavarman I (1002-1050). But in the same year (1002), another document said there was a king named Preah Bat Jayviravarman who who was also on throne (1002-1010). The two kings claimed that they were on throne at the same year, this leading to war between king and king until 1006. Then the king Suryavarman I conquered Yasodharpura city, however the war still lasted for 04 years to end. In 1010, the king Suryavarman I gained success over the entire territory and had full power in the country.

Sambo Preykuk (Kompong Thom): It is a cultural and historical site located in Sambo village, Sambo commune, Prasat Sambo district, about 25 kilometers northeast of Kampong Thom provincial town. The site was once an old capital named Isanapura and a religious center for the worship of Shiva Brahmanism. Many temples were built in Sambo Preykuk during the reign of King Isanavarman I (AD 616- 635) in the 7th century. The temples of Sambo Preykuk constructed of solid brick, laterite and sandstone and decorated by bas-reliefs. The lintel, pillars and the door frames are all made of sandstone. So far, 140 temples have been discovered in the forest. Sambor Prei Kuk, located near Kompong Thom, 150km south-east of Siem Reap, lies off the main road towards Cambodia?s capital Phnom Penh. Kompong Thom is a sleepy little town. The only hive of activity was the market place next to the Stung Sen River where we bought some brown palm sugar and Cambodian fragrant rice. The local ?taxi? was actually an open-air wooden cart pulled by an antiquated motorbike. Its owner was an elderly man wearing spectacles with thick lenses. The journey to Sambor Prei Kuk was interesting in itself. We saw no other vehicles other than a lone villager cycling into town, his bicycle laden with hand-made straw baskets. Our van kicked up thick red dust as we sped on the laterite road. A woman scrubbing her clothes nearby was oblivious to the dust that swept over her.

Prasat Chong Srok (Prey Veng): Chong Srok temple is located in Chong Srok village, Chong Srok commune, Srei Sithar Kandal district, about 38 kilometers north of Prey Veng provincial town. Chong Srok temple was built of brick and sandstone in the 7th century. It was built on a high ground in a field of palm trees near a koki tree. Although much of the temple has been destroyed, there remains a sandstone statue of a bull, once revered as a powerful Bodhisattva, or a Buddhist deity. Beside the three sites, there are 15 other worship sites for visitors to explore:

  • Vihear Kandal in Kampong Trabek district
  • Vihear Prey Cha Riek in Kampong Trabek district
  • Vihear Prey Vear in Kampong Trabek district
  • Kampong Trabek Stupa
  • Wat Kdei Troap in Preah Sdech district
  • Wat Krang Svay in Preah Sdech district
  • Kdei Ang or Ang Chumnit in Preah Sdech district
  • Vihear Preah Sena in Preah Sdech district
  • Wat Viang ptan in Preah Sdech district
  • Vihear Hor in Preah Sdech district
  • Preah Poan in Preah Sdech district
  • Vihear in Preah Sdech district
  • Preah Vihear Kuk in Ba Phnom district
  • Preah Vihear Cham or Chan Ba Phnom
  • Preah Theat Me Bon in Prey Veng district Animists in Prey Veng province go to these sites to worship. The sites are also gathering points for local people.Prey Chong Srok is one of the best Prey Veng Tourist Attractions. This is a beautiful local temple which is used by the locals as a place for worship. The Prey Chong Srok Temple, Prey Veng has lots of religious as well as historical importance. The travelers should visit this temple as they will get to know more about the history of the place and their religious traditions from here.

Prey Chong Srok Temple is regarded as one of the best religious sites of the province. The architecture of the Prey Chong Srok Temple in Prey Veng is praiseworthy. The temple is situated about 50 kilometers from the provincial town and can be reached by special tourist buses or rented cars. The tourists are awestruck at the picturesque beauty of the place. Locals visit this temple regularly for praying. The residents of nearby village at times drop in to worship here. The exact location of the Prey Chong Srok Temple, Prey Veng is in the Boeng Chor Village in the Prey TorToeng Commune in Sithorkandal district. The temple is one of the best in the country. The Prey Chong Srok Temple, Prey Veng is an amazing destination. The ride to the temple is worth remembering as the sceneries of the outskirts of Prey Veng province is very beautiful.

Nokor Phnom (Prey Veng): It is geographically located in Roung Dam Rei Village, Cheung Phnom Commune, Ba Phnom District, it is about 45 kilometers and takes time for about 1h:30 minutes, from Prey Veng Provincial Town. It is a Nature & Wildlife Preserves.
Prey Veng is quite a sleepy Cambodian province, that just happen to have one of the countries busiest highways running straight through it-National Highway No 1, which links Phnom Penh and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam. It is a small but heavily populated agricultural region located on the east banks of the mighty Mekong. The name of the province means literally tall forest, but actually doesn't refer in any case to lush forests as most of them were chopped down in the past 30-50 years. Also rubber played once a big economical role in this province, but since the war took over the country the plantations are no longer commercially viable.There are little places of significance to see nowadays, but during the pre-Angkorian times it must have been one of the most populated and lively areas of the country. One of the earliest pre-Angkorian kingdoms was located in the area around Ba Phnom.

Prey Chong Srok Temple (Prey Veng): It is located in Boeng Chor Village, Prey TorToeng Commune, Sithorkandal Distic, about 50 km (2h) From Provincial Town. It is a Historical Sites & Buildings. Prey Veng is quite a sleepy Cambodian province, that just happen to have one of the countries busiest highways running straight through it-National Highway No 1, which links Phnom Penh and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam. It is a small but heavily populated agricultural region located on the east banks of the mighty Mekong. The name of the province means literally tall forest, but actually doesn't refer in any case to lush forests as most of them were chopped down in the past 30-50 years. Also rubber played once a big economical role in this province, but since the war took over the country the plantations are no longer commercially viable. There are little places of significance to see nowadays, but during the pre-Angkorian times it must have been one of the most populated and lively areas of the country. One of the earliest pre-Angkorian kingdoms was located in the area around Ba Phnom.

Phnom Preah Theat (Stung Treng): It is located in Thmey Village and Commune, Stung Treng District, about 2 kilometes (5mn) from Provincial Town. It is a Nature Wildlife and Preserves. The Phnom Preah Theat, Stung Treng is one of the natural sanctuaries of Cambodia and happens to be one of the chief tourist attractions in Stung Treng. The Phnom Preah Theat, Stung Treng is situated in the quaint realms of the hamlet better known as Thmey. Tourists flock to the Phnom Preah Theat, Stung Treng to get a glimpse of the dense forests of the reserve as well as its unique and rare wildlife.

In fact, some of the grounds of the Phnom Preah Theat in Stung Treng in Cambodia are so thickly filled with vegetation that it is impossible for the sun's rays to penetrate them. There are some pathways that run across the entire length of the Phnom Preah Theat in Stung Treng. These pathways have been constructed so that tourists can walk through them comfortably as the terrains of the Phnom Preah Theat, Stung Treng are quite 'jungly'. However, tourists are not permitted to walk by themselves. The professional guides of the Phnom Preah Theat, Stung Treng escort them through the jungles. This they do to prevent the tourists from encountering wild beasts or getting entangled with some branch of a tree. So don't start at the slightest rustle of a leaf under your feet because you can be rest assured that your guide won't take you anywhere near a zone that snakes haunt. The conservationists and zoologists of Cambodia and the globe take active measures in the form of breeding programs and feeding programs to prevent the beasts of the Phnom Preah Theat, Stung Treng from reaching the brinks of extinction. The environmentalists and botanists, on the other hand, always look for opportunities so that they can carry out their afforestation measures in the Phnom Preah Theat, Stung Treng. Some of the species of wildlife that the Phnom Preah Theat, Stung Treng is home to are extremely rare and have no chance of survival on this planet unless they avail of the growth and development measures practiced in the Phnom Preah Theat, Stung Treng. For the Phnom Preah Theat, Stung Treng is full of ecosystems and ecological niches that make its environment perfectly compatible for animals to exist. Nearly six years after my previous visit, just off National Road 2 on the way from Phnom Penh to Tonle Bati, I called into Wat Preah Theat. There's a new vihara under construction and if you didn't know it was there, you'd miss the remains of Prasat Preah Theat, as its tucked away at the back of the pagoda compound. The monks were meditating so no-one was around to pump for details, which was a similar story six years ago, so I'm still no further forward in understanding the history behind this temple. Can anyone shine a light on Prasat Preah Theat, located in the Bati district? There's a couple of prasats that go under the same name, so make sure its the Bati one.

Thala Barivat Resort (Stung Treng): is located at Thala Barivat district in 4 kilometers distance from the provincial town. This area can be accessible by going across Se Kong river and Mekong river to the provincial road of Preah Vihear.Thala Baricvat is the historical resort in which the Preah Ko temple built in 7-8 century, made of red bred during the reign of the famous king, Javvarman I. In front of the temple, there is a statue of Preah Ko (sacred cow) available in Cambodia next to the Preah Ko statue, there is a space having 10-squar meter area for playing the game of Viey khil annually, before the Khmer New Year. The game played during four days and three nights. It starts in the afternoon at 2 Oclock and lasts for two hours. The game played during the festival of the ethnic minority of Kouy. There are many small, ancient temples near the Thala Barivat, but most of them, such as Prambuon Lveng temple, Srei temple and Angkor Kmao temple have been heavily damaged over time.

Angkor Borie (Ta Koe): It is a town in the area of several ruins and archaeological digs. The area contains artifacts dating from the Funan (4th/5th century) and Water Chenla (8th century) as well as the later Angkorian period. The prasat ruins on top of nearby Phnom Da are 11th century Angkorian. There is a smalll museum in the town.

 

Chup Pol Temple (Ta keo): It is popularly known as Chu Pol temple, is a coveted tourist spot. Cambodia is famous for its historical sites and edifices and Takeo is no exception. Chup Pol Temple, Takeo is one such structure that throws sufficient light on the historical and cultural aspect of the place. Chup Pol Temple, Takeo is a sacred site and the tourists make sure that they include this site in their travel itinerary. There are several tourist attractions in Takeo and they are broadly divided into historical sites and natural and wildlife preserves. The Chup Pol Temple, Takeo belongs to the category of historical buildings and sites. Chup Pol Temple in Takeo is located in the wonderful Doun Peaeng Village. This village is situated in the Baray Commune region in the Doun Kae District. The reason for the popularity of this site is not just the fact that it is a historical edifice but also because it is very conveniently located. It is one of the tourist attractions in Takeo that is not more than 3 kms from the Provincial town. By car it takes hardly 5 minutes and sometimes tourists also prefer to walk all the way to the temple so that enroute they can study the surrounding locale. Chup Pol Temple is located in Doun Peaeng Village, Baray Commune, Doun Kae District, about 3 kilometers (4mn) from Provincial Town. It is the Historical Sites and Buildings.

Neang Khmao Temple (Ta Keo): It is located in Rovieng commune, Samrong district, off National Road 2, about 27 kilometers north of Takeo provincial town or about 52 kilometers south of Phnom Penh. This temple is inside Wat Neang Khmao. Constructed of sandstone and brick in the style of Koh Ker, the temple was built by King Jayavarman IV (AD 921-941) in the 10th century for the worship of Brahmanism. The site originally consisted of three temples built side by side, however, only two are still standing, and both are heavily damaged. The Neang Khmao Temple, Takeo is considered among the most popular tourist attractions in Takeo. Takeo is a beautiful province in Cambodia, specked with several places of interest that are natural or manmade. There are a number of grand temples in Takeo. Among these temples, the Neang Khmao Temple, Takeo is certainly worth a visit on your tour to Takeo. The Neang Khmao Temple, Takeo is also known as the temple of the Black Virgin. According to legends, this temple might once have been the haven to Kali, the Dark Goddess of Destruction. It is positioned in the yard of Neang Khmao pagoda at Ro Vieng Commune of Sam Roung District in Takeo province. This magnificent temple was built by King Jarman IV during the 10th century. The temple is made of sandstone and brick, following the style of Thmor Koh Keo. However, most parts of the Neang Khmao Temple in Takeo have been damaged over the years. There is a tale related to the Neang Khmao Temple in Takeo. Long time ago, there was a powerful king named Preah Bat Sorya Teyong, who stayed on the Chiso Mountain. One day, his 16-year-old daughter, Neang Khmao, went to Tonle Protron. Present over there was a handsome man, Bandit Srey, who instantly fell in love with her. He exhibited some magic, which made the princess fall in love with him. When the king came to know about this, he ordered that the princess be exiled, for which he built two temples. After being exiled, she met a monk named Keo, and fell in love with him. Later, Keo gave up being a monk to live happily with the princess in the temple. Since then this temple has been called the Neang Khmao Temple, Takeo. The Neang Khmao Temple, Takeo is located 52 kilometer south of Phnom Penh and is at a distance of 26 kilometers from the provincial town of Takeo. Hence, reaching this temple is not a problem at all. Prasat Neang Khmao is located in Rovieng commune, Samrong district, Takeo province. The tale related to this temple is as the following: Then he told his daughter, Neang Khmao to live there. Since then, Princess Neang Khmao was very sad because of exiling and living alone and she never met her sweetheart who she heard nothing. At that time, there was a monk, Keo, who left home land to study magic. He was highly educated. He came back to home land and stayed in a place in Takeo province. The villagers digged a pond for him which was later called Srah Keo ( Keo's pond ) until nowadays. He stayed so long that he became well known in all villages and districts. Having heard that, princess Neang Khmao wanted to meet him in order to know about her sadness and happiness. So she asked the servants to arrange royal seat on elephant's back to salute the teacher Keo. When she arrived she entered to salute the teacher Keo traditionally and she saw all appearances of teacher Keo so she forgot her old sweetheart and fell in love with teacher Keo. Since then the relationship between Princess Neang Khmao and teacher Keo was getting closer and closer that teacher Keo decided to leave from being a monk in order to be a layman to share happiness and pain with princess in the temple. Because of such a tale that it was called Neang Khmao temple until now.

Phnom Bayang is located in Por Rorng village, Preah Bat Choan Chum commune, Kirivong district, about 43 kilometers south of Takeo provincial town or about 121 kilometers south of Phnom Penh. From Phnom Penh, take National Road 2 via Bati, Sam Rong, Daun Keo and Trang districts. Bayang temple was built between AD 615 and 635 by King Pavavarman II on the top of Phnom Bayong, a 313-meterhigh mountain. Its diameter is 13 meters by 9 meters and it is 12 meters high. Constructed of laterite, brick and other stones, it is heavily damaged. Pieces of the temple litter the ground; the roof has collapsed, and the laterite rampart has been damaged.Bayang temple is a historical site that attracts both foreigners and Cambodians doing research about their ancestors. The road to the mountain, however, is old and difficult to access in the thick forest. The temple is reachable by climbing 390 steps. In addition to Bayang, there are four other temples on the mountain-Preah Kor temple, North Kanang temple, East Kanang temple and Kampoul Kanang temple. All are for Brahman worship and contain a Silva lingam. Visitors to the site will come to understand how Cambodian history and culture was influenced by the outside world. Because without access to the mountain, however, the only people who will visit the site are researchers studying Cambodian history.In Kirivong District, there is a stream, Pha Oak, which flows 1,000 meters from its source to where people congregate to swim or bathe. The stream is 6 meters wide during the rainy season and 2 meters wide during the dry season. The sound of the water falling from the mountaintop is almost musical, and the scenery is beautiful.

Phnom Chiso is a historical site located in Sia village, Rovieng commune, Samrong district, about 62 kilometers south of Phnom Penh or 27 kilometers north of Takeo provincial town. To reach the site, take National Road 2 to Bati district and Neang Khmao temple. Turn right at the sign for the site and head down the dirt trial for 5 more kilometers. Phnom Chiso is 13O-meter-high mountain. Phnom Chiso temple was built in the early 11th century by King Suryavarman I (AD 1002-1050), who practiced Brahmanism. Constructed of sandstone and other stones, it is 60 meters long and 50 meters wide and sits atop a mountain. The temple is surrounded by two galleries. The first gallery is 60 meters long on each side. The second, smaller gallery, is in the middle, where there is the main worship place with two doors and a wooden statue. There are beautiful sculptures on the lintel and the pillars. Phnom Chiso Pagoda was built in 1917, destroyed by war during the 1970s and rebuilt in 1979. Behind it is a hall called Thammasaphea, kof and a worship place. There is an ancient water tank made of concrete. People usually climb the staircase on the west side of the mountain, which has 390 steps and descend by the south side staircase, which has 408 steps. Another set of stairs in front of the temple links the temple to Sen Chhmos temple, Sen Phouvang temple and Tonie Om, a lake considered sacred by Brahmans and used for washing away sins. A large rock yard nearby about 100 meters long and 80 meters was once the site of several other temples, but only parts of these temples remain standing. In addition, there is a mountain cave, Vimean Chan, located about 150 meters south of the temple. It is a quiet place for Brahmans or ascetics to meditate. During the Americans' war with Vietnam, the site was bombed, dislodging several large rocks that block the entrance to the cave today. Hun Sen Phnom Chiso Agricultural and Tourist site is located in Samrong, Bati and Prey Kabas districts. It includes a 513 hectare paddy rice field of dry rice, a 1,386 hectares field of wet rice and three water basins - Thnos Ta Kong, Tuol Lork and Sen Pea Ream. Phnom Chiso is very popular with visitors, especially during festivals, when it is very crowded. The top of the mountain affords visitors a panoramic view of Takeo Province rice paddies stretching for kilometers.

Phnom Da is located in Prek Ta Phor village, Kork Thalork commune, Angkor Borei district, about 24 kilometers east of Takeo provincial town by water canal or about 102 kilometers south of Phnom Penh by the road. This part of the country is flooded six months of the year, during the rainy season, and dry the rest of the year.Phnom Da is a cultural, historical site that has been renovated to provide visitors a place to relax or research Cambodian history. The scenery is beautiful all year. In the rainy season, there is a vast water basin that produces lush, green rice paddies during the dry season. Phnom Da temple was built on the top of a small hill in 6th century by King Rutravarman, who reigned during the Norkor Phnom period, according to the French historian Mibreno. The temple is 12 meters square and 18 meters high. It was constructed of laterite, brick and sandstone. A Brahman temple, it faces north towards Norkor Kork Thalork, which was the capital of Nokor Phnom at the time the temple was built. There is no rampart.

The temple's peak is damaged, and a sculpture depicting the story of Churning of the Ocean of Milk(Cambodian calls Ko Samutra Teuk Dos) has been broken into two parts. A lintel illustrates the figure of sleeping Vishnu. There are false doors on three sides and a real door that opens on the north side. In the flank of the hill are five man-made caves that reflect the style of Phnom Da, which is similar to India style. In each cave, there is a Shiva lingam and Uma yoni, objects that Brahmans worship. During the Pol Pot regime, between 1975 and 1979, the caves were used as cremation places by the Khmer Rouge. About 300 meters southwest of the temple is another smaller temple known as Asrom Moha Eysei. Built at the end of the 6th century in Zhenla Period, during the reign of King Pavavarman I, the temple has five windows and two doors. It is 5.5 meters square and 7 meters high, it is built in the Indian style and features a double wall of basalt that faces north.In 1992, a number of clergymen and nuns built a pagoda south of the hill. It is called Phnom Da pagoda.Nearly three decades of war have left the road from Phnom Chiso to Angkor Borei district in poor condition; during the rainy season, flooding makes it impassable. Nevertheless, the site attracts foreign tourists and many Cambodians interested in researching Cambodian history during the Koh Kork Thlork Period.After 1979, the Takeo provincial authority constructed a canal, Canal 15, which links Takeo provincial town to Angkor Borei district. This has made access easier since the road between Angkor Borei and Phnom Da is still difficult to travel, especially during the rainy season, when it floods.

Ta Prohm Tonle Bati: This temple, adapted from Bayon Style, was built during the late 12th and early 13th centuries, during the reign of King Jayavarman VII (AD 1181 - 1120) as a place of worship for Brahmans and Buddhists. The temple is 42 meters long, 36 meters wide and 11 meters high. Today the temple body, the gallery, the wal, the (gateway) and the moat surrounding the temple are heavily damaged. The temple was constructed of brick and laterite and devided into many rooms. The outsite wall is decorated with bas-reliefs illustrating the Brahman story about the celestial nymph. Insite the temple are five rooms and a 13th century Buddha statue that faces east.Ta Prohm is the modern name of a temple at Angkor, Cambodia, built in the Bayon style largely in the late 12th and early 13th centuries and originally called Rajavihara . Located approximately one kilometre east of Angkor Thom and on the southern edge of the East Baray near Tonle Bati, it was founded by the Khmer King Jayavarman VII as a Mahayana Buddhist monastery and university. Unlike most Angkorian temples, Ta Prohm has been left in much the same condition in which it was found: the photogenic and atmospheric combination of trees growing out of the ruins and the jungle surroundings have made it one of Angkor's most popular temples with visitors. After ascending the throne of Cambodia in 1181 A.D., Jayavarman VII embarked on a massive program of construction and public works. Rajavihara ("royal temple"), today known as Ta Prohm ("ancestor Brahma"), was one of the first temples founded pursuant to that program. The stele commemorating the foundation gives a date of 1186 A.D. The temple's main image, representing Prajnaparamita, the personification of wisdom, was modelled on the king's mother. The northern and southern satellite temples in the third enclosure were dedicated to the king's guru and his elder brother respectively. As such, Ta Prohm formed a complementary pair with the temple monastery of Preah Khan, dedicated in 1191 A.D., the main image of which represented the Bodhisattva of compassion Lokesvara and was modelled on the king's father.

The temple's stele records that the site was home to more than 12,500 people (including 18 high priests and 615 dancers), with an additional 80,000 souls in the surrounding villages working to provide services and supplies. The stele also notes that the temple amassed considerable riches, including gold, pearls and silks. Expansions and additions to Ta Prohm continued as late as the rule of Srindravarman at the end of the 13th century. After the fall of the Khmer empire in the 15th century, the temple of Ta Prohm was abandoned and neglected for centuries. When the effort to conserve and restore the temples of Angkor began in the early 20th century, the ?cole fran?aise extreme-Orient decided that Ta Prohm would be left largely as it had been found, as a "concession to the general taste for the picturesque." According to pioneering Angkor scholar Maurice Glaize, Ta Prohm was singled out because it was "one of the most imposing [temples] and the one which had best merged with the jungle, but not yet to the point of becoming a part of it". Nevertheless, much work has been done to stabilize the ruins, to permit access, and to maintain "this condition of apparent neglect." As of 2010, however, it seems authorities have started to take a more agressive approach to restoration. All the plants and shrubs have been cleared from the site and some of trees are also getting removed. A crane has been erected and a large amount of building work is underway to restore the temple, with much of the work seemingly just rebuilding the temple from scratch as at other sites. Wooden walkways, platforms, and roped railings have been put in place around the site which now block some of the previously famous postcard photo opportunities. The design of Ta Prohm is that of a typical "flat" Khmer temple (as opposed to a temple-pyramid or temple-mountain, the inner levels of which are higher than the outer). Five rectangular enclosing walls surround a central sanctuary. Like most Khmer temples, Ta Prohm is oriented to the east, so the temple proper is set back to the west along an elongated east-west axis.

The outer wall of 1000 by 650 metres encloses an area of 650,000 square metres that at one time would have been the site of a substantial town, but that is now largely forested. There are entrance gopuras at each of the cardinal points, although access today is now only possible from the east and west. In the 13th century, face towers similar to those found at the Bayon were added to the gopuras. Some of the face towers have collapsed. At one time, moats could be found inside and outside the fourth enclosure. The three inner enclosures of the temple proper are galleried, while the corner towers of the first enclosure form a quincunx with the tower of the central sanctuary. This basic plan is complicated for the visitor by the circuitous access necessitated by the temple's partially collapsed state, as well as by the large number of other buildings dotting the site, some of which represent later additions. The most substantial of these other buildings are the libraries in the southeast corners of the first and third enclosures; the satellite temples on the north and south sides of the third enclosure; the Hall of Dancers between the third and fourth eastern gopuras; and a House of Fire east of the fourth eastern gopura. Ta Prohm has few narrative bas-reliefs. One explanation that has been proffered for this dearth is that much of the temple's original Buddhist narrative artwork must have been destroyed by Hindu iconoclasts following the death of Jayavarman VII. At any rate, some depictions of scenes from Buddhist mythology do remain. One badly eroded bas-relief illustrates the "Great Departure" of Siddhartha, the future Buddha, from his father's palace.[5] The temple also features stone reliefs of devatas (minor female deities), meditating monks or ascetics, and dvarapalas or temple guardians. The trees growing out of the ruins are perhaps the most distinctive feature of Ta Prohm, and "have prompted more writers to descriptive excess than any other feature of Angkor." Two species predominate, but sources disagree on their identification: the larger is either the silk-cotton tree (Ceiba pentandra) or thitpok Tetrameles nudiflora, and the smaller is either the strangler fig (Ficus gibbosa). or Gold Apple (Diospyros decandra). Indulging in what might be regarded as "descriptive excess," Angkor scholar Maurice Glaize observed, "On every side, in fantastic over-scale, the trunks of the silk-cotton trees soar skywards under a shadowy green canopy, their long spreading skirts trailing the ground and their endless roots coiling more like reptiles than plants."

Yeay Pov Temple (Ta Keo): is behind Wat Tonle Bati, about 100 meters from Ta Prohm temple. Constructed of sandstone in the 12 century, it is 7 meters square and faces east. Apart from the temple is a house on the bank of Tonle Bati, about 200 meters from the temple, that once was used by the royal family during holidays. Today this place houses the offices of Bati Tourism Company, which controls the 9.3 hectare site. The company has erected 48 resting cottages with zinc roofs and another 40 cottages with leaf roofs along the riverside. The company has also built nine restrooms, and other restrooms are available at local people's residences. In additional, there is also a natural lake that is 7,000 meters long. During the dry season, the lake is 1,000 meters wide and 1 to 2.5 meters deep. During the rainy season, it swells to 1, 500 meters wide and is about 4 meters deep. There is a fee to enter the site. The cost for cambodian is 1,000 riel (USD0.25) for motobikes and 2,000 riel (USD0.50) for cars. The fee for resting cottages is 5,000 riel (USD1.25) per cottage. Foreigners are charged USD2 per person. Food can be purchased at the site. The site is very popular, attracting 500 to 600 Cambodians and 100 foreign visiter per week. During holidays and festivals, the number of visitors can reach 9,000 per week. The site also provide employment opportunities and a good living for the people of the nearby Thnal Teaksin and Tonle Bati villages.

 

 

 

 

 


 

Documenttary Movies
Photos Gallery
Write reviews
img_8539.jpg
Dear Mr. Tat Sorry for my late answer. But I had a very busy week in the office. Regarding the recommendation ...
img_8497.jpg
Dear Mr. Tat, Yes we are both well, thank you for asking. I would just like to thank you for all the attention you ...
View All...
FOUNDATION

Weather To-day
Find us on Facebook
Our profit from tour-packages contribute directly to the local charity school to support "The poor, homeless, street, disabled, victim, destitute and orphans" in our community (Chongkoasou, Siem Reap). And it also enables us to participate in improving their quality of education, lifestyle, hygienic, clean water, while expecting and promoting cultural traditions and Khmer values.                       As you know that, Cambodia is one of the poorest countries in the world and is still facing the current problems surrounding poverty.