Lbeuk Smaoch Temple

Prasat Lbeuk Smaoch is a temple complex with an unusual layout with the complex being wider than it is long. It features an outer enclosure wall with four gopura at each cardinal point enclosing the central shrines. It is surrounded by a moat and has a large basin further to the east. While the site is largely in rubble, it is a surprisingly pleasant site to visit with a nice road and surrounded by picturesque farmlands.

The three central shrines are built on a common base and aligned on a north-south axis, opening to the east. The central tower appears to rise higher than the others but only the base of the structure remains to be seen with rubble sprawling in all directions. Although, the southern tower having one side wall partly standing gives a pleasant introduction to this being an incredibly ornate site with beautiful decorative carving. It appears the towers were fronted by what may be the remains of two “library” buildings.

Central shrines

Outer wall and gopura

Art and relief work

The site can be accessed easily from Samroang with the turn off to the site here, the dirt road leading to the site from the main road was in great condition as of 09/02/22.

Rodney Charles LHuillier

Living in Asia for over a decade and now residing in beautiful Siem Reap. Rodney Charles L'Huillier has spent over seven years in Cambodia and is the author of Ancient Cambodia (2024) and Essential Siem Reap (2017, 2019). Contact via [email protected] - more..