Ta Nhean Khang Kaeut Temple

Also known as Ta Nhean East, it’s a rectangular brick temple located atop the Phnom Bayang mountain range at Kirivong, Takeo. The ancient temple is met by a short walk up the mountain, passing spectacular views that are also overlooked by ancient gods old and new.

It’s a quite large brick temple, opening to the east with a sandstone doorframe that was once topped by a lintel now seen in front of the temple. Around the sides, false doors set into the brickwork with bold pilasters and pediments. The pilasters on the front of the temple still retain some of the original artwork and if you continue looking up you can still continue to see traces of relief work in the brick.

Adjacent to the temple is a contemporary monastery and a hall built over a brick monolith featuring an array of sculptures. A little further up is a sculpture in progress that leads to a trail that heads up to the remains of Kampoul Ta Non Temple. North/northwest of the ancient temple is the remains of Ta Nhean East. A short drive away to the west is Preah Ko Temple and Phnom Bayang Temple.

Rodney Charles LHuillier

Living in Asia for over a decade and now residing in beautiful Siem Reap - Contact via [email protected] - more..