Peam Kre Temple (Phnom Kulen)

Located west of Anlong Thom village and north of the main road, Peam Kre features two partially standing brick temples. They are aligned on a north-south axis and open to the east. One of the shrines rose up on a seemingly pyramidal base of decent proportions while the other sat a little lower making for an odd configuration. Remnants of an outer brick wall surround the pair. Nearby the site, according to archeological research, there is a dike that fed the ancient city.

Beside each of the temples, there are a group of sandstone pedestals, all unique from each other which is interesting. The brickwork is also interesting, some fragments seem mortared together which is unusual, or fused by time, I’m not sure. Also notable are the width of the walls, the projection of the pilasters, and some detail that still is retained in the basement moulding which is reminiscent of that seen at Damrei Krap, as highlighted in the historical images.

Southern temple

Northern temple

Historical Notes

Péam Krê located north of the Rohal track in Anlong Thom and approximately 3 km from Anlong Thom. This monument is composed of two brick towers, one of which, the largest, is placed on a large base. Enclosure all around and very clear Cham influence. Most of these monuments are very ruined, what remains is nevertheless sufficient to identify them. Were the subject of a more in-depth survey during the month of April: Rup Arak, Trapan Ron, Prasat Bos Nak, Prasat Chrei, Pr. Anlong Thom.

Rapport de la Conservation d’Angkor, Jacques Lagisquet, April 1936

Historical Images

Via EFEO Fonds Cambodge – dated 1936 and 1937

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..