Phnom Veak Temple

Also known as Prasat Phnom Preah Tevakh, the ancient temple is located atop the low mountain with one tall tower built atop a stepped laterite base which also appears as it may have once led to stairs down the mountain on its easter side.

The tower is constructed mostly of laterite although a lot of brickwork has been added likely during repairs to the temple site at some time. The stepped laterite base is approximately 20 m long (east-west) and, as mentioned, appears as though it may have had stairs leading down the mountain. The tower appears it may have had a hall (or mandapa) on the eastern front and recesses in its sidewalls where other temples often feature false doors of sandstone.

At the base of the small mountain, there is a new and beautiful pagoda being constructed (late 2021) and from there you can take a staircase to the top where you’ll find a large modern Buddha statue, several neak ta shelters, and the ancient temple itself. The view from the top looking down across the staircase to the modern temple and countryside beyond is quite pretty.

The Angkor National Museum houses a sandstone piece from here that represents Sumedha hermit (the young Buddha).

Rodney Charles LHuillier

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