Also known as Wat Phnom Bei, it’s located at the foothill of Phnom Kulen and to the northwest of Beng Mealea temple and features a contemporary pagoda located atop a natural rise with spectacular views across the massif of Kulen and the surrounding plains and hills.
On an adjacent rise, an arrangement of rocks forming a stupa can be seen. Some of the stones feature carvings but I am unsure as to how old they may be, a boulder also appears to have relief but without any definition. This arrangement of rocks apparently has a nearby counterpart that is still standing and complete, also, there is apparently a natural rock depression that is heralded as a Buddha footprint (see Les sites archéologiques de la région du Bhnam Gulen p 38, site 69). So, there is for sure a bit more to know about the site which I’ll hopefully find out.
Along the way and nearby to the monastery, there’s the Cave of Five Buddhas, a rockface from which buddhas have been carved with a shelter also offering beautiful views of the natural landscape.
Notes: As of 01/23, the road leading to the site is undergoing an upgrade and widening. It’s now quite easy to access the site.
Map
Site Info
- Site Name: Preah Bat Phnom Bei Khmer Name: ព្រះបាទភ្នំបី
- Reference ID: HA12994 | Posted: January 18, 2021 | Last Update: January 22nd, 2023
- Other Names: វត្តភ្នំបី, Wat Phnom Bey
- Tags/Group: Kulen, Temples, Wat
- Location: Siem Reap Province > Svay Leu District > Boeng Mealea Commune > Boeng Mealea Village
- MoCFA ID: 1969
- IK Number: 558.18
