Ambaeng Nom Temple

Located around 4 km east of Stoung <> Ta Seng Road from the village of Sakream, Prasat Ambaeng Nom is a three brick temple group. The three temples are aligned on a north-south axis and open to the east. All three of the brick towers are of a similar style although the central tower is much larger than its counterparts.

The feature sandstone doorframes on the eastern opening with false doors set in the brickwork around the other sides. The central tower rises up with four false floors, perhaps more with a tree now having completely and spectacularly overtaken the top. The towers feature a skilful use of brick to emboss features such as the pilasters and eaves to add a grandness to the structure that was enhanced by sandstone elements such as decorated door columns and decorated lintels, fragments of which are still seen.

The north tower and central tower have both been spectacularly overtaken by nature making for quite a sight and well worth the effort to reach the site.

At the rear of the three towers, a pedestal has been excavated, oddly, featuring two elongated slots for receiving a statue or the like.

In the north, there is a large basin and the greater area is mostly farmland in development and some surviving forest area.

Getting there – as of 02/23, the dirt road leading east to the site from Sakream village is in good condition but a little rougher as you near the site, also, the bridge is quite ‘rickety’ but light bikes get across OK, I did see 4WD cross the river. When you near the site, take the trail heading south then east toward the southwest corner of the basin and you’ll see a signposted trail, ignore the “200m” as it’s much further. It’s loose sand and you may want to walk.

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..