Kampong Thom Provinicial Museum

The small provincial museum of Kampong Thom holds a collection of beautiful relics from ancient sites in the region including lintels, statues, pedestals, boundary markers, and much more. Some of the pieces originate from the nearby Sambor Prei Kuk, others from the vast number of smaller sites spread across the province, most of which have been lost to time.

There are two very special lintels on display here, one in stunning condition with equally stunning craftmanship depicting Krishna as the central idol originating from the nearby Srei Krup Leak temple. Another standout among the many lintels is one stated to come from C Group of Sambor Prei Kuk featuring Gandharan art that featured across select temples of the period. There is much much more here too including several more lintels mostly from Sambor Prei Kuk sites, interesting late or post-Angkorian Buddha statues, old wooden scripts, inscribed steles, and an array of items still being processed.

There is also a massive wall map of all the ancient sites in the province which is quite interesting. It’s free to visit but expected that you should at least make a donation of a dollar or more, whatever you are comfortable with. It is located along the main road on the northern side of Kampong Thom city.

Rodney Charles LHuillier

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