Part of the Han Chey group of temples and this one, sometimes recorded as Han Chey North I, is located by the edge of the Mekong River and dates back to the 7th Century under the reign of King Isanarvarman I during the Chenla era. It has similarities to the temple near Phnom Da, namely Asram Moha Russei, and similar artwork to a small temple in Sambor Prei Kuk, also named Asram Moha Russei.
It measures 7 meters in size, each square 4.5 meters long and 5 meters high and I believe the site was restored in 1994 and perhaps further work in 2005/6 when workers unearthed the base of the second tower and a very decayed statue of Nandin.
Look closely to see the floral artwork and patterns in the pilasters and bands around the temple. On the upper registers, curved molding and niches inset with faces (mostly decayed).
Inside is a pedestal and spout feeding to an external water spout.
Remains of the second temple
It is about 30 minutes drive from Kompong Cham on a motorbike or by car on a sealed road following the river. Afterward, you can head up the hill to the pagoda and see the other ancient sites.
Map
Site Info
- Site Name: Kouk Preah Theat (Pr.) Khmer Name: ប្រាសាទគុកព្រះធាតុ
- Reference ID: HA24059 | Posted: February 15, 2022 | Last Update: March 13th, 2022
- Tags/Group: 7th century, pr, ra, T4, Temples
- Location: Kampong Cham Province > Kampong Siem District > Hanchey Commune > Han Chey Village
