Kuk Temple

The partially standing remains of a single brick temple. Whilst not much is left, it’s still intriguing. Only the front eastern wall and part of the north and south wall remain. It would have likely had a forebody extending its eastern entrance with some remnants seen. The forebody would have had a raised floor or steps to match the narrow and raised doorway. Above the door, you can see a sandstone support lintel underneath the embossed section of brickwork, an unfinished art feature similar to what is seen on the north wall.

On the northern wall, the design is a little unique, featuring pilasters that join and form an arched pediment containing an embossed section of brick that never received its final carving, further below and set well down, you can see a small false door. You can also see the beautifully decorated eave.

Getting to this site can be a bit of a challenge, take the wrong path and you’ll end up on a maze of deep sandy trails that are hard to push through on a moto, a couple of hours were lost on that task. On the way out I found another trail that was far easier. From the major dirt road heading east-west to Pong Tuk, when you get to the very bottom of the U curve the road makes, take the trail heading south which will place you on the western side of the site then when level with the site the trail will head east and there you’ll see it.

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..