Phnom Barieng Temple

Located atop a hill about 15km to the northwest of Prasat Sambour Prei Kuk, Prasat Phnom Barieng features the remnants of very ancient brick temple group. A staircase on the northern side and road on the eastern side provide access up the hill where the remains of the temple are seen including two partially standing brick towers overtaken by trees.

The easternmost tower was the central tower which was flanked by two towers set back and to the side by several meters, one on the southwest is partially standing while the northwest tower is lost to time. Sandstone remnants abound, gathered around what remains of the two towers, along the northern edge of the mountain, and inside a contemporary shelter that fronts the central tower. They include several pedestals, some decorated, numerous sandstone plinths, a decorated lintel/frieze, all typical of the 7-8th century, along with an interesting collection of boundary markers that belong to later eras.

Further to the east is another shelter with more sandstone plinths and some exposed brick which is the remains of another shrine, and it’s recorded there was another shrine further down the eastern slope although it is no longer standing.

Heading west, was the location of another shrine where today there is a pagoda with a grand contemporary Buddha statue (built in 1999) and an inscribed stele/plinth is on display (unregistered), plus, a brick paved area, two moonstones (doorstep) and further sandstone plinths. There’s also a pair of wooden Buddhas that are reminiscent of others noted as being centuries old and may share their origin with the boundary markers noted earlier.

Getting there – From Kampong Thom, the main road (219) is sealed and in good condition and from the village of Ta Oak (about 15km past Sambour Prei Kuk) you can take a dirt road heading east, also in good condition, then south then east then south leading to the site.

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..