Phnom Da Temple

Located atop the mountain in the ancient area of Angkor Borei, Prasat Phnom Da is a well-preserved brick temple. Whilst the Angkor Borei area and several remains here, including the caves sites, date back to the Funan era of the 1st to 6th century, the temple we see today was constructed around the 11th century possibly replacing an earlier site.

It is built on a base of laterite and constructed almost entirely of laterite bar its superstructure being formed in brick. It features a sandstone doorframe and decorated octagonal columns on its entrance, and unusually, it opens to the north. The other sides feature false doors set in stone. The stone masonry is elaborate, emphasizing the base, pilasters, and eaves along with large pediments featuring a beautiful arch formed by a double-headed naga.

Statues originating from here include Harihara, Vishnu, Rama, and Krishna as they were noted by researchers at the time of documenting with these photos taken between 1935 and 1960 – Property of EFEEO via Fonds Cambodge more

Around the mountain, there are several ancient caves used for religious purposes

Nearby, only a short walk away, and not to be missed, is the temple of Asram Moha Russei.

The Angkor Borei Museum – in Angkor Borei there is a museum containing relics from the area see here, and an old colonial building sits adjacent.

Getting to Phnom Da and Angkor Borei – I came from Phnom Penh direction via Road 2 which is under heavy roadworks at the time, in early 2022 but when that’s finished, getting here will be vastly better. Then turning off at Bati heading past Phnom Cambab and Wat Char to Prey Lvea (where the guesthouse there seems to be open for business) and following the sealed road in good condition to Angkor Borei and on to Phnom Da. Getting to Phnom Da by bike or car is OK. Apparently, you can also take a local rice field boat from Takeo city as per the pic below otherwise there is also a boat that heads to the nearby pagoda.

Rodney Charles LHuillier

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