Preah Theat Thom Temple (of Banteay Prei Nokor)

Located within the large ancient area of Banteay Prei Nokor, and inside the monastery grounds of Wat Prei Angkor Knoung Sdech Kan, Prasat Preah Thom features two standing brick temples located directly behind the pagoda.

Both temples are made of brick, are on a north-south axis and open to the east but similarities end there.

The north tower is square with pronounced pilasters and arched pediment above its entrance and its also doors on it other sides. The styling is repeated as it rises up with three false levels tapering in size as they go. It is not rich with carving but features elaborate brickwork. Inside you’ll notice the u shaped shelves at waist height on the walls.

The south tower is elongated and plain sided bar slightly emphasized pilasters on the rear wall, strongly emphasized pilasters on the front entrance, while not enough remains of its upper levels to truly know its original form. Inside the walls are plain with a small pedestal placed beside a water spout that leads out through the wall of the temple. A decayed sandstone lintel sits at its entrance.

The monastery grounds are quite beautiful featuring many trees, statues, a giant reclining Buddha, and even a rubber plantation. From the reclining Buddha, there is a 200 m or trail that leads to the other ancient temple Preah Theat Toch.

The monks (at the time a Khmer American, Bill) and abbot here are very friendly and were kind enough to show me around the site for which I am very thankful!

Reaching the site is easy, there is/was a sealed road leading out of Kandaol Chrum that at the time of visiting was under reconstruction (early 2022) and there are several dirt roads leading into the larger Banteay Prei Nokor area.

Rodney Charles LHuillier

Living in Asia for over a decade and now residing in beautiful Siem Reap - Contact via rod@helloangkor.com - more..