Prasat Sampeau

Also known as Sampov Temple and Prasat Sampeou (ប្រាសាទ​សំពៅ), it is located 22km northwest of Siem Reap and 16km northwest of Angkor Wat. It was built in the era of King Jayavarman VII (reign 1181–1218 AD).

It is one of the many “firehouses” that lined the northwest Royal Road leading from Angkor Thom to Prasat Phimai (now part of Thailand). They can also be found along the ancient road that led from Angkor to Preah Khan of Kampong Svay.

Their function is still debated although they are widely thought to be part of the larger rest area, for soldiers, pilgrims, and royalty, who travelled these roads. Their function, from which their typology arises, is thought to be the house of fire, preserving the sacred flame.

Gallery 2024

Gallery 2020

Historical Notes

The first historical notes come from Lunet Lajonquiere, 1901

Prasat Sampou (The boat-shaped sanctuary). – This name is given to a monument of the Teap Chei type, located about 2.5 km. NE of Prasat Sralao.

It is a building in limonite presenting all the characteristics of the monuments of this category. It is very well preserved; only the small facade of its vestibule, at east, has collapsed. It measures 4.5 m in width at the western part forming a sanctuary, and 14 meters in total length. The north face has no opening, but a false door in the part which corresponds to the sanctuary; the south face is pierced by five windows framed in sandstone, including one for the eastern vestibule, one for the western sanctuary, and three for the central room; and the latter was also lit by openings made in the upper vault.

The western door is decorated with octagonal columns and a decorative lintel of type III, the central figurine of which had been removed.

Inside there is a linga of the ordinary type, measuring 0.75 in height.