North Sneng Krabei Temple

Also recorded as Prasat Snaeng Krâbei Khang Cheung, it is a group of three sandstone temples, with an outer enclosure wall of laterite and an entrance pavilion on the east.

The three towers, never fully completed, are built on a common platform aligned north-south with doorways opening to the east. The central tower rises a little taller than its counterparts, although, it is the southern tower that is the most interesting for it is the only of the three that had begun to receive its final decoration.

The southern tower features relief carvings above its eastern doorway and above its false doors on each side, albeit none of them appear finished except that above the east door which has sadly been damaged. That includes pediment and lintel although the southern false door has only a pediment with the lintel no longer in situ.

The southern tower also features two curious outlines of deities on its door frames and oddly, pilasters of differing designs.

The outer wall and entrance pavilion or gopura are made of laterite with the doorframe of sandstone.

Getting to North Sneng Krabei Temple – as of 04/22, there is a dirt trail mostly used by farm tractors leads south off the bitumen road that heads east out of Sra’aem. It is passable by moto but wet weather will make it a challenge. Off this south leading trail there is a short field crossing to reach the temple. A better option is to take the red laterite road leading southwest out of Choam Khsant then join onto the dirt trail that leads to the site. You can keep following that southerly trail towards South Sneng Krabei Temple.

Rodney Charles LHuillier

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