Spean Thma

Known as Spean Thmor, or Spean Thma (Khmer: ស្ពានថ្ម) in Angkor Archeological Park is an ancient sandstone bridge located west of Ta Keo. It was built on the former path of the Siem Reap River between Angkor Thom and the Eastern Baray and it was rebuilt/constructed sometime between the 13-17th century, officially recorded as the 17th c, as it includes many reused sandstone blocks from a prior temple. Many of the blocks feature carvings that can be attributed to the style of the Bayon era (12-13th c).

Today, the water appears to divert around the bridge in u shape and the water’s edge below the bridge, when the water is low enough, you’ll notice sandstone blocks forming an embankment turning the water away from the bridge. It’s unknown to me if that was a diversion made in the French era or it was the natural course of the river and the bridge that we see handled seasonal water peaks (also meaning the eastern end of the bridge must have been longer than we see today).

Nearby is the Ta Keo Nursery which features a beautiful large waterwheel set in the river. There is also a new road traffic bridge being constructed.

Gallery

It’s interesting to wander around and through the arches taking note of all the different reused blocks and their carvings. Inside one arch you can find an especially interesting block that would make part of a pediment but with crude/unfinished carving in parts which opens up another theory, are the blocks simply “seconds” rather than a dismantled structure?

At least two blocks feature an inscription but I cannot find a record for the translation of these, and there is also part of an Apsara/devata

Other interesting pieces

 

Historical Photo (circa 1963-67 Property EFEO)

 

Entry Ticket: included in Angkor Archeological Park Ticket.