Srey Krup Leak Temple (Kandal)

Also recorded as Roung Temple, Prasat Baset, it is a 7th century brick temple located just north of a monastery, Wat Phnom Ba, on the hillside of Phnom Baset. You can reach the site by heading up to the monastery and stopping short at the lower car park and then walking to the old pagoda and down to the ancient temple. Also on the site is a giant reclining Buddha carved from the rock face, the old pagoda mentioned that is surrounded by sema, and several funerary stupa.

The ancient brick temple is standing on all sides although it has lost its upper sections. It opens to the west with a sandstone doorframe, flanked by round decorated columns and topped by decorative lintel that is mostly lost to time bar some beautiful floral pattern work. Either side of the door are rich carvings in the brick of what early French researchers would label “flying palaces” which you can certainly see the pedestal-like base, the tall temple with a doorway crowned by a round motif or medallion like feature.

But, the most fascinating feature is inside. This is one of the rare temples housing a natural rock formation used as the temple’s linga, adding to the wonder is a small cave.

Up the path from the ancient temple, there is a small shrine, then the old pagoda surrounded by sema stones, and then the giant reclining Buddha.

Rodney Charles LHuillier

Living in Asia for over a decade and now residing in beautiful Siem Reap. Rodney Charles L'Huillier has spent over seven years in Cambodia and is the author of Ancient Cambodia (2024) and Essential Siem Reap (2017, 2019). Contact via [email protected] - more..