Also noted as Svay Ie, Svay Loe, Bei Serei Sithor, and Wat Prasat Sirisotha. On the grounds of the contemporary monastery and pagoda is a standing brick temple, circa 10th century, that was once a group of three.
The ancient temple sits tightly against the rear of the contemporary pagoda and is partially encapsulated by the platform of the pagoda that surrounds it. So close to the pagoda that it’s hard to get a good look at the impressive lintel featuring Indra on the elephant Airvata that remains in situ above the eastward opening door that’s topped by a frieze of worshipers. It’s an interesting representation too, with both Indra and the elephant striking quite joyous poses. Other sides of the brick prasat feature false doors formed by brickwork also repeating on the three remaining false floors of the temple.
Inside, there are further remnants including a large overturned pedestal also noting the alcove above the lintel.
Around the site, you can also see pedestals for sema stones which are most surely a remnant from an era later than the construction of the ancient temple but well before the construction of the current pagoda. Sema stones positioned around the pagoda itself depict Neang Konghing.
There is also a small neak ta shelter with more remnants including the feet of two small statues, and please be sure to peek inside the pagoda for a look.
Historical Notes
Prasat Svay ler or Svay Ea. southwest of Ampil Roloeum, is the name currently given to a small monument which included three brick towers, the two sides of which are completely ruined. The central tower, still standing, is decorated with a lintel covered with beautiful sculptures which represented a Brahmanic god dancing on an elephant supported by the head of the monster Rahu. From this head emerged two lions, whose open mouths held the stems of the flowers which surrounded half a dozen worshipers
Le Cambodge, 1900, E. Aymonier
Map
Site Info
- Reference ID: HA11570 | Last Update: January 1st, 2026
- Site Name: Svay Ier (Pr.) | Khmer: បា្រសាទស្វាយអៀ
- Other Names: Svay Loe, Svay Ie, Bei Serei Sithor, Wat Prasat Sirisotha, Svay Loe (Temple), Pr. Svay 1er., Prasat Svay Ier, Prasat Svay Iěr
- Location: Kampong Thom Province > Stoung District > Chamna Kraom Commune > Svay Ier Village
- Inventaire Khmer IK: 188
- MoCFA/EFEO Inventory - CISARK: 283
- Monuments Historiques - MH: 278
- Tags/Group: 10th Century, 1926MH, Aymonier, Lajonquiere, MH, pa, pr, ra, sema, T23, T4, Temples
Historical Inventories of Svay Ier (Pr.)
- 1900, E. Aymonier, Le Cambodge, Tome I, pg. 442 (Site Name: Prasat Svay Iěr Region: Lovea Kassang et Stoung)
- 1902, E. Lunet de Lajonquière, Inventaire descriptif des monuments du Cambodge, Tome I, pg. 262 (IK #: 188 Site Name: Prasat Svay Ier Region: Stung, Kompong Thom)
- 1926, Liste des Monuments Historiques, #: 278 Site: Pr. Svay 1er. - Three brick sanctuaries, two of which are completely ruined. Region: Stung
