Trapeang Pong Toek Temple

Locals refer to the site as Prasat Phnom Penh, following the name of the nearby pyramid-shaped mountain. Located among the farmlands, it is a small single sandstone temple, square, opening to the east and appearing to have had a hall leading eastward. Further to the east are the remains of bollards and other remnants perhaps indicating the site, while small, was something special.

Like so many sites, It is unfinished with its decorative carvings only partly complete. Above the east opening is a very special lintel, in my mind at least, not only for its unique composition of images of Brahma flanked by seated Buddhas in meditation but also for retaining elements of a final plaster rendering. Lintels are also seen above the false doors on the other sides albeit very damaged and decayed. Further lintel fragments are seen on the ground featuring an undetermined idol above a garuda that appears unfinished.

The site is a little difficult to locate, it has no dedicated path instead, at the moment, the only way to access was to ask for permission to take the rail through private property, then head across a field from the north side. Regardless, the site appears cared for.

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..