Wat Koh Rokar Temple
An ancient temple site surrounded by a moat. A contemporary prayer hall has been built while a few sandstone remnants can be seen. Some remnants may be from an earlier vihara.
Ancient Remains & Temples
Wat Dei Doh
Also recorded as Dei Doh Pagoda, it sits by the bank of the Mekong River in Kampong Cham city. Featuring some freshly painted stupas (I’m not sure how old), what appears to be an ancient pair of lions, plus a giant Buddha statue.
Trapeang Sruk
Also recorded as Asram Trapeang Sruk, it is located in Sampong Chey about 500m northwest of Kuk Trapeang Kuk (Wat Trapeang Kong). The site features the sandstone remnants of an ancient 7-8th century temple (at a guess). Among the remnants, are a large linga, pedestals, a standing doorframe, the feet of a small statue, a … Read more
Wat Banak
The contemporary monastery also recorded as Banork Pagoda houses several ancient remnants including a reclining Buddha atop the balan. It’s noted that two pre-Angkorian Buddha statues were found here (also see Cisark #1349). Dalet also recorded an ancient Buddha statue seen here noting it as “early Khmer art” (6-7th century) Inscription References
Phnom Chub Kambao Temple
Located atop a small hill, the ancient temple site is quite fascinating for several reasons. Standing at the site today is one partially standing sandstone temple which never received any of its final decorative carving. Its also interesting that is is singular, and that there doesn’t appear to be the space for two more shrines … Read more
Wat
Contemporary monastery where a collection of interesting lions (old, not ancient) and a shelter containing a collection of remnants, some likely from an ancient site. I am not sure of the pagodas name, the only two people at the site were having a midday nap at the time of visiting 🙂
Wat Takam
Contemporary monastery that also appears to be the location of an ancient temple site. Held near the sermon hall are several remnants of an ancient sandstone temple including a pedestal, a corner finial from the upper register depicting a naga, and another pedestal with a small decayed statue. In a shelter fronting the east side … Read more
Wat Bon Ban Dei
A small monastery where the pedestal of an ancient site is also seen with contemporary sema stones surrounding the pagoda. The site is not marked as an ancient site and at the time I wasn’t able to establish the origins of the pedestal. A mystery to solve for the next passerby.
Svay Thom Temple (Preah Vihear)
Also recorded as Prasat Thnal Svay (of which there are many sharing the same or very similar name). It is a remote site located in the forest/farmlands of Preah Vihear about 8km south of Choam Khsant. The ancient site featured three shrines flanked by a library which was surrounded by an outer enclosure and looking … Read more
Boundary Marker (Damdaek)
A Buddhist boundary marker located beside a Chinese ancestral grave area and in between the ancient sites of Sasar Sdam and Preah Trapeang.
Kampong Thom Provinicial Museum
The small provincial museum of Kampong Thom holds a collection of beautiful relics from ancient sites in the region including lintels, statues, pedestals, boundary markers, and much more. Some of the pieces originate from the nearby Sambor Prei Kuk, others from the vast number of smaller sites spread across the province, most of which have … Read more
Sampow Trailok Traileak
Located about 7 km east of Stung Sen/Kampong Thom is a beautiful modern pagoda and nunnery (it seems). The multi-level pagoda, riding atop a massive grand hull, and flanked by two other “floating pagodas” all impose a grand sense of scale in a beautiful location beside the Sung Sen River. The site is accessible only … Read more
Trapeang Prasat Toch
Located 200 m north of Trapeang Prasat, Trapeang Prasat Toch features the remains of an outer laterite enclosure wall with an entrance pavilion on the east enclosing a laterite temple and “library”. The central tower appears to have been a square temple with a forebody extending its eastern opening, similar in design to “hospital chapels” … Read more
Wat Hem Van
Contemporary pagoda and monastery of Srey Noy with its outer walls adorned with 3D imagery of Khmer Buddhist tales.
Prasat Srot (Koh Ker)
Signposted as Prasat Srot, it is the two “palaces” that flank either side of what was once the causeway leading to Prasat Thom, the principal temple of the Koh Ker group, and in turn the iconic pyramid, Prasat Prang. The term “palace” (or palais in French) used to describe this archetype was coined by early … Read more
Wat Ta Muean
Also recorded as Ta Muean Saen Chey Pagoda, the site features a monastery set among the rock monolith landscape. There is also a collection of remains belonging to an ancient temple. The arrangement of remains includes a lion statue, decorative lintel,
Wat Kcha
Beautiful and characterful old monastery featuring wooden framework, doors, and windows. Its internal walls are decorated with murals of narratives from the Reamker, along with some curious drawings. There is also an array of wooden Buddha statues, at a guess, 40-50 years old.
Oknha Klaeng Meung Shrine
A sacred place for many Cambodians who will stop by here to pray and relax in the beautiful grounds which feature several shrines, sculptures, water features. Klaeng Meung is revered as a military hero who, as legend has it, sacrificed his own life to enter the afterworld and raise an army of ghosts to fight … Read more
Vihear Kuk
A rise where ancient remains including sema stone, sema pedestal, laterite, and sandstone blocks are seen. Update Aug 2023 The site now features an enclosed hall covering the site.
Wat Sophi Rangsei
Contemporary monastery where the four ancient sites are recorded inc. Tuol Yeay Tep, Tuol Kantruoy Ma, and two vihara featuring laterite and sandstone remnants along with sema stones.
Robang Romeas Temple Group
Located northwest of the central cluster of temples of Sambor Prei Kuk, and whilst part of that group, they are actually outliers not only for their location but also in terms of style and era. Prasat Robang Romeas consists of the remains of nine structures/shrines that, along with the nearby Prasat Srei Krup Leak to … Read more
Prasat Deum Chan (Sambor Prei Kuk N15-N16)
Also recorded as Daeum Chan and Daem Chan. A fragmented inscription is located on the doorframe of the central tower which, according to George Coedes records the marriage of an Saka-Brahmin priest, Durgasvamin from Dekhan (or Daksinapatha=Southern India), to the daughter of Isanavarman I, the pivotal king of Ishanapura aka Sambor Prei Kuk. One of … Read more
Prasat Sambor (Sambor Prei Kuk)
Located in the Sambor Prei Kuk group of temples, Prasat Sambor, or North Group, was built in the 7th century under the reign of King Isanavarman I (reign 616-637 AD) and dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, whilst the site also received alterations in the 10th century under King Rajendravarman II (reign 944-968 AD). The … Read more
Wat Thma Pouk
Monastery housing ancient remains including bollards, lintel fragments, ornate sema stone, and pedestals while the pagoda basement slab is built on or surrounded by laterite blocks.
Wat Maniratanaram (Pursat)
Located on the southeastern side of the city of Pursat, Wat Moniratanarama or Mony Ratanaream, is a unique new pagoda that has recently been completed. Inside, you can take the spiral staircase that leads up through the different levels with grand views on offer at the top. On Buddhist holy days, at night they turn … Read more
Wat Samrong Knong (Battambang)
A very special monastery and remembrance site featuring a contemporary pagoda, the original pagoda from the 19th century, and is also a sacred site for the remembrance of tragic events in the Khmer Rouge era. The grounds are quite large and you can stroll around the contemporary pagoda and the older pagoda. There’s an exhibit/museum … Read more
Kok Romiet Temple
Located 1 km to the west-northwest of Wat Kok Romiet, the square brick prasat opens to the east with a sandstone doorframe and around its sides, no false doors but there are emphasized pilasters. It was not tall by appearances, a few meters high and the next level tapering in size although today, it’s in … Read more
Wat Kchas (Prasat Srah Kandal Pagoda)
Located in Preah Net Preah District of Banteay Meanchey, the recently completed Wat Kchas is a stunning new monastery and pagoda featuring a pagoda with dramatic golden spires in a walled enclosure that is surrounded by large gardens. It’s quite something to behold and will undoubtedly become a major attraction in the area and one … Read more