Wat Tuol Sambo
A contemporary monastery and pagoda that was believed to be constructed upon the location of an ancient temple site. The pagoda we see today may be around 50-60 years old at a guess.
Angkor Borei
Angkor Borei, located in Takeo province, is an important archaeological site that served as the capital of the Funan Kingdom, which flourished from the 1st to the 6th century. The area is rich in historical findings, including remnants of an ancient citadel, walls, and moats, alongside significant protohistoric discoveries such as burials, coins, and ceramics. Notably, it connected with the trading hub of Oc Eo in present-day Vietnam, forming part of a vast maritime network stretching from India to China.
There are numerous sites to explore, and a small but important museum. See our journeys of the area here and here.
*Important: Some mapped locations are indicative only and some sites may be uncleared. To visit temple sites outside the tourist zones you should seek a guide from the local area. Read more
Wat Phnom Da
On the northeastern side of Phnom Da is a small contemporary pagoda and functioning monastery and the lower ancient cave. To the east is a large basin and just south is the monk’s quarters and dining hall/sermon hall. Several shale sandstone remnants of the ancient temple can be seen surrounding the pagoda and cave which … Read more
Angkor Borei Wall
The ancient citadel of Angkor Borei, quite incredibly, features a wall whose remnants can still easily be visited and witnessed. The wall is made of fired brick and then supplanted with earth that was dredged to form a moat on the wall’s outer perimeter. There are several places to see exposed sections of the wall, … Read more
Angkor Borei Museum
A small museum housing interesting remnants from the Angkor Borei area. The museum may be locked but ask around as the caretaker is likely nearby and more than happy to open up. The museum also features some informative maps and overviews of archaeological work that’s taken place over the years, produced in tandem with the … Read more
Wat Romlok (Takeo)
Contemporary monastery and pagoda and provenance of an inscribed stele registered under K. 27 which is stored at the nearby Angkor Borei Museum. The contemporary pagoda we see today retains fragments of its important post and pre-Angkorian era heritage with sandstone pedestals implanted and used to demarcate the pagoda itself. Historical Images The images below … Read more
Wat Kampong Luong (Angkor Borei)
Contemporary monastery and pagoda located on the river bank of Angkor Borei. A seated Buddha statue was removed from the pagoda here and now resides in the Phnom Penh National Museum. According to Nancy Dowling’s study, the statue likely dates to 660-665 AD. The statue was lacquered which, researchers discovered had taken place in four … Read more
Phnom Da Temple
Located atop the mountain in the ancient area of Angkor Borei, Prasat Phnom Da is a well-preserved brick temple. Whilst the Angkor Borei area and several remains here, including the caves sites, date back to the Funan era of the 1st to 6th century, the temple we see today was constructed around the 11th century … Read more
Asram Moha Russei Temple of Angkor Borei District
Located on the slopes of Phnom Da the sanctuary is built on a narrow rock platform with its rear facade almost against the hill. Asram Maha Rosei is made up of a central cella, 2 meters per side, surrounded on all four sides by a corridor 70 cm wide on average, which is lit by … Read more
Wat Komnou (Angkor Borei)
Another important site located in the Angkor Borei area, is archaeologically famed for the discovery of an ancient burial site with remains dated between 200 BC and 200 AD. The site today features a contemporary pagoda and a recently constructed shrine in Angkorian style, even making use of laterite which looks quite nice. Most fascinating … Read more
Wat Kaoh (Angkor Borei)
Also recorded as Vat Koh, it’s a contemporary pagoda surrounded by the remaining section of a moat making for quite a sight.