Ancient Bridges

Ancient bridges of the Khmer Empire – an often forgotten feature of ancient Cambodia is the amazing stone bridges that were built during the height of the Angkor era. Part of the “Royal Road” network that ran from Angkor to Koh Ker and Wat Phu, Prasat Andet, Sambor Prei Kuk, Ta Muan and Phimai, and Phnom Srok and Sdok Kak Thom (note: still a growing list). Reference – Bruguier 2000, Hendrickson 2010.

Spean

Laterite blocks visible indication location of old bridge (Source: Cisark)

Spean Toch

Partially buried laterite bridge that has had some excavation work.

Spean Rolom Ta Cet

A small ancient laterite bridge that is still in use (local trails). Remnants of the sandstone naga balustrade can still be seen, and notably, it features post and lintel construction rather than corbelled arches. Update: since 2022, the trail goes around the bridge now. Traffic is almost exclusively local farmers on small Kubota tractors. Historical … Read more

Spean Toap Chey

A small laterite bridge that’s still in use with five arches, recorded as measuring 20 m long and 3 m high. It originally featured a naga balustrade but only scattered pieces of the balustrade can still be seen. As of 2021, several arches have mostly collapsed, some have partially collapsed internally. I believe years ago … Read more

Spean O Chheu Teal

Remains of a small ancient laterite bridge located on the western side of the Preah Khan (of Kampong Svay) temple complex. Parts of the sandstone naga railing can still be seen.

Spean Khmeng (Phnom Srok)

Laterite bridge measuring around 9m wide and 25m long located in Banteay Meanchey province a little over 3km east of Phnom Srok. It is well preserved and used today only by local residents with the main traffic diverting around with a new bridge to the east.

Spean Thom

Located along the ancient road that led out of Angkor to Phnom Srok (and beyond), Spean Thom is a laterite bridge measuring over 60 meters long by eye as it is partly buried by a new road that runs parallel to the bridge. It still retains sections of balustrade, interestingly, they are also made from laterite … Read more

Spean Memay (Yeang Commune)

Located along the ancient road that led out of Angkor to Phnom Srok (and beyond), Spean Memay of Yeang Commune is a laterite bridge recorded as measuring 45 meters long and 9 meters wide. Note there are several bridges named “Memay” see here for others and a larger map of the ancient road network and bridges … Read more