A list of ancient sites and temples at Sambor Pre Kuk, with map. For an intro to history and visiting the area see Sambor Prei Kuk Group – Visiting Guide, History & More.
Sambor Prei Kuk is a wonderous ancient city/temple complex area dating to the 6-7th century with a staggering 141 recorded temple sites and a large habitation area with complex waterworks in a zone that covers near to 13 sq km (5 sq miles). Known in ancient times as Ishanapura, it is the capital of the … Read more
Located just north of Prasat Sambour Prei Kuk, it’s a contemporary monastery with two pagodas. According to locals the older vihara and the small stupa date to 1941 while the new pagoda, 2015. It was unclear as to what the history of the site prior to 1941 may have been (see historical notes). The older … Read more
Contemporary monastery and pagoda that features an ancient pedestal fragment at the base of the balan.
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
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
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
Located in the Sambor Prei Kuk group of temples, Prasat Chrei (also known as N18/M17) is popular with photographers for its stunning encasement by the roots of a tree. The temple is actually part of Prasat Sambor, a fact that is difficult to recognise today as the current access road divides the site and only … Read more
Also known as Prasat Asram Moha Russei and Tower N17 of the Sambor Prei Kuk group, it is one of the first sights for visitors as they enter the area. It is a small “cell” shrine, open to the east, around 3 m in height and width. It’s made of sandstone featuring ornate pilasters/pillars also … Read more
Located to the north of the Sambor Prei Kuk group, also known as N21, it is a large rectangular temple opening to the east featuring reliefs of “flying palaces” around its outer walls. It opens to the east and features false doors around its other sides. These false doors feature embossed pilasters that form an … Read more
A group of temples aligned on a north-south axis, most in ruin bar one that is partially standing. They are located west of the outer enclosure of Prasat Tao.
Trapeang Ropeak, also designated as temple Y, is located 40 m to the northwest of temple Z. Here are the remains of an octagonal shrine that is spectacularly taken over by a tree. It’s outer walls are without decoration although decorative bands around the eaves can still be seen. Historical Notes Less to the south … Read more
Also known as Group Z of Sambor Prei Kuk, its a brick temple group featuring one tall standing brick temple surrounded by four other smaller brick temples arranged to form a quincunx. The four outer towers are all in ruin bar a partially standing octagonal temple. The central temple is well preserved and opens to … Read more
Also recorded as Tower N24 and Prasat Rong Chambak of Sambor Prei Kuk group. It is a single brick temple on an elevation that has been spectacularly taken over by a tree. Underneath the tree roots, you can see some of the temple’s original decorations around the eaves and above the false doors. 2022 tour … Read more
Rectangular brick temple
Also known as Praying Rain Temple, Prasat Sreng Treach, and Tower N22 of the Sambor Prei Kuk group, it’s a rectangular brick temple that had some successful restoration work done in early 2022. It is one of the handful of sites in the area that retains its sandstone lintel. The site sits to the south … Read more
Also known as Tower N20, it’s the remains of a rectangular brick temple opening to the east with a sandstone doorframe carrying an inscription registered under K. 439. The walls of the temple are adorned with ornate decoration on its pilasters and base along with reliefs of “flying palaces” one of which is in especially … Read more
Known as Tower N19 it sits just north of Prasat Sambor and north of N16. It is a square brick temple, and one of the rare sites in SPK that opens to the west, mostly standing. Inside, featuring a water spout (somasutra) exiting through its wall along with what looks to be the internal eave … Read more
Group of mounds with some brick and sandstone remains seen
Brick mound remains of temple
Located about 300m west of Prasat Sambor, it’s a small group of three brick temples with one partially standing.
Also recorded as Doun Mong and M. 075, it is the partially standing remnants of three small brick temples aligned on a north-south axis and opening to the east. According to reports, the site also featured a library and an outer enclosure wall was also made of brick. The partially standing central shrine is rectangular … Read more
