Sambor Prei Kuk

Sambor Prei Kuk, meaning "many temples in the forest" in Khmer language, was built and occupied in the 6^th and 7^th centuries. Once was the capital of the Chenla Empire, many archaeological features in the complex of monuments are said to be founded by King Isanavarman I, the son of King Citrasena.

As an archaeological site, the property comprises more than a hundred temples, ten of which are octagonal, unique specimens of their genre in Southeast Asia. It demonstrates town planning, architecture and religous worship on a monumental scale through numerous surviving temples, hydraulic features and archaeological sites. The remnant buildings, built mostly in brick, display distinctive style and designs and include ornate and unusual design features.

Sambor Prei Kuk

The decoration of sandstone elements are characteristic of the pre-Angkor decorative idiom, known as the Sambor Prei Kuk Style. The true masterpieces of lintels, pediments and colonnades bear a resemblance to Indian Jones style. The architecture and art of Sambor Prei Kuk have became models for other sites of the region and uniquely symbolized the Khmer style of the Angkor period. 

There are originally 293 temples for you to discover on the site. The temple complex has no tourists until 2007 since the area was full of landmines. Today, the hidden charm of temple still has low tourists, so you can explore the temple in your own space. 

Giant Banyan Trees

Sambor Prei Kuk is split into three groups including the south, the central and the north sites. Starting from Prasat Yeay Poan, the southern group, you're noticed by one of the octagonal buildings, which were dedicated to the protector God Vishnu. The one-thousand-year-old carvings on the side of the temple were still intact despite the severely ruined building.

Heading for the central group called Prasat Tao, you'll see the Lion Temple with a lion carving either side of the doorway. The temple has been dug out of the mound of earth surrounding it and outstand as the biggest at Sambor Prei Kuk, standing 35m tall. The last group is Prasat Sambor, which contains many temples shut off as they are too dangerous to enter. Wandering around the temple site, you'll find interesting and mysterious as one minute surrounded by temples then next you're get lost in the trees. 

Carvings on the side of temple

Getting to Sambor Prei Kuk takes around 2.5 hours by road from Siem Reap. At arrival you will have to pay entrance fee of US $10 per person for foreign visitors. If you want a local guide, you'll be charged more US $6 to get deeper insight of this UNESCO Heritage Site.