Wat Suvan Thom Mai at Phnom Reap is another interesting attraction near Oudong. It seems that a generous benefactor has consigned an extravagant temple complex pretty much in the middle of nowhere.
There are two separate compounds, so perhaps they were built by competing brothers (the beginning of a new legend?!) Both have Bayon-style entry gates, capped by four smiling faces that look out in the cardinal directions.
One compound includes a temple that is styled after Angkor Wat, made of concrete and adorned with ‘bas-reliefs’ depicting Buddhist and Hindu imagery, and one grand, Bakong-style temple mountain. The temple beside it is guarded by a pair of statues representing Hanuman, the monkey king from the Hindu epic the Ramayana. Inside this temple, a statue of the Buddha sits beneath a mural of a 3-dimensional Bodhi Tree that ‘grows’ up the rear wall and onto the ceiling, all of which is painted in vivid, almost gaudy colors.
There is also a golden statue (presumably not real gold) of a palm beer porter and a palm tree, which Cambodians also use for sugar. If you really need a beer, check out the hammock-shacks next to the colorful “happy buddha” temple.
The second compound features an Angkor Thom-style causeway, four more Angkor-style temples, an artificial reservoir (a replica baray!), and a number of contemporary-style temples.
Getting There
Phnom Reap is located near Phnom Baset about six-ten miles (10-19 km) down Route 130, which leads east off Route 5 about half way between Phnom Penh and Oudong; a 30-minute side-trip along bumpy dirt roads. You are unlikely to find it unless your driver knows where it is located and is willing to take you down the road in his car.
Need to Know
- What is It?: A pair of modern Buddhist temple complexes built in Angkor style.
- When to Go: Any time, though the road conditions are better in the dry season months: November - April.
- Nearest Town: Near Oudong (6-10 miles), in daytrip distance of the Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh
- Don’t Miss: Impressive attempt at rebuilding Angkor-style temples out of modern materials.
- Opening hours: Daylight hours
- Entrance fees: None