This forested Cambodian treasure holds some of the country’s oldest temples. It was the capital of an ancient empire and offers exceptional insight into the country’s pre-Angkorian civilizations.
In all there are more than 100 forested temples in the park, built from bricks in honor of Shiva. This was 500 years before the foundations of Angkor Wat were laid. Tours are self-guided, with English language brochures available from the craft shop.
While the park is of substantial significance to historians and archaeologists, it has less to offer tourists than Angkor Wat with its enormous scale. That said, Sambor Prei Kuk is worthwhile and receives fewer visitors than Angkor. The entire area is hidden away by trees and is an ideal place to lose yourself for a couple of hours.
Getting There & Away
Sambor Prei Kuk can be reached from Kampong Thom in 2 hours via a network of secondary roads. Just don’t count on being able to pass during the rainy season. From Kampong Thom it’s another 5 to 6 hours along the national highway to either Siem Reap or Phnom Penh, where you’ll find prominent international airports.
Things to Do
Sambor Prei Kuk Attractions
- Prasat Sambor
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The main temple group is dedicated to an incarnation of shiva and is decorated with icons of female fertility.
- Prasat Tao
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The lion temple is the largest structure onsite and is decorated with stone-carved lions.
- Prasat Yeay Peau
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Tucked into the forest, this temple feels especially remote and has been partially overgrown by an ancient tree.