Spean Thma is an ancient bridge that once spanned the Siem Reap River. The name means ‘stone bridge’ in modern Khmer and while not a major attraction, Spean Thma is worth a visit along the way into or out of Angkor Thom’s Victory Gate.
While there are dozens of such bridges along the ancient highways that run both east and west of Angkor, this is the most convenient for most visitors.
Also known as Spean Thmor, Spean Thma is a pretty bridge that has been rebuilt a number of times over the centuries and can be found on the road between Ta Keo and Victory Gate. However, the course of the Siem Reap River has changed dramatically over the years and the bridge now stands just to the side of the river, surrounded by towering trees.
The bridge has been built and rebuilt using leftover brick from the temples of Angkor and offers an interesting insight into how bridges were constructed during the Khmer period. Spean Thma was built with corbelled arches (false arches) and it demonstrates how the river is significantly narrower in modern times than in the days of the Khmer empire.
The roots of several of the surrounding trees have now pushed their way through the bridge, leading it to crumble in a number of places, yet this is a pretty place to pause to take a photograph or two before exploring Ta Keo.
Need to Know
- What is it: An ancient stone bridge.
- When to visit: On the way in or out of Angkor Thom’s Victory Gate
- Nearest Town: Siem Reap
- King: Jayavarman VII?
- Date: late 12th-early 13th century?