Sambor Prei Kuk

Sambor Prei Kuk is an amazing archaeological site in Kampong Thom Province, Cambodia. It is located just 30 km north of Kampong Thom, 176 km east of Angkor and 206 km north of Phnom Penh. It is considered to have been the central royal sanctuary and captial of the Pre-Angkorian Chenla Kingdom, under the rule of king Isanavarman I. It was given the name "Isanapura" during the reign of Isanavarman I. In 2017, the archaeological complex was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, due to its immense significance in Cambodian history. Sambor Prei Kuk is situated on the Eastern bank of Tonle Sap lake and is divided into three main groups, all with a square layout surrounded by a brick wall. Each of the structures in Sambor Prei Kuk are constructed in a different age, with the northern and southern groups built by Isanavarman I, and the central group built during a later time period. The buildings of Sambor Prei Kuk are characteristic of the Pre-Angkorean period in their simple external design. Its main materials are brick and sandstone. Architectural features include many prasats (ancient towers), octagonal towers, shiva lingams and yonis, ponds, reservoirs and even lion sculptures. Sambor Prei Kuk is located amidst mature sub-tropical forests with limited undergrowth, however due to its previous mining activities unexploded ordnance could still be found in the area, so it is advised that exploring the archaeological complex should be done with caution.

Location: Kampong Thom Province

Founder: Isanavarman I

Sources: Wikimedia, OpenStreetMap