Sambor Prei Kuk (Isanapura) សំបូរព្រៃគុហ៍ is an archaeological site in Cambodia located in Kampong Thom Province, 176 km (109 mi) east of Angkor and 206 km (128 mi) north of Phnom Penh.
The now ruined complex dates back to the Pre-Angkorian Chenla Kingdom (late 6th to 9th century), established by king Isanavarman I as central royal sanctuary and capital, known then as "Isanapura" ឦសានបុរ
In 2017, Sambor Prei Kuk was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Located on the Eastern bank of the Tonle Sap lake, close to the Steung Saen River, the central part of Sambor Prei Kuk is divided into three main groups.
Each group has a square layout surrounded by a brick wall. The structures of the overall archaeological area were constructed at variable times: the southern and north groups (7th century) by Isanavarman I, who is considered a possible founder of the city and the central group.
The buildings of Sambor Prei Kuk are characteristic of the ...
Wat Tuek วัดตึก
This active temple is located in the northwest corner of the island. This area is known as the Hua Laem District. Khlong Mueang (the old Lopburi River) passes nearby it.
There are two sermon halls on site at Wat Tuek. The ubosot contains about a dozen tusks that are on display at the altar. There are also two statues to revered Monks near the ubosot’s entrance. The second sermon hall is a vihan containing sword-welding statues and some paintings of King Sua. Some gold painted Buddha images in various poses can also to be seen.
Beside the statue of King Sua, there are images of soldiers and an elephant that have been partially covered with gold leaf. Most of these structures and Buddha images appear to be recent constructions.
One of the most interesting sights at Wat Tuek is a preserved buffalo Cyclops. The one-eyed calf’s body floats in a fish aquarium next to the sermon hall. Some locals believe that this carcass can bring good luck or help predict fortunes.
The remains...
Wat Ho Rakhang วัดหอระฆัง
Wat Ho Rakhang or the Monastery of the Bell Tower is located on the western side of the Makham Riang Canal on the city island near several other sites.
The most outstanding feature at this restored monastery is its two-tiered bell tower. This tower doubles as an entrance gate from the canal. It has arched gateways along the east/west axis.
The second tier has windows in all four of the cardinal directions, and there are number of indented corners. The bell is completely missing.
Behind the bell tower, there are the remains of a sermon hall. This consists of the basic foundation layer and some pillar bases. A large number of headless Buddha images lay in stacks on the altar. In addition, there are traces of some walls and floor tiles on site.
Royal Chronicles do make several reference to a "Monastery of the Bell". Sometime between 1610-1611, Si Saowaphak inherited the throne after the death of King Ekathotsarot. Around this time, Phra Si Sin received a special ...
Wat Hasadavas วัดหัสดาวาส
Wat Hasadavas is located north of the city island near Wat Na Phra Meru. It is categorized as a reconstructed ruin.
It is comprised of three primary structures. There is a reconstructed sermon hall, which consists of only an outline of its basic structure. One chedi rests at the front of the sermon hall. This bell-shaped chedi is constructed in the Sri Lanka style. It is round with multiple rings leading to its spire. The harmika is present and the spire has at least 30 rings.
This chedi sits on a square foundation that is decorated with brick balustrades. Excavations around this chedi revealed stucco pieces of elephant statues (similar to the ones at Wat Maheyong). These elephant images suggest that Wat Hasadavas may have been constructed during the Early Ayutthaya period.
A second bell-shaped chedi rests at the back of the sermon hall. This has an octagonal base, and its upper portions are missing from the top of its relic chamber.
In addition, the monastery...
