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 Mae Nang Pluem วัดแม่นางปลื้ม
Mae Nang Pluem Temple was originally called ‘Nang Pluem’ Temple or ‘Som Pluem’ Temple. It is believed to be built in B.E. 1920 (A.D. 1377). The spot on which the temple is located had been the area that a Burmese troop settled a camp when they came to cordon Ayutthaya City. The hill on which the Burmese troop set a camp one still appears and is called ‘Khok Phama (Myanmar Hill)’.
The art style of the principal pagoda of the temple leads to the assumption that this temple might have been built in the same era as Thammikarat Temple and Maheyong Temple because it is a bell-shaped pagoda in Ceylonese style on the base surround by mythical lion statues.
Inside the temple, there is the principal pagoda built on a high base the lower base is surrounded by mythical lion statues. The base is in the style of a lotus and is decorated with a lotus and melon motif which is a Khmer-Lopburi art style.
The monastery bears the name of a certain ...
Wat Kuti Sung
Wat Kuti Sung (วัดกุฏิสูง) is a small and abandoned temple located in the extension of Wat Sam Wihan (วัดสามวิหาร), to the north of Ayutthaya.
It is situated near a residence, but nature has taken over the area. It is accessable by 2 small roads that are somewhat hidden by the trees.
The temple consists of a tower that supported a bell and an Ubosot. The tower is well-preserved and has trees that have taken root in 2 of the walls.
The Ubosot's structure has been supported to keep it feom collapsing, while the main Buddha has been replaced with a larfe modern image.
The temple is modest, but its charm lies in its relative isolation. Despite being close to the major temples of the ancient Siamese capital, one feels alone at Wat Kuti Sung. You can explore this small ruin without any if the crowds you will find at the larger, more famous temples.
This is one of the many forgotten temples in Ayutthaya but still a nice place to see to ...
Prasat Ta Moan Thom ប្រាសាទតាមាន់ធំ - ปราสาทตาเมือนธม
A unique and sizeable temple site that straddles the Cambodian and Thai border. The temple is claimed by both countries, where in Cambodia it resides in Oddor Meanchey province, while on the Thai side it sits in Surin province.
Just northwest across the border on the Thai side of the border are Prasat Ta Muen Toch one of King Jayavarman VII's arogyasalas, and Prasat Ta Muen one of King Jayavarman VII's dharmasalas.
The three temple sites were an important pit stop for travelers between Angkor in Siem Reap and Prasat Hin Phimai in Nakhon Ratchasima.
Recently, to the southwest a small temple shrine was discovered by the name Prasat Damrei Troam.
The temple site has an unusual layout in the sense that it actually opens to the south with a laterite step platform that faces to the lower plains in modern day Cambodia, when most Khmer temples traditionally open to the east. The site is attributed...
