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សំបូរព្រៃគុកKampong Thom
The forested ruins of a 7th-century royal city, built centuries before Angkor and listed by UNESCO in 2017. Here is why it is worth a stop and how to fit it in.
Sambor Prei Kuk was the site of Isanapura, capital of the Chenla kingdom in the 7th century, long before the great temples of Angkor were built. Dozens of brick temples are scattered through shady forest, many decorated with delicate carved sandstone and flying palaces in brick relief. UNESCO listed the site in 2017.
It sits north of Kampong Thom, roughly halfway between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, which makes it an ideal stop on the drive between the two. The atmosphere is quiet, the shade is welcome and you may share the paths with only a few other visitors.
Every journey below is private and tailor-made, so we can build Sambor Prei Kuk into the drive between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.
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The experiences our travellers enjoy most, in order of what we would not miss.
The northern group, with the main temple and a tower held in the grip of a large strangler fig.
Named after the stone lions guarding its stairs, one of the most photographed shrines at the site.
The southern group, with octagonal brick towers and fine relief carvings of flying palaces.
Local families run small craft stalls and simple lunches at the edge of the site, and guides from the village know it well.
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Customise My TripMost travellers visit on the road between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, turning off at Kampong Thom. A private car with driver makes the detour easy.
Places that pair well with Sambor Prei Kuk, with approximate travel times.
November to March is the most comfortable time, dry and cooler. The forest gives shade in the hotter months. In the rainy season paths can be muddy, but the site is green and very quiet.
A general guide. Weather varies from year to year, and we plan each route around the season.
Quick answers from our local team. Anything else, just ask your travel specialist.
Ask us on WhatsAppYes, especially if you are driving between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. It is quieter and older than Angkor, and the forest setting is lovely. Temple lovers will enjoy seeing where Khmer architecture began.
Two to three hours is enough to see the three main groups at a relaxed pace, with time for lunch in the village.
Most of the temples date from the 7th century, when this was Isanapura, capital of the Chenla kingdom, several centuries before Angkor Wat.
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