🏛️ Sambor Prei Kuk
Cambodia
About This Sacred Site
Sambor Prei Kuk ('Temple in the Richness of the Forest') is an archaeological site that served as Ishanapura, the capital of the Chenla Empire from the 6th to 9th centuries CE — predating Angkor Wat by several hundred years. The complex contains over 100 temples, many engulfed by jungle, spread across three main groups dedicated to Hindu deities. These are among the oldest stone structures in Southeast Asia, and their octagonal temple design is unique in the region. The site demonstrates the earliest known examples of Khmer architecture and artistic traditions.
Key Facts
- •Capital of the pre-Angkorian Chenla Empire from the 6th century CE
- •Contains over 100 temples, predating Angkor by several centuries
- •Features unique octagonal temple towers found nowhere else in Southeast Asia
- •Many temples are engulfed by jungle, creating an atmospheric setting
- •UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2017
Location
Coordinates: 12.8833, 105.0333
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