Sombor Prei Kuk
About 30 km northeast of Kampong Thom, Sombor Prei Kuk is an ancient capital of Chenla Kingdom. The kingdom is believed to flourish between the 7th and 8th century, predating the Angkor Empire. The archaeological area consists of more than hundreds of temple ruins whose architecture is different from most temples in the Angkorian period but similar to those in the Siamese Kingdom of Sukhothai and Ayutthaya. Scattering in the woods, most of the religious monuments here are made of red bricks and dedicated to a Hindu god ‘Shiva’. Many towers may be in poor conditions due to looting and natural causes but some still delicate brick carvings and sculptures.

Among all the temples in Sombor Prei Kuk, Prasat Tao is the largest structure. Meaning the ‘Lion Temple’, this Chenla tower boast two well preserved lion sculptures guarding the entrance of the brick tower. Other surrounding temples show fine brick carvings, ramparts and ponds. Several buildings were erected by King Isanavarman I who ruled Chenla Kingdom between 600 and 635 AD.

Sombor Prei Kuk can be reached by car on a rugged road. The area is off the beaten track and not completely developed as a tourist attraction. It is suggested that you hire a private car from Phnom Penh to go to the ruins.