Prasat Sambo Preykuk

Sambo Preykuk is built in the ancient capital of the Chenla emipre Isanapura and was dedicated to Lord Shiva. Many of the temples date from the 7^th century and were built by king Isanavarman I (616-635). The town continued to be an important centre of scholarship during the Angkorian period. 

Over one hundred and forty temples have been discovered in the forest, many of which are overgrown by lush forest. Few people visit the site and the government lacks the money for restoration.

The temples are arranged in four groups: the central, northern, southern and Kraol Romeas groups.

The central group

The central temple is called Prasat Tao (Prasat Tor) or the lion temple and was built in the 9^th century. The doors are sealed to three sides, only the door that opens to the northern side is a real door. On each side is a set of stairs with two kneeling lions to protect the temple.

To the west of the lion temple, there are some more small temples.

The northern temples

The northern temples or mid-sambo are surrounded by many small temples.

The southern temples

These temples are built on the site of the former capital city and are called the Yeay Poan temples. The temple has two ramparts, the inner one has four gopuras on each side. The southern temples too are surrounded by many small temples.

The Kraol Romeas temples

These temples are situated about 2 kilometres north of Sambo Preykuk

The lion temple

  Lonely Planet Cambodia