Sambor Prei Kuk Temple, Chenla Kingdom Full-Day Tour

Tour the temple complex of Sambor Prei Kuk, the finest collection of pre-Angkorian monuments in Cambodia

Soak up the peaceful atmosphere as you stroll through semi-cleared jungle and discover 7th-century temples smothered by ancient trees

Learn about the foundation of the complex as a place of worship to Shiva

Visit the 12th-century Angkorian bridge of Kampong Kdei

Stroll through the fish market in the village of Thnori Chek to experience modern day Khmer life

Visit the Sambor Prei Kuk Temple complex on this full-day excursion from Siem Reap, and explore the finest examples of pre-Angkorian monuments in Cambodia. Departing from Siem Reap at 08:00, drive the 2-hour journey by car to Kampong Thom, and then navigate a dirt road to the old city of Chenla.

In the early 7th century, Sambor Prei Kuk was the capital of the Kingdom of Chenla, a pre-Angkorian Khmer kingdom that was known in Chinese chronicles as “Zhēnlà.” Constructed by King Isanavarman I, the complex was an important religious center devoted to the worship of Shiva.

Boasting more than 100 temples, mostly made of brick, the temple ruins are located in three main groups, scattered across the semi-cleared jungle. Explore the serene temples, including the Prasat Yeay Peau, atmospherically smothered by ancient trees, and the extravagant lion carvings of the Prasat Tao.

After a lunch box picnic in the calm of the temple complex, continue to Kampong Thom, capital of the province, and visit a local market. Then, continue the return journey to Siem Reap, stopping at the 12th-century Angkorian Kampong Kdei Bridge, and the small fishing village of Thnori Chek, where you will stroll through the fish market to experience modern day Khmer life.