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• 1 hour ago• Lim_Rothanaksambath
Cambodia Marks 9th Anniversary of Sambor Prei Kuk's UNESCO World Heritage Listing
PHNOM PENH, July 8, 2026 – Cambodia celebrates the ninth anniversary of the Temple Zone of Sambor Prei Kuk's inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List today, marking nearly a decade since the pre-Angkorian site received international recognition.
Located approximately 30 kilometres north of Kampong Thom provincial town, the ancient temple complex was inscribed on July 8, 2017, in recognition of its outstanding universal value as one of Southeast Asia's earliest archaeological sites.
Sambor Prei Kuk was predominantly built by King Isanavarman I in the early 7th century to dedicate to the Hindu god Shiva. The complex features both single and group temples enclosed within a single wall, constructed primarily of brick, mortar, and sandstone, with intricate carvings on sandstone lintels and colonettes.
Photo Credit: Ministry of Tourism, Cambodia
The temple complex is divided into three main groups: the northern group (Sambo), built in the early 7th century; the central group, featuring the Lion Temple (Prasat Tao), with the Lion Temple itself constructed in the 9th century in Javanese style; and the southern group (Naga Ponn or Yay Ponn), also built in the early 7th century, featuring a central tower surrounded by seven smaller towers within two concentric walls.
During the green season, Sambor Prei Kuk becomes particularly enchanting, with ancient temple architecture blending harmoniously with vibrant greenery, making it an ideal destination for visitors seeking to explore Cambodia's rich history and immerse themselves in nature.
— Source: Ministry of Tourism Cambodia
Kampong Thom Administration
Reported by The Khmer Daily Network
Located approximately 30 kilometres north of Kampong Thom provincial town, the ancient temple complex was inscribed on July 8, 2017, in recognition of its outstanding universal value as one of Southeast Asia's earliest archaeological sites.
Sambor Prei Kuk was predominantly built by King Isanavarman I in the early 7th century to dedicate to the Hindu god Shiva. The complex features both single and group temples enclosed within a single wall, constructed primarily of brick, mortar, and sandstone, with intricate carvings on sandstone lintels and colonettes.
Photo Credit: Ministry of Tourism, CambodiaThe temple complex is divided into three main groups: the northern group (Sambo), built in the early 7th century; the central group, featuring the Lion Temple (Prasat Tao), with the Lion Temple itself constructed in the 9th century in Javanese style; and the southern group (Naga Ponn or Yay Ponn), also built in the early 7th century, featuring a central tower surrounded by seven smaller towers within two concentric walls.
During the green season, Sambor Prei Kuk becomes particularly enchanting, with ancient temple architecture blending harmoniously with vibrant greenery, making it an ideal destination for visitors seeking to explore Cambodia's rich history and immerse themselves in nature.
— Source: Ministry of Tourism Cambodia
Kampong Thom Administration
Reported by The Khmer Daily Network
