Things to do in
Kampong Thom
Temples and Beyond
Siem Reap is one of Cambodia’s most visited places, providing a soft landing for visitors who flock to the UNESCO-listed temples in the Angkor Archaeological Park each year. While most of the best things to do in Siem Reap revolve around the temples—and for good reason—this historical rural village-turned-travel-epicenter has plenty of its own charms, too, from vibrant markets and bustling Pub Street to the phenomenal Phare Circus and serene spas. Outside of Siem Reap, you’ll also find lush rice paddies, floating villages, and various activities perfect for day or half-day
Prasat Yeay Poan or Yeai Poeun, also recorded as S Group, is an enclosed complex of temples and one of the three main temple groups alongside Prasat Tao (C Group) and Prasat Sambor (N Group) at Sambor Prei Kuk. Inscriptions reveal that the temple group was built during the reign of King Isanavarman I (616-637 AD) at around the same time as Prasat Sambor. Inside its double enclosures are some 15 temples with the grand central shrine at its center.
Prasat Tao is the central sanctuary of Sambor Prei Kuk, and the main temple of the C group. The central shrine is a stunning monumental brick tower, believed to date back to the 7-8th century, and is renowned for its beautiful lions that adorn its entrance steps. The lions here are believed to be the first use of such as statuary, guarding the temple entrances, which would be a theme continued for centuries to follow.
The shrine itself is rectangular and underneath those tree roots, decoration of the outer walls can still be seen, in a similar style to other shrines in the area. The sandstone doorframe features an inscription on one side and on the inner wall you can see pitching hooks that could be assumed to have once supported a wooden ceiling. It also featured a water spout that exited out the north wall.