Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
photos show the extent of the old settlement and identify many of the features being
excavated.
5
Phnom Da
$2
Ironically for a site that has given its name to a style of sculpture, the remains of the
temple of
Phnom Da
are now rather bare; everything of value has been removed to the
museums in Phnom Penh and Angkor Borei. The ruins remain pretty imposing,
however, constructed on top of two 40m-high mounds built to protect the temple
from rising waters. Experts differ on the temple's vintage, some believing that it was
built in the early sixth century by Rudravarman, others that it dates from later.
Boats moor at the small village at the foot of Phnom Da, where local children will
offer to show you up meandering paths to the top of the hill, passing at least three of
the site's five caves on the way. On the higher of the two mounds the ancient
Prasat
Phnom Da
comprises a single laterite tower, visible from way off and dominating the
landscape. The tower's four doorways boast ornate sandstone columns and pediments
of carved naga heads, though all but the eastern entrance are false.
On the lower hill, to the west, is a unique Hindu temple,
Ashram Maha Russei
,
dedicated to Vishnu and built of grey laterite. Dating from the seventh century, the
structure is a temple in miniature, the enclosing walls so close together that there's
barely room to squeeze between them. On the outside, a spout can still be seen poking
through the wall, through which water that had been blessed by flowing over the
temple's linga would once have poured.
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE ANGKOR BOREI AND AROUND
Allow a full day if you want to do justice to both sites, though a half-day trip is su
cient to get a feel for them.
By boat
The easiest way to get to both Angkor Borei and
Phnom Da is to hire a boat from Takeo's jetty (about $50;
40min; seats up to four). The boat from Angkor Borei to
Phnom Da takes about 15min.
By moto
In the dry season you can also usually reach
Phnom Da by moto from Takeo ($4 return).
