Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Sights
Ta Prohm
The laterite temple of Ta Prohm was built by King Jayavarman VII (r 1181-1219) on the
site of an ancient 6th-century Khmer shrine. The main sanctuary consists of five cham-
bers, each containing a modern buddha. The facades of the chambers contain intricate and
well-preserved bas-reliefs. In the central chamber is a linga (phallic symbol) that shows
signs of the destruction wrought by the Khmer Rouge.
HINDU TEMPLE
Yeay Peau
Yeay Peau temple, named after King Prohm's mother, is 150m north of Ta Prohm in the
grounds of a modern pagoda. Legend has it that Peau gave birth to a son, Prohm. When
Prohm discovered his father was King Preah Ket Mealea, he set off to live with the king.
After a few years, he returned to his mother but did not recognise her and, taken by her
beauty, asked her to become his wife. He refused to believe Peau's protests that she was
his mother. To put off his advances, she suggested a contest to avoid the impending mar-
riage. For the outcome of the contest,
Click here
.
HINDU TEMPLE
Getting There & Away
The access road heading to Tonlé Bati is signposted on the right on NH2, 33km south of
Independence Monument in Phnom Penh. The entrance to the complex is 1.8km from the
highway.
Most people hire private transport to get here. Figure on US$12/25 return for a
moto
/
remork
from Phnom Penh. Add US$5 to combine with Phnom Tamao, and more still to
throw Phnom Chisor into the mix.
Another option is to take a Takeo-bound Phnom Penh Sorya bus (four daily - shoot for
the 7am or the 10.30am) and jump off at the access road. Returning to Phnom Penh can be
problematic, however. The best advice is to buy a ticket in advance on Sorya's
Takeo-Phnom Penh bus. Otherwise, hire a
moto
.
TOP OF CHAPTER
