Phnom Bayong Koa Temple

Some 40 km away from the central city of Takeo province, are two groups of ruins dating back to the Pre-Angkorian period. At these sites, there is the bigger group, belonging to the Bayong Koa and a smaller at the Ta Nhean temple.

Surrounding the temples is green a lush forest exuding a heavy scent of a dense jungle, obviously left undisturbed for a very long while.  It requires a good pair of shoes to explore these areas since the 390 steps that rise more than 300 meters to the foot of the Bayong Koa temple is no easy climb for some.

The serenity and natural beauty of the Bayong Koa erected in the early 7th century by King Bhavaman I to pay homage to the Hindu god Shiva are captivating and enchanting.