Preah Ko Temple of Thala Borivat, Stung Treng Province

Stung Treng is a province located in the northeastern plateau region of Cambodia, rich in natural resources such as forests, wildlife, waterfalls, rivers, ancient temples, and many tourist attractions.

Among them, Thala Barivat is a historical site located about 13 kilometers from the provincial capital. It is one of the oldest ancient sites, built during the reign of King Jayavarman I in the late 6th century during the Chenla period. Unfortunately, this ancient site has suffered extensive destruction, with most of it in ruins.

Historical site of Thala Barivat is located in Thala Barivat commune, Thala Barivat district, Stung Treng province.

Within this ancient area stands a temple structure measuring 9 x 8 meters with a height of 7 meters, built from red bricks with a laterite foundation. It was dedicated to a Hindu deity in the Brahmanic tradition.

In front of the temple is a statue of the sacred cow Nandi, which is highly venerated. This is why the temple is now known as Preah Ko Temple ("Temple of the Sacred Cow").

Even though the temple is now mostly in ruins, the local people continue to worship it, as they believe no other sacred object in the area holds as much spiritual power and significance as this ancient temple.

The people of Thala Barivat regularly hold religious ceremonies according to tradition every year in April, before the Khmer New Year, to pray for blessings from their ancestors for peace, prosperity, and good harvests.

Not only local residents but also tourists from near and far who pass through Stung Treng province often stop by to pray and ask for blessings, as the spiritual presence of Preah Ko Temple remains famous and revered.

As someone who has personally visited here, I would like to respectfully call upon the village and commune authorities, as well as local residents, to participate in preserving and protecting Preah Ko Temple so that it remains standing for future generations. This temple holds great value for both national and international tourists and for our Khmer descendants to see and recognize the cultural heritage passed down by our ancestors.