The statue of “Preah Thong and Neang Neak” is installed at the Preah Thong–Neang Neak Roundabout, located in Kokir Village, Bet Trang Commune, Prey Nob District, Preah Sihanouk Province. It stands at the intersection of Ream Coastal Boulevard and Chumteav Mao Boulevard.
The grand statue depicting Preah Thong holding onto Neang Neak’s scarf is over 21 meters tall. Designed by Cambodian artists, it was meticulously constructed in China and transported to the Autonomous Port of Sihanoukville, Cambodia, arriving on March 25, 2022.
The statue is positioned facing the sea, in accordance with the Cambodian legend about the origin of the Khmer kingdom. According to the legend, Neang Neak allowed Preah Thong to hold onto her scarf so that they could dive underwater to the realm of the Naga King to meet her parents. This statue symbolizes the birth of the Khmer nation's land, civilization, culture, traditions, and customs (Koh Kok Thlok).
Related to this statue is the strong connection to Khmer civilization and culture, such as the tradition of a man formally proposing to a woman and the customary wedding rituals, which traditionally include the Preah Thong holding Neang Neak’s scarf ceremony.
The statue of Preah Thong holding Neang Neak’s scarf has become a site of interest and attraction for both local and international tourists visiting Preah Sihanouk Province.
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