Nokor Bachey Temple, known locally as “Wat Nokor,” “Wat Angkor,” or “Banteay Prey Nokor,” was built in the 12th century during the reign of Jayavarman VII, is one of the most remarkable ancient temples in Kampong Cham Province. Located in Kampong Siem District, the temple has become an important cultural and historical attraction for both local and international visitors.
Constructed in the Bayon architectural style, the temple was built mainly from sandstone and laterite. The complex faces east and is rectangular in layout, surrounded by three enclosure walls, with entrances in all four directions.
Although much of the outer wall has collapsed over time, the second and third walls remain relatively well preserved. Inside the second enclosure are two small ponds, while the main sanctuary stands within the innermost wall. At the center of the temple is a large sandstone stupa, surrounded by beautifully carved walls decorated with detailed sculptures and Buddha images facing the four cardinal directions.
Nokor Bachey Temple was originally dedicated to Mahayana Buddhism. Later, as religious beliefs changed under subsequent kings, the temple was adapted to Brahmanism. Between the 16th and 17th centuries, the site was transformed again into a Theravada Buddhist monastery. During that period, additional buildings were added, including a Buddhist temple, and the central tower was modified into the stupa seen today.
After centuries of aging and deterioration, a newer temple was constructed on the site in the 1930s. Today, visitors can still find ancient stone inscriptions preserved within the temple grounds, reflecting the rich history and cultural heritage of this sacred place.
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