Phnom Da and Angkor Borei

Phnom Da and Angkor Borei
Takeo Province, 2-hours
south of Phnom Penh Angkor Borei is a small town in the area of several ruins and archaeological digs. The
area has been continuously inhabited for at least 2500 years and has yielded artifacts dating from the
Neolithic period, the Funan period (4th/5th century AD) and Chenla (8th century AD) as well as the later Angkorian period (9th-15th century AD.) There are no significant temple ruins at Angkor Borei but there is a very interesting little museum displaying artifacts from the area and providing information on recent archaeological digs. The hill, Phnom Da, sits about 20km from Angkor Borei and is crowned by an impressive 11th century Angkorian-era prasat (tower) displaying some carvings in pretty good condition. The temple was constructed under King Rudravarman and dedicated to Shiva.
Further down the hill is the unique little temple ruin Ashram Maha Rosei, quite unlike other Khmer monuments in both design and adornment. Constructed in the late 7th-early 8th century, during the pre-Angkorian Chenla period, under King Bahavavarman. The temple shows signs of non-Khmer influence and has unusual north-facing entrance. The design is reminiscent of Prasat Ashram Isay in the Sambor Prey Kuk group in Kampong Thom.
Getting there: During the dry season, Phnom Da can be reached by road or boat. In the wet season, it can
only be reached by boat. By road: Take the Takeo bound bus (NR2) to the Phnom Chisor turnoff (52km
from Phnom Penh.) Take a motodup or taxi to Phnom Chisor and then on to Phnom Da. By boat, take the bus to Takeo town. Pick up a boat to Angkor Borei and Phnom Da. During the dry season you will
stop well short of the hill and will have to hike a ways.