This is the Pre-Angkorian Archaeological Site of Ancient Ishanapura established by king Isanavarman I as his central royal sanctuary and capital. Sambor Prei Kuk was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site on 08 July 2017.

Sambor Prei Kuk, literally translated to mean “the temple in the richness of the forest” in the Khmer language, is located amidst mature sub-tropical forests with limited undergrowth. Founded by King Isanavarman I during the seventh century. this was once the capital of Chenla known as Isanapura. Collectively, the complex consists more than a hundred temples built of solid bricks, laterite and sandstone and from the remains, it is understood that several successions of kings have maintained this site as their capital; each time adding more temples and monuments to the capital city.

Although the structures of the overall archaeological area were constructed at variable times, the principal material used for the buildings is brick with only certain structures built with sandstone. The buildings of Sambor Prei Kuk are characteristic of the Pre-Angkorean period. Aside from the prasats, architectural features here include octagonal towers, shiva lingams and yonis, ponds. reservoirs, distinctive carvings and lion sculptures.

The whole compound covers three clusters (groups), totalling some 150 Hindu temples, mostly in ruins.

Prasat Tor (Lion temple) in the central group of temples, was built with decorative details that are similar in style to the ruins belonging to the period of king Jayavarman II of the ninth century Angkor Empire while inscriptions in Prasat Sambour (Northern Group) are dated in the tenth century under the reign of King Rajendravarman II.

Prasat Yeah Puon
Prasat Yeah Puon (Southern Group)includes 22 sanctuaries built in dedication to Shiva dated from the 7th century (600 – 635 AD) during the reign of Isanavarman I.