The ancient temple site of Sambor Prei Kuk has been inscribed into the UNESCO World Heritage List, giving Cambodia three UNESCO World Heritage Sites (Angkor, Preah Vihear and Sambor Prei Kuk). The archaeological site of Sambor Prei Kuk, “the temple in the richness of the forest” in the Khmer language, is located in a tranquil forest setting 150 kilometers south of Siem Reap. Decorated sandstone elements in the site are characteristic of the pre-Angkor decorative idiom, known as the Sambor Prei Kuk Style. Some of these elements, including lintels, pediments and colonnades, are true masterpieces. The art and architecture developed here became models for other parts of the region and lay the ground for the unique Khmer style of the Angkor period. The temple was inscribed in July 2017.
