Prasat Kok Rocha

While most provincial Cambodian towns may scrape the bottom of the barrel at times in order to offer up any alternatives to Siem Reap’s jackpot tourist attractions, Kompong Thom’s very own Leaning Tower, better known as Prasat Kok Rocha is genuinely worth a peek for the more adventurous.

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Angkor Wat or Bayon this temple is not—nor does it rival Kompong Thom’s own magnificent Sambor Prei Kuk—but Kok Rocha is a quirky site of some historical importance, and it offers an excuse to explore the friendly and attractive little village where it’s situated.

A genuine leaning tower. Photo taken in or around Prasat Kok Rocha, Kompong Thom, Cambodia by Stuart McDonald.

A genuine leaning tower. Photo: Stuart McDonald

The solitary sandstone tower dates from the 11th century and the reign of Suryavarman I, and apart from it leaning over at fair angle, is in relatively decent condition. Locals say the incline is due to a US bomb having fallen nearby, though natural subsidence, or a combination of the two, is more likely.

What makes the tower of particular interest, apart from its tilt, is a collection of quite remarkable lintels, either in situ or on the ground nearby. While the north doorway has a slightly cartoon-like relief typical of the Suryarvarman period, the south door has a much older carving re-used by the 11th century builders. (The western lintel is missing while the eastern one depicting Indra on his three-headed elephant Airavata lies on the ground.)

Best reached by scooter, the site is within a school playground. Photo taken in or around Prasat Kok Rocha, Kompong Thom, Cambodia by Stuart McDonald.

Best reached by scooter, the site is within a school playground. Photo: Stuart McDonald

Above the south entrance is this splendid Prei Khmeng-style lintel dating from the seventh century while laying nearby are equally stunning eighth century Kompong Preah period and Sambor period carvings. Adding to the bounty, local villagers and farmers have deposited additional carvings, lintels and even an inscription that they’ve found in the region on the ground beside the tower for safe keeping, thus creating something of an impromptu local museum. Some of these appear to date right back to the sixth and early seventh century Sambor period. This priceless collection of ancient carvings lies scattered on the ground in what is today a primary ... Travelfish members only (Around 300 more words) ... please log in to read the rest of this story.