Nokor Bachey Temple

About

The original Nokor Bachey Temple dates back to the Khmer Empire in the 12th century. This, however, fell into ruin, and in the 19th century the Theravada Buddhists built a new temple on the grounds, while still preserving the original edifice. The result is an especially fitting analogy for the changing nature of Cambodia’s holy places. Several-hundred year old arches are now used as shrines in the new building, and nooks in Khmer stupas now house modern Buddha statues. Having been an active temple for centuries, Nokor Bachey is especially rich in Khmer sculptures and carving, since it was not looted as thoroughly as more remote locations.