Cambodia - Koh Ker: Archaeological Site of Ancient Lingapura or Chok Gargyar

"The archaeological site of Koh Ker is a sacred urban ensemble of numerous temples and sanctuaries including sculptures, inscriptions, wall paintings, and archaeological remains. Constructed over a twenty-three-year period, it was one of two rival Khmer Empire capitals – the other being Angkor – and was the sole capital from 928 to 944 CE. Established by King Jayavarman IV, his sacred city was believed to be laid out on the basis of ancient Indian religious concepts of the universe. The new city demonstrated unconventional city planning, artistic expression and construction technology, especially the use of very large monolithic stone blocks."

Source: UNESCO World Heritage Site

I bought this set of 10 postcards of Koh Ker at Siem Reap National Museum. I cancel the stamp on one of the postcard in Siem Reap Post Office, Cambodia in 2017.

Cambodia - Temple Zone of Sambor Prei Kuk, Archaeological Site of Ancient Ishanapura

"The archaeological site of Sambor Prei Kuk, “the temple in the richness of the forest” in the Khmer language, has been identified as Ishanapura, the capital of the Chenla Empire that flourished in the late 6th and early 7th centuries CE. The vestiges of the city cover an area of 25 square kilometres and include a walled city centre as well as numerous temples, ten of which are octagonal, unique specimens of their genre in southeast Asia. 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."

Source: UNESCO World Heritage

Postcard 1

Nicely designed postcard of Sambor Prei Kuk, Cambodia. Thanks to Ruedi of Switzerland who visited Cambodia.

Postcard 2

Yippee... I received these two postcards of Sambor Prei Kuk mailed inside an envelope from Pheaphanita Than of Phnom Penh, Cambodia and thanks to KH Tan of Singpapre for this mailing arrangement.

Postcard 3

Cambodia - Angkor

"Angkor is one of the most important archaeological sites in South-East Asia. Stretching over some 400 km2, including forested area, Angkor Archaeological Park contains the magnificent remains of the different capitals of the Khmer Empire, from the 9th to the 15th century. They include the famous Temple of Angkor Wat and, at Angkor Thom, the Bayon Temple with its countless sculptural decorations. UNESCO has set up a wide-ranging programme to safeguard this symbolic site and its surroundings. 

Angkor Wat covers 3 major sites - Angkor Wat Temple Complex,  Banteay Srei, Rolous Group

Source: UNESCO World Heritage

Postcard 1A
Gate of Angkor Thom, Siem Reap, Cambodia. Thanks to Patrik of Estonia.

Postcard 1B

Aspara Angkow Wat - beautiful frieze in Angkor Wat, Siem Reap. Thanks to Raymond of Malaysia who was visiting Angkor Wat.

Postcard 1C - Angkor Wat

Nice postcard of Angkor Wat with beautiful stamps used. Thanks to Matthew of Malaysia was visiting there.

Postcard 1D

What a beautiful postcard of Angkor Wat. I had visited Angkor Wat and the many temples in Angkor. Was amazed by the beautiful sunrise and sunset amongst these majestic ruins of the Khmer empire. Thanks so much to Roel for sending from Siem Reap, Cambodia.

Postcard 1E

Aerial view of Angkor Thom. I visited it in 2017 and mailed this postcard from Sisophon post office mailbox but got a pen cancellation. Also got cancellation from Siem Reap, Poipet and Battambang post offices.

Postcard 1F - Bayon

The King's smiling faces in all four directions of the famous Bayon Temple in the Angkor Wat temple complex. Thanks to Claus of Denmark who went bicycling around Cambodia.

Postcard 1G - Ta Prohm

I visited this famous Ta Prohm temple was "strangled" by the roots of giant trees. Thanks so much to Jo for sending from Angkor, Siem Reap Cambodia.

Postcard 1H

A night sunset view of Angkor Wat. Thanks to Pearljien of Malaysia who visited Angkor Wat and mailed this postcard from Malaysia.

Postcard 1I

Fireworks over Angkor Wat. I bought this postcard in Siem Reap and had it cancelled at Siem Reap Post Office in March, 2017.

Postcard 2A - Banteay Srei

I bought this postcard of Banteay Srei in Siem Reap and got it cancelled at Siem Reap Post Office on March 17, 2017.

Postcard 2B - Banteay Srei

I sent this postcard with matching stamp from Sisophon post office mailbox but got a pen cancellation in 2017.

Postcard 2C

Another Banteay Srei postcard that I bought.

Postcard 2D

Banteay Srei is famous for its intricate and elegant carving.

Postcard 3A - Rolous Group

Bakong Temple. I bought this postcard in Siem Reap in March 2017.

Postcard 3B - Rolous Group

Preah Ko Temple. Another postcard I found in Siem Reap.

Cambodia - Temple of Preah Vihear

"Situated on the edge of a plateau that dominates the plain of Cambodia, the Temple of Preah Vihear is dedicated to Shiva. The Temple is composed of a series of sanctuaries linked by a system of pavements and staircases over an 800 metre long axis and dates back to the first half of the 11th century AD. Nevertheless, its complex history can be traced to the 9th century, when the hermitage was founded. This site is particularly well preserved, mainly due to its remote location. The site is exceptional for the quality of its architecture, which is adapted to the natural environment and the religious function of the temple, as well as for the exceptional quality of its carved stone ornamentation.” 

Source: UNESCO World Heritage

Postcard 1
Preah Vihear with the Cambodia flag flying high as the area here is disputed by Thailand. Thanks to Titan of Cambodia.




Postcard 2
Ponleu Khmer Printing House of Preah Vihear. Laotian stamp of China Tiananmen used. Thanks to Ilona from Cambodia.





Postcard 3
A beautiful postcard of Temple of Preah Vihear of Cambodia. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site whose surrounding territory is disputed by Cambodia and Thailand. Nice colorful Cambodian stamps used including a matching UNESCO stamp of Temple Preah Vihear. Thanks so much to Victor of Singapore who was visiting Cambodia.

Postcard 4

I bought this postcard in Siem Reap and got this postcard cancelled at Siem Reap Post Office on March 17, 2017.

Postcard 5

I bought this postcard in Siem Reap.

Postcard 6

I bought this postcard in Siem Reap.

Postcard 7

I bought this postcard in Siem Reap.

Postcard 8

I bought this postcard in Siem Reap.

Postcard 9

I bought this postcard in Siem Reap.

Postcard 10

This is a black and white and more expensive postcard of Preah Vihear that I bought at the gift shop in Siem Reap National Museum.