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Spean Thma isn’t a temple, it’s a bridge which was built over the old path of the Siem Reap river. Today, the river takes a different route and the surrounding area around Spean Thma is easily accessible for visitors.
The temple is located just a short distance from Angkor Thom along the way to the East Baray. It’s one of the few bridges left from the Khmer era, and for this reason, well worth a visit.
Temple Facts
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Anytime
15 - 45 minutes
Required
More information about the Angkor Temple Pass.
Location
Spean Thma is located about 200m east of the Angkor Thom Victory Gate. Nearby temples include Chau Say Tevoda, Thommanon and Ta Keo Temple.
Getting There
If you’re coming from Angkor Thom, then head out through the Victory Gate along Victory Way. Keep heading east and you’ll see the top of the bridge on the left side after about 200m. You can walk down past the big tree to see the ruins of Spean Thma. If you’re coming from Ta Prohm, you’ll see the bridge on the right side about 200m before you reach the Victory Gate.
Coordinates
13.446191,103.8773774
Distances
Siem Reap: 13.1km
Angkor Thom: 3.1km
Angkor Wat: 6.2km
Preah Khan: 4.6km
Tours
Most tours will pass by Spean Thma, but few will stop. If you’re taking the Small Circuit Angkor Tour or any other Angkor Thom Tour, then you’ll probably pass right by it. Ask your guide or driver to stop as you reach the area.
If you are part of a shared or group tour and Spean Thma isn’t explicitly mentioned on your itinerary, then it’s unlikely that you’ll stop here.
Accommodation
You can’t stay anywhere inside the Angkor Archaeological Park. Most guests will find suitable accommodation in Siem Reap. There are 100s of hotels to suit all tastes and budgets in Siem Reap town.
Why Visit Spean Thma?
If you want to see one of the few examples of bridges left from the Khmer Empire, then Spean Thma is a good option. Other bridges which are still intact are located quite a distance from Siem Reap and this might be your only chance.
History
Not much is known about Spean Thma except that it was rebuilt at some point in the 15th century. The bridge reused blocks of sandstone which were previously used in other temples.
Layout and Design
There are 14 arches which measure around 1.1m wide. This tall arches would have had water flowing through them, but the river no longer flows this way. There are no carvings or anything of religious interest. The structure was solely used as a bridge.
There is a large tree growing at the top of the structure.
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