Wat Nokor Bachey, Cambodia

Just over 1 kilometer from the provincial town of Kampong Cham, Wat Nokor (or Wat Nokor Bachey) is a small ancient temple complex originally constructed during the reign of Jayavarman VII. It is believed to have been the worship headquarters of the Emperor for a while. 
Actually, Wat Nokor Bachey is a pagoda that is built within the walls of an antique Khmer temple. This recent pagoda has an outstanding look due to its vibrant colors with blue, orange, and green titled roof besides typical Buddhist architectural arts in Cambodia. It stands right next to the ruins of the Angkorian temple which composes of a central tower built of black sandstone and four laterite wall enclosures at the surrounding, which helped it a well-preserved temple better than other temples at the same ages built of bricks or red sandstone. The central tower of the monument of Wat Nokor Temple is carved characteristic motifs of Bayon with Buddhist scenes on the pediments. The complex has an inscription which is now open to visitors to see in the central pavilion.
As Wat Nokor Bachey is located on the way heading to Wat Hanchey, another sacred ancient temple dating back from the 7th or 8th century, this is a pleasant stop where you enjoy the on-land excursion in Kampong Cham of Mekong River Cruise programs. Catching a glimpse of a humble religious place, admire the ancient ruins all to yourself without too many visitors around, and learning about its blend of architectural styles will leave you the interest of the Cambodian local culture and history.