SPEAN BRAB TES The Oldest Bridge in Cambodia constructed during the age of Khmer Empire

Located in Kampong Kdey district, Siem Reap Province, the land of foremost world heritage site complex, Spean Brab Tes -Bridge of Indication- is the oldest historical bridge in Cambodia, which was constructed during the era of the King Jayavaraman the VII. This Bridge is about 1000 years old with the length of 80m and width of about 12 m. The special unique features of the bridge are its longevity and historical architecture. The bridge stays almost the same period of Angkor Wat which has been attracting millions of tourists to pay attention on until now. This bridge was the ancient Khmer Highway as the Kingdom was known as the Khmer Empire. With its underneath holes, the bridge not only plays substantial role in transportation sector but also in field of agriculture.

Unlike the Angkor Wat World Heritage Site’s reputation, Spean BrabTes is rarely known because it is located 60 Km away from Siem Reap Town. It takes about 1 hour to travel to the site by car. However, the Bridge is interesting to see due to its longevity and historical architecture which represent the best talent of the constructors and the strength during the Khmer Empire. Under pressure of the weather condition, the Bridge has struggled with an assailant for almost a century. To complete a kind the cultural tourism, the oldest Bridge visiting should not be missed. It will offer more experiences and historical clearness about the Khmer Empire.

Without hesitation, the Bridge could diversify the attractions in Siem Reap Province in accordance with tourism development master plan conducted under cooperation between JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency) and APSARA Authority. Also this plan has optimized that Siem Reap will have become the major tourism hot spot in South East Asia. Therefore, the Bridge would be a part of the crucial components accelerating the master plan’s optimization and spread out more reputation and satisfaction to both domestic and international tourists.

By CHHEM Samnang