Flanked by prominent moats around its city walls, the Angkor Borei and Phnom Da is the subject of various archeological studies and controversies. Scholars are trying to dig evidence about how the civilization started in this land. Nestled in Takeo Province, the Angkor Borei and Phnom Da is believed to be the birthplace of the Khmer civilization.
During its heyday, the Funanese controlled the entire south of Cambodia and Vietnam. Largely built out of laterite, sandstone and bricks, Angkor Borei and Phnom Da has been continuously inhabited for about 2,500 years. This Funan site, dating roughly back to 400 B.C., contains the earliest known Khmer inscriptions as well as sculptures. They are all kept in the 11th century temple that stands mightily on the 50 meter hill overlooking the whole town.
Further down hill is the unique temple ruin of Ashram Maha Rosei, which is quite unlike the other Khmer monuments or temples in its adornment and design. Its extraordinary design is similar to Prasat Ashram Isay in the Sambor Prey Kuk group in Kampong Thom showing non-Khmer influence. Scholars knowledgeable in the area of Cambodian architecture suggest that Ashram temple is derived from the temples on the Dieng Plateu in Java, Indonesia and from those in southern India fused with Khmer influence.
Besides the ruins and Khmer inscriptions, travelers will also get a glimpse of the verdant plains of the rice fields. They will also get an opportunity to observe the life of the people along the nearby river Angkor Borei. On a clear day, the banks of the river are filled with fishermen casting their nets.