Thala Barivat Resort is a cultural and historical site located in Thala Barivat District, just 4 kilometers from Stung Treng provincial town. The site can be reached by crossing both the Se Kong River and the Mekong River, before continuing along the provincial road to Preah Vihear. 

This area is most famous for the Preah Ko Temple, built in the 7th–8th centuries during the reign of King Jayavarman I. Constructed from red brick, the temple reflects early Khmer religious architecture and remains one of the most significant historical sites in Stung Treng.

Historical & Cultural Significance

The centerpiece of the resort is Preah Ko Temple, dedicated to the sacred bull Nandin (Preah Ko), the mount of Shiva in Hindu mythology. A rare and valuable statue of Preah Ko still remains in front of the temple, making it an important treasure of Khmer heritage and a unique example of pre-Angkorian religious devotion.

Each year, the local Kouy ethnic minority celebrates its traditions here through the Viey Khil festival, held just before Khmer New Year. This cultural event involves a traditional game played on a 10-square-meter area next to the Preah Ko statue. The festival lasts four days and three nights, beginning at 2 p.m. daily and continuing for two hours. Blending sport, ritual, and communal joy, it is a vibrant expression of the Kouy people’s cultural identity.

Beyond Preah Ko, the area is also home to smaller ancient sanctuaries such as Prambuon Lveng, Srei, and Angkor Kmao temples, many of which now lie in ruins. Together, they highlight Thala Barivat’s role as a wider religious and cultural complex that once flourished as a spiritual hub in the Mekong region.

Why Visit Thala Barivat Resort?

A visit to Thala Barivat offers the chance to explore one of Cambodia’s oldest temples, dating back to the pre-Angkorian period, and to admire its remarkable Preah Ko statue, a rare and sacred symbol of Hindu mythology in Khmer culture. It also provides an opportunity to witness authentic traditions during the Kouy ethnic festival of Viey Khil, where visitors can experience a living connection between past and present.

For travelers interested in heritage, spirituality, and culture, Thala Barivat is more than just a historical site, it is a living heritage destination where history, ritual, and community life converge in the heart of Stung Treng.