About 40 miles from Angkor Wat, the 12th-century Spean Praptos spans the Chi Krang River and was once the longest corbelled stone arch bridge in the world. Still used daily by motorbikes and tractors, it even held a 36-ton T-54 tank during the Khmer Rouge era. It proudly appears on Cambodia's 5,000 riel banknote! 🌉
Spean Praptos: ancient Cambodian bridge and national symbol
Site mentioned
📍 Spean Praptos
Key facts
- Spean Praptos means "bridge of escape" in Khmer; local tradition holds the royal family fled across it during an ambush
- Located approximately 40 miles from Angkor Wat in Cambodia, spanning the Chi Krang River ("great ancestor")
- Described as the longest corbelled stone arch bridge in the world; still in active daily use by motorcycles, tractors, and pedestrians
- During the Khmer Rouge regime, a 36-ton T-54 tank was driven across the bridge without collapse
- The bridge is printed on Cambodia's 5,000 riel banknote
- Reportedly built approximately 1,000 years ago (Khmer Empire era)
Sources
Spean Praptos - Kampong Kdei - Cambodian Travel Partnercambodia-travelpartner.com
Located on the historic route between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, this ancient bridge is a captivating blend of history and engineering. Built in the 12th century ...
148 Kampong Kdei Royalty-Free Images, Stock Photos & Picturesshutterstock.com
Spean Praptos, also known as Kampong Kdei Bridge, an ancient Angkorian bridge in Cambodia, featuring intricate laterite and sandstone construction over the ...
Spean Praptos – Kampong Kdei Bridge - Hello Angkorhelloangkor.com
It is a grand ancient laterite bridge measuring 86 m long and 14 m wide with 21 arches and topped by a sandstone balustrade with stunning ornamental naga.
Spean Praptos: Cambodia's Oldest Bridge | theraulaz.chtheraulaz.ch
Spean Praptos, also known as Victory Bridge, is an ancient bridge near Siem Reap, Cambodia. Built in the 12th century during the reign of King ...
Spean Praptos - Wikipediaen.wikipedia.org
Spean Praptos on the road from Angkor to Phnom Penh, Cambodia, used to be the longest corbeled stone-arch bridge in the world, with more than twenty narrow ...
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