Preah Thong Neang Neak Monument

The Preah Thong Neang Neak monument (ព្រះថោងនាងនាគ) stands at the roundabout where Ream Beach Boulevard meets Chumteav Mao Boulevard in Preah Sihanouk province. The figures face the Ream sea, with Preah Thong holding and following Neang Neak’s veil. The monument was inaugurated on 16 April 2022. The copper figures themselves are 21 metres tall and weigh about 60 tonnes; the roundabout is 99 metres in diameter. Look at the dress, gestures and orientation of the figures as well as their scale. In Khmer legend, the union of Preah Thong and the Naga princess Neang Neak symbolises the origins of Khmer land, culture, civilisation and traditions. Their seaward orientation is associated with the story of visiting her parents in the Naga realm. These are cultural narratives, rather than a claim that the legend is verified political history. The image of the man following the woman’s veil is also reflected in Cambodian wedding customs and their expression of companionship. Observe the monument from a safe position; do not stop or linger in roundabout traffic to take photographs.