Golden Lions Roundabout

The Golden Lions, known in Khmer as តោពីរ, stand at a roundabout in central Sihanoukville. The gold-coloured male and female lions form a distinctive paired monument, seen both close up and within the surrounding streetscape.

The lion motif is associated with King Norodom Sihanouk’s name and the identity of Preah Sihanouk province. In Khmer culture, lions also appear at temple entrances and other important places as symbols of strength, peace and good fortune.

The pearl carried by the lion is interpreted as a symbol of the province’s natural abundance on land and at sea. This is a symbolic reading of the sculpture, not a claim that it is made from gold or pearls.

Compare the overall composition with the details of the two animals. As the monument stands within a traffic roundabout, take photographs from a safe position and do not stand in the carriageway or cross moving traffic for a better view.