The ancient stone bridge is one of the few elements of the Khmer Empire that have survived to this day. It is located west of Ta Keo Temple.
Spean Thma was built on the course of the former Siem Reap River, which flowed between the capital Angkor Thom and the now-dry East Baray. Most likely, this bridge had already been restored (around the 15th century), because scientists discovered many sandstone blocks that were clearly reused.
Spean Thma is very different from the bridges we are used to seeing in the modern world. First, it is built from many horizontal blocks laid on top of one another, which are quite well hewn and fitted closely together. Second, it has 14 narrow arches through which the water flowed. Each of them is only a little over a meter wide.
Now this bridge has been completely taken over by a tropical tree. It has wrapped it in its roots and thus helps keep it from collapsing.
The height of the bridge is about that of a human being, but it can go unnoticed if you come to Angkor during the period of tropical downpours. Now the river flows not through the bridge, but slightly to the side, having shifted its course over the past centuries. There is a large wheel on it, somewhat resembling a watermill - this device helped the Khmer draw water and deliver it to the fields.
